Melanie MoralesYour lunch doesn’t always have to be another sad desk sandwich or a bland rice bowl. Truth is, the city has so much to offer when it comes to lunch spots. Think of seafood, pasta, and next-level soup.
Time to try something flavourful!
Whether you’re clocking out for a quick bite or meeting up with friends, Edmonton has something for every craving.
We’ve compiled the best lunch places in Edmonton that you can try if you want something refreshing for your taste buds and eyes.
Sugarbowl
– Media credit: sugarbowlcafe
Address: 10922 88 Ave NW
Contact Details: +17804338369
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Sugarbowl is a local gem we found that’s both affordable and delicious. Their lunch menu offers an impressive range of choices, from hearty comfort food to fresh seafood.
We really loved their mussels and frites. They’re fresh, perfectly cooked, and served in generous portions.
Their mac and cheese with cavatappi pasta is also a must-try. It’s creamy and cheesy and slightly crispy on top – makes every bite worth it.
This is a cute spot that is always busy, making it hard to secure a seat. Even more challenging if you’re in big groups!
| Pro Tip: Try their feta omelette with a latte – the ultimate pick-me-up pair for shaking off a sleepy office lunch. |
MEAT
– Media credit: meat_yeg
Address: 8216 104 Street NW
Contact Details: +15875206338
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
MEAT is one of the best family-friendly lunch restaurants in Edmonton. Offering meat, sandwiches, and salads, it never disappoints every time we visit.
They’re famous for their crispy BBQ wings, and for a good reason. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The coating really sticks to your fingers, so you might find yourself licking them clean like we did.
Their pulled pork burgers are another must-try. It’s loaded with bourbon BBQ sauce, mayo, and house slaw. There’s that balance of savoury and tangy flavours that’s perfect for lunch.
If you want to skip meat, they have a roasted jalapeno Caesar salad – just a typical Caesar salad with a bit of a spicy kick.
| Pro Tip: Order half a pound of their meat dish and pair it with their sides, such as mac and cheese or potato salad – a great combo that’s perfect for sharing. |
The Old Spaghetti Factory (Downtown Edmonton)
– Media credit: osfcanada
Address: 10220 103 St NW
Contact Details: +17804226088
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: $$
The Old Spaghetti is a family-friendly lunch restaurant in Edmonton featuring Italian entrees and signature pastas.
They have linguine with their homemade pesto and seafood fettuccine alfredo. But their penne with chicken is on another level because of its rich basil cream that won’t leave you feeling fed up.
If you’re not feeling pasta, go for their oven and grill menu instead. They have baby back ribs, New York steak, and chicken piccata. Sure, they’re on a heavier side, but they make you glad you didn’t settle for less.
| Pro Tip: You can buy their $25 gift card and get a $10 bonus card if you want to save a bit. Use it on the day of your dining. |
Bistro Praha
– Media credit: bistro_praha
Address: 10117 101 St NW
Contact Details: +17804244218
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Bistro Praha is a cosy Edmonton lunch spot to go to if you’re looking for Czech cuisine and European classics.
We especially loved their traditional schnitzel, served with potato salad and lemon. The schnitzel is tender and crisp at the same time. Then you get that balance of creaminess and tanginess of the sides.
Apart from that, Bistro Baha has its signature roasted duck. It’s served with bread dumplings, which soak up all that savoury gravy. This is a go-to dish if you’re looking for a comforting and hearty Czech flavour.
| Pro Tip: Try to visit during weekdays – it’s not that crowded and busy. |
DaDeO
– Media credit: dadeorestaurant
Address: 10548 A 82 Ave NW
Contact Details: +17804330930
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a classic ‘50s diner, DaDeO is the place to go. It has a retro vibe, thanks to its vinyl booths on the wall and accent lighting.
This is a nice place if you’re craving New Orleans and Southern favourites. They have Po’Boys, which is a total hit. You can choose to stuff it with catfish, shrimp, or black chicken.
They also have jambalaya. If you love your food salty, you might think their jambalaya is underseasoned. For us, though, it’s just perfect.
Visit this place if you want to soak yourself not just in food, but also in the music and decor. They’ve gone all out for that classic ambience.
| Pro Tip: Try their complimentary homemade Jalapeno jam – can spread it on your Po’Boy or chicken. You’ll wish they sold jars of it after tasting. |
Rosewood Foods
– Media credit: rosewoodfoods
Address: 10150 100 St NW #101
Contact Details: +17807578030
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Rosewood Foods might be famous for their breakfast bites, but they also have some delicious all-day menus perfect for lunch.
They have vegan salsa verde toasted rice, which is light yet super satisfying (and guilt-free). You’d get to taste fresh veggies, like cherry tomatoes, Persian cucumbers, and radishes. You can even top it with a fried egg!
