Sabor has helped define Edmonton’s modern dining scene since the restaurant opened downtown almost two decades ago. Christian Mena and Lino Oliveira founded the restaurant after years of formative travels through Europe, envisioning it as a place where technique, flavour and consistency come first. The menu reflects their Portuguese and Spanish influences, including tapas, charcuterie, cheeses and family-style options that encourage guests to linger and share plates.
The extensive seafood offerings bring people in, though I must also recommend the homemade Empanadillas, Lakeside Farmstead Wagyu Striploin and any one of several types of paella. Sabor also makes the Tried and True list for its loyal local following, while also attracting touring artists and travellers staying nearby who visit for the friendly service and atmosphere almost as much as they visit for the food. – Breanna Mroczek
Sabor
Downtown | 10220 103 St NW #109, Edmonton | 780.757.1114 | sabor.ca
I don’t remember when I first dined at The Next Act Pub, but since then, I’ve enjoyed hundreds of pints, burgers and poutines (the best in the city, IMO) at this storied Whyte Avenue joint. Whether it’s a pre-craft fair brunch, a first date or nursing a hangover, The Next Act is an easy consensus among family, friends or co-workers. Everyone has a go-to meal — mine is the Tequila Lime Chicken Sandwich with a pint of Eighty-Eight Brewing’s hazy pale ale. But The Cameo, an adventurous and changeable weekly burger feature, is always worth a try. Plus, you’re almost certain to run into an old friend in the iconic green booths. Some of the best days and nights of my life have included a stop at The Next Act. – Caitlin Hart
The Next Act
Strathcona | 8224 104 St NW, Edmonton | 780.433.9345 | nextactpub.com
For Edmonton vegetarians, An Chay embodies the tried-and-true category.
Need a pick-me-up? Let’s order An Chay. Have a reason to celebrate? A round of Green Papaya Salad for the table! It’s Friday and you don’t want to cook? Well, you get the idea.
Beware: it can be hard to stray from the popular Vermicelli Special (a.k.a. Bun 3 Mau), mainly because it offers an array of flavours and textures in one dish. There’s the savoury crunch of spring rolls, tart, pickled daikon and the surprise of mint leaf, all resting on a tangle of noodles.
And, of course, the tofu rolls — fresh or shredded, take your pick — are a must-order every time. – Alyssa Noel
An Chay
Wîhkwêntôwin | 11203 Jasper Ave, Edmonton | 780.752.2203 | @anchayyeg
I rediscovered Bistro Praha at lunchtime with a friend a few of weeks ago, like I do every few months. Over its 40 years, this little place has survived fire, deaths in the family and gentle shifts in ownership. Instead of taking these events as reasons to make wholesale changes, the owners continue to lean into the bistro’s roots, making it an iconic and welcoming Edmonton spot for European dining.
The Potato Salad is silky and whipped, not the chunky, sulphurous kind you’d find sweating on a potluck table. Choose from several schnitzels, but I like the traditional Wiener Schnitzel with its golden, fine crumb coating, lightly fried and served with a squeeze of lemon to brighten it up. My friend and I finished lunch with a classic Banana Crêpe, which — along with a Turkish coffee — is reason enough to rediscover this spot periodically. – Kim Larson, as told to Mifi Purvis
Bistro Praha
Downtown | 10117 101 St NW, Edmonton | 780.424.4218 | bistropraha.com
In 2024, this downtown institution changed owners — moving into the trusted hands of Jillian Fonteyne and Scott Downey of The Butternut Tree — but our judges have been impressed with the transition. This French bistro is a staple of business lunches and it makes casual, anytime dinners feel special. The food and wine menus highlight French favourites, with careful attention to quality and presentation.
Start off with the Country Style Pâté, and then get the Entrecôte Frites, a 10-oz rib-eye that one of our judges declared their favourite steak in town. It’s served enriched with a pat of compound butter and some truffle aioli so you can dip the fries! If you haven’t been in a while, it’s worth a return visit to taste the refreshed menu. – Breanna Mroczek
The Marc
Downtown | 9940 105 St NW, Edmonton | 780.429.2828 | themarc.ca
This article appears in the March 2026 issue of Edify
