Restaurants in Alberta
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A
Da-De-O
The best Cajun diner this side of The Big Easy, with checkerboard floors, '50s-style booths and tunes born on the bayou. Hitch yourself up to the counter and tuck into an order of jambalaya. It's a little slice of Bourbon St in the Great White North. Go on, eat to the beat, you know you want to.
reviewed
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B
Peter's Drive-In
In 1962 Peter's opened its doors and locals have been flocking there ever since for the super-thick shakes, burgers off the grill and fries done the way they should be. It's a true drive-in, so either bring the car along or be happy to eat on the lawn out front. On a Friday night, it's a popular hangout for the automotive set.
reviewed
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C
High Level Diner
If you want to catch up with some locals over eggs then the High Level Diner is the place to go. It's a friendly, popular eatery, right beside the river, and a great way to start the day.
reviewed
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D
Shumka
You can't come to Edmonton and not tuck into some good Ukrainian food. With a huge Ukrainian population, the city is speckled with authentic options. Shumka is a standout, although your first impression will be, 'I drove all the way out here for this?' Don't let the mini-mall location discourage you; the pierogi and cabbage rolls are topnotch.
reviewed
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E
Melrose Café & Bar
Right in the epicenter of cool Calgary culture on 17th Ave, Melrose has been starting and finishing nights out since it was cool to go there and watch Melrose Place. The gourmet pizzas are great to share over one of the many beers available on tap. The patio is legendary and the scene is an electic mix of lounging locals.
reviewed
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F
Yianni's
This is a great traditional Greek restaurant with a mint location right on Whyte Ave - big windows open onto the street, making it a prime spot for watching the world go by. There are two levels of eating to double your pleasure - opa!
reviewed
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G
Café Mosaics
An Edmonton institution, the funky art, creaky wood floors and cool vibe brings 'em in here, and the amazing vegetarian food keeps them coming back (go for the tofu curry). Full of that style you just can't manufacture, it'll make your day.
reviewed
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H
Koi
It's not every place you can have a great meal of Asian-inspired tapas while being serenaded by the spun wax of a good DJ. Sharing food with friends is the idea here, but the trouble is, the food's just too good to share.
reviewed
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I
The Broken Plate
Great Greek food right in the heart of Kensington, one of the coolest neighborhoods in town. Yummy pastas, pizzas and traditional Greek fare are the go in the open, light-filled dining area.
reviewed
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J
Le Chien Chaud
Gourmet hot dogs? Sounds like a contradiction in terms, but delicious they are. With more varieties of tube-steak than previously thought possible, this place can even cater to vegetarians.
reviewed
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K
Nellie's Kitchen
Nellie's has long been a favorite place to start the day, catch up with friends and attempt to quell a hangover. Awesome big breakfasts, bottomless coffee and funky style are the hallmarks of this 17th Ave stalwart. Nellie's is a growing empire these days, but the original is still the best.
reviewed
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L
Open Sesame
In the cavernous basement of the Smugglers Inn Steakhouse, this Asian fusion noodle house is something you have to experience. You can order off the menu, but the way to go is to make it yourself. You just choose the meat or seafood you want to be in the stir-fry and then they give you a bowl to cruise through the buffet.
Load up on veggies, grab a few scoops of your choice of sauce and then drop it off at the kitchen where your meal is stir-fried and brought out to you. Great fun - but if you don't like your meal, the only person to blame is yourself.
reviewed
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M
Hardware Grill
When you really want to impress, head to this upmarket oasis. Perched on the brink of the dodgy end of town, this former hardware store has become the undisputed champ of restaurants in Edmonton. Featuring a suburb wine list and a menu that is nothing short of inspiring, with an emphasis on game and fusion cooking, memorable will be the word you'll use to describe this culinary adventure. Go for the elk - where else are you going to get the chance?
reviewed
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N
River Café
Take the stroll over to Prince's Island to find this magnificent dining option, where the food is prepared with passion and love. Ingredients are sourced locally and meant to be savored at a relaxed pace. The stunning setting and mouthwatering cuisine make the River Café a standout in a town full of great places to eat.
reviewed
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O
Bumper's Beef House
Northeast of the center, Bumper's remains a local institution. Prime rib in several sizes is the specialty, aged 21 days by the restaurant. Some steaks come with a pat of seasoned butter on top, just in case you're worried about your calories. But that shouldn't stop you from loading up at the throwback salad bar.
reviewed
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P
Bison
At street level this chic restaurant has an upscale deli serving exquisite little sandwiches and other gourmet treats. Upstairs the bright and airy dining room overlooks both the peaks and an open kitchen. Wood-fired pizzas are tops, as are boldly flavored seafood and meat mains. Many specials.
reviewed
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Q
Le Beaujolais
More exclusive than its mass-market namesake grape, this old-world restaurant has a classic French menu of the kind rarely seen anymore in a world of fusion this and global that. Think lobster vichyssoise and chateaubriand. Tables in the 2nd-floor dining room overlook the park and river.
reviewed
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R
Grizzly House
Another place that will take you back to the days when disco was cutting-edge, this old-time fondue house has timeless dark booths where you and your partner can do much dipping. Should you need to come up for air, there's a small patio out front that's good for watching street action.
reviewed
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S
Mercato
Traditional Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting. The menu is fantastic with authentic dishes from the old country. Delicate pastas are intertwined with seafood and other carnivorous options. The wine list is stellar, with a great selection of Italian wines to complement the fine food.
reviewed
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T
Sahara
Tucked downstairs with windows filled with water pipes and walls draped in red cloth, this Lebanese restaurant is a taste sensation. The aromatic smells fill the room as you dig into the traditional dishes. The combo platters are awesome, especially if you come complete with friends.
reviewed
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U
Metropolitan Grill
With a prime location on Stephen Ave Walk, the Met Grill is a trendy and tasty place to grab a bite. Specializing in North American dishes with a fancy twist, the patio out front is a perfect location to have some lunch and take in the views of all the beautiful people.
reviewed
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V
Caesar's Steak House
You're in the heart of beef country so it's only right to sink your teeth into some prime Alberta AAA steak. Caesar's has been in the game for a long time and that experience shows - the cuts of meat are top drawer and the service is what you'd expect for the price.
reviewed
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Red Water Grill
This nice-looking place, south of the downtown core, is easy to find, easy to park at and an easy place to get a good feed. Traditional Canadian dishes are prepared with a bit of extra flair and style. If you're looking for a nicer midrange option, this is the one.
reviewed
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W
Madison's Grill
Located in the Union Bank Inn and continuing the same amazing standards of service and quality, delicate meats and seafood are prepared here with flair. The dining room is elegant, the service is topnotch and the wine is up to scratch, as you would expect.
reviewed
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X
Coyotes
Southwestern cuisine is on stage in the open kitchen at this bustling favorite. Grab a counter spot for a front-row seat. Popular items include spicy black bean burritos, four chili pork chops and that heaven-sent hangover cure, huevos rancheros.
reviewed
