The culinary landscape of Alberta's capital has evolved into one of Canada's most dynamic food and drink scenes. Edmonton now boasts an impressive array of farm-to-table establishments highlighting local ingredients, craft cocktail lounges serving prairie-influenced drinks, and some of the nation's finest Italian cuisine—all delivered with a refined yet approachable sensibility. From Indigenous-inspired dishes to globally-influenced tapas and expertly crafted cocktails, the city's gastronomic offerings reveal unexpected depth and creativity. What follows is a curated selection of the City of Champions' standout restaurants and bars worth seeking out.

Kin

Affectionately known as Kin, Next of Kin is the kind of neighborhood bar that becomes a weekly ritual. Though tucked beside a strip mall parking lot in an unlikely spot, it ranks among Canada's most exciting recent openings.

Chef Ben Staley—celebrated for his work at Yarrow and the Alder Room—has returned to Edmonton's culinary landscape, this time reimagining what a local cocktail bar can be. Collaborating with bar manager Steven Ove Jorgensen and the rest of the team, he's built a remarkable cocktail program alongside food that holds its own against anywhere in the country.

The interior evokes a hip 1970s basement lounge, furnished with vintage pieces, warm amber lights, and a genuine period hi-fi. Staley's goal isn't just to attract cocktail connoisseurs seeking bold flavors—he wants Kin to feel equally comfortable for neighbors dropping by for a simple beer and whiskey.

Following his guiding principle of "less, but better," Staley approaches the concise drink menu with culinary precision. Notable cocktails include the Kashmiri Mango (mezcal, ataulfo mango, green mango, Kashmiri distillate, coconut, egg white), Five Alive (5 Citrus distillate, mead vermouth, kefir, CO2), and the Croissant (brown butter cognac, ambre vermouth, plum kernel, nutritional yeast).

The food spans global influences while featuring what many consider one of Edmonton's finest burgers. The Kin Burger (white cheddar, white onion) delivers serious indulgence, with richness coming from its beef fat emulsion. Don't skip the highly addicted Kombu celery (peeled and marinated celery with wild sesame, aged soy, furikake) or the mesmerizingly good grilled potato bread with roasted chicken butter and roasted yeast. Karina of Michter’s would urge you to try the tuna pan con tomate (grilled sourdough, caramelized tomato, olive oil).

Next of Kin operates Tuesday through Saturday evenings on a walk-in basis only. Whether you're here for an expertly executed cocktail or keeping it simple with a beer, Kin makes you feel like you've descended into your coolest relatives' vintage rec room.

Steven Ove Jorgensen preparing the Kashmiri Mango cocktail

Bar Henry

Located within Edmonton's flagship Henry Singer store, Bar Henry brings the Italian art of aperitivo to life through the vision of Daniel Costa, the celebrated chef behind Edmonton's acclaimed Italian restaurant group, including Bar Bricco and Va.

Drawing inspiration from iconic establishments like London's Bar Termini, New York's Dante, and Hong Kong's Bar Leone, Bar Henry offers an intimate Italian-style bar experience centered on expertly crafted cocktails, curated wines, and refined small plates. The elegant space provides a sophisticated retreat from the bustling ICE District, where passionate Edmonton Oilers fans typically converge.

Guests can anticipate elevated bar bites alongside impeccably executed classics—think Negronis and Martinis—all presented in exquisite glassware that matches the bar's attention to detail.

Rosewood Foods

Perched across from the Stanley A. Milner Library, Rosewood Foods has earned its place as Edmonton's go-to destination for comforting breakfast and lunch. Credit goes to Riley for the excellent tip.

This open-kitchen spot showcases local art along its walls, with prime window seating for watching downtown life unfold—a setting that seamlessly blends relaxed cafe charm with ambitious cooking. The true standout, however, arrives in the form of those famous potatoes: double-cooked wonders that undergo both baking and frying to achieve a crispness so perfect that regulars swear they're delicious enough on their own. The offerings range from classic morning fare like fluffy buttermilk pancakes and satisfying breakfast sandwiches to bold innovations including the katsu chicken sandwich, where crispy Japanese-style fried chicken meets creamy kewpie mayo, tangy red cabbage, and katsu sauce, all nestled in a milk bun.

French Patty Melt with herbes de provence mushroom ragu, angus beef patty, aged white cheddar, house dijonnaise, milk bun alongside crispy potatoes

Braven

Situated at the center of Edmonton's ICE District within the JW Marriott, Braven champions an all-in approach to premium steaks, chops, and pristine seafood. Executive Chef Jason Greene commands the kitchen with unwavering dedication, forging close relationships with Alberta ranchers and trusted purveyors to present the region's finest beef, Canada's coastal treasures, handcrafted pastas, and vegetables harvested at their peak.

Chef Jason's culinary vision marries rustic fire-cooked nostalgia with showstopping refinement, powered by the restaurant's stunning wood-fire grill. His leadership yields a steakhouse that honors tradition while embracing creative evolution. For the ultimate Braven experience, claim a seat at the grill-side bar and entrust the kitchen team to select the day's premier cut—paired with a robust red wine (or a nice bourbon!), it's pure bliss. Cap the evening with a nightcap at Alhchemy, the tucked-away speakeasy that awaits discovery.

Bar Bricco

As the crown jewel of Daniel Costa's culinary empire, Bar Bricco envelops guests in dimly lit, richly appointed interiors where an energetic soundtrack pulses in rhythm with the dining room's animated conversation. The reimagined space marries antique treasures with sleek modern touches, conjuring the spirited ambiance of an Italian city square while offering a refined sanctuary in downtown Edmonton.

Handcrafted pastas and carefully curated small plates anchor a menu celebrating Italy's regional diversity, complemented by an all-Italian wine selection. Yet it's the fonduta agnolotti that has achieved near-mythical status—delicate pillows accompanied by warm sage butter and a generous heap of finely shaved Parmigiano for guests to shower over each bite. Considered among Alberta's finest dishes, this deceptively simple creation exemplifies Costa's mastery, transforming pristine ingredients and flawless technique into something worth crossing the province for.

Edmonton

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