Best restaurant in Edmonton?

[freelancer]

I'm visiting in August and want to dine at the best restaurant in Edmonton. I like fine dining - but in an innovative and exciting style of North American cuisine. Looking for a trendy atmosphere if possible. Any suggestions?? Thanks so much!

[boxerdude]

my faves are Jack's Grill, Red Ox, and Blue Pear. Culina is great - i like both of them.

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Blue Pear Restaurant
10643 123 Street, Edmonton, AB T5N 1P3, CA

Jack's Grill
5842 111 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 3G1, CA

[freelancer]

Suede will be a problem for me as it's not open on Sundays. Looking for a trendy cocktail/martini bar that serves great apps that's open late on Sundays.

What are your thoughts on Devlin's and Savoy??

And Packrat Louie?

[cleopatra999]

Devlin's and Savoy are young crowd. Packrat Louie is more of a restaurant, don't know that it is open late, but it is great!

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Packrat Louie
10335 - 83rd Ave, Edmonton, AB T6E 2C6, CA

[freelancer]

Hopefully the crowd isn't too young - drunkeness - not my thing! I was thinking about Packrat Louie for breakfast or lunch!! Great to hear it is awesome!

Still trying to fit in Blue Pear for dinner but it's pricey since I'll have a guest (otherwise, I wouldn't care!).

[cleopatra999]

On Sunday nights the Blue Pear does a 3 course menu for less also they have free corkage on Wednesdays. Might ease the pocket book a bit.

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Blue Pear Restaurant
10643 123 Street, Edmonton, AB T5N 1P3, CA

[Dan G]

I think Blue Pear has it's 3 course menu every night for seatings up until 6 pm

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Blue Pear Restaurant
10643 123 Street, Edmonton, AB T5N 1P3, CA

[freelancer]

I think I'll make it to the Blue Pear after all! My friend doesn't eat late so it might just be me. So I might take her to Packrat Louie for lunch or brunch!

Are there any equally or closely amazing places near WEM?

[cleopatra999]

nope. the best out there is Cactus Club which is a chain, or ethnic food.

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Cactus Club Cafe
7010 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0L3, CA

[freelancer]

Yuck!

I booked a reservation for earlier in the evening so that I can take my friend out as well :) I compared the Baby menu vs. the regular menu and it seems that I wouldn't love any of the appetizers anyway since I don't eat seafood... And it's just missing a course, which I think is fine with me.

I tried calling to ask about the differences though and the guy who answered was pretty cold about the whole thing. Which leads me to ask, how is the service?

And do you have recs for entrees and dessert?

Thanks so much for this awesome suggestion! I'm looking forward to eating some good food while in Edmonton even though my trip is super short!

[Dan G]

I assume you are talking about Blue Pear...can't make any recommendations, as the menu changes frequently and I haven't tried any of the current selections.

Service is usually outstanding. Phone calls there, not so much as you may have just gotten kitchen staff. At front of house however, Kim (server/sommelier) and Janice (server) are both great (as are the other newer staff who I can't remember their names).

[cleopatra999]

total agreement with Dan G. You could always try emailing them, I have usually gotten a good response time when communicating that way.

I am confused though, and want to make sure you are looking at the right menu? the baby is missing 2 courses, and it doesn't have any seafood on either of the appetizers? I know what I would pick for the entree : that guinea hen sounds amazing!!

[freelancer]

Thanks Cleopatra999! Thanks for the email tip - you're right, it's way better that way.

Sorry, I was looking at both menus and the regular menu seemed to have some seafood apps - shellfish etc. So the Baby Menu might be more appropriate for me!

however, as I said, the menu is apparently changing so while I would also get the guinea hen, I have no idea what they'll come up with on Saturday!!

Since Suede is closed on Sundays, I think it'll be Devlin's or Savoy for drinks and apps, unless there is a place for midnight bites!

Now I just need to find a place for a quick bite to eat near the Starlite Room in the afternoon! If you have any suggestions, feel free!

[cleopatra999]

what time on Saturday? you are close to the Downtown Farmers market.

[freelancer]

I'll grab lunch at the City Market on Saturday - any recs there? I'll be super lost so if you have any suggestions, that'd be awesome.

