Must-Try New Restaurants in Edmonton
When it comes to Edmonton's world-class culinary scene, there's always something new to be discovered. From flamboyant, flaming cocktails to hearty, heavenly sandwiches – explore some of the city's must-try new restaurants and bars!
(Header photo: Kabocha squash from Arbour. Photo by Erin Walker.)
Bar Henry
Welcome to Bar Henry - a small, modern Northern Italian aperitivo bar positioned in Edmonton's ICE District. Adorned with wood paneling, leather furnishings, and warm lighting, Bar Henry exudes sophistication in a cozy atmosphere. The carefully curated menu by Daniel Costa (founder of Uccellino and Bar Bricco) boasts authentic Italian flavors, featuring cocktails, vino, and snacks. With a stylish ambiance and attention to detail, you are invited to savour the essence of Italy in the heart of the city.
bella
Identifying as an "Italian(ish)" restaurant, bella makes the list with quality cuisine inspired by the traditions and culture of Italy. Cooked with modern techniques and ingredients, their menu boasts of dishes that use handmade pasta made from Albertan flour, alongside beverages created with Italian grapes grown around the world. While the food is rooted in tradition, bella also pushes the limits to develop new and different takes on classics. Be sure to check out their bright, modern space in the heart of Old Strathcona!
El Jardin
Only steps away from Rogers Place arena, El Jardin is found in the ICE District and is the perfect place to stop for a unique dining and lounge experience - especially before an Oilers game! Their menu is influenced by Latin flavours and authentic ingredients. Enjoy the diverse range of dishes, from the tempting ceviche to the beloved tapas and tacos. You'll enjoy the vibrant cocktails, an adventurous wine list, and their craft and international beers that compliment the dynamic food menu. Located in the trendy Mercer Warehouse, they cater for groups of 2 to 100 - so keep them in mind for your next event!
Moonga Nori
Moonga Nori, nestled on the vibrant Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, specializes in exclusive hand rolls and exquisite bluefin tuna. This bar-style dining space encourages lively interaction with the chefs, allowing diners to witness the artistry behind each creation. Emphasizing fresh, high-quality seafood Moonga Nori prides itself on serving high-quality seafood that defies its landlocked location. The restaurant's commitment to elegant and unique presentation sets it apart, making it a must-visit for those seeking an intimate and memorable dining experience.
Western Sandwich Co.
Western Sandwich Co. offers amazing comfort food in a flash! This new and notable sandwich shop started as a kiosk at the Bountiful Farmers' Market, but has now opened its own restaurant doors in Manchester Square! Western Sandwich Co. believes that the little things make all the difference, from the quality of the beef, to the freshness of the basil, to the perfect melted cheese. The preparation is just as special, toasting the buns on a skillet until they're golden-brown and crispy, with just the right amount of garlic, herbs, and butter to make them truly exceptional.
Arbour
Nestled in the heart of Old Strathcona, Arbour is a shared plates restaurant serving up some seriously fun and creative dishes. Led by Chef Greg Sweeney, Arbour re-imagines classic flavours in a contemporary way that reflects his team's diverse culinary backgrounds. Featuring dishes such as Kabocha squash (served with toum, shatta and dukkah), Massaman braised chuck or Thai red curry mussels, this menu is sure to win over the heart of any foodie. Grab a house-made cocktail or glass of wine and enjoy an evening with friends and family at this Whyte Ave gem!
Photo by Erin Walker
Carne Asada
Serving up Mexican-street-style tacos to downtown Edmonton, Carne Asada is a small, but mighty restaurant that uses the freshest and most authentic ingredients for their dishes. “Carne Asada” translates to a couple things: a Mexican style of grilling meat, and also a tradition where friends and family gather over delicious food! Opened in June 2023, Carne Asada has been serving authentic tacos from their spot at the corner of Jasper Ave and 105 St. It is the perfect spot to pick up dinner with your friends before you continue on for an evening stroll to the neon sign museum a few blocks away!
