Skip to content

Search

Discover things to do, places to explore, and opportunities in Winnipeg. Enter a keyword to search our site.

Eat & Drink

You’ll relish Winnipeg’s culinary scene

Eat like a local

Winnipeg’s well-seasoned culinary scene will never leave you salty.

Many of our restaurants continue to garner national recognition, with several local spots making Canada's 100 Best Restaurants list over the past few years along with Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants.

Being surrounded by fertile farmland and lakes, Winnipeg restaurants provide a showcase for the Prairies. From the international flavours of the West End and the microbreweries and eateries of the Exchange District to the hot culinary destinations like Osborne Village, River Heights, South Osborne and Saint-Boniface, Winnipeg has some of the best Italian, French, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, Greek, Indigenous and Filipino restaurants in Canada. There’s no shortage of world-class bakeries, too.

Canada’s best restaurants here in Winnipeg

If you’re looking to uncork Winnipeg’s top culinary experiences based on the critics’ picks, make a reservation at one of our many wine bars and small plate spots. Currently on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants (C100) are deer + almond (opens in new window), Nola (opens in new window) and Peacock (opens in new window), featuring award-winning chefs Mandel Hitzer, Emily Butcher and Ed Lam, respectively. Both Nola and Peacock specialize in Asian cuisine with their shared plates, while deer + almond offers a four-course tasting menu, plus an à la carte bartop that’s a showcase for his whimsical creations. SNACK HäUS (opens in new window), a counter service small plate concept within Low Life Barrel House (opens in new window) brewery/winery, was singled out as a new “C100 Recommends” for 2025. Winnipeg is also home to Clementine Cafe (opens in new window), a darling of the Exchange District, the sole brunch-only spot to make the C100 at No. 74 in 2024.

In 2025, Air Canada named Crumb Queen/Andy’s Lunch (opens in new window) –– a dual concept bakery-fresh pasta lunch joint –– as one of Canada’s 10 best new restaurants, the only counter service restaurant to ever make the cut. Petit Socco (opens in new window), the city’s tiniest restaurant with just eight seats, was named the fifth best new restaurant by Air Canada in 2023, with chef Adam Donnelly also winning dish of the year. In 2026, Osborne Village neighbours Shirley’s (opens in new window), an Italian leaning cafe specializing in fresh pastas and killer cocktails, and BabyBaby (opens in new window), a très hip small plates bar from the owners of Clementine (along with chef couple Daly Gyles and Nick Gladu), both cracked Air Canada’s list.

Chef Scott Bagshaw has made both the C100 and Air Canada guides for his now-closed concepts Enoteca and Maque, so be sure to check out Passero (opens in new window), his Italian restaurant on Corydon Ave’s Little Italy, along with his intimate French bistro, Ne de Loup (opens in new window), which is located in River Heights.

Oenophiles will also be impressed by several of the city's top fine-dining restaurants.

Current Wine Spectator award-winners include 529 Wellington (opens in new window), the city's most acclaimed steakhouse, located in a former luxury home in River Heights on the Assiniboine River. Its wine selection was recognized with the Best of Award of Excellence, an honour it has received since 2003. A new Best of Award of Excellence has gone to Vida Cucina Italia (opens in new window), the cozy Italian restaurant in the Fort Garry Hotel (opens in new window). The hotel's wine director, Christopher Sprague, who was also instrumental in developing 529's wine program before joining the hotel, oversees a menu of 360 wines at Vida. In fact, the Fort Garry has an inventory of more than 10,000 bottles between Vida and The Oval Room (opens in new window), which was named one of Canada's 50 best hotel restaurants by OpenTable and Kayak.

Amsterdam Tea Room

Scottish owner Mark Turner opened this café in 2016, originally as a loose tea retail shop. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the Exchange District’s go-to spots for cocktails, small plates and people watching from its massive windows onto Old Market Square. The oft-changing food menu always features a few Dutch dishes along with a selection of PEI mussels steamed in a selection of comforting broths. The cocktail menu makes great use of the shop’s teas for some scintillating sips.

BabyBaby

BabyBaby dazzles with eclectic dishes and a jaw-dropping design. 90’s kids will love the restaurant’s Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness aesthetic, while owners chef Chris Gama and Raya Konrad (who also own Clementine) have assembled a talented kitchen headed by culinary power couple Daly Gyles and Nick Gladu (also co-owners), who have plenty of big-name experience in London, UK and Vancouver, BC. The grilled whole sea bass is a can’t miss, as is the endive salad, walleye beignets and all the desserts. It was named by Air Canada as one of Canada’s Best New Restaurants for 2025.

