Fine dining in Winnipeg - recommendations please!!
Mar 12th, 2004, 10:01 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fine dining in Winnipeg - recommendations please!!
There is a strong possibility that we will be travelling to Winnipeg at the beginning of May. I would like some recommendations for places to eat - breakfasts, lunches, dinners, although not in "chain" restaurants like Earls.
And what dish would be considered a "Manitoba" dish (you know, like Alberta beef or B.C. salmon etc.).
And what dish would be considered a "Manitoba" dish (you know, like Alberta beef or B.C. salmon etc.).
Mar 14th, 2004, 11:23 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The premiere restaurant in terms of prestige (I.e. Price, hoity toity) is:
Dubrovnik ( Restaurant, Fine Dining)
Continental, French
390 Assiniboine Avenue (204) 944-0594
Then there's the usual, Ichiban Steakhouse downtwn, etc. For interesting views, there are several relatively Generic restaurants at The Forks. Plus, the rotating restaurant on top of the Fort Garry hotel annex.
The other "trendy" area is the Osbourne Village, just over the bridge south from the Legislature building. Manitoba cabinet Minister Steve "invest in Northern Manitoba!" Ashton owns part of a Greek restaurant in this non-north area.
The ideal dish of Manitoba is something from elsewhere. But seriously... Manitoba is proud of (?) its Ukrainian heritage, and you may find restaurants that serve that cuisine. Fish from the northern rivers or Lake Winnipeg is something people other than myself like. You can occasionally find places that serve such items as buffalo steak and buffalo (bison) burgers.
At the bottom end is the chain of "Salisbury House" restaurants, notable for being owned now by Winnipeg local Burton Cummings. Simple and cheap but pretty good food.
Dubrovnik ( Restaurant, Fine Dining)
Continental, French
390 Assiniboine Avenue (204) 944-0594
Then there's the usual, Ichiban Steakhouse downtwn, etc. For interesting views, there are several relatively Generic restaurants at The Forks. Plus, the rotating restaurant on top of the Fort Garry hotel annex.
The other "trendy" area is the Osbourne Village, just over the bridge south from the Legislature building. Manitoba cabinet Minister Steve "invest in Northern Manitoba!" Ashton owns part of a Greek restaurant in this non-north area.
The ideal dish of Manitoba is something from elsewhere. But seriously... Manitoba is proud of (?) its Ukrainian heritage, and you may find restaurants that serve that cuisine. Fish from the northern rivers or Lake Winnipeg is something people other than myself like. You can occasionally find places that serve such items as buffalo steak and buffalo (bison) burgers.
At the bottom end is the chain of "Salisbury House" restaurants, notable for being owned now by Winnipeg local Burton Cummings. Simple and cheap but pretty good food.
Mar 14th, 2004, 08:54 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks MD for the info.
I wasn't looking for "hoity toity" but for very very good food / interesting cuisine with a reasonable selection of wines in a somewhat upscale setting or suitable for business dining. Small bistros would be fine too.
I'll keep Dubrovnik in mind
!!
I wasn't looking for "hoity toity" but for very very good food / interesting cuisine with a reasonable selection of wines in a somewhat upscale setting or suitable for business dining. Small bistros would be fine too.
I'll keep Dubrovnik in mind
!!
Mar 21st, 2004, 05:24 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A couple of good areas for restaurants in Winnipeg include: 1) Osborne village (mentioned previously); 2) Corydon Avenue (the heart of little Italy); and 3) the Exchange district (very trendy new area).
There is a neat little bistro called "fusion" on academy road (about 5 minute drive from corydon) that specializes in manitoba ingredients and fine canadian wines. it is a great lunch spot.
have a great trip!
There is a neat little bistro called "fusion" on academy road (about 5 minute drive from corydon) that specializes in manitoba ingredients and fine canadian wines. it is a great lunch spot.
have a great trip!
Mar 28th, 2004, 07:10 PM
#7
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pleeaase people! Dubrovnik is waaay overpriced for the quality, and not real Manitoban food at all. Bombolini is past its prime, and the poor sister of overpriced Amici. Ichiban is a chain! I do agree that the Forks does not offer anything special, except perhaps the Taste of Sri Lanka food booth. However, go there for late afternoon drinks, at Branigan's... the atomosphere is great, and in May, there will be no bugs yet.