Other foods to try are their lox and egg sandwich made of cured salmon and a house-made milk bun. This one receives a lot of praise from customers due to its dressing, which adds a tangy kick to every bite.
Just note that their menu revolves mostly around salads and sandwiches. But trust us when we say they have some of the most affordable and great-tasting burgers and bistro salads in Edmonton.
| Pro Tip: Lunch hours can get really busy, and they have a small space – either arrive early or go for takeout. |
Hathaway’s Diner
– Media credit: hathaways_diner
Address: 13225 132 St NW
Contact Details: +17804885989
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Hathaway’s Diner is a famous lunch spot in Edmonton that we can’t just ignore. They’ve got sandwiches, entrees, and soup for their lunch set.
Another great thing we like about Hathaway’s is that they have kids’ and seniors’ menus. They offer tender chicken fingers, a tasty cheese quesadilla, and fish and chips. Just simple, no-fuss meals.
Their chicken rice soup is just as comforting as we expect it to be. It’s warm and tastes like something out of grandma’s kitchen.
They also have a nice pistachio pineapple cream pie – nutty and fruity. The whipped cream on top ties everything together.
| Pro Tip: Come here if you have the luxury of time to wait, since they can really be very busy. The expected waiting time is more than 15 minutes. |
Cafe Amore Bistro
– Media credit: cafeamorebistro
Address: 10807 106 Ave NW
Contact Details: +17804777896
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: $$
Cafe Amore Bistro is a worthy Italian restaurant in Edmonton to visit. They’ve got a nice selection of seafood and pasta favourites that you can’t just find anywhere else.
One of their best sellers is the lobster ravioli, which is creamy and loaded with tender lobster. They’re not reluctant with their portions, worthy of the $27 we spent.
If you’re going for pasta, their famous amore pestacore with prawns and mussels is worth a try. Their seafood is perfectly cooked and topped with aromatic sauce. You can also taste their smoked salmon and baby shrimp with their Il Pacifico dish.
Plus, almost all their dishes are family-friendly. You have an option to upgrade your order to family size if you prefer sharing it with a couple of people.
The environment is more on a homey side. Nothing shiny or fancy decor, tables are wrapped with plaid covers – really more like a home than a restaurant.
| Pro Tip: Make sure to reserve a table online since they can’t guarantee available seating for walk-ins. |
De Dutch
– Media credit: dedutch
Address: 10030 Jasper Ave
Contact Details: +15875208841
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pricing: $$
De Dutch might be famous for pannekoeken, but they also have great Dutch lunch menus to try.
They have a lunch-sized garden salad topped with cucumber, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese. You can add chicken if you want for $6.
If you’re into meat, then go for their bitterballen. It’s breaded and filled with vegetables, beef, and some great Dutch spices. The spices are mild and won’t traumatise you.
But what we liked here is their soup of the day (that changes regularly). The one we tasted was a potato bacon soup – really comforting and good value.
| Pro Tip: They allow coffee refills here – just ask their staff. |
The Moth Cafe
– Media credit: themothcafe
Address: 9449 Jasper Ave
Contact Details: +17802449702
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: $$
The Moth Cafe is a vegan restaurant in Edmonton featuring eclectic interior design. It offers a great ambiance and excellent food, ranging from a winter salad to spaghetti.
Their lemongrass vermicelli is worth a try. It’s light yet satisfying with those crisp veggies and tangy-sweet dressing. Plus, their generous portion and presentation definitely deserve a spot on your Instagram.
Another thing we like is that you can dine in on their outdoor patio without feeling awkward. They have a nice privacy screen full of vines, so you can enjoy your food without being overexposed to the public.
| Pro Tip: The cafe is a bit bright since there are plenty of lights, so bring sunglasses and don’t be shy to wear them inside. |
Pip
– Media credit: pip_yeg
Address: 10335 83 Ave NW
Contact Details: +17807604747
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Pip is another crowd-favourite airy restaurant featuring brunch and wine.
Their hash house is excellent – flavourful and packed with crispy potatoes. Plus, the creamy hollandaise makes it even more delicious. We just wish it were warmer, since it’s quite cold when it arrived.
They also have Benedict eggs in different variations, like short rib and traditional.
You can also try their seasonal quinoa bowl if you’re after something lighter. The mix of greens and roasted veggies is a perfect healthy option without missing out on flavours.
This spot is great, warm, and stylish – more on neutral aesthetics. Service is also good. It’s just that it can really get noisy at times.
| Pro Tip: If going with a group of 6 to 8, reserve your table for a weekend lunch in their semi-private room. |
