Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Edmonton / Northern Alberta

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Edmonton / Northern Alberta? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ernest's at NAIT

4.9

4.9 (1393)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Global, International

Edmonton

About the restaurant

Ernest's Dining Room at NAIT has been aptly described as the "jewel in the crown" of Hokanson Centre for Culinary Arts in the School of Skilled Trades. Ernest's decor is described as "understated elegance". Tasteful compliments of cherry wood and brass highlights, a beautiful rock feature wall, muted lighting and attention to detail provide the room with a distinct corporate ambience. Critically acclaimed and numerous accolades identify the "haute cuisine" prepared by second year Culinary Arts diploma students as "outstanding". OpenTable diners voted Ernest's top 100 in Canada for two consecutive years. Seasoned chef instructors emphasize the importance of using high quality local regional products. Mastery of traditional cookery combined with contemporary artistry has resulted in a truly electric cuisine. Elegant service is provided by eager Culinary and Hospitality students. An emphasis on etiquette and authenticity is encouraged through the guidance of professional mentors.

Top review

Millicent

Dined on Jun 18, 2025

The food was excellent and we enjoyed our lunch. We are always surprised by how many people we encounter who have never dined here or for that matter never heard of Ernest's. If you are looking for a delicious and creative fine dining experience at a reasonable price we would highly recommend this spot. A bonus is that you are supporting the advancement of the culinary training of future chefs. It's a win win.

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4.8

4.8 (1612)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Edmonton

About the restaurant

The name WOODWORK pays homage to the intersection of our passions for wood-fired cooking and barrel-aged spirits.

The Woodwork kitchen is centred around our custom Grillworks wood-fired grill; while our bar features one of Alberta's most extensive collections of spirits, award-winning cocktails, and a curated list of our favourite wines to pair with grilled cuisine.

An Edmonton institution since 2013, Woodwork is located downtown in the historic McLeod Building at 100 Street & Rice Howard Way.

Top review

Meghan

Dined 6 days ago

Great food and cocktails, will definitely be returning again and again.

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Popular dish

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Popular dish

Brussels Sprouts Elote

Popular dish

Woodwork Burger

Fu's Repair Shop

4.8

4.8 (298)

CAN$30 and under

Asian

Edmonton

About the restaurant

Voted Edmonton's Best New Restaurant!
18+ no minors, please.
Cocktails, all day dim sum, dumplings, wok fried dishes, and more.
DJs every Friday & Saturday.
*We do not have a phone, DM or email us at hello@fusrepairshop.ca

Reservations of 9ppl or more require a deposit, please email hello@fusrepairshop.ca to book a table.

Top review

Cheryl

Dined 5 days ago

Wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Food was fantastic! The atmosphere was fun. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Bernadette's

4.8

4.8 (167)

CAN$51 and over

Indigenous

Edmonton

About the restaurant

An elegant intimate restaurant in downtown Edmonton with Indigenous sharing plates highlighting local, seasonal and tradition ingredients, evoking memories and comfort.

Happy Hour consists of half price oysters & select glasses of wine, with a limited menu until 5pm.

Top review

Jeffery

Dined 3 days ago

The food was excellent, so many delicious flavours for your pallet. Family style eating with great cocktail choices.

BODEGA Whyte Ave.

4.8

4.8 (37)

CAN$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

Edmonton

About the restaurant

We've transformed a tired, old pub on Whyte Ave into the crown jewel of our Bodegas!
With a beautiful long bar for tapas, wine & cocktails and a stylish dining room, you'll love what you find.
We offer exceptional seafood, paella and vegetarian dishes for everyone's palate.
Come in and discover a taste of Portugal and Spain.

Top review

JustineVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent tapas; today we got free oysters for ordering a bottle of wine, making it amazing value too!!

Fumaca Brazilian Steakhouse

4.7

4.7 (723)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Brazilian Steakhouse

Old Strathcona

About the restaurant

An authentic upscale gaucho style Brazilian steakhouse in Edmonton city. We are located on Saskatchewan drive with one of the best city views overlooking the walterdale bridge and city skyline. We offer variety of Brazilian grilled meats in an all you can eat meat concept meat being carved at your table side with a variety of hot, cold salad bar.