Bailey’s

Bailey’s has been hosting diners since 1971 in its circa-1900 dining room. The setting is straight out of an Edward Gorey book, with thick carpet, patterned walls, dark ornate woodwork and Edwardian grandeur galore. The staff is equally professional and cheeky, and on the ground floor lounge they’ll do you up a Guinness or a grasshopper just right, while there are plenty of private rooms and an upstairs dining room that’s always bustling. We personally love the Winter Garden Room, where views of Portage and Main complement the old school menu of steaks, chops and seafood.

Bar Accanto

This wine bar from Burnley Place Hospitality (King + Bannatyne, Nola) is directly connected to their nationally acclaimed small plates restaurant Nola, although it has a vibe and menu all its own. The 32-seat space is bright and comfortable, featuring a menu of enchanting small plates by multiple award-winning chef Emily Butcher (most recently, she won Canada’s Great Kitchen Party Winnipeg representing Accanto in 2025), that is accompanied by an impressive all-natural wine list. It’s a true delight.

Bistro Dansk

Having opened in 1976, Bistro Dansk is the oldest location amongst the hip restaurant scene on Sherbrook Avenue. This small, yellow diner has huge portions, excellent schnitzel and sweet and sour cabbage, and other great dishes like herring in sour cream sauce on rye. New owner, chef Grant Danyluk, has continued the traditions while adding new features that regulars are loving.

Bluestone Cottage

This popular brunch concept is run by award-winning chef Kelly Cattani. The crowds come for all-day breakfast made with plenty of local ingredients, fresh baked goods, smoothies and great options “For the Littles.” It’s a spot that’s well worth the short drive to Charleswood and while they don’t take reservations, you can always call beforehand to join the waitlist (should there be one).

BMC Taqueria

Everyone loves Betty Calderón-Villaseñor for bringing her grandma’s recipes from Morelia, Mexico to South Osborne, where she opened BMC in 2012. The hand-formed tortillas hold tinga, barbacao, rojas and chorizo and come with the choice of three salsas — all for just $5.99 – $9.99 for three! The simple quesadillas, made on oval hand-formed tortillas, are also great. It’s licensed too, with a nice selection of Mexican beers.

Buvette in the Village

This small, but mighty queer-owned and -operated brunch spot is by Ursula Svenne, whose family – particularly chef dad Alex – was behind the much-loved Bistro 7 ¼ and Little Goat. The ever-changing chalkboard menu always features plenty of fresh baking that serves as a base for the many intriguing sandwiches, open faced-toasts, while Saturday brings a number of Benny’s you can order in flights. The small, cozy, plant-filled dining room provides the right amount of kitsch.

Charlee’s Restaurant & Lounge

Owner/operator Charlie Villapando is a graduate of Red River College’s Culinary Arts program and a maverick when it comes to Philippine fusion cuisine. At both Charlee’s and his food truck, Champ’s, you’ll find dishes like the OG tocino burger, kare kare poutine and several halo-halo drinks to beat the summer heat.

Cho Ichi Ramen

Laotian-born chef/entrepreneur Cho 
Venevongsa has built a culinary empire that includes two Wasabi sushi joints, two Chosabi sushi burrito/poke bowl counters, and this spot, his only ramen-dedicated restaurant. The two main broths, the tonkotsu and chintan, are piled with sous-vide meats (namely char siu pork or chicken) with all the classic ramen fixings like nori, bamboo and shiitakes. The noodles are made in house, too.

Clementine Cafe

Being the only strictly brunch spot to ever make the Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list, along with garnering a rave review in The Globe and Mail that asked, “Can a brunch restaurant also be considered one of the country’s best restaurants?”, it’s quite clear that Clementine is in a league of its own when it comes to breakfast. Everything on the Mediterranean-leaning menu sings, from a perfect burger that switches seasonally, to the silky and spicy Turkish eggs, the ever-evolving fried chicken toast, and what should be a world-famous fried cauliflower salad.
No reservations (so be like Metallica, who gladly waited for a table).

Cordova Tapas & Wine

Named after Córdoba, Spain, and originally opened by two students from Belgium and France, this popular tapas bar serves all the standards –– from patatas bravas to gambas al ajillo to escargot in parsley butter –– pairing the dishes with a mighty fine Euro-centric wine list, craft cocktails and a beer list that features both hard-to-find imports and plenty of local options too.

