When thinking about famous Canadian dining options, many people tend to overlook Winnipeg restaurants and instead focus on those found in large cities like Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa. However, you’d be amiss to ignore Winnipeg’s often underrated food scene. With its diverse culinary influences, affordable dining options and rising star chefs, you’d genuinely be missing out if you left Winnipeg out of your perfect Canada road trip.
But what restaurants should you visit while in Winnipeg, and what makes them so unique? We’ve listed our favorite opinions below by type of dining experience so that you can plan the perfect visit and try something new (or stick with your favorites — we’ll never tell).
Fine Dining
Book reservations well in advance for these Winnipeg restaurants for the ultimate fine dining experience.
1. 529 Wellington
Address: 529 Wellington Crescent
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Must-try dish: Any cut of steak
Housed in a restored 1913 mansion, 529 Wellington is the place to go for special occasions and romantic dinners. The steakhouse is known for high-quality cuts of Canada Prime beef — a designation given to a very small percentage of Canadian beef. In addition to mouth-watering steaks, the menu includes smoked Manitoba goldeye, lobster tails, giant prawns, au gratin potatoes and side dishes portioned for two.
2. Resto Gare
Address: 630 Des Meurons Street
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Must-try dish: Poutine or Beef Bourguignon
Dine in a converted 1914 train car at this local favorite, where the waitstaff speaks fluent French. Located in Winnipeg’s French district, Resto Gare is an excellent choice for a romantic meal or a celebratory dinner while on vacation. The menu changes seasonally but features foie gras, steak frites, seafood crêpes, beef bourguignon and other updated French dishes. Friday nights feature live piano music, setting the mood for this upscale yet affordable restaurant.
3. Bellissimo Restaurant
Address: 877 Waverly Street, #1
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Must-try dish: Lemon Meringue Cheesecake or Pollo Prosciutto
Bellissimo Restaurant provides authentic Italian dishes that anyone, Italian or not, will enjoy. The quaint dining room is warm and welcoming, offering the smells and sights of fresh pasta and sauce throughout. Bellissimo Restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays but is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Friday (only dinner service is provided on Saturday). Reservations are highly encouraged as many Winnipeg locals favor this destination for a date night out.
4. Fusion Grill
Address: 550 Academy Road
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Must-try dish: Grilled Manitoba Bison or Vegan Napoleon
For a hidden gem upscale dining experience, consider Fusion Grill for your next night out. You can find some of everything here — from game and fish to gluten-free and even vegan selections, Fusion Grill is truly a place for everyone. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 4:00p.m until 11:00p.m, you’ll find only the best fresh local ingredients, creating a stellar dining experience.
5. CHOP Steakhouse
Address: 1750 Sargent Avenue
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Must-try dish: Black Truffle Sirloin or Crispy Brussels Sprouts
CHOP Steakhouse in Winnipeg is located near the Winnipeg International Airport, making it a prime destination for travelers. Cozy up to the high ceilings and modern glass light fixtures for a meal to remember — from the best cut of steaks to choice seafood and even several plant-based options, everyone in your dining party will be able to find a dish they love.
Local Favorites
There’s nothing like going to your favorite local restaurant for a comfort meal. Whether it’s a spot you’ve been to a hundred times or somewhere new to you, these local restaurants in Winnipeg are sure to satisfy.
6. Cibo Waterfront Cafe
Address: 339 Waterfront Drive
AAA Diamond-designation: AAA Approved
Must-try dish: Smash Burger or Grilled Octopus
Dine with views of the Red River at Cibo Waterfront Cafe, a great destination for dinner and drinks. Choose from Mediterranean-inspired dishes like grilled octopus, bruschetta with ricotta and figs, thin-crust pizza topped with house tomato sauce or meatballs with pesto and mushrooms. It’s not just the views outside Cibo that are impressive — the restaurant’s interior features exposed brick and old machinery left over from its days as an industrial pump house.
