Edmonton’s Culinary Gems: A Foodie’s Guide to Restaurants, Coffee & Must-Try Bites

Edmonton’s food scene has truly blossomed, making it an exciting destination for any culinary enthusiast. A single weekend hardly feels enough to scratch the surface of all the incredible dining experiences available. My recent visit, generously sponsored by Travel Alberta, only solidified my desire to schedule an entire “eating week” – perhaps a comprehensive Edmonton food crawl by bike, donned in stretchy pants, exploring every delicious corner the city has to offer. Who’s with me?

Ritchie Market: A Hub of Edmonton’s Culinary Innovation

First on any food lover’s list should be the dynamic Ritchie Market, an innovative multi-tenant space that has quickly become a cornerstone of Edmonton’s food landscape, reminiscent of Calgary’s Simmons Building. This vibrant market brings together a collection of exceptional local businesses under one roof: Transcend Coffee, known for its meticulously roasted beans; Acme Meat Market, a destination for high-quality, local cuts; Blind Enthusiasm Brewing, a craft brewery pushing the boundaries of beer-making; and Biera, a standout restaurant celebrated for its creative menu designed to harmoniously pair with Blind Enthusiasm’s beers.

At Biera, Chef Christine Sandford leads the kitchen with an imaginative approach to ingredients. I first encountered her talent last year when she crafted sourdough pizza and baby corn from a cobb oven on a nearby farm – an experience that left a lasting impression. During our recent visit, we indulged in a selection of Biera’s bar snacks, each a testament to Sandford’s culinary genius. We savored peppery radishes complemented by salty chicken skin and a rich canola aioli, showcasing humble ingredients in an elevated way. Crispy sourdough nuggets, made with locally milled flour, were served with foamy Alpindon cheese and the bright tang of BC sumac, offering a delightful textural and flavor contrast. We also tried delicate crispy ferns with a vibrant ramp aioli and fresh kohlrabi paired with queso fresco and delicate sunflower shoots. These dishes, along with the freshly brewed beer, perfectly encapsulate Biera’s commitment to innovative, regionally-inspired cuisine, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique dining experience in Edmonton.

Daniel Costa’s Italian Empire: Corso 32, Bar Bricco, and Uccellino

When it comes to unforgettable Italian dining in Edmonton, the establishments of Chef/owner Daniel Costa are in a league of their own. I’m an enormous fan, having frequently visited Corso 32 and its intimate, 30-seat bar next door, Bar Bricco. Every dish served in these highly sought-after spots is simply amazing, but the Egg Yolk Raviolo at Bar Bricco holds a special place in my heart – it’s truly one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. I would argue it’s worth a dedicated drive to Edmonton just for this exquisite dish alone. Picture a perfectly delicate pasta parcel, cradling a rich, runny egg yolk, bathed in a decadent sauce. While I regret not having a photo to share – my last experience involved a group of eager diners who dove in immediately upon its arrival in the dimly lit bar – its taste is etched in my memory.

Chef Costa has since expanded his culinary footprint with a third exceptional eatery, Uccellino (pronounced “oo-che-LEE-no”), located on the other side of Corso 32. Uccellino maintains the same high standards of quality and authentic Italian flavors as its predecessors. All three of these establishments are characterized by their tiny, long spaces and a consistent 5 PM opening time. Securing a table can be challenging due to their immense popularity, so my strategy when in town is to either arrive precisely at 5 PM or attempt to stop in later for a drink and a small plate – or, of course, an entire raviolo – if my day’s culinary adventures haven’t already filled me to the brim, and I can successfully resist the siren call of an early bedtime.

Edmonton’s Coffee & Doughnut Scene: From Classic Roasters to Wacky Flavors

Let’s talk about fueling up with coffee and indulging in some sweet treats. My long-standing go-to coffee spots in Edmonton have always included Credo (especially the 104th Street location, conveniently next to Jacek Chocolate), and Transcend, who not only run fantastic cafes but also roast beans for Calgary’s Monogram. More recently, Iconoclast (pictured above) has also made it onto my list for its excellent brews and welcoming atmosphere.

This past weekend, our quest to visit the highly anticipated La Boule Bakery was sadly thwarted by its closure for the August long weekend. However, our disappointment quickly turned to delight as we discovered our incredible consolation prize: Ace Coffee Roasters, just a few blocks away. Ace boasts a surprisingly enormous, stylish space where they not only roast their own exceptional beans but also craft what I genuinely believe are the very best doughnuts on the planet. I do not make this statement lightly.

The star of the show at Ace is their browned butter old-fashioned doughnut. It’s perfectly sized, not overly large or ostentatious, but rather focused on delivering a subtly nutty, intensely buttery flavor. Unlike some doughnuts that prioritize dough volume and flashy toppings, Ace’s old-fashioned delights with its delicate crumb and rich, nuanced taste. While their apricot jelly and classic yeast doughnuts were also very good, the browned butter old-fashioned is truly a masterpiece that highlights the quality of its ingredients and expert preparation.

Ace wasn’t our first doughnut stop of the weekend, though! I’d been hearing buzz about Doughnut Party since Café Linnea opened around the corner, and it finally lived up to the hype. As its name suggests, it’s exactly what you’d expect: a big, flashy, and vibrantly colorful doughnut experience. Here, you’ll find elaborate creations like loaded s’mores doughnuts, fragrant cardamom-sugar doughnuts, and even adventurous, wacky flavors such as watermelon mojito. It’s a joyful celebration of all things doughnut, perfect for those seeking bold and inventive taste experiences.

