Best Dining Destinations in Alberta: Trendy Restaurants & Brunch Spots

Alberta, a province known for its vibrant culinary scene, offers an array of dining experiences that cater to every palate. From the trendy restaurants of Edmonton to the charming brunch spots sprinkled throughout the city, there’s a treasure trove of culinary delights waiting to be discovered. This guide will take you through some of the best locations in Alberta, highlighting the places that not only offer exceptional food but also embody the spirit of the province’s diverse and dynamic dining culture.

Canteen, Edmonton

Canteen, once a culinary jewel on 124 Street in Edmonton, was more than just a restaurant; it was an experience that epitomized the essence of hip restaurants in Edmonton. Although Canteen has closed its doors as of September 2022, it remains a fond memory in the hearts of those who visited.

  • Address: 10522 124 Street, Edmonton
  • Website: Closed
  • Hours of Operation: Closed as of September 2022
  • Price Range: $$$
  • Reservation Recommended: Yes, especially for brunch on weekends
Canteen Edmonton

What Made Canteen So Special?

  • Canteen Restaurant’s Focus on Fresh Ingredients: Canteen’s menu, renowned for its focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients, made it a standout among 124 St restaurants in Edmonton.
  • Canteen Brunch Edmonton: The brunch at Canteen was particularly notable, drawing crowds for its inventive dishes and becoming a go-to spot for brunch downtown Edmonton.
  • Creative and Ever-Changing Canteen Menu: The Canteen restaurant menu was a dynamic testament to culinary innovation, ensuring that Canteen was not just a good canteen but a remarkable dining destination.
  • Extensive Beer List: Among restaurants on 124 Street, Canteen boasted an impressive beer list, a hallmark of the vibrant 124 Street Edmonton restaurants scene.
  • Warm and Inviting Atmosphere: Canteen’s ambiance, a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, sets it apart as one of the hip restaurants in Edmonton.

Atmosphere and Setting

The restaurant, often referred to as “The Canteen,” was a place where the atmosphere and setting perfectly complemented the culinary delights. From breakfast on 124 Street Edmonton to late-night dinners, every moment spent here was special.

Service and Hospitality

The staff at Canteen were known for their friendly and knowledgeable service, making it not just a restaurant but a warm, welcoming community space.

Menu and Culinary Creativity

  • Starters: The starters on the Canteen menu, like ‘Crispy Pork Belly’ and ‘Charred Cauliflower’, were just a preview of the creativity that defined the Canteen restaurant menu.
  • Main Courses: Main courses, such as the ‘Duck Confit,’ were favourites among the restaurants on 124 St Edmonton, offering a memorable dining experience.
  • Desserts: Canteen’s desserts, such as the ‘Chocolate Ganache Tart’ and ‘Lemon Meringue Pie’, were the perfect end to any meal.
  • Beverages: The beverage selection, including various wines and artisanal cocktails, was a highlight of the Canteen menu.

Remembering Canteen and Beyond

While Canteen, a beloved establishment among 124 street Edmonton restaurants, is no longer open, its spirit lives on. For those seeking a similar vibe, the Red Ox Cafe, another gem in the area, continues to offer a unique dining experience. Canteen’s legacy as a cornerstone of Edmonton’s culinary scene, especially known for its Canteen brunch Edmonton, remains a cherished memory and a benchmark for other restaurants on 124 Street.


Bridgette Bar

Bridgette Bar, Calgary

  • Address: 739 10 Avenue South West, Calgary, Alberta T2R 0B3
  • Website: www.bridgettebar.com

Hours of Operation:

  • Monday-Wednesday: 11:30am – 12am
  • Thursday-Friday: 11:30am – 1am
  • Saturday: 2pm – 1am
  • Sunday: 2pm – 11pm
  • Matinée Happy Hour: Monday – Sunday 2pm – 5pm (half-off all beverages)​​
  • Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Reservation Recommended: Yes, particularly for special occasions and groups

What Makes Bridgette Bar So Special?

