Welcome to the inaugural Edmonton Food Faves We Crave (2022)
presented by: Linda Hoang @lindork and Sharon Yeo @sharonxyeo (Only Here For The Food)!
Here you’ll find 15 categories of our Favourite Restaurants in Edmonton, with three restaurant suggestions per category, along with a little dining passport contest we’re running to celebrate the list’s launch—which will hopefully drive some customers to some of our favourite places too.
A note from Sharon:
While both Linda and I have maintained long-standing blogs which include weekly suggestions for dining options, we are often still asked for recommendations and to share our “favourite” restaurants. As a result, some time ago, Linda and I started to think about how we might put together a list of some of our favourite places.
In this age of social media, where information is a constant barrage, it’s in some ways no surprise that “best of” lists continue to endure. Sometimes it can feel like there is just so much noise that a curated list can allow you to take a breath and be able to return to it when needed.
After coming up with the categories below, we decided on a structure where each of us would highlight one restaurant, and then we would, through discussion, agree on a third, shared choice.
We want to make it clear that this list (like all “best of” or “top” lists) is completely subjective to our tastes, not at all exhaustive, and reflects our biases. For instance, in my case, I don’t drive, and thus my restaurant footprint tends to favour those that I can walk to or easily reach by public transit. In addition, because of where I grew up and where my family in the city resides, I tend to frequent south Edmonton more than north Edmonton (and readily admit to a swath of restaurants I have yet to visit in that area). I will also say that my selections are based on collective visits spanning pre-pandemic times and onward, as for me, ongoing consistency of food quality and service is important. Also, I recognize that these choices are not as representative of the breath of cuisines that are readily available in Edmonton.
A note from Linda:
Sharon and I deliberately chose to title this list our ‘Food Faves’ rather than ‘Best’ because of the aforementioned biases. Your food favourites in the city will absolutely be different than ours. Some of Sharon’s picks are not my favourite and vice versa! However, many picks definitely are—we both have great, biased tastes lol.
Our judging panel was just us, and our criteria was, well, mostly based on what we love, often recommend to others, and visit a lot or have continued to visit over a sustained period of time. More than anything, this list might just save us a bit of time when people ask us for food recommendations, as we can just link to this post (LOL). But in all seriousness we did want to (as we often want to) highlight some amazing, locally-owned restaurants and dishes that are usually top of mind for us in the city.
As Sharon mentioned, this list is not exhaustive! There’s many spots we love that didn’t necessarily make the cut either, but it is a pretty good list for where we might suggest if you were wondering what spots or dishes we would recommend in Edmonton.
Because we’ve called this list our “faves”—we’re not quite sure if we’ll do annual updates. Certainly there are some different categories we considered including, and more dishes and places that didn’t make a category but that are still beloved in our hearts (and tummies), so if we do update, you may continue to find faves from past years with a handful of new selections!
Use our Edmonton Food Faves Passport for a Chance to Win!
To help launch our list, we’ve put together an Edmonton Food Faves We Crave Passport you are invited to follow for a chance to win prizes, while supporting local restaurants and eating some pretty tasty food along the way!
From Oct.19-Nov. 16, 2022, visit places on our Food Faves list and share about where you’ve gone and what dishes you’ve tried to be entered to win gift cards to our favourite places!
- Share in-feed posts with the hashtag #YEGFoodFaves on Instagram or Twitter
- Make sure you’re following @lindork and @sharonxyeo, and tag us in the post
- Note: Sharon’s Twitter account is @sharonyeo (no ‘x’)
- You can share as many posts during the contest period (each post counts as one entry)
- If participating, please ensure your account is set to public for the contest period
We will randomly select eight winners once the contest period ends after Nov. 16, 2022.
Each winner will receive a $25 gift card to one of our fave places—winner’s choice!
Even if you don’t win, we hope the passport offers a fun way for you to use this list, explore the city, and eat a lot of wonderful food!
We’d love for you to share your #YEGFoodFaves with us too! Do you agree with our picks? What would your own list look like?
And with that, we present the 2022 Edmonton Food Faves We Crave:
Edmonton Food Faves We Crave (2022)
15 categories listed in alphabetical order
- Favourite Bakery
- Favourite Brunch
- Favourite Cafe
- Favourite Comfort Food
- Favourite Communal (Sharing)
- Favourite Date Night
- Favourite Dessert
- Favourite Dish
- Favourite Drinks
- Favourite Patio
- Favourite Place To Take a Tourist
- Favourite Solo
- Favourite Soup
- Favourite Take-out
- Favourite Value Eats
1. Favourite Bakery
- Sharon’s Pick: Brio Bakery
- Linda’s Pick: Chocorrant Patisserie + Cafe
- Shared Pick: Shan Shan Bakery
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Bakery: Brio Bakery
12021 102 Ave. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Todd Barraclough started to build a legion of fans for his perfected sourdough as a vendor at the City Market Downtown. And since moving into a brick and mortar at the Oliver Exchange Building in 2019, lineups snaking out the door of the storefront are a common sight. Most come for one (or several!) loaves of bread – the Prairie loaf is our family favourite – but their pastry case is hard to ignore, too. Their cruffins (made with croissant dough in the shape of a muffin) are irresistible. Brio routinely sells out in the early afternoon hours – but they have an excellent pre-ordering system that sees staff meet customers with the goods outside the door or at their vehicle nearby.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Bakery: Chocorrant
10328 124 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
It’s not just the pretty pastries or the delicious croissants that keep me coming back to Chocorrant, located along the lovely 124 Street. It’s also the ear to ear grins I get when I gift Chocorrant treats to others. Sharing that joy of food makes food even more joyful! You know? Chocorrant’s selection of artisan croissants, croissantwiches (croissant sandwiches), tarts, and cakes (the Cake Sampler is always a hit), have made it a favourite for me. When I want special croissant flavours like matcha, strawberry milk croissants or S’mores—Chocorrant is where I go! These 73-layer croissants take 3 days to make and are baked fresh daily.