A quick bite to eat near the Starlite room on Sunday is the real quandry. It doesn't have to be fancy, something that I can take with me while waiting in line would be ideal (but still delicious and nutritious!)

[cleopatra999]

I have not been to the market this year (as I moved out of province), if you don't get a response here, make a new post.

re. food on Sunday, not nutritious but pretty good & fast is Mucho Burrito. I cannot really think of anything else right now. will think on it.

[freelancer]

Thanks for the Burrito suggestion! It sounds fast and good - so that would be perfect. I love burritos too.

[freelancer]

Blue Pear indeed. I think the menu is changing this week and will probably be in place by the weekend! So I'll definitely let you know what they've got there!

Thanks for the feedback about the service. I think I might have gotten the kitchen staff. And Kim was the one who originally left a voicemail on my machine and she sounded super nice. I should have just asked for her!

[freelancer]

Thanks so much for the Blue Pear rec!!!! I was just going to go to the Hardware Grill but maybe I will change that to the Blue Pear. What are your thoughts on Hardware Grill, btw?

And maybe I'll stop by Culina for my other night for something more hip!

You guys rock. Any suggestions for late night appetizers and some awesome martinis with a hip and trendy atmosphere?

[cleopatra999]

there has been a lot of discussion about Hardware Grill on this space. Seems people either love it or swear it is not worth it. I feel that it is not as good as Blue Pear. They really seem to cater to the business crowd, it is a big room, that can be quite loud. The dishes are massive, which I guess is alluring for some, for me, it just meant I had to bring a doggie bag home. Our server judged us based on our age and was not good at describing the menu items.

Another place I did not mention is Character's. We went there for New Year's Eve this year, and loved it. I believe that they have the best atmosphere in the city. You will again get mixed opinions on this place.

for late night, does it matter where in the city? most of these are downtown
Tzin (wine bar) is open until midnight on the weekends
Suede Lounge would be first choice
The Hat (more pub style)
Twisted Fork Diner (university area) open until 1am on weeknights
Fluid Lounge (may be quite young, not sure)
you could always take a walk down Whyte Ave, there should be places open there.

[MrsCris]

+1 for Suede. I think it has the vibe you're asking for.
Another option is Cafe Select, also downtown, for late night eats and good cocktails. It's vibe isn't necessarily what it used to be, but it's still pretty good.

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Cafe Select
10018 106st, Edmonton, AB T5J 1G1, CA

[freelancer]

Thanks for the rec on Suede, Cleopatra999 and MrsCris! I will be downtown and it's a Saturday night. I'll be solo - hence I just want a place for some apps and drinks. Something chic! I probably won't get to stop by till close to midnight.

Thanks for the feedback on Hardware Grill. A colleague recommended it a while ago and I read through some of the discussion on it here. When I looked at the menu, it seemed good but very classic and the atmosphere seemed really stuffy and old. At least from their website. Massive portions are great, when you live there but when you're visiting, not so much.

And I HATE it when servers judge you on age. I happen to be younger, I dine solo when I travel, and I don't drink wine. But don't think I won't drop a small fortune on what I do order.

[freelancer]

Shoot, Suede is closed on Sundays! Any other options aside from the ones listed for Sunday night? I really liked the vibe of Suede! :( I'm going to a concert on Sunday evening so will be appropriately glam, so that would have been a great fit.

[ybnormal]

I think everyone has convinced me to try Culina Mill Creek this Friday evening - my wife and I will be coming up from Calgary for the weekend.

Out of curiousity, why this Culina, and not Highlands? Menus look completely different.

[itwillmakeaturd]

"Out of curiousity, why this Culina, and not Highlands?"

because

"Menus look completely different."

Aside from the name they are different restaurants. Culina Highlands used to be Bacon, which was not very good Ukrainian fusion. After Bacon went out of business the Culina team took it over but preserved a lot of its identity. I haven't been since the change, but in my experience Culina Mill Creek is rock solid.

[anonymoose]

I like both... but yes the menus are different. Highlands won a spot on the 2009 top 10 best new Canadian restaurants from enRoute magazine. Millcreek is probably a little more polished, food-wise. So my recommendation is to try both and see for yourself which you like best!