  • Chef JP Pedhirney’s Ambitious Menu: Bridgette Bar features a unique menu crafted by Chef JP Pedhirney, known for its creative American cuisine​​.
  • Mid-Century Modern Decor: The bar’s mid-century modern decor provides a stylish and contemporary backdrop, making it a trendy spot for dining and socializing​​.
  • Creative Cocktails and Cuisine: Known for its great creative cocktails, Bridgette Bar offers an enjoyable experience for those looking to explore new flavours and concoctions​​.
  • Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The bar caters to a variety of dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring a welcoming experience for all diners​​.

Atmosphere and Setting

Bridgette Bar is where stylish decor meets culinary excellence. The mid-century modern setting creates an atmosphere that is both retro and contemporary, perfect for enjoying a casual lunch, a happy hour, or a late-night dinner.

Service and Hospitality

The staff at Bridgette Bar are known for their attentive service, adding to the overall welcoming and friendly atmosphere of the bar.

Menu and Culinary Creativity

  • Starters: Innovative dishes like ‘Spiced Beet Salad’ and ‘Wagyu Beef Carpaccio’ showcase the creativity in the kitchen​​.
  • Main Courses: The menu features an array of tantalizing options, including wood-roasted meats and uniquely prepared seafood​​.
  • Desserts: The dessert menu, with items like ‘Banana Pie’, offers a sweet and satisfying conclusion to any meal​​.
  • Beverages: A selection of expertly crafted cocktails and a wide range of wines complement the dining experience, enhancing the flavours of the dishes.

Bündok, Edmonton

Bündok, a contemporary Canadian restaurant in Edmonton, presents a unique dining experience that blends charm, innovation, and a sense of community. Here’s an overview that captures the essence of Bündok, mirroring the structure used for Canteen.

  • Address: 10228 104th Street, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1B8
  • Website: www.bundokyeg.com
  • Hours of Operation: Open 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Next day)
  • Price Range: $$ – $$$
  • Reservation Recommended: Yes, to ensure a spot in this popular venue
Bundok Edmonton

What Makes Bündok So Special?

  • Elevated Farm-to-Table Cuisine: Bündok offers a unique dining experience with its elevated hip farm-to-table cuisine, making it a standout among downtown Edmonton restaurants​​.
  • Contemporary Canadian Flavors: The restaurant specializes in contemporary Canadian cuisine, providing vegetarian-friendly and vegan options and catering to a diverse range of dietary preferences​​.
  • Innovative Small Plates: Known for its chef-driven seasonal small plates, Bündok’s menu is both innovative and charming, perfect for special occasions​​.
  • Classy and Comfortable Atmosphere: The interior of Bündok is described as nice and classy, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for diners​​.

Atmosphere and Setting

Bündok is a place where the setting complements its culinary offerings. Its location in downtown Edmonton just steps away from Roger’s Place, makes it a convenient and appealing destination for both locals and visitors​​.

Service and Hospitality

Bündok is known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, making it not just a restaurant but a welcoming community space where every guest feels valued and taken care of.

Menu and Culinary Creativity

  • Starters: Popular dishes like ‘Sea Bream Crudo’ and ‘Chicken Liver Tartine’ kickstart the gastronomic journey with creativity and flavour​​.
  • Main Courses: The restaurant’s focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients ensures that each main course is a delightful and memorable experience.
  • Desserts: Innovative desserts such as ‘Citrus Posset’ provide a sweet and satisfying conclusion to the meal​​.
  • Beverages: A selection of carefully curated wines and cocktails complements the Bündok brunch menu and dining experience in general, enhancing the flavours of the dishes.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor in Alberta, the province’s array of trendy restaurants and best brunch places in Edmonton and other cities are sure to impress. With options ranging from high-end dining to casual, laid-back environments, there’s something to satisfy every taste and occasion. These locations not only offer exceptional culinary experiences but also embody the warm hospitality and innovative spirit of Alberta’s dining scene. So, next time you’re pondering where to eat in this beautiful province, consider these top-rated destinations for an unforgettable gastronomic journey.