Crumb Queen / Andy’s Lunch

In 2025, Air Canada named Crumb Queen/Andy’s Lunch –– a dual concept bakery and fresh pasta lunch joint –– as one of Canada’s 10 best new restaurants, the only counter service restaurant to ever do so! Culinary power couple Cloe Wiebe and Andy Koropatnick have earned a devout following in Osborne Village. Wiebe’s famed crullers, breads, pastries and cookies are on another level, making lines a regular occurrence in the morning. After 11 p.m., Koropatnick brings fresh pasta to the offerings (all handmade in house), along with a selection of bianca sandwiches served on Wiebe’s pizza bianca bread. They also have the coolest merchandise.

deer + almond

Nationally noted chef Mandel Hitzer’s inventive, colourful plates defy genres, and often see your tastebuds hitting the highest notes. The eclectic, fun dining room runs a tasting menu that changes seasonally, with à la carte options at the bar. It was ranked #39 on the Canada’s 100 Best restaurants list in 2025, the highest ever placement for a Winnipeg restaurant, while in 2026 it sits at #50. Hitzer is also the co-creator of RAW:almond, the celebrated temporary tasting menu restaurant that is built by Joe Kalturnyk annually on the frozen Red River, which hosts some of the world’s best chefs.

Edokko Japanese Food

In this small, barebones dining room, celebrated Japanese sushi chef Masa Sugita serves up an ever-changing range of authentic dishes, all based on what he’s brought in from Japanese waters, along with Canada’s coasts and the North Sea. Sugita, who came out of retirement to open Edokko, also sells a range of high-end products from Japan in the adjacent shop, including A5 wagyu, uni, shiso and specialty fruits.

Fire & Spice Taqueria

You’ll find this unassuming spot downtown right before the Midtown Bridge. Owned and operated by Chilean Rod Herrera, almost the whole menu is gluten-free (with the exception of the key lime cheesecake and the churros) and made in-house, including all the various tortillas. The birria tacos are perfection; the beef is so flavourful, as is the consommé for dunking, while the tortilla is held by a crispy cheese skirt. There are a few vegetarian options too, like the trinity mushroom tacos and the papas doradas tacos that see crispy potatoes seasoned like chorizo. No seating, so grab, go and enjoy.

Frenchway Cafe

A staple just off Corydon Avenue since 2008, Frenchway packs in the crowds for all-day breakfast service and an impressive pastry case that beckons with excellent croissants, macarons, breads and super gooey butter tarts. Owner Larissa Webster has often relied on bringing in master bakers directly from France to helm her kitchen, all while showcasing numerous local suppliers in the process.

Gaijin Izakaya

A fun selection of izakaya dishes like toro tataki, tare takoyaki, bao buns and truly incredible gyoza goes down nicely here with a cold beer and some hot Gekkeikan. There are nine ramen choices (even at dinner), a selection of onigriazu, and plenty of high-quality fish too — all served in a stylish room with sturdy wood tables and booth seating. Originally opened by chef Ed Lam and the Yujiro team, Gaijin has continued to impress since changing hands to new ownership in late 2023, with many of the kitchen staff staying on.

Grassmere Family Restaurant

A true family restaurant run by Mac and Lina Cabungcal and their two sons, Grassmere’s menu morphed from standard North American-style breakfasts to include a number of Philippine-influenced dishes like the Instagrammable ube pancakes, tocino tacos and the brunch Pinoy Platter that gets you garlic fried rice with the choice of three meats, three eggs, and a side of ensalada with bagoong.

Habanero Sombrero

The Forks Market really does have it all, including some really nice tacos from this former food truck that operated for seven years before finding a home in the market in 2020. The entire menu is gluten-free, and it includes all the staples –– crispy fried cod, barbacoa, carnitas, tinga and mushroom –– with its chorizo and “El Chegu” tacos taking the Taco Week Winnipeg title in 2021 and 2022.

Harth Mozza & Wine Bar

This hot spot in St. Vital is always busy — and for good reason. All the pastas by chef/owner Brent Genyk are made on site and are toothy as all heck (especially the tortellini) and paired expertly with simple sauces Nonna would approve of. The room, by local design darlings Fireside Design Build, is terribly handsome, and the wood-fired pizzas, large secondi plates, and contorni dishes are pretty gorgeous too. This place is hot, we tell you. Hot.

Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse

The city’s bustling teppanyaki joint began flipping, flaming and dicing dishes –– much to the delight of diners seated around its flattops –– back in April 1973. The location beside the RBC Convention Centre makes it a favourite for groups along with being a fabulous choice for families, as kids can’t get enough of the performance along with those kawaii cups they serve little ones. Easily one of the coolest dining rooms in the city.

JC’s Tacos & More

Chef/owners Marvin and Mayra Dubon are from El Salvador and Monterrey, Mexico respectively, the latter of which is celebrated for its burritos, which you can find on JC’s menu – including massive “El Señor” burritos for sharing. They opened back in May 2010 and on top of tacos, chef Marvin’s Salvadorian dishes like pupusas with a zingy curtido shouldn’t be missed. They also use local, ethically raised meat throughout their menu and you can tell Marvin just loves to cook.

Jenmuel’s Lechon Cebu & Grill

As the name indicates, this is a place for pork, with its Cebu-style boneless lechon stuffed then rolled and cooked to crispy perfection before being served by the kilo. There’s also a number of barbecue dishes like whole grilled squid, bulalo (shanks and bone marrow in a clear broth with vegetables), and seafood platters too. They also host boodle fights/kamayan feasts by request.

Juneberry

This cool spot features a fun dining room by Fireside Design (whose restaurant work also includes Harth and Nonsuch Brewery), a patio overlooking the Red River, and an experienced team of chefs and owners who have created a real gem that makes you wish all your previous restaurant jobs were in such a setting. Expect super tasty brunch with vegan options aplenty. It’s always busy, but you can now add your name to the waitlist online!

La Brasserie Nonsuch Brewing Co

Walking into the Rain Room at Nonsuch Brewing Co. (designed by locals Fireside Design Build) feels like walking straight into a scene out of Mad Men. The jewel-toned interior and comfy, low-slung seating will have you ordering a second Belgian cellar beer and staying all night. Their European ales are brewed with elevated ABVs, which gives you a great excuse to dive into the stellar food menu (don’t skip Canada’s best burger nor the vibrant veg-forward sides –– trust us).

La Crêperie Ker Breizh

After years in a kiosk on the Esplanade Riel, the Ker Briezh team opened its own charming café at the top of the Sherbrook strip just off Portage Avenue. The owners moved from Brittany, France, in 2018 and have since developed a devout following with their gluten-free, locally milled buckwheat crêpes that proudly state their local suppliers. On top of sweet and savoury crêpes, you’ll also find pastries like éclairs and Paris-Brest.

La Taqueria Mexican Street Tacos

This St. James spot opened in summer 2021 serving meticulously crafted, authentic cuisine from pozole to Yucatan-style cochinita pibil and a mushroom al pastor that is going to blow you away (take note vegans). La Taqueria’s food is by Cristhel Pipper, who came to Winnipeg from Córdoba, Veracruz, in 2019 and is now married to a resident of Sunny St. James, Lyle Jackman, who runs the shop with her. The chicken mole is a dream, and they occasionally do tortas (rare in Winnipeg) too. Throughout summer, you can also find their food truck using Instagram.

Magic Thailand

Winnipeg’s original authentic Thai restaurant, located in its unmissable green brick building, has been rocking for decades. Chef/owner Noy Vilaykeo has trained many other chefs on this list, including the family at Saba Thai and the owners of Thida’s Thai. It’s hard to pick a favourite dish, as everything Noy does sings with flavour, but locals will point you to her green curries and the delightfully sour tom yum, while Magic is also noted for kicking up the heat should you so choose.

Mar’s Sisig

While you’ll find all the staples here — from lumpia Shanghai to pancit, tosilog and beef pares –– it’s the sizzling sisig platters (that crispy, calamansi-kicked pork) that will fire up your tastebuds at this small restaurant in The Maples. The roster of authentic dishes includes paksiw na bangus (milkfish simmered in a vinegar broth) and pinakbet (a one pot meal featuring pork, prawns, okra and bitter melon).

Modern Electric Lunch

Main Street’s trendiest brunch joint, Modern Electric Lunch is all about glorious breakfast sandwiches, seasonal salads and fantastic coffee drinks served by some of the city’s peachiest people. It’s a cool room too, the sort of place you bring to impress a hip friend. Adults and kids alike will also appreciate the best pancakes in town, those being the apple pie pancakes with miso caramel streusel and whipped cream. When kids get these, the table becomes silent.