7. deer + almond
Address: 85 Princess Street
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Must-try dish: Deer Carpaccio or Japanese A5 Wagyu
Foodies flock to deer + almond in the Exchange District for small plates served in a modern space. Lunch and dinner selections showcase the chef’s love for experimentation, with creative dishes like silk pappardelle with chiles and pecorino or tuna and citrus made with gooseberries and begonias. Finish off your meal with a unique dessert like camembert cheesecake.
8. East India Company Pub & Eatery
Address: 349 York Avenue
AAA Diamond-designation: Approved
Must-try dish: Mango Chicken or Delhi Biryani
Family-owned and operated at this downtown location for more than 25 years, East India Company Pub & Eatery is the place to go for some of the best Indian food in Winnipeg. Tandoori dishes, spiced curries, flavorful biryanis (blends of rice, protein and vegetables) and samosas fill the menus. And for an even more relaxed dining experience, you can enjoy their buffet options.
9. The Forks Market
Address: 1 Forks Market Road
Must-try dish: Cinnamon Buns, Sushi or Fish and Chips
If you’re not sure what sort of food you’re in the mood for but want to sample the best of local Winnipeg cuisine, head to The Forks Market. Renovated brick buildings once used for horse stables now house dozens of food vendors offering burgers, hot dogs, poutine, ramen noodles, fish and chips, Caribbean roti, Sri Lankan curries and all-day breakfasts. After your meal, check out the market’s sweet treats, which include doughnuts, ice cream, specialty espresso drinks and cinnamon buns.
10. SMITH
Address: 75 Forks Market Road
Must-try dish: Cauliflower Fritters or Parisian Gnocchi
Linger over small plates, handcrafted cocktails and late-night charcuterie boards at SMITH Restaurant, the chic restaurant and lounge inside Inn at The Forks. This isn’t your average hotel restaurant: expect eggs royale for breakfast, chipotle fettuccine for lunch, beef tartare for dinner and a full espresso bar for an after-dinner drink.
11. Inferno’s Bistro
Address: 312 rue Des Meurons Street
AAA Diamond-designation: Approved
Must-try dish: Duck Confit Pot Stickers or Fettuccini Nastaba
Open since 2003, Inferno’s Bistro hosts an extensive and creative menu. From a frog leg Hors D'oeuvres to a chocolate cappuccino cream cheesecake for dessert, there’s no shortage of options for every palate. There’s plenty of indoor dining space — Inferno’s Bistro covers two floors —. Still, there’s also a patio option for seating during warmer months, making this a destination for an intimate dinner for a couple or a large group get-together.
Hidden Gems
Even native residents might need help finding off-the-beaten-path destinations in Winnipeg. These hidden gem restaurants in Winnipeg are perfect for exploring whether you’ve been in the city for five minutes or five years.
12. Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar
Address: 145 The Leaf Way
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Must-try dish: Parmesan frites with shredded duck confit
If planning to spend your day at Assiniboine Park, you must stop at Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar, located inside The Leaf. Hosting a highly seasonal menu that changes with fresh ingredients grown onsite, you can find foodie favorites like Seared Scallop Risotto or Village Bay Oysters. The open kitchen layout adds more personality to the lively ambiance, making it a go-to destination.
13. Confusion Corner Bar & Grill
Address: 500 Corydon Avenue
AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Must-try dish: Salmon Ratatouille or Beet Salad
For a cozy and intimate lunch or dinner spot in Winnipeg, Confusion Corner Bar & Grill is the place to be. You can’t miss this restaurant in the heart of Winnipeg, boasting a delicious yet intriguing menu. Enjoy cocktails on the seasonally-opened rooftop patio or a Sunday brunch with your family — just make sure you make reservations first due to high demand.
Find Your New Favorite Winnipeg Dish with AAA
With AAA Membership Benefits, traveling to Canada to try different Winnipeg restaurants isn’t complicated. From fine dining to bakeries and local favorites, it’s not hard to find your new favorite spot to eat in Winnipeg. Take the stress out of planning your next trip with AAA Travel — from hotels to car rentals, we’ve got you covered with the best deals and rates.