[Larry33]

Been to both. Liked both.

Both have a quaint neighborhoodie feel and unique menus.

I would return to both given the chance. Mill Creek is a little hipper and has an international twist whereas Highlands has a Ukrainian fusion thing going on.

[ybnormal]

Thanks for the explanations. Will let you know how our dinner goes Friday!

We're also supposed to meet some friends for Sunday Brunch - they are suggesting Sawmill Terra Losa. After looking at the other recent thread for Sawmill, do you have any suggestions to counteract this?

[cleopatra999]

Was there for father's Day brunch. Not nearly as bad as I thought that it would be. while the whole Sawmill chain (IMO) is seriously lacking in many ways, they pull of an okay brunch (buffet). If it is on the scale of the FD one, they had plenty of fresh fruit, an omelette station and the other typical brunch fare (thin over salty bacon, dry pastries etc etc) Are there better places out there? Absolutely!!

here are a couple of posts on that, don't think much has changed since then. I have a suggestion for you to go to Culina Highlands for dinner and Milcreek for Sunday Brunch. BTW, in case it has not been suggested, you need reservations at Culina.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/601988?tag=search_results;results_list
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6499...

[ybnormal]

Thanks - I have a reservation at Mill Creek tonight (closer to where we are staying). Would love to try the brunch there, but looks like it might be a logistical headache with some kids of the friends we are visiting. Buffet it is I guess!

I'll dig through the posts and see...

[misterpeer]

Madison's Grill or Wild Flower Grill

[ihatepickyeaters]

hands down, no question for me. The Blue Pear. Innovative, uses local ingredients, and imho, is the best restaurant in Edmonton.

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Blue Pear Restaurant
10643 123 Street, Edmonton, AB T5N 1P3, CA

[foodiesnorth]

Like all the restos listed very much (except Murietta's). I agree Blue Pear is the best for innovation and use of local products. CUlina is a close second with Red Ox filling out my top three (for innovation and local fare).

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Blue Pear Restaurant
10643 123 Street, Edmonton, AB T5N 1P3, CA

[egon61]

I'll throw in votes for Red Ox Inn and Culina Millcreek, and add a vote for Madison's (in the Union Bank Inn).

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Culina Millcreek
9914-89 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2S7, CA

Red Ox Inn
9420 91 Street, Edmonton, AB T6C 3P4, CA

[raidar]

I'd back these three up for sure.

[upsidedownorchid]

Murietta's West Coast Grill on Whyte

[asiandelight]

I would also suggest Culina Millcreek or Red Ox Inn.

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Culina Millcreek
9914-89 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2S7, CA

Red Ox Inn
9420 91 Street, Edmonton, AB T6C 3P4, CA

[mspacman]

If you like or don't mind veggie food, try Padmanadi's on 10740 101street . It's all veggie and just opened up a month ago. This is their second restaurant, the first and original restaurant is in Chinatown about 5 minutes away. I highly recommend their curry "mutton" and roti canai. Very delicious. This is not "North American" cuisine, but it's still very good food. It's a mix of Malaysian, Indonesian veggie food. Here's their website: http://www.padmanadi.com/

For meat cuisine, check out Home Fire Grill on 18210 100 Avenue. It's not central, it's a bit far into the west end of town. I had their bison meatloaf a few years ago and it was delicious. The food is North American, as what you are looking for, in fact it's Native American influenced, they had bannock on their menu ( and that was tasty too!) It's a cozy and quiet restaurant. The service was wondeful. The chef behind the menu and kitchen is NAIT trained ( I believe). Here's their website: http://www.homefiregrill.ca/index.htm

[cleopatra999]

Red Ox Inn
The Blue Pear
Culina Millcreek

would be my suggestions. the top 2 are more fine dining, Culina more hip and trendy (still higher end food)

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Blue Pear Restaurant
10643 123 Street, Edmonton, AB T5N 1P3, CA

Culina Millcreek
9914-89 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2S7, CA

Red Ox Inn
9420 91 Street, Edmonton, AB T6C 3P4, CA