Sanyukta SrivastavaWe’ve all gambled on a takeout spot, only to get a $27 meal that tastes like disappointment and comes with a side of soggy fries. I once got ramen so bland, that my dog gave it a pity sniff and walked away like I had let him down.
That was my turning point. I started jotting down my go-to places like they were top-secret coordinates—and yes, I gatekept it for a while.
But now it’s time to share. If you’re tired of takeout roulette and just want somewhere actually good, here’s our list of top-tier Edmonton restaurants that know what they’re doing.
La Ronde Revolving Restaurant
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Location: 10111 Bellamy Hill Road NW
Contact: (780) 420-8366
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Brunch)
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (Dinner)
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
La Ronde got that classic old-school vibe that I really like. The slow-rotating view of the city adds a fun element to the experience—it’s a nice, relaxed way to enjoy a meal.
The menu offers a solid mix—steaks, seafood, and French-inspired dishes. I went for the duck breast, which was tender with a nice berry sauce. My friend had beef Wellington, and we shared the rich lobster bisque.
For dessert, we tried the vanilla creme brulee, which was a highlight with its perfect crackly top. Seriously, you should try it when you come to visit.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning a special evening, consider dining on Timeless Tuesday—enjoy live jazz, half-price bottles of select wine, and complimentary parking.
Sugarbowl
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Location: 10922 88 Avenue NW
Contact: (780) 433-8369
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sugarbowl has this cozy, laid-back charm that makes it the ideal spot for a chill meal with friends. The space is casual and welcoming, and the menu features everything from hearty brunch plates to comforting favorites.
They also have plenty of gluten-free choices, so it is an ideal option for people with special diets.
I went for the eggs benny, and it didn’t disappoint—the hollandaise was rich without being too heavy. My friend had the crispy chicken sandwich, which had just the right crunch.
On top of the great food, it’s a dog-friendly spot, so you can bring your furry friends along and enjoy the outdoor seating area. It’s a place where you can always count on good food and a chill atmosphere.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to enjoy brunch at Sugarbowl, arrive early, especially on weekends. They don’t take reservations during brunch hours and it can get busy.
The Next Act
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Location: 8224 104 Street NW
Contact: (780) 433-9345
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Weekend Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Minors Allowed: Until 4:00 PM daily
The Next Act has that comfy, neighborhood pub vibe that makes it easy to kick back with friends. The place feels casual but still has a bit of a lively energy.
They’ve got a solid mix of burgers, tacos, and salads. I had the pulled pork—tender and not too heavy. My friend went for the fish tacos, which had crispy batter, crunchy slaw, and a tangy lime crema.
Something that keeps customers returning is their weekly ‘Cameo Burger’, always a fun twist with seasonal toppings. And in addition, their extensive craft beer list (much of it locally brewed) is ideal if you’re up for trying something new.
Pro tip:
If you’re dining with a furry friend, take advantage of their pet-friendly outdoor patio!
Continental Treat Fine Bistro
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Location: 10560 82 Ave NW
Contact: (780) 433-7432
Operating hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Continental Treat has a quiet, slightly retro feel that makes it a nice change from the usual busy spots. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear the conversation at your table.
Their menu leans Eastern European, with options like schnitzel, stroganoff, and goulash. I picked the Hungarian goulash—beef in a deep paprika sauce, served alongside soft spaetzle. My friend’s schnitzel was crispy and served with red cabbage.
They’ve also got most of the menu available gluten-free, which is great if you’re dining with someone who needs an option.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to dine here, consider following their business casual dress code to match the bistro’s elegant vibe.
Vaticano Cucina
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Location: 10310 45 Avenue NW
Contact: (780) 250-1110
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Vaticano Cucina has a warm, inviting atmosphere with a touch of contemporary flair. It’s a great spot to kick back with the family and dive into some solid Italian food.
We tried their signature dishes—the Bucatini Carbonara and Pistachio Panna Cotta—and they really gave us that authentic Italian feel. The carbonara was creamy with a perfect balance of pancetta and parmesan, and the bucatini held the sauce well.