Shared Pick for Favourite Bakery: Shan Shan Bakery
10552 97 St. | Website
* this shared pick written by Sharon
Family outings to local Chinese bakeries were a mainstay of my childhood. Most often, we would patronize self-serve bakeries, where customers select pastries off the shelves independently, and then bring them to the counter to be rung up. Perhaps for that reason, Chinatown’s Shan Shan Bakery has become my go-to for egg tarts, red bean buns, and deep-fried doughnuts (my daughter Emily’s favourite!). I definitely get a hit of nostalgia every time I fill my tray with goods, and it’s even more special now that I get to share the experience with my kids. Also worth noting is Shan Shan’s selection of frozen steamed buns – I usually have a bag or two of their BBQ pork buns in my freezer, ideal for a quick lunch.
2. Favourite Brunch
- Sharon’s Pick: Rosewood Foods
- Linda’s Pick: Tiramisu Bistro
- Shared Pick: Cafe Bicyclette
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Brunch: Rosewood Foods
10150 100 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
It’s hard to believe Rosewood Foods has only been open for two years, as it’s become such a regular fixture for our family. It’s rare for me to say that I would order literally anything from a menu (I usually have a go-to dish or two), but this holds true for Rosewood – you absolutely cannot go wrong here. Their breakfast sandwiches are amazing (all served on their house milk buns), and their brunch-only lemony buttermilk pancakes are a sweet, fluffy dream. That said, the French patty melt, with its luscious herbs de Provence mushroom ragu, and the crispy, perfectly seasoned Katsu chicken sandwich, are also hard to pass up. Rosewood is also known for their cruellers – I am partial to the mango flavour – but our household favourite has to be their carrot cake (which, dare we say, is the best in the city).
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Brunch: Tiramisu Bistro
10750 124 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
I have just three words for you: maple spiced potatoes.
Tiramisu Bistro’s brunch potatoes are unreal—so, so good! Whether you’re having it with a sizeable eggs benny (they have lots of options), crepe, omelette or French toast, and whether you’re having it in Tiramisu Bistro’s super cute geodome enclosed patio, regular patio, or dining room, and whether you’re having it before or after a quick browse of their Lift Me Up Market, featuring tons of awesome pastries and fresh baked bread, you will have a great brunch here. And although not traditionally a ‘brunch’ cuisine, I just extra love Tiramisu Bistro for their Spaghetti Cones (literally, spaghetti in a cone lol) and they have a spaghetti eggs benny you can try too!
Shared Pick for Favourite Brunch: Cafe Bicyclette
8627 91 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Sharon
While Café Bicyclette has been around for a decade, and shouldn’t qualify as a hidden gem, because it’s tucked away in the quiet French Quarter, we think it is further under the radar than it should be. Their menu is approachable, including crowd-pleasing favourites like burgers and croque-monsieur sandwiches, and of course, their generously-sized house poutine (made with real cheese curds!). Café Bicyclette is also notable for their all-season patio, winterized with fire pits and cozy blankets. Please note that as of writing, the restaurant is currently only open for their Thursday night concert series, and is hoping to fully reopen for business soon.
3. Favourite Cafe
- Sharon’s Pick: Lockstock. Coffee
- Linda’s Pick: Brown Butter Cafe
- Shared Pick: A Bite of Brazil
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Cafe: Lockstock Coffee
10534 Jasper Ave. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
While we’ve already recognized that all favourites are subjective, cafes are perhaps even more so, as the comfort of being a “regular” at a particular establishment would cement certain places above others. For me, while I don’t visit Lockstock Coffee on the daily, it checks off everything I am looking for in a café: good coffee, ample seating, approachable staff, and (because I have a sweet tooth), satisfying treats. Lockstock’s space (which operates as Red Star in the evenings) is warm and inviting, despite its subterranean location, and I’ve never had an issue finding an available seat. And on more than a few occasions, I’ve actually popped in just for their kouign amann, a pastry made with layers of laminated dough, butter, and sugar. Lockstock’s version is by far the best in the city, and worth seeking out.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Cafe: Brown Butter Cafe
1528 91 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
In Edmonton’s deep south you’ll come upon one of the best cafes in the city—Brown Butter Cafe. Their Good Morning Bunwich (breakfast sandwich on a bun) paired with their chicken katsu on rice is (for me—living far away from here) well worth the drive. Brown Butter Cafe also has a great selection of drinks—from staples like their varying lattes, to rotating specialty drinks, cold brew teas and coffees, yuzu sodas and more, depending on the season. Owned by the sweetest couple with a deep love of food, I just love coming here.
As a bonus shout out, while you’re in the area, I also recommend you swing by Calabash Cafe—a BTS-themed Korean cafe with excellent croffles and hotteok (Korean dessert pancake).
Shared Pick for Favourite Cafe: A Bite of Brazil
10114 104 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Linda
Sharon and I both run to A Bite of Brazil on Mondays in particular, when their delicious pão de queijo cheese bread is on special—15 for $6. It’s a steal of a deal, especially because of how damn good and addictive these buns are. This cute cafe in the heart of Edmonton’s downtown serves a variety of gluten-free treats, cheese bread sandwiches, and Brazilian specials like coxinha chicken fritters or specialty coffees like the nutella or dulce de leche lattes. I was a big fan of their sister restaurant Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse for years and think this cafe option is such a wonderful spin-off. Get all the cheesebread you want without committing to a meaty, all you-can-eat dinner at Pampa, lol. Although it’s not in our ‘Favourite Place to Take a Tourist’ category, I do often take tourists here, it’s that lovely.
