Karsten SturmayGoing on a date or taking the family out? Maybe you’re having a get-together with friends you haven’t seen in a long time.
Whatever the reason, good food is always the key to a good time.
Just when we thought we’d sampled every restaurant worth knowing, a whole new bunch of eating spots kept popping up like crazy! Our team just can’t help ourselves – we just have to try these buzzed-about newcomers, or else we’ll question our foodie status!
But here’s the thing: it turns out everyone is catching on, and reservations are filling up fast. So, if you’re like us and love that thrill of discovering incredible food before the crowd, here’s your guide!
1. K-PAPA
Media credit kpapa.official
Website: https://k-papa.square.site/
Address: 5728 104 St NW
Contact details: +1 780-716-0270
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Price: $$
K-PAPA in Edmonton is a cozy, family-owned Korean restaurant that’s quickly becoming a favorite for anyone craving authentic comfort food. The dishes here are nothing short of fantastic, with a menu offering a mix of classic Korean cuisine.
There’s pork bone soup, for example. It’s tender, with fall-off-the-bone meat and a heavily seasoned broth.
And if you’re a fan of spicy food, the PAPA Spicy Chicken packs just the right level of heat.
For those who prefer something heartier, the katsu is a perfect choice. It’s crisp and juicy with a taste that’s elevated by their house-made sauce.
As for appetizers, you can opt for their corn cheese if you want something sweet and creamy. Alternatively, you can get their cucumber salad if you want something to cleanse your palate.
2. Zula Kitchen and Wine Bar
Media credit filipnowak97 and zula_kitchen_wine_bar
Website: https://zulakitchenandwinebar.com/
Address: 14055 West Block Dr NW suite 120
Contact details: +1 780-929-3112
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM } Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$
What’s great about this restaurant is that it brings together Turkish and Mediterranean influences for an exciting, flavor-packed menu. The ambiance is upscale yet welcoming, so it’s perfect for a date night or a special celebration.
For that ultimate meal, you can’t miss out on their kebab platter. It features juicy and tender cuts of lamb, chicken, and steak. The meat practically melts in your mouth!
If you’re sharing, the platter is just right for two.
For seafood fans, the grilled octopus is on another level. It’s tender with a light char that adds a subtle smokiness.
Make sure to get one of their signature mocktails as you dine. Then, round off your meal with a delicious baklava.
3. Little Brick
Media credit littlebrickyeg
Website: https://littlebrick.ca/
Address: 10004 90 St NW
Contact details: +1 780-705-1230
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: $
If you’re craving a cozy brunch spot, Little Brick might just become your new favorite. Set in a historic house in Riverdale, it has a charming and homey feel that makes you want to stay ’til the afternoon.
And since it’s dog-friendly, too, it’s a hit for fur parents!
The menu is simple, with a lot of classic breakfast favorites.
The top choice is the eggs Benedict, which are served on toasted bread with rich and creamy hollandaise sauce. The bacon is a thick cut—closer to pork belly, actually—and is perfectly tender.
Coffee lovers, you’ll love their salted caramel latte with its perfect sweetness and light bitterness from the dark roast. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, unique flavors like their raspberry lattes are also available.
4. Sabor Restaurant
Media credit sabor_yeg
Website: https://sabor.ca/
Address: 10220 103 St NW #109
Contact details: +1 780-757-1114
Operating hours: Monday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$
Known for its seafood-focused menu, Sabor is the perfect spot for those who love Mediterranean-inspired dishes. One of their best-sellers is their grilled calamari, which is served in a tangy puttanesca sauce.
But if you want something richer, splurge on their creamy lobster risotto.
If lobsters aren’t your thing, the Chilean sea bass paired with lobster risotto is a must-try. It has this buttery flavor that just complements the lobsters so well!
Alternatively, you can simply order their grilled Iberico pork and roasted pork belly – yes they’re both tender and rich in flavor!
5. The Next Act
Media credit nextactpub
Website: https://www.nextactpub.com/
Address: 8224 104 St NW
Contact details: +1 780-433-9345
Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Price: $$
Whether you’re craving a hearty burger or a fresh salad, the diverse selection at The Next Act never disappoints. The rotating weekly specials keep things exciting.
Plus, seasonal dishes ensure there’s always something to look forward to.
One of the standout items on the menu is the tequila lime chicken sandwich. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the juicy chicken topped with a tangy lime sauce.
The sauce gives the perfect balance of citrus goodness and a kick of heat.
Vegetarians and those with dietary restrictions will also find plenty of options to enjoy. The veggie burger is a popular choice. It’s loaded with fresh veggies and paired with a delicious bun.
In general, though, you can make gluten-free requests and they’ll accommodate you.
6. Taco Delhi
Media credit tacodelhi
Website: https://www.tacodelhi.ca/
Address: 3318 Gateway Blvd NW
Contact details: +1 587-463-2311
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 1!:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$
Taco Delhi is the spot to go if you’re craving Indian tacos.
One bite of their garlic naan taco with lamb curry, and you’ll understand the magic! The naan is soft and pillowy. This makes it just the right base for the richly spiced lamb curry.
But if you want something lighter, the fiesta salad with chicken tikka masala is a great starter – we promise you’ll love the tangy dressing and tender chicken!
