Where to Eat in Edmonton

Feb 28, 2024

Meet Dan Clapson

Dan Clapson is a best-selling author, food, and travel writer based in Calgary. The award-winning writer has contributed to a wide range of acclaimed publications, including Out Magazine, The Globe & Mail, Air Canada enRoute, Eater, Xtra, Canada’s 100 Best, Calgary Herald, Food Network Canada online, and many more. Clapson’s debut cookbook, "Prairie," co-authored by Edmonton writer Twyla Campbell, became a Globe & Mail No. 1 Bestseller in September 2023.

Outside of the food realm, Clapson is a Country Music Alberta Award-winning event organizer known for producing exceptional events in collaboration with a wide range of notable musicians, drag performers, and visual artists. These events range from the acclaimed (and multiple CCMA Award-nominated) Blue Jay Sessions series, successful pop-up makers’ markets, and unique chef dinners to drag brunches, province-wide charity fundraisers, and much more.


Discover some of Dan's top places to eat when visiting Edmonton!

Where to Eat in Edmonton

Even though I was born and raised in Saskatoon, I have paid visits to the Alberta capital for as long as I can remember. Having extended family in the city, I have many memories of West Edmonton Mall (the be-all-end-all for any wide-eyed kid, of course!), the river valley, and so much more.


As an adult, my visits to Edmonton became much more frequent and through my career as a food writer and, more recently, cookbook author, I’ve watched the city’s food and drink scene evolve into something dynamic and worth traveling for. Many eateries and bars such as Biera, Bündok, Clementine, and Fu's Repair Shop have garnered national media attention, further proving that this Northern Canadian city is worth paying attention to.

From tasty bagels and breakfast sandwiches to wonderful Vietnamese food, cool craft brews, and even cooler cocktails, here are some of my favourite spots to eat and drink in Edmonton.

Breakfast

Beb’s Bagels at Meuwly's

Alright, so this isn’t technically a bricks-and-mortar establishment, but rather a pop-up that happens weekly-ish at Meuwly’s. However, I'd be remiss not to shout out these delicious bagels that are arguably the best in town. While you’re in this cool small-batch food market, make sure to peruse the shelves and coolers for a huge range of delicious sausages, cured meats, preserves, and so, so much more.

Lunch

Banh beo (steamed rice cakes with dried shrimp and scallions), bun cha (grilled pork patties with noodles and crispy Hanoi-style spring rolls), and bột chiên (a fried egg and rice cake street dish from Saigon, which is my personal favourite) are all regional Vietnamese offerings that you won’t commonly find on menus in this part of Canada. Run, don’t walk!

Dinner

If you’re in the mood for some really interesting beers, and I’m talking about some of the best in Western Canada, you’re going to want to head to their sister spot: The Monolith.

Bella

While downtown Edmonton has its fill of exemplar Italian cuisine thanks to Daniel Costa’s restaurant trifecta (Bar Bricco, Uccellino, and Bar Henry, all of which I also recommend), south of the North Saskatchewan River in Old Strathcona was not so lucky until somewhat recently. A re-imagining of the space, previously known as Smokey Bear, has resulted in bella. This fairly elegant, but unpretentious Italian restaurant serves up quality fare in a neighborhood renowned for its entertainment and nightlife.

Drinks