4. Favourite Comfort Food
- Sharon’s Pick: Pho Tau Bay
- Linda’s Pick: Hanjan
- Shared Pick: 97 Hot Pot
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Comfort Food: Pho Tau Bay
10660 98 St. | Website | Instagram
It’s hard to imagine that I’ve been eating at Pho Tau Bay for almost 15 years, but it’s true. There are few establishments in Edmonton (Zwick’s on the list is actually one of them too) that specialize in essentially one item done really well. For Pho Tau Bay, it’s their soup, which can be ordered with a variety of different cuts of beef. Tau Bay is my first choice when I’m feeling under the weather – the aromatic broth is so cleansing to the senses. When dining in, you can be assured that your order will take less than 5 minutes to hit your table, so for those seeking a quick meal, this is your spot. And when grabbing take-out, I always order the extra large so I can reserve a cup of broth to sip on the next day.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Comfort Food: Hanjan
3735 99 St. and 10166 114 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Oh how I love Hanjan. This is my typical order: The Bossam, which are pork belly lettuce wraps you create with raw garlic, pickled radish, and fermented soybean paste. Any of their soups—I am partial to Kimchi Jjigae or Budae Jjigae spicy stews, and a plate of jaeyuk bokkum (spicy pork belly with kimchi and vegetables). But depending on who I’m with we may also throw in some Strawberry Bingsu (a Korean shaved ice dessert with fresh strawberries, ice cream and condensed milk), or japchae (glass noodle dishes), or Korean pancakes too. I am so fond of the food and atmosphere at either Hanjan locations. Most of the main dishes also come with sides of white rice, which adds to that comfort food feeling. They have a video about eating Hanjan four days in a row and honestly, would do. lol
Shared Pick for Favourite Comfort Food: 97 Hot Pot
10602 97 St. | Website | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Linda
Generally, Asian soups bring the utmost comfort, so Chinese Hot Pot in general ranks high on our list of comfort foods. Sharon and I both love slurping up hot pot broths and cooking our preferred ingredients at 97 Hot Pot in Edmonton’s Chinatown, who have a great lunch or late night deal of one soup base and six items for $18, or their usual all you can eat hot pot buffet. I am particularly a fan of 97 Hot Pot because they offer a Mixed Vegetables basket as part of their items so you don’t need to choose between individual vegetables. I actually frequent this hot pot restaurant often with my mother, so there adds an additional layer of comfort. I also like to add steamed white rice to my meal so I can eat it with the awesome broth and meats and vegetables I cook. Hot pot is great for lots of people because the experience both feels communal but is highly individualized—with each person selecting their own ingredients and broth.
5. Favourite Communal (Sharing)
- Sharon’s Pick: Otto Food + Drink
- Linda’s Pick: Bodega
- Shared Pick: Padmanadi
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Communal (Sharing): Otto
11405 95 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
As some mark a return to indoor dining, restaurants that offer options to share plates may become top of mind as people look to gather and break bread again. For me, I would look to Otto as my restaurant of choice. With a crowd-pleasing menu of sausages and delicious accompaniments, even the pickiest of eaters will have something to enjoy. The food is delivered on large platters to share, so it is also great for those looking to sample a variety of bites with a group. Our go-to is the Otto namesake, a pork sausage flavoured with caraway and garlic, and oozing with Sylvan Star gouda, as well as their garlic-herb fries and smoked mac and cheese. Otto is also a super kid-friendly destination; on one family outing years ago, owner Ed Donszelmann held Emily for twenty minutes when she was a baby so Mack and I could enjoy our meal.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Communal (Sharing): Bodega
10220 103 St., 12417 Stony Plain Rd., 6509 112 Ave., 1 Herbert Rd. (St. Albert), 240 Baseline Rd. (Sherwood Park) | Website | Facebook | Instagram
I am such a big fan of Bodega, a Spanish tapas bar by SABOR. and well, I’m not the only one because it’s so popular they’ve expanded from their teeny downtown restaurant to multiple locations across the Edmonton area so many more people can partake in the delightful Spanish tapas! Tapas are small plate / appetizer style dishes that are meant to be shared. That’s the best way to dine at Bodega—select a handful of plates to share, from the Piri Piri Prawns or Chicken, to the Patatas Bravas (potatoes), to the Bacon-wrapped Dates, Grilled Baby Artichokes or various meats and cheeses. On Thursday’s, you can get eight tapas and a bottle of wine for just $80. The perfect spot to share some mouthwatering dishes.
Shared Pick for Favourite Communal (Sharing): Padmanadi
10740 101 St. and 6925 Gateway Blvd. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Linda
Padmanadi is arguably the best spot for Vegan / Vegetarian Asian cuisine. It’s a family-owned eatery that has been serving up unmatched Indonesian, Chinese, Thai and Indian plant-based dishes in the city or more than 16 years. And it’s best eaten shared! Select a few small bites (veggie chicken satay skewers and deep fried tofu anyone?), add a soup (spicy tom yum!), then choose from a few family size entrees like the famous “ginger beef” (soy beef strips, a best seller), and curry chicken (a signature dish), with chili green beans. Dig in!!