There is complimentary guest parking available in front of the restaurant and adjacent side streets.

We look forward to your visit.

Thank you

The Fumaca Team

Top review

Mitch

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Very delicious wish salad bar had a few more choices other than that amazing

Boxer - Albertan Kitchen & Bar

4.6

4.6 (507)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Edmonton

About the restaurant

Boxer Kitchen and Bar is a vibrant culinary hideaway in the heart of Old Strathcona—tucked just out of sight, but never out of mind. Known for its seasonal fare and extensive craft cocktail menu, Boxer offers an energetic space adorned with original murals and an atmosphere that shifts seamlessly from relaxed to electric. In the summer, open garage doors and a sunny patio bring the outdoors in. Whether you're here for a lively night out or booking a private event, Boxer delivers a uniquely local experience.

Located in Old Strathcona just off Whyte Avenue across from the Farmers Market. Access via the "Strathcona Back Street"

**At peak hours we sometimes set seating limits** 2 hours for parties of 2-4 people 3 hours for larger groups**

Top review

SusanVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Food was good, but a very very small menu….tons of alcohol choices. I guess that’s why it’s located off of Whyte Avenue.

Terra

4.4

4.4 (229)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Jasper

About the restaurant

Terra is inspired by the rawness of Jasper. Locally farmed and foraged fare is at the heart of what we do. Like the seasons, our menus are constantly changing to incorporate natural, local ingredients. No matter the time of year, we always offer something new and unexpected.

Top review

Mel

Dined 6 days ago

Pork chop was a great meal for two. Daniella was perfect.

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Popular dish

Corn Ribs

El Corazon - Glenora

4.4

4.4 (54)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Latin American

Glenora

About the restaurant

Latin Inspired Restaurant located in Glenora offering a dynamic International Latin influenced menu with fresh ingredients. Join us for Lunch, Dinner or Snacks 7 days a week! Brunch from 11am-2pm (along with the entire menu) every Saturday + Sunday. Happy Hour 7 days a week from 2pm-5pm! A great destination for Taco Tuesday + Wine Wednesday! We can accommodate tables of 2 to 40 guests! Walk-ins are always welcome or contact us to book a reservation!
Food Menu includes delicious Tacos, Tapas, Appetizers, Mains, Sandwiches, Desserts + More.

Over 30 unique handcrafted cocktails using premium spirits + fresh ingredients! Our guest favourites include our Vanilla Margarita, Banana Mojito and Spicy Strawberry Mezcal Margarita!

Top review

George

Dined on Jun 8, 2025

The restaurant was very nice, and close to where we were staying. Margaritas were great, and the lamb and bbq chicken tacos were very tasty and service was attentive.

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Experience

Corazon Hour - 2pm-5pm Everyday

Experience

Martini Thursdays - $4 OFF All Martinis All Day

Experience

Taco Tuesday At El Corazon Glenora

Bubba Gump - Edmonton

4.2

4.2 (244)

CAN$30 and under

Seafood

Edmonton

About the restaurant

Since 1996, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has been entertaining guests with a charming down-home style that’s a hit with eaters around the globe. Our menu offers a number of items for the shrimp lover in all of us. Boasting creative seafood dishes inspired straight from the movie Forrest Gump and a fun family atmosphere, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. will have you running to the nearest location you can find!

Top review

Karen and Dennis

Dined on Jun 15, 2025

Three of us were at Bubba Gumps for lunch on a Sunday to celebrate a birthday. We had made a reservation just in case as it was Father's Day, however, we arrived early and were greeted happily. We did do a drink each and they were delicious. We started with an appetizer (artichoke dip) and it was a good starter. We ordered the shrimp/crab rolls, scampi linguine and the stuffed shrimp - all were beyond delicious. We splurged and shared two desserts amongst the three of us, each was abundant and delicious. Our waitress Faith was attentive, and left us wanting for nothing. The price was fair and we will definitely be back for more.

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