Nestled nearby, Café Linnea is a chic bistro renowned for its Scandinavian and French-inspired cuisine. They offer a delightful selection for lunch, brunch, and dinner, along with a range of house-made items to take home, including artisanal sourdough loaves, savory mustard sausage, house-smoked bacon, and pickled mustard seeds. Within the same complex, you’ll find Local Omnivore, proudly declaring itself a “producer of specialty cured and smoked products.” These truly great guys serve up amazing sandwiches. An interesting anecdote: the white painted pallet counter you see there was hastily constructed for a photoshoot we did a couple of years ago when their space was still mostly under construction. They liked it so much, they kept it as a permanent feature!

Edmonton’s Savory Sides: BBQ, Fried Chicken, and Sandwiches

For more substantial savory meals, Edmonton offers an impressive array. Everyone recommended Meat this weekend, and we certainly tried to go! Like many popular Edmonton eateries, they open at 5 PM during the week, so our initial 4 PM attempt was unsuccessful. On Saturday night, the place was bustling with a significant lineup. Though we couldn’t get a table, we peered inside and saw the rimmed baking trays filled with slowly barbecued meat, and the rich scent of smoke wafted invitingly from outside. It looks like an excellent choice, and it’s conveniently located just off Whyte Avenue, an area rich with other tasty options like Seoul Fried Chicken, should you find Meat to be fully booked.

Speaking of chicken, Edmonton’s fried chicken scene is truly remarkable. There’s the classic favorite, Northern Chicken, and the equally beloved Seoul Fried Chicken. Edmontonians often engage in spirited debates about which is superior, but both are undeniably fantastic in their own right. We happened to be at Seoul Fried Chicken on my companion W’s birthday, which meant he got to choose, opting for the classic original. This served as an excellent litmus test for the quality of the chicken itself. However, I couldn’t help but eye with envy the platters of chicken doused in their irresistible Korean BBQ sauce, sticky soy-ginger, and rich curry sauce. They boast a unique preparation method where each chicken is broken down into 20 pieces, ensuring a higher crust-to-chicken ratio for maximum crunch and flavor in every bite.

Also worth mentioning is Farrow Sandwiches, an excellent spot that is both next door to and an offspring of Three Boars, which is also well worth a visit for its innovative small plates and cocktails. (A “farrow” is a litter of piglets – a clever play on its parent establishment!). Farrow focuses on simple yet perfectly executed sandwiches paired with great coffee – a combination that rarely goes wrong and consistently delivers satisfying meals.

On my ever-growing list for the next trip, but not quite fitting into this whirlwind weekend, were Baijiu, another popular spot that opens at 5 PM (and notably, we were told no kids allowed), and Wishbone, whose lunch menu looked particularly appealing and promises another exciting culinary adventure.

A Must-Visit Beyond the City: Chartier in Beaumont

Just a short drive south of Edmonton, in the charming small town of Beaumont, Chartier has rapidly emerged as one of Alberta’s most exciting new eateries. In fact, as I write this, it was announced that Chartier, alongside Café Linnea, has made enRoute’s prestigious shortlist of top new restaurants for 2017 – a true testament to its quality and innovation.

The restaurant itself exudes a warm, rustic charm, adorned with thoughtfully curated antique pieces and reclaimed wood, creating an inviting atmosphere. Their menu, available for lunch, brunch, and dinner, is equally thoughtful, featuring creative cocktails and an intriguing selection of dishes that showcase local ingredients with a refined touch. We visited on a Sunday, enjoying their fantastic brunch. I savored house-smoked meat served on toasted sourdough, perfectly poached eggs, and crispy smashed potatoes – a hearty and delicious meal. Had I not indulged in so many doughnuts earlier in the day, I would undoubtedly have ordered one of their legendary cinnamon buns, which are said to be out of this world. Chartier even boasts a charming “bread window,” where you can conveniently pick up a freshly baked loaf of sourdough, naan, or scones to take home.

Despite my earlier sweet indulgences, I couldn’t resist picking up a loaf of their magnificent sourdough to enjoy later.

Beyond the Plate: Exploring Alberta’s Natural & Cultural Heritage

Before heading back home, we took a slight detour to explore some of Alberta’s natural and cultural attractions. A trip to Elk Island National Park proved successful as we managed to spot some majestic bison roaming freely in their natural habitat – a truly awe-inspiring sight. While in the area, we also stopped by the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village. My son, W, was absolutely thrilled, though Mike, who has a Ukrainian family history, found it a bit less novel, perhaps reminding him too much of childhood stories!

I personally find history fascinating, and we both relished the opportunity to provide W with a visual reminder of life not so long ago – a poignant illustration of how kids in small rural towns entertained themselves before the pervasive influence of YouTube. This, of course, serves as a requisite lecture for all children attending historical parks with their parents over the summer!

Mike’s initial historical fatigue was quickly remedied by the sight – and taste – of a hearty Ukrainian platter from the peroghy window. This delightful meal featured house-made sausage, perfectly cooked peroghies, and tender cabbage rolls, all served with their distinctive from-scratch mustard, a tangy pickled beet relish, fresh sunflower slaw, and a generous topping of fried onions and sour cream. He reluctantly admitted that it tasted just like his childhood, only even better. It was a perfect nostalgic end to our cultural exploration.

Planning Your Next Edmonton Food Adventure

My list for our next trip back to Edmonton is already growing, and I anticipate that return will be very soon! The city’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, offering endless opportunities for discovery. If you have any Edmonton suggestions, hidden gems, or additions to my ever-expanding list of must-try places, I would absolutely love to hear them! Share your favorite spots and help me uncover even more of what makes Edmonton a true foodie paradise.

* I genuinely love showcasing my home province and am deeply grateful to Travel Alberta for their invaluable support in helping me share these incredible experiences. As always, all words, photos, opinions, and chosen destinations are entirely my own, reflecting my authentic passion for exploring Alberta.