6. Favourite Date Night
- Sharon’s Pick: Tzin
- Linda’s Pick: XIX
- Shared Pick: Kazoku Ramen
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Date Night: Tzin
10115 104 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
For a restaurant that has been open for 15 years, it speaks volumes that Tzin has remained consistent and continues to be sought-after by diners. From the beginning, Tzin has been reliable for great food and excellent service, and they’ve never waivered. As parents of young children, date nights for us are rare, so it’s even more essential to select a restaurant that won’t be a disappointment. Co-owner Kelsey Danyluk’s warmth and personalized service always elevates the experience, while chef Corey McGuire’s food (including the menu’s legendary bacon dish, featuring melt-in-your-mouth pork belly topped with maple balsamic apple compote, apple mayonnaise, and Calvados gastrique on a crostini) is delicious. The space is small but cozy, and provides a great venue to reconnect.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Date Night: XIX
5940 Mullen Way and 150 Bellerose Dr. (St. Albert) | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Mike and I have a longstanding Date Night at XIX—every anniversary (or togetherversary—celebrating when we first got together in addition to when we got married lol) since this restaurant opened in 2012, we’ll celebrate here. Named after the “nineteenth hole” at a golf course (the drinks + food / celebration after your round), this is one of our favourite fancy nights out. Reserve a seat by the kitchen so you can watch the action unfold. Share Chef Andrew Fung’s famous Ahi Tuna Twists. End the night with XIX’s signature Warm Butter Cake. Whatever the occasion, but especially for an impressive date night, XIX delivers.
Shared Pick for Favourite Date Night: Kazoku Ramen
16518 100 Ave. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Linda
Kazoku is the only restaurant that appears in two categories in this year’s Edmonton Food Faves We Crave list, and for good reason. You’ll also find it under Sharon’s Favourite Soup! Actually some categories did prove a bit challenging to come to a consensus on our ‘Shared Pick’ but we both agreed that Kazoku makes a wonderful Date Night for both of us. Mike would agree with Sharon that Kazoku is his Favourite Soup in the city too (somewhere in Chinatown my mother feels a pang in her heart that her pho isn’t #1 for Mike lol). We love coming here for our dates—Sharon will share more about her favourite orders in the Soup category but for our Date Night, we usually get the Tonkotsu Black (Black Garlic) Ramen, Chicken Katsu Curry on Rice, and Chicken Karaaage to share. Great portion sizes. Delicious broth. Wonderful curry. Just a perfect date!
7. Favourite Dessert
- Sharon’s Pick: Mama Asha Cafe
- Linda’s Pick: Tsujiri
- Shared Pick: Yelo’d Ice Cream & Bake Shoppe
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Dessert: Mama Asha Cafe
11745 95 St. | Website | Instagram
I can’t remember the first time I tried Mama Asha Cafe’s coconut cake, but it was love at first bite. Not too sweet and so moist, a slice of the cake satisfies the sweet tooth but doesn’t feel overindulgent. And while this is the dessert category, I would be remiss if I did not mention Mama Asha’s amazing suqaar wraps. The house-made flat bread is flaky and the perfect vehicle to enjoy their chicken or beef. For those new to Somali cuisine, Mama Asha provides a great way to get acquainted with some East African flavours.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Dessert: Tsujiri
10173 109 St. and West Edmonton Mall | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Find me looking for the ‘matcha’ flavour anything on whatever drink or dessert menu I’m perusing, so imagine my delight when an entirely matcha-focused restaurant opened in Edmonton. For years, Tsujiri has been my go-to for matcha drinks, ice cream, and desserts. Due to it having a more bitter taste naturally, most matcha desserts aren’t overly sweet—so as someone with not really the biggest sweet-tooth, matcha desserts are perfect for me. Paired with the right flavours, Tsujiri desserts strike a great sweet balance. Try a matcha float, soft serve ice cream, shaved ice or parfait—or pick up a matcha black sesame mousse cake or cheese cake. Tsujiri also serves a ‘matcha nama chocolate,’ decadent, matcha chocolate squares not quite like any chocolate you’ve tried before.
Shared Pick for Favourite Dessert: Yelo’d Ice Cream & Bake Shoppe
10150A 82 Ave. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Linda
Edmonton was absolutely ready when Yelo’d Ice Cream & Bake Shoppe introduced to us the ube ice cream—a brilliant purple soft serve made from purple yams. Since opening, Yelo’d has become known for its unique, Filipino and Asian-inspired ice cream and bake shoppe flavours. This is fusion ice cream we can all get behind—and well, we mostly do, as you can expect a line-up out the order window most days throughout Edmonton’s glorious summers.
8. Favourite Dish
- Sharon’s Pick: Battista’s Calzone
- Linda’s Pick: Shanghai 456
- Shared Pick: Kasey Ramen
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Dish: Calzones from Battista’s Calzone
11745 84 St. | Website | Instagram
It’s a common refrain on this list that I’m partial to places that do one thing really, really, well. Battista’s Calzones in another such restaurant, only offering savoury and sweet calzones (in other words, folded-over, enclosed pizzas). The dough is always perfectly browned with just the right amount of chew, and owner Battista Vecchio never skimps on the filling. I find myself returning to the New York Mama again and again, as it is filled with tasty all-beef meatballs, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the calzones on the menu. For those looking for freezer stores, Battista’s also sells pre-ordered frozen calzones to bake at home – it’s always great to have some on hand to satisfy that craving!
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Dish: Xiao Long Bao from Shanghai 456
14456 118 Ave.