Dolly's
Step into Dolly's - an ultra-pink, mid-century inspired cocktail bar and restaurant. Dolly’s is a fun, playful and inclusive space to celebrate, connect and catch up. The menu is Peruvian inspired, curated by Chef Josh, who is using this opportunity to bring a growing cuisine to our beloved city. The cocktail menu is tropically inspired, and is agave, pisco and cachaca forward, balanced and innovative. Located downtown on 109 St and 99 Ave, Dolly's offers more than just great food and drinks—it's an experience. Be sure to be camera ready as this place is perfect for Instagram-worthy pics!
Honi Honi Tiki Lounge
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise at Honi Honi Tiki Lounge! With its vibrant atmosphere, bamboo accents, and island-inspired cocktails, you'll feel like you've landed on Oahu. Take a peek at the tiki memorabilia and art, including special pieces from Edmonton's original tiki lounge, The Beachcomber, then indulge in mouth-watering Polynesian-inspired dishes! Sip on a classic Mai Tai or try the signature Honi Honi, a refreshing blend of rum, pineapple, and coconut.
Photo credit: Kristy Lynn Photography
Darling
Indulge in a culinary journey at Darling, where the menu blends local, seasonal ingredients with global inspiration. Located on 82nd Avenue near Mill Creek Ravine, the inspiration for Darling comes from their love of enjoying great food and wine with great friends. On the chef-driven menu, you’ll find a variety of dishes like the Hot Mustard Strip Loin Steak, Warm Brassica Salad and Miso Cod. The curated natural wine list features wines from all over the world and a multitude of incredible winemakers who, like Darling, are passionate about what they do! Drop in for a drink, stay for dinner or grab your pals for weekend brunch.
Fu's Repair Shop
Named Edmonton's best new restaurant by Edify in 2023, Fu's Repair Shop elevates your senses in the best ways! Everything about this place screams cool, creative, and fun, from the moment you step through its doors and are greeted by beautiful lights and hip, vintage décor. Stop in for a unique blend of classic Dim Sum and Chinese fusion dishes, perfectly complemented by an imaginative cocktail menu that showcases pan-Asian flavours and in-house made syrups. When you're done, dance the night away with the DJs in the Double Dragon, attached directly to Fu's.
Nowhere Wine Bar
Time to get away on "cloud wine" for a delectable evening at the Nowhere Wine Bar! Located at the south end of 124 St, their exceptional wine list is constantly rotating with new wines being brought in weekly. Not only do they carry the classics you know and love, but they also carry unique varietals you have yet to try! The incredible menu by Chef Filliep Lament uses fresh, local ingredients and is designed to pair well with their wines. You can start your evening with a show by YEG performers at Roxy Theatre and then finish your evening with friends at the Nowhere Wine Bar to sip and savour on some late-night share plates and artisanal wine. See you Nowhere soon!
Stingray Bar & Eatery
Whether you're dressing up for a social affair or keeping it casual on a weekday evening, Stingray invites you to join them for a delicious night out in the west-side, nestled in the Crestwood neighbourhood. The menu, inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine, showcases a delightful fusion of flavors from sashimi to handrolls. The dishes and handcrafted cocktails are best experienced with friends - you can order multiple plates to experience a variety of flavourful options together!
Marlo
Marlo is a new taco shop nestled in the heart of Old Strathcona that specializes in Mexican street food - especially tacos! A big part of what makes Marlo's tacos special is that they make all of their corn tortillas in-house using imported yellow and blue Mexican corn. They use a process called nixtamalization to make these, which is a traditional method of cooking dried corn in an alkaline solution to make a masa dough, which is then formed into tortillas. Marlo's cozy space offers a small, flavour-packed menu along with delicious drinks, good tunes and incredible staff who look forward to having you in!
Tiki Tiki on Whyte
Get into mermaid mode and try some Polynesian fusion food! With 20 years of experience cooking and operating in the finest restaurants, Tiki Tiki presents their tropical oasis, full of fresh and comforting meals and drinks. With selected ingredients from local farmers markets, this family-friendly restaurant keeps the mood fun and makes it feel like summer all year long!