There’s one memory I have from the Edmonton Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup final that has nothing to do with the action on the ice.
It was from the press area at Rogers Place. As the Oilers progressed further and further into the playoffs, more and more journalists from across North America and the globe came out to cover the games. Many of them weren’t new to Edmonton; they’d been here before to cover hockey. So, they at least had working knowledge of the city.
Of course, the press corps always loves to talk about where to eat — and, over and over, I heard writers from across Canada, writers from New York, writers from California, writers from I don’t know where, utter two words.
“Bistro Praha.”
To them, this was the reliable standard of the Edmonton food scene. The place that stood the test of time.
Maybe it’s the two-hands-big schnitzel. Or the pork hocks. Or the dumplings. The crepes. Or it’s the selection of Czech beer. But, through the decades, Bistro Praha has left a lasting impression, and is the first stop for many people who make road trips to this city. – Steven Sandor
Bistro Praha
Downtown | 10117 101 St NW | 780-424-4218 | bistropraha.com
I have said it before and will say it again: One of the greatest signs of humankind’s willingness to make the world a better place… is sausage.
To stuff glorious meat into a casing, to add spices and herbs and all sorts of good stuff, well that rivals the invention of the light bulb or the telephone, right?
The sausages on offer at Otto are fantastic if you’re there solo, or if you’re sharing a plate of them with friends. With lots of local beer on offer, you’ve got pretty well all you need. The Otto, with Sylvan Star gouda cheese, and the traditional Bratwurst are the must-haves. But make sure to pair them with a Smoked Mac and Cheese and the Braised Red Cabbage (Yes, “red” cabbage is purple, but let’s not split hairs). – Steven Sandor
Otto Food & Drink
Alberta Avenue | 11405 95 St. NW, Edmonton | 780.477.6244 | ottofoodanddrink.com
The Next Act Pub is an Edmonton institution where everyone belongs, whether you’re in office wear or weekend sweats.
The rotating Friday Cameo burgers have become legendary in the city, matched only by poutine featuring squeaky-fresh cheese curds that hit every comfort food craving just right.
In a city where restaurants come and go, The Next Act delivers in all the right ways — consistently delicious food, comfortable atmosphere, and the persistent feeling that you’re exactly where you should be, whether you’re a student or a CEO. It’s not just a pub — it’s Edmonton’s living room, where good food and great company have been meeting for years. – Lauren Kalinowski
The Next Act
Strathcona | 8224 104 St NW, Edmonton | 780.433.9345 | nextactpub.com
Tapas at Sabor: Sometimes, you gotta go with what you know. And we know Sabor well. Birthdays (Bruschetta), wedding receptions (Bacon-Wrapped Dates), work events (Garlic Prawns) and casual nights out (Piri Piri-dusted Fried Calamari) — we’ve been to Sabor for all kinds of reasons, and we always leave loving something new. – Cory Schachtel
This article appears in the March 2025 issue of Edify
