Summer - Culinary Adventure
What’s new for summer on Winnipeg’s culinary scene
When it comes to new openings in 2023, Winnipeg’s culinary scene has been hotter than an August long weekend.
Whether it’s wine bars, a tiki restaurant, gorgeous settings or hidden gems, Winnipeg restaurants offer a little bit of something for everyone. Plus, we have plenty of patios too.
Dig in!
Notable new restaurants
Following up on their nationally acclaimed and locally adored hit Nola, Burnley Place Hospitality opened the 32-seat Bar Accanto in April. Directly connected to Nola, Bar Accanto features an open kitchen where elegant small plates are matched by an all-natural wine list. It’s sure to become one of the city’s best.
That same month saw the opening of a large new East Coast-influenced pub and eatery that continues to bring in crowds. Friskee Pearl, by King’s Head Pub owner Chris Graves, features a shellfish and bivalve-centric menu that also includes wood-fired oven pizzas by former Mitchell Block Chef Sean McKay. There’s live music and a 120-seat patio too.
Another new and notable restaurant that opened in April is Promenade Brasserie in Saint-Boniface. The locally sourced menu is inspired by chef/owner Jay Lekopoy’s Métis-Francophone heritage, and the restaurant is open from breakfast through dinner. Its patio overlooks the downtown skyline and Red River.
Speaking of patios, brand new to Gather Kitchen & Bar at The Leaf is a west-facing patio. It’s a great spot to enjoy the Mediterranean and Tropical Biome-inspired cuisine, featuring many local ingredients, including ones from the star attraction’s attached Kitchen Garden. Gather immediately became one of the city’s most popular eateries when it opened in late 2022, so reservations are usually a must for the dining room, while the patio is walk-in only (although you can transfer your reso to outside should there be room when you arrive).
In the Exchange District, there are plenty of island vibes within Bahay Kubo at the Royal Albert Arms Hotel. This tiki restaurant by Filipino food ambassador Allan Pineda and chef Eejay Chua features small plates like the signature Spam fries and tuna and salmon kinilaw, along with tiki drinks, DJs, and fun happenings. They’re also now serving weekend brunch.
The city’s Caribbean and Latin American scene has continued to grow with the addition of Raph’s Jamaican Joint on Portage, along with Fusion Stop in Saint-Boniface, which combines two food trucks–Island Fusion, whose plantain sliders you can’t miss—and The Churro Stop, which specializes in Argentinian fare.
Plus, there’s even more incredible pizza to be had in this city courtesy of Friend Bakery and Pizzeria, a fun little joint by two young buds. Arrive early to get a coveted Cinnamon Knot Cindy before the sourdough pizzas start being served at 5 p.m.
New spots for drinks (and some bites)
If you’re looking for the coolest new spots for cocktails and small bites in the city, look no further than Solera. Actually… to be fair, it is a bit of a look, as this new spot by MDS Restaurant Group (Sous Sol, Rudy’s, Tabula Rasa) is located at the back of Tabula Rasa, and you enter through a hidden door covered in records. Within, the ‘accidentally on purpose’ ship-themed interior is a real stunner with Turkish lights and comfortable seating, while the all-star team will make you some of the best drinks in Canada. Its location on South Osborne also ensures that even if you must wait for a seat, there are plenty of spots nearby for a snack or drink to bide your time–including Dastardly Villain Brewery, which is set to open this summer just across the street.
Downtown, Devil May Care Brewing Company's new taproom has been a welcome addition with its prime location between The Forks, Canada Life Centre and Portage and Main. Just off Portage and Main, Rosé Coffee and Wine will draw you in with its sexy interior, oysters and craft cocktails, while across the street in the East Exchange Darling Bar has become one of the top nightlife spots in the city. Much like its predecessor, Forth, Darling Bar has both a basement and rooftop location, while during the daytime, the new coffee shop VA Café has you set when it comes to coffees and pastries on the main floor.
Pop-up patios, food trucks and other al fresco things
Winnipeg loves a patio, particularly when it’s a summer pop-up.
A few of our established temporary bars include The Beer Can at both The Granite Curling Club–where this summer the crazy delicious food is by Kosmo’s Food Cantina (the same boys behind the glorious Hoagie Boyz) and The Gas Station Theatre; and Cargo Bar in Assiniboine Park–where you can pair your local beers, cocktails and wines with Poach’T food truck.
Live music fans will love Blue Note Park—located right downtown on Main Street and run by the Times Change(d), making for a full lineup of concerts. Or pull up a chair at Le Patio 340 in Saint-Boniface, which offers expansive seating, a large stage for performances by local artists, as well as local beer, wine and mocktails.All the above are kid and pet-friendly too.
Winnipeg’s food truck fleet is also expanding, with more than 60 on the streets this summer serving up everything from Indigenous to Indian, Korean, pizza, barbecue, Japanese and Ethiopian. You can find them in our annual Peg City Grub food truck guide and in person by strolling along Broadway at lunch, taking in any of Winnipeg’s renowned festivals, or by visiting Old Market Square or farmers’ markets throughout the summer.
For patios, our 2022 Peg City Grub Patio Guide has everything you need, whether you’re seeking a great view, a riverside retreat or a hidden gem. We’ll be updating it next.