I know a dish is really good when I have to fight off my niece and nephew for a bite. When we take them to Shanghai 456 for soup dumplings, we each start with two orders EACH of the delicious Xiao Long Bao (XLB) soup dumplings—no sharing here, lol. These are the absolute best bites in the city. Place your dumpling on a soup spoon, bite a little hole in the top of the dumpling, add a touch of vinegar and soy sauce, dig in and never be the same again. Once you have XLB here you’ll find yourself constantly returning for more, the cravings are absolutely real.
Shared Pick for Favourite Dish: Kasey Ramen
Online / pop-ups | Website | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Sharon
Allen Gao’s passion for and fascination with ramen is infectious, and Edmonton is so lucky he decided to create Kasey Ramen to share that love. Initially only selling ramen kits to prepare at home during the pandemic, the weekly kits illustrated Allen’s obsession towards perfecting the perfect bowl of ramen. Each kit contains a different mix of toppings, including noodles with different hydration levels and width to pair with the accompanying type of soup. Linda and I are always impressed with the depth of flavour in those soups, and how Allen is able to flex between ramen styles so seamlessly. This year, Kasey Ramen also started hosting a series of pop-ups, so there are more ways to enjoy his excellent product!
9. Favourite Drinks
- Sharon’s Pick: Fu’s Repair Shop
- Linda’s Pick: Barbacoa
- Shared Pick: Partake
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Drinks: Fu’s Repair Shop
9902 109 St. | Website | Instagram
I can’t remember the last restaurant that opened in Edmonton with such a fun, cheeky splash. It’s hard not to be stricken by a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Fu’s Repair Shop operates under a guise as its name suggests (with window coverings advertising as such), but through its doors, guests are treated to a space with a speakeasy vibe. Fu’s put boozy bubble tea on the map in Edmonton, but their other drinks are equally interesting, made with spirits infused with everything from chili, Szechuan peppercorns, and tea. I will also say as someone who was pregnant until very recently, I also appreciated that several drinks on their menu can be made without alcohol. To enjoy with those drinks, the food menu offers all-day dim sum (who knew the option of having a drink with siu mai was such a game changer), alongside some Chinese restaurant mainstays (peaches and shrimp anyone?) and interesting fusion-style dishes like green onion cake panzanella salad. And for those looking at al fresco dining, Fu’s also has a spacious, funky patio.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Drinks: Barbacoa
470C South Avenue (Spruce Grove) | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Barbacoa is one of my favourite steak houses located just west of Edmonton in Spruce Grove, and not only is it home to some seriously good steaks, but it’s also got an impressive drink list—including really fun and tasty non-alcoholic drink options too! I love the fun drink names you’ll find here (like the Forgive Me Father, for I have Ginned, the Let’s Get Fizzical, or the You go, Glen Co-Co). Barbacoa bartenders take great care in crafting you the perfect cocktail to pair with your steak—share the massive Tomahawk for two, and be sure to try their housemade pappardelle pasta with beef short rib ragu too. We also love the charred Caesar salad here.
Shared Pick for Favourite Drinks: Partake
12431 102 Ave. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Linda
Partake is an awesome little French restaurant serving up French classics like tartine, tarte, and tartare, plus flights of butter (yes, butter!) along with a wide selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks all created by their exceptional bartender Jenn Kerr. Partake’s drink names double as descriptions of the flavour of each drink, like the No. 25 rich, sweet berry, citrus (alcoholic), or the No. 6 balanced, citrus, complex (non-alcoholic). Love a place where you can trust the bartender entirely to find something that fits your mood and preferences. Also appreciate complimentary bowls of popcorn (who doesn’t?), something Partake also offers.
10. Favourite Patio
- Sharon’s Pick: La Petite Iza
- Linda’s Pick: Shojo Izakaya
- Shared Pick: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Patio: La Petite Iza
10926 88 Ave. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
La Petite Iza opened during the pandemic, towards the end of 2020, so perhaps for that reason, it feels like an undiscovered gem. Still, given its strong lineage (as it was established by the same folks behind the renowned Sugar Bowl), it was certain to offer good food and solid service. La Petite Iza delivers on those fronts (the gnocchis a la Parisienne is a must-order, along with dessert), but my favourite feature of the restaurant is its patio, tucked up and away from the street at the rear of the building. Offering great views of the downtown skyline while shielded from the traffic noise below, the rooftop patio offers a unique way to experience Edmonton.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Patio: Shojo Izakaya
10425 121 St.| Website | Facebook | Instagram
Shojo Izakaya is home to the city’s only “basement” patio—that is, you need to walk down a set of stairs below ground level to access both the restaurant and patio, creating a cool, underground vibe that just adds to the really great atmosphere of Shojo overall. I love the twinkly lights, the vines, the intimate, enclosed feeling of Shojo’s patio—and I love their food! They have an excellent Happy Hour which includes discounted salmon sashimi, addictive Okonomiyaki fries, sushi cones, and awesome yaki udon, awesome specialty drinks, and as of the release of this list—just recently opened for lunch service. Lucky us!
Shared Pick for Favourite Patio: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
10065 100 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Linda
When Sharon and I set out to write this favourites list, we knew there would be a lot of great spots we included that don’t generally make it onto your usual food lists—but we knew there’d be some overlap too, for instance, it’s hard to talk about a great patio in Edmonton without mentioning the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s patio overlooking the hotel’s garden and Edmonton’s river valley. Absolutely beautiful! This is a patio view that impresses residents and tourists alike, with the castle behind you and the river in front of you, an equally impressive cocktail list and an all-day menu that’ll keep you on the patio for hours and hours at a time.
