We tell you, airport dining has come a long way, especially in the past few years at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.
Brand new options
As soon as you clear check-in on the domestic and international departures side, you now have the choice of heading into the Plaza Premium Lounge, an international concept that has won the “World’s Best Airport Lounge” for the past two years from SkyTrax.
This pay-per-use lounge (starting at just $40) provides you with access to a swanky marble bar, a hot food selection, numerous salads, drinks, a vast assortment of snacks, computer workstations, complimentary Wi-Fi and furniture that will embrace you like an old friend.
Down at the luggage carousels – and available to the general public – is the airport’s newest restaurant, Flight Club (by the same company behind the Plaza Premium Lounge). Now, the first rule of Flight Club, is you do talk about Flight Club – especially to your friends and fellow passengers looking for a health-focused restaurant before takeoff. The new restaurants takes its cue from herbs and seeds, and features a menu focusing on more holistic options for food, along with a daily selection cold-pressed juices.
Departures
Speaking of juicing (bro, do you even juice?), a favourite for so many flyers is the Green Carrot outlet in the International/Domestic departures terminal. We’ve heard it on good authority that Obby Khan and his crew are always busy keeping the stock supplied for flyers like ourselves, who are KEMP for life. As well, Green Carrot is also offering super healthy food options, including acai bowls topped with granola, coconut chips and dried berries.
Another fresh option in the same boarding area is Freshii, the international health food outlet that specializes in salads, smoothies, and bowls full of superfoods by Winnipeg’s own Matthew Corrin.
On the perhaps less health-conscious side, there is the FUEL Bar, where we like to grab a pint or a cocktail before takeoff; the burger chain Harvey’s; and TrueBurger, which specializes in naturally raised AAA beef.
Restaurants
On the full-service restaurant side of things, the first place you’ll notice is a Stella’s YWG, which is located right inside the terminal, meaning you can come eat here anytime, even if you are not taking off. They have the same extensive menu as most other Stella’s, meaning you should get a Mexican Breakfast or Salmon Benedict in the morning (they also serve breakfast all day), or shareable plates like their charred Brussels sprouts, a mezze plate and fish tacos, or one of their grass-fed beef burgers or numerous vegan and vegetarian options. We’ve also discovered the real unsung hero at Stella’s is their tourtière, which is served with a maple cream sauce which is simply sublime.
On the Canadian/International departures side there is Prairie Bistro, with offers a wide range of contemporary American and Canadiana fare, including salads, burgers, sides and breakfasts. Located directly across it is the Skylights Lounge, where you can order from the Prairie Bistro food menu while enjoying a full cocktail, wine and beer collection.
On the US departures side there is Urban Crave, a restaurant specializing in modern gastro pub style fare like Korean chicken wings, souped-up hot dogs and flatbreads, along with a full bar and a good selection on tap.
For a full list of airport food and beverage offerings click here.
