Edmonton Restaurant Guide
Last week, I asked for people to select their favourite Edmonton restaurants, and let me know what they were. Only a couple of people have added to the list, but I expect that to change soon. I’m still looking for new recommendations for the list, and I will add all of your choices to this list over time.
I’ll also add short reviews based on my experiences with the restaurants. Some of the restaurants on the list are my own additions (although, for now, I’ve mostly kept the list to places that have been recommended by readers), but it’s been a while since I’ve visited most of them. Because I want my reviews to be as up-to-date as possible, I won’t write reviews of my additions until I’ve given them a more recent visit.
It may take a while, but I will do my best to visit every single restaurant that is recommended, even as the list grows over time. Feel free to add your own reviews in the comments section, if they’re particularly helpful, I may use them as the official review for the list (with credit given to you, and a link to your website, if applicable).
Doan’s Vietnamese Restaurant (10130-107 Street & 7909-104 Street) – Vietnamese. Good food and low prices. Read a full review of Doan’s Vietnamese Restaurant.
Double Greeting Wonton House (10212-96 Street) – Chinese
Dynasty Restaurnant (10316-76 Avenu) – Chinese (with Dim Sum)
Garden Bakery (10019-106 Street) – Chinese Bakery & Restaurant
Golden Bird Restaurant (10544-97 Street) – Vietnamese
Highlevel Diner (10912-88 Avenue) – Home-style diner. Good food, friendly atmosphere, and a reasonably priced menu. Read a full reveiw of the Highlevel Diner.
Hoang Long (10715-98 Street – Restaurant; West Edmonton Mall Chinatown – Noodle House; 10041-170 Street – Family Restaurant) – Vietnamese & Thai
Mirama Dining & Lounge (9431 Jasper Avenue) – Chinese (with Dim Sum)
Padmanadi (10626-97 Street) – Indonesian/Vegetarian. Great vegetarian food, especially for the crypto-carnivores out there (fake meat is a big part of the menu). Read a full review of Padmanadi.
Rasoi India Restaurant (#9, 9261 – 34 Avenue) – Indian. Check the comments for a press release left by the owner.
Spago (12433-97 Street (only accessible from 97 Street northbound) ) – Portuguese/Seafood
Thanh Thanh Oriental Noodle House (10718-101 Street) – Thai
Two Rooms Cafe (101, 10324 82 Avenue) – Canadian. Excellent food, good prices, and a comfortable, cozy atmosphere. Read a full review of Two Rooms Cafe.
Wild Earth Bakery (8902-99 Street) – North American Bakery/Coffeehouse
I notice a preponderance of oriental food. Why no restaurants serving the delicacies of the British Isles for example? Oh wait…nevermind…
allan
15 Aug 07 at 11:57 am
As one of the main contributors to the list so far, I think you are largely responsible for this! Of course, the fact that the British don’t seem to taste buds may be part of it, as well.
I’ll add some British pubs for you in the future. I’ve heard that the Shepperd’s Pie at Sherlock Holmes is pretty good.
Adam Snider
15 Aug 07 at 10:27 pm
One of the reasons I’m so glad to call Edmonton home is our wealth of outstanding restaurants. Over the last few years I’ve been trying hard to experience new food of all types – Thai, Greek, Indian, Japanese… but at the top of my list right now is likely Haweli (downtown next to the Old Spaghetti Factory). They serve authentic Tandoori cuisine (sit next to the kitchen for a chance to see the cook slaving over the oven).
I was introduced to Indian food a few years back at their lunch buffet, and I’ve been hooked ever since. They provide you with a plate the size of a small tire, so it’s not uncommon to leave the restaurant feeling stuffed for the next 12-24 hours. (whether that’s healthy or not is up for debate) The other cool thing about their buffet is the chance it gives to someone curious about trying out a new cuisine to avoid the risk of ordering strange, unknown elements from the menu on your first trip.
Scott P
16 Aug 07 at 12:39 am
PS. People, visit itry.ca for amateur restaurant reviews. I usually read people’s comments to get the 411 on a place before I go for a visit.
Scott P
16 Aug 07 at 12:41 am
[...] been thinking that I’d like to do a nightclub, pub, and bar list, similar to the Edmonton Restaurant Guide that I’m working on (there should be some complete reviews posted in the coming days). [...]
River City Writer » Blog Archive » Edmonton Nightclub, Pub, and Bar List
5 Sep 07 at 10:23 am
[...] For more restaurant reviews and information, check out my Edmonton Restaurant Guide. [...]