11. Favourite Place to Take a Tourist
- Sharon’s Pick: RGE RD
- Linda’s Pick: Dorinku Tokyo
- Shared Pick: Uccellino
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Place to Take a Tourist: RGE RD
10643 123 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
RGE RD is one of the most distinguished restaurants in Edmonton, and is an easy choice when hoping to impress out-of-town guests. Their philosophy of sourcing local ingredients provides visitors with a taste of the region, while their commitment to whole animal butchery is a window into the kitchen’s ingenuity with off-cuts and different preparations. I have also yet to see anyone pass up their grizzly gouda and potato perogies, a mainstay on their menu from day one. I will also say RGE RD will always be a sentimental favourite for me, as Mack and I hosted our wedding reception at the restaurant back in 2014, and it is a place we try to return to on special occasions.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Place to Take a Tourist: Dorinku Tokyo
10205 82 Ave. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
When I’m deciding on where to take a tourist, I weigh not only how good the food and drink is, but how cool the atmosphere is too, and I truly think there are fewer spots in the city with as cool an atmosphere than Dorinku Tokyo in Old Strathcona (and its sister restaurant Dorinku Osaka downtown). I remember walking into Dorinku Tokyo when it first opened, not long after a visit to Japan myself, and thinking, wow, this feels like the real deal. It’s an authentic, Japanese street food restaurant that is an absolute vibe. From the anime projected on the wall, to the authentic plastic food displays, red lanterns, dark wood counters, and Japanese bidets in the bathroom (!!), I love the look and feel of everything at this restaurant and that is before even getting into how good the food is. Dig into Pressed Wild Salmon Sushi in a creamy soy sauce (so creamy!), try Dorinku’s Jewelry Bowl (basically a rice bowl with diced sashimi and vegetables), the ramen salad is also fantastic, with pork chashu, a Japanese mayo and sweet soy dressing, and oh gosh you can’t leave without trying their Carbonara Udon served in a hot stone bowl. I am so hungry lol.
Shared Pick for Favourite Place to Take a Tourist: Uccellino
10349 Jasper Ave. | Website | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Linda
Daniel Costa’s Uccellino is a big favourite for both Sharon and I, and one that has yet to not knock the socks off of anyone we bring here. Fresh, handmade pasta, only the best, seasonal ingredients, melt-in-your-mouth appetizers, and excellent service. Uccellino is easily and consistently one of the best restaurants in Edmonton and an absolute perfect place to take anyone you’re looking to impress. If you time it right, the tomato ricotta crostini is my absolute favourite—but you really can’t go wrong with any of Uccellino’s crostinis. Share a few Primi (housemade pastas) like their tagliatelli or cacio e pepe, or if you really want to go on a culinary adventure, ask for the Tasting Menu which will get you a little bit of items from each of the menu’s categories.
Chef will take care of you!
12. Favourite Solo
- Sharon’s Pick: El Fogon
- Linda’s Pick: Farrow Sandwiches
- Shared Pick: Green Onion Cake Man
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Solo: El Fogon
8026 118 Ave. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
My office is located in the Alberta Avenue neighbourhood, and so I’ve had my share of work lunches at El Fogon. I’ve introduced many people to this Venezuelan eatery (including Linda!), but it’s also a great spot to grab a bite to eat on your own. The restaurant is unassuming but bright, and the staff are hospitable. Arepas, cornmeal patties that are sliced and filled with a variety of meats or cheeses, are the highlight. I recommend the shredded beef arepa, with the addition of gouda. Though the arepa can be grilled, I enjoy indulging in the fried version – the extra crunch is well worth it.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Solo: Farrow Sandwiches
8422 109 St., 10240 124 St., 9855 76 Ave., and 1054 Jasper Ave.| Website | Facebook | Instagram
I remember my first time visiting Farrow Sandwiches and thinking—whoa!!! Sandwiches in general have never been top of my food lists because often I find them to be a bit boring. At least, that had mostly been my experience with sandwiches until my sandwich revelation at Farrow. Farrow has quickly become a popular sandwich spot for many who clamour to bite into their famous Grick Middle (fried egg sandwich) or Chef Beef (with horseradish aioli and chips!) These are big, filling, impressive, delicious sandwiches. Look for rotating features and a Vegan option too—plus, grab a donut, cronut, brownie or cookie—or order a donut cake (!!!) for pick-up.
Shared Pick for Favourite Solo: Green Onion Cake Man
9132 118 Ave. | Website| Facebook | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Sharon
Also located on Alberta Avenue, the Green Onion Cake Man has the distinction of being operated by the person who introduced the savoury treat to Edmonton in the 1970s. Opened by Siu To, who is now 82, the restaurant serves up hot and crispy green onion cakes to order. While they seem deceptively simple, the pan-fried salty rounds are an Edmonton festival staple, with some in the city lobbying for green onion cakes to be recognized as the city’s official dish. Although a few green onion cakes can make a meal, the restaurant also serves more substantial dishes such as hot and sour soup and Szechuan beef. For those looking to stock their kitchen, the restaurant sells frozen green onion cakes, as well as a series of cook-at-home dishes like Shanghai noodles and mu-shu pork.
