Workshop Eatery
While Workshop Eatery’s location on the far south side of the city might deter some, trust us – there’s a reason our judges ranked it third in the Best New category. The decor is warm yet industrial, the open kitchen – where diners can see chef Paul Shufelt scurrying around preparing his dishes – is a nice touch, and the food consistently delivers. The proteins, from lamb shank to the duck breast, are cooked to perfection, impossibly tender and flavourful, and accentuated with innovative accompaniments from thyme jus to vanilla parsnip puree. Add in the fact that many of the ingredients are locally sourced – including the hyper local preserves, taken from the gardens directly outside the restaurant – and you’ve got a place that will steal any foodie’s heart. –Adrianna Szenthe
2003 91 St., 780-705-2205, theworkshopeatery.com
4th
Uccellino
Daniel Costa’s newest restaurant, Uccellino, is a modern spin on the Italian trattoria, and combines the casual-cool atmosphere of Bar Bricco with Corso 32’s fine dining experience. The space is a stark contrast to the dim lit rooms of Corso 32 and Bar Bricco; instead the new space opts for a light and airy aesthetic, supported by floor-to-ceiling windows and clean lines. What’s more, that inviting nature of the space stretches onto the menu with its shareable rustic Italian fare. You’ll want to share the pappardelle, which is a pork-lovers delight with pig’s head and prosciutto, and a daubing of fresh parmigiano reggiano. -Jasmine Salazar
10349 Jasper Ave., uccellino.ca
5th
The Local Omnivore
With an aesthetic that screams punk-rock, from pallets turned into wall decor and old, heavy wooden school doors repurposed as benches, The Local Omnivore feels comfortably chaotic, like a living room where everything is slightly mismatched, but that’s how you like it.
The menu, though, is decadent. Meats are brined and smoked, and there’s a messy decadence to all the sandwiches on offer. From the corned beef to the smoked turkey, you will end up with some sauce on your shirt after a lunch well spent at the Local Omnivore. And take it easy with the pirate spice on the fries – the heat builds up with every bite, so don’t go crazy. –Steven Sandor
10933 120 St., 780-660-1051, thelocalomnivore.com
Like this content? Get more delivered right to your inbox with Ed. Eats
A list of what’s delicious, delectable and delightful.