My fave restaurant in Winnipeg is Fude, on Osborne. Eclectic seasonal dishes using local ingredients and nouveau- international techniques. I think this restaurant represents showing Winnipeg off.
There are only two really good restaurants in Osborne Village right now... the rest are Earl's in disguise. They are Meiji for sushi, and Fude for inspired local cuisine.
For great eclectic organic food, go to Urban Ojas on South Osborne (not in the village). Warning... the portions will remind you of nouvelle cuisine!
For a real burger go to Red Top on St. Mary's. Better than Salisbury House, with as much history and not a chain.
I've found Fusion Grill pretty hoity toity but the food is very inspired.
Hands-down best value for the money is lunch at Bistro Dansk. The portions will feed two! Close runner up is Club 13 (Polish Combatant's Association) on North Main, where you can eat enough for two days for under $5.
A true Manitoba dish has to be smoked goldeye (a fish), but due to low fish stocks in the last couple of years, it is not that available. You would have to go to a pricey hotel restaurant (e.g, The Velvet Glove), or a take-out fish market or deli to get it.
The only really good Ukrainian food is at my mother-in-law's house. But Alycia's is a classic Winnipeg tradition. But Borealis, if you are from Alberta or Sask, you can skip this as you probably can get this at home.
My fave restaurant in Winnipeg is Fude, on Osborne. Eclectic seasonal dishes using local ingredients and nouveau- international techniques. I think this restaurant represents showing Winnipeg off.
There are only two really good restaurants in Osborne Village right now... the rest are Earl's in disguise. They are Meiji for sushi, and Fude for inspired local cuisine.
For great eclectic organic food, go to Urban Ojas on South Osborne (not in the village). Warning... the portions will remind you of nouvelle cuisine!
For a real burger go to Red Top on St. Mary's. Better than Salisbury House, with as much history and not a chain.
I've found Fusion Grill pretty hoity toity but the food is very inspired.
Hands-down best value for the money is lunch at Bistro Dansk. The portions will feed two! Close runner up is Club 13 (Polish Combatant's Association) on North Main, where you can eat enough for two days for under $5.
A true Manitoba dish has to be smoked goldeye (a fish), but due to low fish stocks in the last couple of years, it is not that available. You would have to go to a pricey hotel restaurant (e.g, The Velvet Glove), or a take-out fish market or deli to get it.
The only really good Ukrainian food is at my mother-in-law's house. But Alycia's is a classic Winnipeg tradition. But Borealis, if you are from Alberta or Sask, you can skip this as you probably can get this at home.
Mar 28th, 2004, 07:54 PM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow!! Thanks for all the interesting restaurant suggestions. We always find it difficult to decide where to eat when we travel because a lot of the tourist guides provide information about restaurants that pay to be included. It is always helpful to get local "reviews". Thanks so much!!!
Carolred - your descriptions are great! Smoked goldeye - must be a fresh water fish?? I'll have to print this thread and take it with me when we fly to Winnipeg (and yes, I am from Alberta - Edmonton - but as far as I know there aren't any Ukrainian restaurants here).
Carolred - your descriptions are great! Smoked goldeye - must be a fresh water fish?? I'll have to print this thread and take it with me when we fly to Winnipeg (and yes, I am from Alberta - Edmonton - but as far as I know there aren't any Ukrainian restaurants here).
Apr 1st, 2004, 09:12 AM
#9
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good restaurants in wpg: Wasabi (Broadway or newly renovated Osborne Village location) - great sushi and decor; Cafe Carlo (Lilac St) - elegant Italian, stellar service; Rae and Jerry's Portage near Polo Park) - rat pack style steakhouse, a classic wpg experience; Stella's (Osborne) for breakfast; Hotel Fort Garry for an incredible decadent brunch (also their Reuben sandwich is to die for); and, for a really unique luncheon experience, try DeLuca's on Portage - this is an old Italian grocery with a restaurant/cooking school upstairs. Great wines, pizza, and all you can eat pasta served by the cutest little old nonnas you've ever seen!
When I am feeling a little blue I like to go to the Star Grill (portage ave) for a Krinkle Burger, fries, and a Fort Garry Dark (local beer). The Star also makes super breakfast and it's right across the street from picturesque Assiniboine Park; there is a vintage bookstore 2 doors down and an ice cream parlour on the corner, which, depending on your need to indulge post-burger, could be just the thing.
The first time I came to Winnipeg was in May and I couldn't get over this city. Have a lovely visit.