River City Writer » Blog Archive » Doan's Vietnamese Restaurant
13 Sep 07 at 10:07 am
[...] For more restaurant reviews and information, check out my Edmonton Restaurant Guide. [...]
River City Writer » Blog Archive » Padmanadi Vegetarian Restaurant: Vegetarian Cuisine for Carnivores
19 Oct 07 at 10:03 am
[...] for dinner at any of the River City’s great local restaurants. Some of my personal favourites are: Doan’s, Two Rooms Cafe, and Padmanadi [...]
River City Writer » Blog Archive » Edmonton Date Ideas
21 Nov 07 at 10:05 am
[...] For more restaurant reviews and information, check out my Edmonton Restaurant Guide. [...]
River City Writer » Blog Archive » Two Rooms Cafe: A Whyte Avenue Gem
22 Nov 07 at 10:42 am
[...] In an effort to provide more value to the readers of River City Writer, I have decided to create an Edmonton Nightlife Guide, similar to the Edmonton Restaurant Guide. [...]
River City Writer » Blog Archive » Edmonton Nightlife Guide
5 Dec 07 at 12:04 pm
[...] For more restaurant reviews and information, check out my Edmonton Restaurant Guide. [...]
River City Writer » Blog Archive » The Highlevel Diner
24 Dec 07 at 1:40 pm
[...] happening in River City. Go to a movie, take in a play, check out a concert, or even just go for lunch with your best friend. Just don’t stay home this weekend, [...]
River City Writer » Blog Archive » How to Beat the Winter Blahs
1 Feb 08 at 1:45 pm
[...] you don’t want to join yet another Facebook group, just keep an eye on the Edmonton Restaurant Guide, as I’ll likely be using this group as a way of finding new restaurants to review and add to [...]
River City Writer » Blog Archive » Find a Place to Eat in Edmonton
19 Feb 08 at 7:09 pm
[...] And, if you have any Edmonton restaurants you’d like to mention, leave a comment on the Edmonton Restaurant Guide. [...]
River City Writer » Blog Archive » Good Eats Outside of Edmonton
13 Mar 08 at 12:43 pm
Rasoi India Restaurant, Edmonton Ranked As One of Finest
Date: September 6, 2008
Press Release Author: Camelot Marketing
Industry: Food & Beverage
Press Release Summary = Rasoi India Restaurant in Edmonton, without a
doubt the best for Indian cuisine in town.
Rasoi India Restaurant in Edmonton, without a doubt the best for Indian cuisine in Edmonton, Alberta.
Rasoi India Restaurant is a new Indian Restaurant in Edmonton, but without a doubt the best Indian cuisine in town. Head Chef Mr. Inder Sadana is no newcomer to Indian Cuisine. He has 15 years of Canadian Indian cuisine restaurant experience beside 10 years experience from India. In Edmonton he has been honoured by 4 star () rating for Indian cook by Edmonton Journal and 5 spoon rating for Indian cook by Edmonton Sun.
Rasoi India Restaurant is dedicated to pleasing their clientele, which is quite obvious by the outstanding service they give. The second you walk into the restaurant, you feel at home. I felt as though I was visiting a good friend.
Mr. Sadana joined my associates and me for dinner, which gave us the opportunity to get a much better understanding of Indian Culture and Food.
While dining Mr. Niel Smith, a customer stopped by our table and said to Sadana, “I’ve been to India and several Indian Restaurants and this is the best Indian food I’ve ever had.”
The interior is very appealing to the eye. There is dining room with framed Indian Pictures and art. A large painting of the tradition Indian women evening walk is facing the front door and hung on soft muted gold colour walls. All other walls are elegantly decorated with Indian hand made handi crafts.
Now for the food, my associates and I started with Pappadam (crispy bread), which was served with three different types of chutney; mint and tamarind. It was difficult to decide which my favorite was.
Rasoi India Restaurant has a large selection of imported and domestic beers, both Australian and Canadian wines and liquor. Some of the most popular Indian beers they carry are King fisher, Taj, Raj, Tikka Gold, etc.
However, I enjoyed the merlot with my meal, which gave a wonderful taste with the cuisine.
It is a well-kept secret that Indian food is not necessarily hot and spicy. The food consists of many flavours, spices and tastes. If you request it, the food can be made spicy to your liking.
Since reviewing the restaurant I took a survey of about 25 people and asked their opinion on Indian food. Much to my surprise the largest majority interviewed made the same comment: “Indian food is much too spicy and they use curry in everything. Well, not so, and if you feel the same I ask you to try Rasoi India Restaurant because you will be pleasantly surprised.