They’ve got a nice wine list too, which made it easy to find something that worked with the meal. Definitely a place I’d go back to for a casual, satisfying dinner!
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to visit during evenings and weekends, it’s advisable to make a reservation to ensure seating.
Campio Brewing
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Location: 10257 105 St NW
Contact: 587-635-1952
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Campio Brewing has a nice, industrial feel with brick walls and big brewing tanks, which gives it a bit of character. I love the atmosphere—it’s cozy but lively enough to feel like a fun spot to hang with colleagues after work.
The food’s solid too. We tried the Smoke Show pizza with ancho pulled pork, smoked cheddar, and roasted red pepper aioli—smoky, tangy, and nicely crisp.
The Korean fried chicken sandwich was also crispy. It came with homemade kimchi pickles on top, which just made everything even better.
To wash it down, we grabbed their Light Rail Hazy Pale Ale, which was nice and smooth.
Pro tip:
If you’re interested in unique events, Campio hosts themed nights such as their popular Drag Brunches that offer a lively and entertaining dining experience.
The Moth Cafe
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Location: 9449 Jasper Avenue NW
Contact: (780) 244-9702
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
The Moth Cafe has such a chill vibe—a gazillion plants, gentle lighting, and a relaxing ambiance that makes it feel like a little oasis.
What I like most is how plant-heavy the menu is. I had the Big Moth Burger, packed with lentils, mushrooms, and mung beans—it was flavourful and had just the right amount of smokiness. My friend went for the coconut lime laksa, which was spicy and comforting.
They also serve breakfast all day—my pick was the jackfruit crab cakes, which had great texture and flavor. I paired it with their kombucha on tap, which was super refreshing. It’s the kind of place you could hang out at for a while, no rush.
Pro tip:
If you’re interested in community events, The Moth Café hosts activities such as plant swaps, craft workshops, and poetry nights.
Julio’s Barrio
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Location: 10416 82 Avenue NW
Contact: (780) 431-0774
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Julio’s Barrio has that fun, laid-back feel that’s perfect for group hangs or casual nights out. The patio’s a solid spot in the summer, right on Whyte.
The food leans classic Tex-Mex—think enchiladas, chimichangas, and big plates of nachos. I went for the chicken tacos, which came with fresh salsa and a side of rice and beans. That burrito was no joke—my friend struggled to finish it.
They’re also known for their Bulldog margaritas—a frozen margarita with an upside-down Corona in it. It’s a good pick if you want something easygoing with decent portions and plenty of drinks to choose from.
Pro tip:
Snag a patio table if the weather’s nice—the view of Whyte Avenue makes it a prime people-watching spot while you enjoy your nachos and margaritas.
Padmanadi
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Location: 10740 101 St NW
Contact: (780) 428-8899
Operating hours:
- Tuesday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Friday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays
Padmanadi feels more like you’re visiting someone’s home than a typical restaurant—there’s a calm, laid-back energy that makes it easy to settle in.
The menu’s fully plant-based, but everything still feels hearty. I had the ginger beef, which had that sweet-and-savory thing going on and a nice bit of chew. My friend’s curry chicken came in a creamy coconut sauce with just enough heat.
We also shared the satay skewers, and the peanut sauce was so good that we used the leftovers to dip our rice. They also do buffet events now and then, which we’re already planning to come back for.
Pro tip:
Their buffet events operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is advisable.
Japanese Village
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Location: 8882 170 St NW
Contact: (780) 761-3700
Operating hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Japanese Village is one of those spots that’s more about the full experience than just the food.
We sat around the teppanyaki grill and watched the chef cook everything in front of us—flipping utensils, cracking jokes, and lighting up the grill. I had the steak and shrimp combo, which came with stir-fried veggies, rice, and their signature mustard sauce.
It’s definitely a fun place to go with a group, and they’ve got private rooms too if you’re celebrating something or just want a quieter meal.
Pro tip:
If you’re celebrating, let the staff know—they’ll dress you in traditional attire and sing a birthday song in Japanese, adding a memorable touch to your dining experience.