Né de Loup

Acclaimed chef Scott Bagshaw, who co-owns Passero and has seen many of his former restaurants like Máquè and Deseo Bistro grab national attention, revamped the space that once held his flagship restaurant Enoteca in October 2024. The menu now leans French with savoury gougères and duck and pistachio pâté en croute, found alongside Bagshaw classics like beef tartare with foie gras, and his irresistible fried chicken with crème fraîche and caviar. The elegant room is an ode to Parisian bistros with its textured booths and ruffled half curtains, while the Romulus and Remus wolf mother logo adds a Roman touch.

Nola

After taking bronze at the Canadian Culinary Championship and an impressive run on Top Chef Canada, chef Emily Butcher teamed up with Mike Del Buono of Burnley Place Hospitality to create Nola. This Saint-Boniface small-plates restaurant’s accolades include being #88 on the Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants guide (2026), making Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants long list and a rave review in The Globe and Mail. Dishes like Butcher’s signature scallops and lo bak go are guaranteed to leave an impression long after dessert. Don’t miss the Nola burger at lunch.

Oval Room Brasserie

The Hotel Fort Garry’s restored circa 1913 dining room is a real stunner with its plush olive- green chairs, ornate ceiling, and elegant vibes. Celebrated sommelier Christopher Sprague is on hand to recommend an incredible bottle (no matter your price range) to pair with dishes like perch with miso beurre blanc, moules frites and prime cuts of beef. New to the menu are airy pizzas made with a 72-hour cold fermented dough that you cut using huge scissors. In 2025, the Oval Room was also named by KAYAK and OpenTable as one of the 50 best hotel restaurants in Canada.

Oxbow Natural Wine Bar & Restaurant

The second venture from The Roost crew was featured in Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants long list in 2018. This hip South Osborne joint has a cozy vibe and a dining room featuring exposed brick and sturdy wood tables. The menu features handmade pastas, cuts like the mainstay Berkshire pork schnitzel with beurre blanc and English peas, vegan sides, and a fun array of snacks to pair with the low intervention/pét-nat-focused wine list. Great hidden patio that often plays host to events in summer.

Passero

Co-owned by nationally acclaimed executive chef Scott Bagshaw and Amanda Coe (who runs the front of house), Passero’s new, larger space on Corydon Avenue features lovely details from local award-winning design firm Design Shop, including an open kitchen where you can watch head chef Mitchell Man and his crew in action. Must-order dishes include the beef tartare on a potato cake, mushroom arancini on a bed of green goddess dressing, and the hand-cut tagliatelle with beef cheek ragù. The tidy wine list and cocktail menu are also sure to please. Reservations are a must generally a few weeks out.

Patent 5 Distillery

With an oak backdrop that was painstakingly reclaimed from the circa 1908 St. Regis Hotel, and a drinks program that has seen them land on the Canada’s 50 Best Bars list, you’re guaranteed a good pour from the Exchange District’s distillery. From almost every seat in the room you can see the kettles that produce some of smoothest vapour-infused gin and vodkas you’ve ever tasted. Having been operating since 2019, they also sell numerous aged spirits like award-winning whiskies, and the new 2024 SIP International double gold-winning 2-year aged rum made with Crosby’s molasses.

Peacock

Chef Ed Lam and Esther Lo closed their acclaimed Yujiro Japanese Restaurant (Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants #92 in 2024; #65 in 2025) in January 2026 then quickly reopened the dining room as Peacock. Let us tell you, this bird can fly. The menu is full of luxurious dishes that are Lam (and sous chef Lorenzo Joaquin) originals in every way, like a faux cappelletti bursting like xiao long bao with braised cumin lamb. Don’t skip pastry chef Keizelle Canaria’s desserts. After being open for just a few months, Peacock has already landed at #68 on the C100 list for 2026.

Petit Socco

In late summer 2022, one of the city’s most celebrated chefs, Adam Donnelly, took over its smallest kitchen and dining room with partner Courtney Molaro. From one of 12 seats, you can watch the former chef of Segovia –– a place that always made the Canada’s 100 best restaurants list –– prepare a four-course prix fixe menu small that changes almost weekly. With just two seatings per night, reservations (generally a few weeks in advance) are a must at this spot that claimed 5th (and won dish of the year) on Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants for 2023.