When I am feeling a little blue I like to go to the Star Grill (portage ave) for a Krinkle Burger, fries, and a Fort Garry Dark (local beer). The Star also makes super breakfast and it's right across the street from picturesque Assiniboine Park; there is a vintage bookstore 2 doors down and an ice cream parlour on the corner, which, depending on your need to indulge post-burger, could be just the thing.
The first time I came to Winnipeg was in May and I couldn't get over this city. Have a lovely visit.
Apr 9th, 2004, 04:34 PM
#10
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I totally agree with all of Stella's suggestions. Star Grill has a totally eclectic menu, ranging from trendy better-than-Earl's cuisine, to classic reubens and perogies.
I think Ray and Jerry's is a hoot... they still offer tomato juice as a starter, and the red leather and red uniformed waitresses are classic! Apparently their martinis are second to none. Have steak or prime rib there.
Goldeye is a freshwater fish; they are usually fairly small and have lots of fine bones. Gimli Fish on Dufferin has them... its a fish market... you can buy one or two and some crackers and wine and have them in your room.
Also if you like Dim Sum my favourite is Kum Koon Garden. If you like Vietnamese, my favourite is Viva.
If you want to try Ukrainian food, go to Alycia's.
I think Ray and Jerry's is a hoot... they still offer tomato juice as a starter, and the red leather and red uniformed waitresses are classic! Apparently their martinis are second to none. Have steak or prime rib there.
Goldeye is a freshwater fish; they are usually fairly small and have lots of fine bones. Gimli Fish on Dufferin has them... its a fish market... you can buy one or two and some crackers and wine and have them in your room.
Also if you like Dim Sum my favourite is Kum Koon Garden. If you like Vietnamese, my favourite is Viva.
If you want to try Ukrainian food, go to Alycia's.
Apr 22nd, 2004, 10:15 PM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you to everyone who posted suggestions and recommendations; unfortunately my business trip was cancelled so I won't be able to dine at any of these restaurants. However, I did print this thread out "just in case", and will keep the suggestions in mind for a future trip.
Thanks again!!
Thanks again!!
Dec 4th, 2005, 01:07 AM
#12
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
you can view Winnipeg restaurant menus and find places to eat with WinnipegMenu.com http://www.winnipegmenu.com
Dec 4th, 2005, 08:48 PM
#13
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pasta La Vista for lunch and dinner is my pick.
I've dined here at least 50 times.
Allways reliable, good service, a good selection of beer and wine, and, unlike most Toronto restaurants, open late.
I've dined here at least 50 times.
Allways reliable, good service, a good selection of beer and wine, and, unlike most Toronto restaurants, open late.
Dec 13th, 2005, 02:48 PM
#14
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Planning a trip from Europe, and have been able to choose a few restaurants from here:
http://www.mapitout.com/restaurants
has all the winnipeg restaurants plus menus, photos,etc.
http://www.mapitout.com/restaurants
has all the winnipeg restaurants plus menus, photos,etc.
Jan 17th, 2006, 07:06 AM
#15
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've always found that http://www.WinnipegMenu.com gives me great information on Winnipeg restaurants. I like the fact that this is not a winnipeg yellow pages by MTS (Manitoba Telephone System), but a directory of restaurant menus. WinnipegMenu.com gets two thumbs up for Winnipeg Tourism Information.
Jan 19th, 2006, 12:59 AM
#16
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Vietnamese Paradise is an excellent restaurant here's a link to the online menu:
http://www.winnipegmenu.com/option1/preferencea108.asp
http://www.winnipegmenu.com/option1/preferencea108.asp
Jul 25th, 2006, 08:50 PM
#17
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The special "Manitoba" dish I think is bison - although I won't try it.
We just ate at Tavern in the Park. Most things on the menue include fish or seafood (not great for the allergic one here). The salad was $9 the Dinner $29 the Dessert $6 - a little higher - this was a company dinner so didn't mind. I loved the salad but the dinner was a little disappointing to me.
I like Belissimo's on Waverley, Quaint white table-clothed and great Italian food.
We just ate at Tavern in the Park. Most things on the menue include fish or seafood (not great for the allergic one here). The salad was $9 the Dinner $29 the Dessert $6 - a little higher - this was a company dinner so didn't mind. I loved the salad but the dinner was a little disappointing to me.
I like Belissimo's on Waverley, Quaint white table-clothed and great Italian food.
