The north side isn’t known for its nightlife, but once a year, during Ramadan, the neighbourhoods around the mosques between the Yellowhead and Castle Downs Road pulse with late-night rhythms of prayer and food. Streams of worshippers step out in the middle of the night — puffer jackets zipped over long robes — heading to prayer and community events, then on to restaurants for suhoor — the final meal before fasting resumes at dawn.
Suhoor is a homeland throwback for many of the north side’s roughly 15,000 Arabs and many more Muslims. For the most devout, these eateries and coffeehouses offer both the fuel for a long daylight fast and a place to unwind with friends after a day of reflection. As dawn approaches, the atmosphere grows lighter, filled with calm excitement for the day ahead.
This energy peaks in the final 10 days of Ramadan, when Muslims are encouraged to observe a sixth prayer between night and sunrise. Known as Qiyam al-Layl (“standing in the night”), the practice is meant to purify the heart. During this period, Edmonton’s oldest mosque, Al Rashid, hosts middle-of-the-night programming — and some restaurants stretch their hours until 4 a.m. “It’s a very positive, happy ambiance — people get into a good mood,” says Sam Taliani, owner of Alhuda Pita, which stays open based on imsak, the time of true dawn.
With Ramadan to begin late February, these restaurants are poised to carry the north side into those glowing, early-morning hours of suhoor.
Alhuda Pita Bakery and Restaurant
Stepping inside, you’ll notice pillars adorned with Islamic iconography, creating a cultural tapestry animated by aromas from the kitchen. Owner Sam Taliani highlights Alhuda Pita’s signature mana’eesh — Lebanese flatbread topped with falafel, hummus and melted cheese, served fresh from the oven. Another favourite, Jiddo’s Manouchie, layers ground beef with mushrooms, olives, onions, zesty tomato sauce and marbled cheese for a comforting taste of Lebanese tradition.
Lauderdale | 12810 97 St NW, Edmonton | Open until 4 a.m. | alhudapita.com
Castle Bake Pita
The decor immediately tells a story of heritage. A striking mural of Sana’a, Yemen’s capital, celebrates the family’s lineage from the ancient Himyarite Kingdom. Known for Lebanese dishes like scrambled eggs with awarma, breakfast staples that helped land them on Edify‘s Best Brunch 2023 list, they also stay open late for suhoor. The Ramadan buffet features homemade Middle Eastern comfort foods, including fattoush and fatayer, savoury hand pies filled with spiced meats. Each dish reflects the warmth of family cooking and a true taste of Middle Eastern hospitality.
Baturyn | 16845 109 St NW, Edmonton | Open until 4 a.m. | @castlebake
Mokha Coffee House
Mokha Coffee House’s accent wall features Arabic calligraphy, making a striking first impression as moonlight filters through the glass walls. The baklava ice cream is a fan favourite — picture creamy frozen delight in between layers of honey-soaked pastry. And their take on the classic tres leches — a sponge cake soaked in a milky concoction — can now be topped off with a delicious pistachio paste. But if you are just looking for a quick treat, try their various flavours of croissant, from chocolate to almond to pistachio.
Griesbach | 5344 Admiral Girouard St, Edmonton | Open until 1 a.m. but hours may vary based on imsak | mymokhacafe.com
Sahara Mediterranean Restaurant
At Sahara Mediterranean Restaurant, each dish reflects the warmth of home-cooked flavours. The Grand Suhoor Buffet features classics like baba ghanouj (roasted eggplant with olive oil, lemon and seasoning), awarma (lamb confit) and ful (fava beans with cumin olive oil). Every bite offers a taste of tradition and the heart of the Mediterranean.
Lorelei | 10807 Castle Downs Rd NW, Edmonton | saharaedmonton.com
Parama Café
With its sleek black-and-white décor and marble tables, Parama Café embraces a minimalist style that lets its pastries take centre stage. The café’s signature flavour — pistachio — shines in everything from the pistachio white hot chocolate to the matcha topped with pistachio cold foam. Each item reimagines this beloved nut in sweets. Don’t miss the flaky pistachio croissant — the perfect blend of texture and flavour.
Griesbach | 9940 137 Ave NW, Edmonton | @parama_cafe_yeg
