Otto isn’t a restaurant, it’s a meeting place. That’s not our opinion, that’s how the “no pomp and ceremony” establishment describes itself online, and it turns out the gastropub is good at introspection. It’s also good at serving hearty, quality, mostly sausage-based meals, the majority of which are locally sourced and all of which are ideal for nibbling and sharing. The Maple-Sage Bratwurst is smooth and sweet, the Mushroom Fennel has classic Italian red wine flavour and there’s even a potato and barley-based vegan sausage option (Smoked Apple Sage). The menu does change, but you’ll always leave this neighbourhood meeting spot satisfied. — Cory Schachtel
11405 95 St. NW, 780-477-6244, ottofoodanddrink.com
Large portions, rich, house-made salsas supplied with every meal, fresh queso fresco, and mellow Latin music make it more than a neighbourhood gem — it’s a little getaway that draws you in with its character, laid-back vibe and undeniable sense of comfort. While all tacos look equally tempting, De Alambre De Res takes it to a whole new level. You have to assemble these yourself – the stir-fried mixture of ham, beef, bacon, peppers, onions, mushrooms and pineapple comes topped with melted cheese, with a side of tortillas in which to wrap the fried goodness. — Kateryna Didukh
9880 63 Ave. NW, 780-433-9229, humamexicanrestaurant.ca
When the name of this Latin grocery store came up as a possible candidate for the Best Neighbourhood Gem category, what maybe was the most surprising was the lack of surprise. The judges agreed: The two Paraiso Tropical locations make great takeaway food. There’s a selection of street grub from across the Americas; from Argentinean empanadas to Mexican tamales to Salvadoran pupusas. The pastries are flaky, the meats are flavourful and the hand-helds are little flavour bombs. — Steven Sandor
9136 118 Ave. NW; 6926 104 St. NW, 780-479-6000; 780-705-9711, paraisotropical.ca
Back to Edmonton’s Best Restaurants 2020
This article appears in the March 2020 issue of Avenue Edmonton
