Page 20 - 02_March-2025

Best
New
1.
Bernadette’s
When ICE District opened in 2016, the sports bars soon
followed, but over the years, finer establishments have
set up along 104th Street, many of which have appeared
on Edify’s Best Restaurants lists. The newest — in fact, the
best newest — is Bernadette’s, which on this weirdly rainy
winter evening is so busy we make reservations for 8 p.m.
Tonight the Oilers play in Chicago, but if Bernadette’s
was on Randolph Street — one of North America’s best
food districts a few blocks from the United Center — it
wouldn’t be out of place.
Bernadette’s is an Indigenous restaurant that serves
seasonal dishes “dedicated to our grandmothers.” But
the small space — with its colourful mural by sakâw
nêhiyaw-Métis iskwew artist bb iskwew, and Indigenous
dubstep blaring — doesn’t give grandmother vibes, unless
your grandmother was really cool.
The dishes rotate based on the weather and whims of
Chef Scott Iserhoff (Attawapiskat), but the oysters are
an early contender for the restaurant’s marquee dish.
Bannock is always a treat, especially when piled high with
Bernadette’s brisket. And out of any raw meat served in
Edmonton (carpaccio, sashimi, steak tartare), the Raw
Elk is the most tender we’ve tried.
With experimental (and “political”) dishes and drinks
— and a surprising amount of Spam on the menu — we
suggest heading down to 104th Street, whether the
Oilers play or not, and to be deliciously delighted. ­–
CORY SCHACHTEL
10114 104 ST. NW
587-879-4317
BERNADETTES.CA
20 EDify. MARCH.25