Whether you’re vegan or gluten-free, there are plenty of options here that don’t sacrifice flavor. You’ll find the Paneer bhurji tacos to be a perfect vegetarian option, as it’s packed with flavor and just the right spice.
Plus, they’re happy to accommodate special requests, so make sure to disclose any restrictions before ordering.
7. The Marc
Media credit themarcyeg
Website: https://www.themarc.ca/
Address: 9940 106 St
Contact details: +1 780-429-2828
Operating hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 2 :00 PM, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$$
The Marc is perfect if you want to enjoy great food in a high-end setting. It’s the kind of place where you can hold short business meetings and intimate dinners.
With that in mind, maybe leave the kiddos at home if you plan to book!
The food at The Marc features classic/French-inspired dishes. Their flank steak is a fave among regulars. It’s cooked to a perfect texture and served alongside crispy, golden frites, and an arugula salad.
For those looking to indulge a bit more, the beef tartare and escargot are two appetizers you just can’t miss. The beef tartare is rich and flavorful, while the escargot matches perfectly with the homemade bread that came with it.
And for dessert, let’s keep it simple – the lemon tart won’t let you down!
8. Fu’s Repair Shop
Media credit fus_repair_shop
Website: https://www.fusrepairshop.ca/
Address: 10524 Jasper Ave
Operating hours: Sunday and Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Price: $$
Hidden behind a quirky, unmarked door, this place brings speakeasy vibes mixed with Asian street-food flair. Step inside, and you’re surrounded by eclectic decor, dim lighting, and a laid-back spot that feels very out of Tokyo.
You can start your meal with the pork wontons that are drenched in spicy chili oil – perfect for those who love a strong meal.
If you want something that has a subtle nuttiness, try out their miso goma salad. It’s a mix of crunchy greens and a sesame dressing.
For the main event, the crazy-rich rice noodles are blockbusters. These noodles are tender and smothered in a rich, savory sauce that’s packed with umami.
Feeling crazy? Pair with their duck tacos – they’re delicious!
9. TiKi TiKi on Whyte
Media credit tikionwhyte
Website: https://tikitiki.ca/
Address: 10037 82 Ave NW
Contact details: +1 780-756-8881
Operating hours: Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Wednesday – Friday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Price: $$
If you’re looking for a Hawaiian-inspired escape in Edmonton, TiKi TiKi on Whyte is the place to be. This fun, tropical bar brings Polynesian vibes to Whyte Avenue.
It even features tiki decor and upbeat music that transports you right to the islands.
The menu is packed with playful options that stay true to the Hawaiian theme, featuring shareable bites.
For a great start, you can go for the brisket & cheese sliders. It has these tender brisket and gooey cheese on a soft bun.
Of course, a trip to TiKi TiKi wouldn’t be complete without diving into their inventive cocktail menu. They have Mai Tai, which is a punchy blend of rum and fresh fruit flavors.
There’s also the Bluey, which is the go-to cocktail if you’re eating meals with bolder flavors.
10. Bar Henry
Media credit barhenrydt
Website: https://www.barhenry.ca/
Address: 10220 103 Ave NW #160
Contact details: +1 587-873-4728
Operating hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$
The food at Bar Henry is served “spuntino-style,” which means delicious Italian snacks made for sharing.
A must-try is the gnocchi Valtellina. It features gooey cheese and a perfectly runny egg yolk, topped with crispy Brussels sprouts and walnuts.
Another must-try is the Millie Panino. It’s their take on truffled grilled cheese, with a touch of balsamic that keeps it light.
And if you’re in the mood for wine, the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you through their impressive list.
Just take note that no reservations are allowed, so you’ll have to wait in case the place is busy during your visit. Fortunately, you can start with a cocktail at their stand-up bar and just soak in the ambiance as you wait.
11. Biera
Media credit biera_yeg
Website: https://biera.ca/
Address: 9570 76 Ave NW
Contact details: +1 587-525-8589
Operating hours: Tuesday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $$$
Biera is all about quality over quantity, with each dish carefully crafted to go beyond the typical bar food.
The atmosphere feels both casual and upscale. It’s what makes it so perfect for a relaxed night out with friends or a cozy date.
The chicory salad here is a must-try. It might be a pleasant surprise for anyone who might skip salads at restaurants. Fresh Belgian endives with a burnt orange dressing give it a unique bitterness and tang that are just unforgettable.
Pair that with Biera’s homemade cultured butter and fresh sourdough bread, and you’re off to a nice start!
Don’t forget to save room for dessert. Their buckwheat pudding may surprise you with its earthy, nutty flavor.
12. El Jardin
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Website: https://www.eljardinyeg.com/
Address: 10359 104 St NW #102
Contact details: +1 780-540-9312
Operating hours: Tuesday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Price: $$$
When it comes to food, El Jardin truly stands out. The tapas are a highlight, which includes gouda tequenos and pepita hummus.
One noteworthy dish you absolutely can’t miss is the chimi prawns. The prawns are perfectly cooked with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Plus, they’re packed with flavor that pairs well with the smoky dipping sauce.
If you’re a fan of tacos, the Modelo battered fish tacos are a must-try. The batter is light and crunchy—a bit like tempura. Meanwhile, the fish is flaky without being greasy.
To round off your meal, don’t skip the churro beignets for dessert. They’re light and dusted with cinnamon sugar, which gives just the right sweetness.