The next item was Fish Pakora, which is deep fried fish and ever so tender and flaky, but best of all, not oily or greasy. It is also true of the Onion Bhaji and really hard to believe that these two items were fried. When asking Chef Sadana how could that be possible? He stated “The temperature of the oil was the secret; it must be just right.”
Chicken Tikka is a very moist and tender chicken, which has been marinated, in an exceptional choice of spices and herbs. Try this I think you will like it.
The menu consists of a wide selection of appetizers, entrees, and beverages. There is something on the menu for everyone; seafood, lamb, chicken and vegetables. Yes, that is right; there is also quite a variety for vegetarians.
My favourite was the Shrimp Masala. Plump, moist, tender shrimp cooked to perfection in an amazing creamy sauce that melts in your mouth.
John, my photographer and I were invited into the kitchen to see the Tandoor (clay oven), which makes this restaurant different from others. The Tandoor is a clay oven that has a temperature of 400 to 1000 degrees F. We watched Chef Sadana make Nan(bread), which is made and served fresh for each customer. The dough is pressed by hand, seasoned and then thrown against the wall of the clay oven and ready to eat in seconds.
Another item I recommend is the Chef’s Special, which is truly fit for a king.
It will give you a nice variety of tastes especially if you are a newcomer to Indian Cuisine. It is a combination of Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka and Lamb Chops.
They offer 7 days a week Lunch and Dinner Buffet, which is served daily for lunch at $10.95 per person, and Dinner at $14.95 per person. On weekends, rates are $11.95 for Lunch Buffet and $16.95 for Dinner Buffet. Their Buffet has some of the most popular dishes in appetizers like Kachori (puffed med. Spicy lentil pastry), Gol Gappa (puffed deep fried bread with potatoes, chick peas and spicy water), Masals Dosa, Idli Sambhar, etc. Their regular menu is also quite reasonable.
We completed this amazing meal with dessert. We tried the Dessert Sampler; which consists of an assortment of sweets. Gulab Jamun is a Milk Cheese Ball; don’t be fooled by the name because it is truly scrumptious. Chai tea was the perfect end to a truly wonderful meal. You can eat in or take out. They also have catering services for that special party.
Rasoi India Restaurant gets 5 stars from me not only for the best Indian Food in Edmonton but also for the service and ambiance. Don’t miss out on a wonderful experience of Indian food and Culture. It is well worth the visit.
Rasoi India Restaurant is located at #9, 9261 – 34 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6E5T5 Open 7 days 11:00am – 10:00pm.
Please visit their website for menu and other information:
http://www.rasoiindia.com
Kiran Patel
11 Sep 08 at 8:52 pm
Hi Adam,
I will like to invite you to my restaurant to check out Indian Food. Also I would like to request you to add my restaurant in your selection list for voting.
Regards,
Kiran
Kiran Patel
11 Sep 08 at 8:54 pm
Kiran, thanks for commenting and leaving information about your restaurant. I will be sure to come in for a meal sometime soon.
Adam Snider
12 Sep 08 at 9:10 am
BEST Suhsi in town – furusato on Whyte
Best Breakfast/Brunch in town – NewYork Bagel (Behind Strathcona Farmers Market on Whyte)
I have been trying Egg’s Benedict all across town, if you are a Bennie’s person like me you will like New York Bagel. If not Love it. My Fav is the Basilico. I get it every time i am there.
I have been to High-Level, Sugar Bowel, Barb& Ernies, Urban Diner, Flavours on Whyte, Ricky’s Chain, and a few other random places in and out of town. By Far, NewYork Bagel makes the best Bennie’s in Edmonton, or I have ever had for that matter.
I have tried a few sushi places in town. Fursato has always served the best, freshest, and largest serving of Salmon Sushi in town. It is amazing. Their Meso Soup is richer and thicker than any watered-down Meso soups i have tried in town. Cozy Authentic japanese atmosphere. Friendly chefs, you can talk to them. Awsome place.
plz excuse my spelling
Abe
15 Jul 09 at 9:56 am
In my experience, the best Eggs Benedict are at Lazia. I can’t recall if I’ve tried them at NY Bagel or not.
Adam Snider
15 Jul 09 at 1:07 pm
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.
sandrar
10 Sep 09 at 2:18 pm
Thanks for the comment, Sandra. I don’t really blog much here anymore, but if you check out http://adamsnider.com/blog/, you’ll find my new blog, where I will continue to write about Edmonton-related issues.
Adam Snider
10 Sep 09 at 8:52 pm