Pizzeria Gusto

Academy Road’s chicest room is where you’ll find visiting celebrities (they usually rent in the neighbourhood when filming) and Jets’ players on their nights off. The wood-fired pizzas are what first put Gusto on the map, although mains like the decadent seasonal mushroom risotto and new house made pasta dishes are rave-worthy too. This is the cornerstone concept from Academy Hospitality, whose portfolio includes several spaces within True North Square, including the even chicer Gusto North. Both Gustos have great patios and Italian cocktails.

Rae & Jerry’s

Canada’s oldest steakhouse is a scene straight out of a Tarantino film with its vibrant red vinyl chairs and plush carpets underfoot. Established in 1957 and located adjacent to CF Polo Park, this retro mainstay continues to serve charbroiled steaks with hokey side options like sliced tomatoes, onion salad and all manner of potatoes. You simply must order a martini with massive olives and be sure to grab a red clicky pen with your bill.

Resto Gare

This old school French joint is situated in the circa-1913 Saint Boniface Train Station. Along with the historic dining room, there’s an adjacent train dining cart for an even more whimsical setting along with a courtyard style patio with regular live music in the summer. The menu includes dishes like escargot, and foie gras with house compote starters, to a selection of signature crêpes, to mains like poulet cordon bleu and côtes d’agneau en persillade (rack of lamb) with demi-glace and mint jelly.

Roasted Nomad Coffee & Brunch

Locals didn’t mourn the closing of Marion Street Eatery for too long, as the Roasted Nomad quickly took over its much-loved space while featuring many of its former employees. Roasted Nomad is by Pam Holunga, who worked at the Marion for its final three years, along with numerous Winnipeg restaurants. Having also lived in Australia, Holunga has put coffee service at the Nomad on a pedestal, while dishes like eggs Benedict (on a croissant or gluten-free toast), fluffy blueberry pancakes topped with caramel sauce and sliced bananas, and a colourful rendition of huevos rancheros will start your morning right.

Sabai Thai Eatery

Chef-owners and sisters Vilayphone Manivong and Supasorn Sayavongsa run this delightful little spot with Vilayphone’s daughter, Annie Manivong in River Heights. This family affair has its roots with the North End’s legendary Magic Thailand, where Vilayphone and Supasorn both trained (indeed, the family first bought the place in 2013 from Kham Vilaykeo, who opened it in 2007, and whose mom, Noy Vilaykeo, is the owner of Magic Thailand). Can’t miss dishes include the yellow curry Chaing Mai noodles and the textural delight of the three mushroom panang curry.

Saperavi

One of only a handful of Georgian restaurants in all of Canada, Saparavi has become a comfort food staple on Corydon for its carb-alicious dishes like khachapuri imeruli and khachapuri Adjaruli, along with Khinkali (Georgian dumplings) and shashlik. The beer list is all European, plus there’s plenty of Georgian wines on the menu.

Sargent Taco Shop

When owner Carlos Bosque moved here from Mexico City, he was puzzled by the lack of the Mexico City and Puebla-style tacos on offer. So, he opened this West End gem where two of the main stars are mole –– which he does in the Puebla-style for chicken tacos, and huitlacoche (corn musk) which he pairs with rajas and grilled panela cheese. They also have a nice list of antojitos featuring several churros, molletes and tortas.

Sassy Thai

These cozy little nook in Charleswood started serving some of the city’s best Thai cuisine in spring 2024. The kitchen is helmed by Sasithorn Thorsteinson (who goes by Nan) and Angkul Muensuk (who goes by Thon), with a menu that points to their northern Thai hometowns of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. Nan’s husband Kris, a native Winnipegger, runs the front of house where you must order colourful dishes like the signature khao soi, masaman curry and pad kee mao.

Shirley’s

Chef Renée Girard, who The Globe and Mail called one of Canada’s next top chefs in 2019, finally has her own joint. Named after her beloved grandmother, Shirley’s dazzles with unexpected dishes like perhaps the city’s best fries (brined before frying and served with a mussel aioli) to heavenly salads and handmade pastas that will have you singing their al dente praises. Reservations for the dining room are a must, while the walk-in bar top boasts some pitch perfect cocktails. Air Canada called it one of Canada’s Best New Restaurants for 2025.

