Edmonton Dinner Recommendations
 

Heading up to EDM this week to look for a suit for the kids Grad. Going to need a spot for supper on Thursday night. Going to be staying near West Ed but not opposed to a bit of a drive for a good meal.

Not looking for dress up fancy but want a spot that makes you say " damn we need to go there again". Open to anything but Indian food, cant stand the stuff.

Oh and cant be a pub. Kid is only 17.

Thanks
Hilgy.

The Keg or the Cactus Club are always great but expensive.

We usually go to the Keg, or to Chops, or to the Earls on 50th.

The Black Pearl is pretty good.
A bit expensive but good.

Barbacoa in Spruce Grove is really good. Not too far of a drive from west end

Depends what you like, Thanh Thanh for Vietnamese (by the Royal Alex) and for just a great pizza and craft beer, Lore Pizza (west end). Both are casual.

Zambellis. Huge portions, great meals. Go and have their prime rib. You’ll thank me later.

Where we usually go when on the west end. Just have to ignore the sour puss manager, after 25 years he still won't say hello to us. We are fans of their pizza.

I’ve heard a lot of positive about rng rd in westmount area.

Downtown:
If you like seafood Sabor is great.
Tzin I really enjoyed, chef decided tapas style.

Whyte ish: darling is great quality but not large portion.

Sushi: Kobachi in Sherwood park

I always thought it was because he doesn’t speak very good English. Think he is Greek.

I would suggest a visit to Blowers and Grafton. I don’t eat out all that much but it was a really good experience from the service to the food and layout!

Chop Steakhouse and have the smoked rib-eye. You won’t regret it.

Too noisy!

Go to the TRANSIT

https://transitsmokehousebbq.com/

Iconic NE Edmonton building rejuvenated into a BBQ hot spot.

A few Suggestions. Not chain type restaurants, all with their unique atmosphere and great food.

Italian - Sorrentinos West End 170 St 69 Ave or Nello's and Luisa's in St Albert

Pizza Tony's on 96ST and 111 Ave Or for real casual the Italian Shop on 170 St and 90 Ave

Chinese - Dim Sum Delight on 170 St and 107 Ave or Jumbo Dim Sum on 170 St and 105 Ave

Steak - Coliseum Steak and Pizza 118 and 81 St

Chicken - Northern Chicken on 124 St 107 Ave

Mexican - El Mariachi 124 St 110 Ave

Czech Food - Bistro Praha 101 St 101 Ave - Great Shnitzel

Higher End - Normand's on Jasper and 116 St

A real unique and great experience with great food, La Ronde revolving Restaurant downtown.

If you want BBQ, Memphis Blues on 127 St 167 Ave

Avoid Range Road - Probably one of the most over rated restaurants in Edmonton and VERY expensive..

Avoid the Transit BBQ or Blue BBQ near the Mayfield hotel. Also avoid Earls on Jasper.

Sicilian pasta kitchen on saddleback road and 34 (?) street. I personally feel the sicilian is better than Chianti or Sorrentino’s. However, Sorrentino’s is only behind by a nose.

Homefire grill is near west edmonton. It used to be terrific; not sure if it still is. I haven’t been there in probably 5-10 years. Not sure why as I think about it.

Last time I ate at Homefire Grill was about 2 years ago. Portions had gotten much smaller, prices were WAY up and the selection on the menu was down. They may have improved since then, but I haven't been back, even though I used to like the place.

A place to avoid that I forgot to mention is Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse on 100 Ave and 170 St in the West End. Way over priced for quite poor cuts of meat, and very slow service.

Thanks everyone. Lots to choose from.

Dean thanks for taking the time to put all this down. . Exactly what I was looking for in some options that aren’t chain restaurants.

Hilgy

Hi Dean, I did hear a rumor that Northern Chicken was closing on Feb 15th , haven't confirmed if this is true on not..??

Both Northern Chicken locations have sadly closed. Best chicken in Edmonton IMO.

To the OP, if you want BBQ go to MEAT on Whyte Ave. For something a little different try Pampa Brazilian. Think there is one on the west side now. We go to the one DT. Also Melting Pot for fondue is fun but it’s on the Southside. Another favourite of ours is Watari on 124st. All you can eat Japanese. Write down what you want on the sheet they give you and they bring it out tapas style.

One thing that I have noticed is how much different locations of the same chain vary. We have a favorite Keg, and Earls, yet we avoid others altogether. And of course restaurants change over time, some that used to offer great food and service, a couple or years ago, are now sub standard in both categories.
I went to Pampa years ago, and enjoyed it, but now I hear that both the food and service have slipped .
Yet Coliseum, was still excellent, when we ate there last fall.

I have yet to go - but I hear it's really good.

I have 2 spots on Whyte that are my go to's. First is Meat on Calgary Trail. Casual atmosphere, not too loud and great food. Second is my all time fav, DaDeo. Its a 50's style dinner with amazing cajun style food.

I have heard of Pampa steaks ,but i have not been there yet .
Can anyone recommend this place if they have gone ....any good ?

River Cree for $23.99 steak and prawns. Only had this once but surprisingly good steak.....prawns weren't too bad either last time there. Not sure if it's a hit and miss type place though, maybe others here know.

https://www.rivercreeresort.com/dini.../steak-prawns/

Our family really enjoys MEAT as well. Consistently great BBQ. Casual evening out. Bet your boy would be happy you took him there.

One place that we have started to enjoy recently is D'Arcy's smokehouse in St. Albert:
https://darcysmeats.ca/blogs/blog/in...t-in-st-albert

We do love our smoked meats... :D

I haven't been there in several years, but I was there twice before, and it was excellent. We all ordered the special which was a huge variety of meats, so you want to have a large appetite. I have heard however, that the service isn't as good anymore, but I can't confirm that, and the people telling me didn't specify which location.

Hilgy,

You are from the Blackfalds area. Food is food. Now for something "special".

My Family has been going to Chateau Lacombe Laronde Restaurant since I was a kid because it has the most incredible view of the River Valley, as well as the whole City out to WEM.

Laronde can be somewhat expensive, but no different than any other good restaurant. What you are getting is great service, with a view you cannot believe. Check if they do the "Baked Alaskan" for dessert. You may have to ask for it beforehand when you make the reservation.

For best effect, book for the hour before sunset and see the sunset. As the High Level Bridge lights up, it is pretty amazing.

My European relatives where very impressed with the food / the view.

This is a one of a kind place.

Drewski

I liked them when they were downtown. The one in the West end is not good. Last time I was there is about 6 months ago. Poor cuts of meat, REALLY slow service so it is only all you can eat if you have a lot of patience, really cheap cuts come around way more often than the better meats. They also lie their face off trying to get your cell number or email. No idea what the heck that is about, but no reason a restaurant needs that and my credit card number unless they are up to something shady.

Stinky is right, D'arcy's Smoke house in St Albert is good. Only been there once, but will go back. Not much for atmosphere though, just a small place in a strip mall looking at the Esso parking lot.

Drewski is dead on about LaRonde in the Chateau Lacombe.

Meat on White is probably the best BBQ in Edmonton but I hate White Ave.