Edmonton is not only brimming with culture and history – but amazing eats too! Whether you’re a resident or come as a guest, it’s not hard to find many different varieties of cuisine throughout each side of the city. As a community, YEG is striving to strengthen the cultural bonds within. From festivals, such as Taste of Edmonton that happens annually in July to the Heritage Festival at William Hawrelak Park in August – and all the other festivals in between – there are many other savory, authentic, and one of kind restaurants with their open signs flashing, beckoning you to come in and surprise your taste buds.Helping you make the decision to try something new should be easy. Here is a compiled list of locally owned restaurants on each side of Edmonton we recommend giving a taste!
Franco’s Pizza & Steak House – If you’re looking for a quiet restaurant setting to cozy up to your partner, Franco’s Pizza & Steak House is a hidden gem on the North East of Edmonton. Established in 1978 Franco’s is bringing a little piece of Italy to Edmonton. With a fantastic wine selection, massive portions and steaks cooked to perfection, you’ll leave full with some for later!
We recommend: the lasagna or steak sandwich.
Franco’s is located at 12881 50 Street.
Uncle Ed’s Restaurant – If you’re in the mood for an authentic taste of the Ukraine, look no further! Uncle Ed’s is a family restaurant, that truly makes you feel like Uncle Ed is – well – your uncle! With a great selection of home style food such as sour cabbage rolls, perogies, sausages, borscht, and so much more! There’s even a deli connected to the restaurant where you can buy Ukrainian dishes in bulk, or just for some snacks.
We recommend: the Nalysnyky.
Uncle Ed’s is located at 4824 118 Avenue.
Swiss 2 Go – In Old Town Beverly is an authentic Swiss sandwich shop. With fresh pretzels, delicious soups and delectable hand crafted desserts there are many different options to explore. This shop is run and owned by a local business owner, who takes pride in the delicious and friendly nature of her store. You won’t be disappointed!
We recommend: The Spring Light Sandwich.
Swiss to Go is located at 4306 118 Avenue.
Café Amore Bistro – Family owned and operated, Café Amore specializes in genuine Italian seafood and pasta. With one visit, you’ll instantly get the feeling of warmth and welcome as the owners themselves will greet you, get to know you, and remember you next time! Delight your palate with today’s special, or embark on a flavor adventure with our recommendations: starting with the non-deep fried Calamari in a spicy tomato sauce with bread for dipping; the Calabrese penne and Italian sausage with tomato sauce and rapini will take you back to Italy in one bite! Finish off with the authentic Italian cappuccino or latte with lemon gelato. Get ready to experience a sensational meal that’ll have you planning your next visit before you leave.
Café Amore Bistro is located at 10807 106 Avenue.
Pagolac Vietnamese Restaurant – If you’re looking to try some delicious in house made soup – look no further! Pagolac restaurant has some of the best Pho dishes in Edmonton. In the heart of China Town in, there is quite the variety of Pho you can order.
We recommend: The #29, well done beef Pho. Another great option is Pho with meatballs!
Pagolac is located at 10566 97 Street.
Tres Carnales – In a little taqueria designed to look like it’s straight out of Mexico, Tres Carnales is a must try when in the Downtown core. With some of the most delicious true to form Mexican food in the city, don’t let the line up outside scare you! Service is fast, atmosphere is as close to being in the heart of Mexico, and the food is erupting with delicious sabor amidst the sounds of guitar strings being plucked.
We recommend: Fish Tacos – but anything on the menu will surely have you coming back!
Tres Carnales is located at 10119 100A Street – Rice Howard Way.
Rockin’ Robyn’s Diner – Walk through the front doors and be instantly transported back in time! This diner is a throwback to the 50’s with all retro décor floor to ceiling. An old Juke Box, articles and photos that’ll have any regular patron – or baby boomer – amused, retro seating (bar stools and booths) and some of the best old fashioned pies in the city are just a few reasons to why Rockin’ Robyn’s should be on your list of restaurants you NEED to try.
We recommend: The Mexican Omelet and Perogy Pie.
Rockin’ Robyn’s Diner is located at 16604 109 Avenue.
Szechuan Castle – Hands down one of the best local Chinese buffet’s in Edmonton. Not only does the building resemble an actual castle, the food is always hot, fresh, and with good presentation – Chinese cuisine doesn’t get much better than this. The staff is always very attentive, constantly checking in to refill your drinks, see how your meal is tasting, and if there is anything else they can assist you with. Enjoy a comfortable meal with your friends amongst others at a decent price. This restaurant will leave you full and extremely content!
We recommend: fried Chicken Wings and the Sweet and Sour Pork.
Szechuan Castle is located at 15415 111 Avenue.
Prairie Noodle Shop – From Edmonton to MasterChef Canada runner up’s, Prairie Noodle has a lot to offer! Excellent and fast customer service to guide your taste buds on a journey with large ramen bowls created right in front of you! A local twist, great atmosphere, and a variety of flavors – you won’t be disappointed!
We recommend: Spicy Garlic Miso Pork.
Prairie Noodle Shop is located at 10350 124 Street.
Next Act Pub – If you’re looking for somewhere to relax and feel welcome among an eclectic crowd, look no further. Next Act Pub is more than a pub. It gives you the sense of community and belonging from the moment you step foot inside. With excellent staff who are willing to go out of their way to make sure you’re satisfied and a variety of Craft beers in house, Next Act is a perfect place to meet your friends before exploring Whyte Avenue.
We recommend: PB & J Burger.
Next Act Pub is located at 8224 104 Street.
DaDeO’s New Orleans Diner & Bar – True to its history, DaDeO’s provides an outstanding mix of Cajun cooking in a retro fitted diner. Vinyl booths fill this restaurant, along with mini-juke boxes for each table – the air is full of classic music and delicious New Orleans’s aromas. Right on Whyte Ave in a lively atmosphere, DaDeO’s will not disappoint with their fast service, delicious food, and a variety of Cajun dishes. Make a reservation, or stop in – you won’t regret your choice.
We recommend: Shrimp Po’boys with sweet potato fries.
DaDeO’s is located at 10548A Whyte Avenue.
Irie Foods – Hands down one of the best Jamaican and Caribbean locally owned restaurants in Edmonton. Located in Millwoods, Irie Foods brings the tropics to your taste buds with instant flavor. The menu holds a variety of different meals which makes choosing just one very difficult. Regardless what you choose, you won’t regret it! From anywhere between $10 to $25, the servings are large, the staff is friendly, and the meat falls right off the bone.
We recommend: Ox Tail or Jerk Chicken.
Irie Foods is located at 2807 Millwoods Rd.
What are some of your favorite local restaurants? Leave us a comment on Facebook.