Address
587 St Anne's Rd
Telephone
204-254-7765

Siam Authentic Thai Cuisine

Siam Thai is Winnipeg’s only Thai restaurant awarded the “Thai SELECT Signature” certification by the Royal Thai Government, and at the time it was only one of only nine restaurants to have received this “signature” certification in Canada. It’s located in a strip mall in River Park South, featuring excellent lunch combos that come with their famous Thai spring rolls. Siam Thai recently renovated the dining room, creating an ambiance that is now fitting of the quality of its cuisine. Popular dishes include coconut prawns, golden purses, stir fry chicken with cashew over rice, and panang curry.

Silver Heights

The Siwicki family has been holding down this St James hotspot since 1957. Steer yourself under its bull-ish black sign and grab a seat with all the locals who are most likely eating ribs — both classic baby back pork and massive beef versions — while marking some sort of occasion. The lengthy menu also includes several varieties of loaded fries, wings galore, so many burgers and daily drink specials.

SMITH

Winnipeg’s busiest hotel restaurant has a top-notch craft cocktail program featuring some tasty 2-oz pours complemented with house-made bitters and syrups, along with taps that only feature the best local beers and ciders. The whisky and scotch lists are extensive and dishes like the pounded cheese with cider gastrique and sourdough, smoked olives and chips and dip will keep you coming back for more. Plus, there’s often live entertainment in the handsome lounge.

SOHO Kitchen & Wine

The colourful egg-centric plates and pastas will cry for attention at this busy European breakfast and lunch spot in The Exchange District. The menu is by chef Oleksandr Bohdan, a Ukrainian who worked as the sous chef in the Michelin-starred Veritas Restaurant in Napoli, Italy before moving here in 2023. Expect eggs Benedict in several incarnations, delicate crepes and pancakes in both sweet and savoury formats, vibrant meal-sized salads and even veal ossobuco. There’s an extensive list of coffee drinks too, as owner Hryhorii Alieksanov also has SHO Coffee & Bar around the corner at 290 William Avenue.

Solera

This new speakeasy of sorts by MDS Restaurant Group (Sous Sol, Tabula Rasa, Rudy’s) is located within Tabula Rasa and is all kinds of sexy, albeit with an “accidentally-on-purpose ship theme.” You enter via bookcase through the Tabula Rasa hallway and what awaits are perfectly balanced cocktails served in a narrow, hip room with comfortable two-and four-tops along with an L-shaped bar. Browsing the drinks list alone is worth the trip.

Sous Sol

The city’s coolest (and oft-whackiest) basement dining room has been wowing diners since it opened in 2015. Don’t let the crazy 8-bit website, kitschy art and entrance that reads “Vandelay Industries” fool you; the cooking is seriously professional and seriously delicious with its à la carte mains swimming in luscious sauces. The cocktail program is outstanding, and the service is par excellence.

Tabula Rasa

From the fine folks who brought us Sous Sol, Tabula Rasa is yet another impressive spot in South Osborne. The tapas menu has plenty of wow items, like grilled octopus with romesco, charred orange and white beans, along with a delightful array of veg-forward dishes. The craft cocktails are balanced, it’s local beer only on draft, and there’s plenty of interesting wines and ciders. For other cocktails and more, you can also pull back the bookshelf to enter Solera.

Tito Boy

This stylish daughter-father run Philippine joint is the first spot of its kind in St. Vital. The kitchen is helmed by Agustin “Tito Boy” Doming, while it is owned and operated by his daughter Jackie Wild. The menu features fun updates on traditional dishes including several types of silog and arroz caldo (breakfast is served all day, and includes gluten-free ube mochi waffles), along with pancit, kare kare, and adobo. Communal-style kamaya dinners (which involve eating with your hands from a large spread presented on banana leaves) can also be booked in advance of your party’s visit.

Vida Cucina Italia

Vida Cucina Italia is The Fort Garry Hotel’s ritzy, fine-dining Italian restaurant. Its menu is all about authentic Italian cuisine, particularly of the Neapolitan variety, all complimented by a 2025 Wine Spectator ‘Best of Award of Excellence’ wine list with over 300 wines, curated by Wine Director Christopher Sprague. Expect fantastic service and a room set to impress with its black marble and eye-catching grappa bar – the city’s largest grappa and amaro bar.

Wasabi Sabi

Chef Cho Venevongsa’s Wasabi concept has been operating for more than 20 years, having opened his first spot in Osborne Village in 1999. At both the Taylor and Broadway locations you can expect artful plating; excellent fish for the maki, sashimi and nigiri; and a number of hot specialties like miso-marinated sablefish, Korean-style grilled lamb chops and several versions of wagyu.

Filter by