13. Favourite Soup
- Sharon’s Pick: Kazoku Ramen
- Linda’s Pick: Dagu Rice Noodle
- Shared Pick: King Noodle House Pho Hoang
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Soup: Kazoku Ramen
16518 100 Ave. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Ramen has really taken off in the city over the last five years, so it may surprise some that my favourite ramen joint is not the flashiest. Kazoku is a family-run restaurant in the west end, and offers solid, consistent food and friendly service. Their creamy tonkotsu is my bowl of choice, and I also enjoy their chicken karaage. And though it’s Linda who is the Queen of Instagrammable walls, even I find their mural of a cartoon, ramen-loving Godzilla too cute to resist.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Soup: Dagu Rice Noodle
10408 Jasper Ave. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
I can’t get enough of Dagu Rice Noodle’s Sour and Spicy Crossing the Bridge soup, I simply can’t. Dagu Rice Noodle is one of my absolute favourites in the city for its consistently delicious soups and vast selection of bubble tea (which many don’t realize they have if they haven’t been!) The Crossing the Bridge soup originates from the Yunnan province of China and is said to be called Crossing the Bridge for a few possible reasons including a story of a wife who was regularly bringing soup to her husband on an island and had to cross a bridge for the delivery, so she started separating soup ingredients after she found the soup was repeatedly cold and noodles soggy after the journey. Or the name may come from the process of transferring ingredients into the broth, where the ingredients have to “cross a bridge” to get to the bowl. I always get the Sour & Spicy soup with beef and add shrimp, and I know so many people now who love the Mushroom, Tomato, and Spicy broths. Bonus: noodles are unlimited here! And get the Salty Crispy Chicken!
Shared Pick for Favourite Soup: King Noodle House Pho Hoang
10615 97 St. | Website| Facebook | Instagram
* this shared pick written by Linda
🚨 Bias Alert. 🚨 As regular readers / followers will know, King Noodle House Pho Hoang is my parents Vietnamese pho restaurant. So obviously, it tops any of my lists for Favourite Soup and/or Dishes in the city. But just because I’ve got some clear biases, doesn’t mean it’s not really good soup. Sharon will agree—and she’s not related to us, lol. Sharon loves our Bun Bo Hue (a spicier lemongrass Vietnamese noodle soup) and I am partial to, well I change my order frequently but it’s usually got some combination of thinly sliced and rare steak and beef balls. Pho is the national dish of Vietnam and my parents’ broth recipe has been passed down three generations from Vietnam to Canada. As our restaurant has been serving Edmontonians for more than 26 years, we have amassed a pretty loyal following over that time—and hear some pretty heartwarming stories about our customers, from people who travel afar for our soup, to those who grew up slurping the broth, or the fond memories some recall dining with their families. Because our soup is the star, we don’t offer a whole lot else on the menu, but the grilled pork balls and spring rolls are always well-ordered appetizers, and since becoming pregnant, I like to do a smaller portion of soup in conjunction with a grilled shrimp, spring roll and pork ball vermicelli.
14. Favourite Take-out
- Sharon’s Pick: Dalla Tavola Zenari
- Linda’s Pick: Seoul Fried Chicken
- Shared Pick: Gui Lin Noodle House
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Take-out: Dalla Tavola Zenari
10166 100 A St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
For some Edmontonians, Zenari’s was an institution. While I didn’t frequent Zenari’s, I have found myself drawn to Dalla Tavola Zenari, the restaurant opened by two of the children of the couple behind Zenari’s. While I’ve dined inside the bright, airy space, as well as on their lovely patio, Dalla is set up deftly for take-out, with a specific counter to serve walk-up customers. Their Scaccia is also the perfect take-out item in my opinion, and happens to be a dish carried forward from Zenari’s. Layers of capicollo, mortadella, salami, mushrooms, and mozzarella are baked in pizza dough. The dish travels and reheats well, and did I mention it’s just $10?
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Take-out: Seoul Fried Chicken
7904B 104 St. and 10145 104 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
It’s been years and I haven’t stopped raving about Seoul Fried Chicken’s incredibly well-priced and unbelievably good fried chicken lunch set. When we want excellent take-out, Seoul Fried Chicken’s soy garlic chicken and Mac n’ Cheese Pesto are top of mind. The Mac n’ Cheese is so good I often make both of my sides the Mac n’ Cheese and you can also order a tub of the Mac n’ Cheese to go too—something I highly advise lol. Please enjoy this crispy, juicy, well sauced chicken that’s designed for take-out.
Shared Pick for Favourite Take-out: Gui Lin Noodle House
10626 97 St. | Website
* this shared pick written by Sharon
Two years ago, Chinatown Dining Week, an event I help organize, was forced to transition entirely to take-out. So it’s fair to say I’ve had my share of food in boxes from area businesses. Among my favourites is Gui Lin Noodle House, the only restaurant in Edmonton that serves cuisine from this region in China. They incorporate pickled vegetables into their noodles and soups, which is surprisingly addictive once you’ve tried it. I always order the fried instant noodles with minced pork – it is great consumed out of the box, and yields another entire meal in leftovers (Linda often orders the sister dish, which substitutes macaroni for the noodles).
15. Favourite Value Eats
- Sharon’s Pick: Zwick’s Pretzels
- Linda’s Pick: Samosa House
- Shared Pick: Nhon Hoa
Sharon’s Pick for Favourite Value Eats: Zwick’s Pretzels
12415 107 St. | Website | Facebook | Instagram
I remember when Darren Zwicker and Maria Chau were talking about the idea behind what would eventually become Zwick’s Pretzels, and it was amazing to see it come to life. Now, five years out, it’s become a go-to destination for many Edmontonians who are seeking comfort in the form of a warm pretzel. It’s a bonus that their pretzels happen to be among the most value-oriented items available in the city, with a basic pretzel priced at just $2. Their more substantial pretzel sandwiches, including “The Not McZwick”, with candied bacon, egg, tomato, and cheddar, range from $6-8. I’m a sucker for their cheddar & black pepper pretzel, and I’ve been known to pre-order a box of pretzels so I have some extras on hand to warm up to enjoy over the course of the week.
Linda’s Pick for Favourite Value Eats: Samosa House
9405 118 Ave.
Edmonton’s Alberta Avenue (118th Ave.) is home to so many great food gems, many of which do not have an online presence and therefore are being missed out by many Edmontonians! For at least one spot, this ends now—with my recommendation for the phenomenal samosas from Samosa House—which are extremely well-priced at just $2 per samosa. Please do yourself a favour and pop into this family-owned eatery (the owners are so sweet) for samosas and more. I was delighted to include Samosa House on one of my Alberta Avenue Instagrammable Wall and Food Crawls a few years ago and I really hope tour goers are still swinging by to enjoy.
Shared Pick for Favourite Value Eats: Nhon Hoa
9718 106 Ave., 10622 97 St., and 10154 82 Ave. | Website
* this shared pick written by Sharon
Vietnamese subs are easily my favourite sandwiches. I love the variety of textures, from the crispy bread to the crunchy pickled vegetables, and the pop of freshness from the herbs. Our favourite sub is from Nhon Hoa in Chinatown, whose distinction among the competition is that they bake their own bread. As for value, it’s hard to beat a sandwich priced at just $6 – the cost of their most popular “combo sub”, which features layers of Vietnamese sausage, head cheese, and house-made pate. We’ll note that my go-to is Nhon Hoa on 96 Street whereas Linda’s go-to is Nhon Hoa 2 on 97 Street, and there are other locations for Nhon Hoa (Whyte Ave., north side), which we’re told are apparently not run by the same families (at least anymore), but you’re sure to find similar, delicious consistency!
Don’t forget to enter our Edmonton Food Faves We Crave Passport Contest!
From Oct.19-Nov. 16, 2022, visit places on our Food Faves list and share about where you’ve gone and what dishes you’ve tried to be entered to win gift cards to our favourite places!
- Share in-feed posts with the hashtag #YEGFoodFaves on Instagram or Twitter
- Make sure you’re following @lindork and @sharonxyeo, and tag us in the post
- Note: Sharon’s Twitter account is @sharonyeo (no ‘x’)
- You can share as many posts during the contest period (each post counts as one entry)
- If participating, please ensure your account is set to public for the contest period
We will randomly select eight winners once the contest period ends after Nov. 16, 2022.
Each winner will receive a $25 gift card to one of our fave places—winner’s choice!
Even if you don’t win, we hope the passport offers a fun way for you to use this list, explore the city, and eat a lot of wonderful food!
Once again, we’d love for you to share your #YEGFoodFaves with us too! Do you agree with our picks? What would your own list look like?
About Linda Hoang:
Linda is a longtime Edmonton food and travel blogger whose food recommendations and travel guides are well-used, helping readers get the most out of their meals, trips, and well—life! Linda also shares recommendations for Things to Do, Eat, and Know Each Week via her Lindork’s Lists newsletter.
Linda prides herself in being a cheerleader for the city—and has a special focus on supporting small businesses. Through support small business campaigns like #AdoptAShopYEG, touring people around on her Instagrammable Wall and Food Crawls, weekly food recommendations via Lindork’s Lists, or partnering with tourism boards, municipalities, or other brands to put a spotlight on food, travel, and small business owners, and more, Linda loves encouraging others to become tourists in their town and support the vibrancy of Edmonton.
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If you live or work in the Edmonton, Alberta area, or care about Edmonton content, sign up for Lindork’s Lists – Linda’s hyperlocal newsletter to get weekly recommendations on things to do, eat, and know each week (in the Edmonton area), plus more exclusive content. Sign up for free!
About Sharon Yeo:
Sharon has been blogging about food at Only Here for the Food for more than 15 years. Although she’s written her share of reviews, in recent years, she’s pulled back to focus more on chronicling changes to Edmonton restaurants, documenting businesses that have opened, closed, or transitioned, and highlighting interesting food-related trends and developments.
On Sharon’s blog and over at Taproot Edmonton (her husband Mack’s local journalism start-up), Sharon has also covered many of the chefs, restaurateurs, and personalities who work to grow the food community. Sharon is proud to have contributed to the food scene in a multitude of ways in the last decade plus, including co-founding Chinatown Dining Week, What the Truck?!, and Eat Alberta, and in what feels like a lifetime ago, even hosting a pop-up restaurant in a downtown pedway. Sharon sees herself as a #yegfood booster, and want to ensure the continued vibrancy of a strong ecosystem of independent food businesses in Edmonton.
- Follow @sharonyeo on Twitter
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- Visit Sharon’s food blog – Only Here For The Food
About the Logo: The Edmonton Food Faves We Crave logo + branding was designed by Rory Lee!
2 Comments
1.Caffe Sole.
Their specialty drinks are amazing, as are their desserts and sandwiches:
Charred Granita Sole (Mocha frappe with a hint of coconut from char-coated coconut shells, whipped cream)
Flan, homemade dessert; similar to Cream Caramel
The Roasted ‘Shroom sandwich or the Cheezy Prez( soft pretzel) sandwich
2. Noi Thai
Wonderful Thai curries, Pad Thai and other noodle dishes
An interesting list. The authors have declared their biases, but it seems to me that the most glaring bias is based on where the writers probably live and work – downtown and perhaps northeast? While someone living in or near downtown (especially without a car) might typically favor establishments on the north side and downtown, many folks living outside of the downtown area would not dream of frequenting establishments in that area because of limited, costly parking and “sketchy” neighborhoods after sunset.
As far as take-out food is concerned, Seoul Fried Chicken’s garlic soy chicken is wonderful, but their side dishes are all disappointing. Vietnamese subs at Nhon Hoa (I frequent the one on Whyte Avenue) are delicious and great value.