EDify Best Restaurants 2025: Edmonton's Best Food, All in One Place!

When March rolls around in Edmonton it's foodie Christmas! That's because this is when the EDify Best Restaurants list is released, a veritable celebration of the city's the top restaurants in over a dozen categories. I place value behind this list because the winners are chosen by a panel of actual local foodies, making it the most important and esteemed restaurant selection of the year. The magazine puts great care into considering cuisines from our entire cultural tapestry and goes far beyond the high-end tasting menu. Wouldn't it be a dream come true if you could taste food from all of the restaurants on the list? You can! Every spring EDify hosts a massive event at the Edmonton Convention Centre where almost all of the winners converge to serve the biggest and best annual feast. You'll see every self-proclaimed foodie in attendance, myself included. Like in past years, I purchased a VIP ticket as the benefits of doing so make a big difference. Firstly, you get to enter the event 45 minutes earlier than everyone else which means a lot of extra time to start eating without long lineups. You also get a VIP table (it's really nice to have a place to go and sit down, especially when a break is needed), sparkling wine, savoury cocktail pretzels and dip (this was nice but admittedly I didn't even try it because I was way too full from everything else!), and a cute favour to take home. Each person receives 15 food tickets (good for one dish each) and 5 bevy tickets. Combined with my co-diner that's 30 dishes of food and in the past that has always been enough for us to try one of everything at the event. Not the case this year!! This time there were a staggering 43 dishes available (maybe more?!), with many of the restaurants serving more than one. This meant that there was no way to try them all (you cannot purchase additional tickets). There wouldn't have been space left in my stomach either! Plus there's also dessert that doesn't even count!! Going forward, my recommendation would be to look at the menu before the event (it gets released in advance) and to plan ahead. Take note of the restaurants that you absolutely don't want to miss so that you don't run out of tickets before getting to them all. With tickets in hand, I was prepared to eat everything, or at least as much as I possibly could! Here is how I ranked what I ate: 30. Sydney to Halifax Pizza from Campio Brewing Co. (#1 Best Brewpub)

Campio had four pizzas available to choose from; including the Forager, PB & J, and O.G. I would have loved to try them all but went with the Sydney to Halifax which is made with deep dish garlic fingers with garlic cream, mozzarella, brick cheeses, smoky bacon, and housemade donair sauce. I was happy to get a nice crispy corner piece (the holy grail!) but I found the pizza too bland. I wanted more cheesy garlic!! 29. Peppercorn Beef from The Lingnan (#3 Best Chinese Restaurant)

I certainly appreciated being served by Miles Quon himself and I loved that they were handing out little gold Buddha statues to everyone! The Lingnan is always so incredible at going above and beyond in this way. I liked that I could really taste the peppercorn flavour and the beef was very tender. 28. Chinese Traditional Handmade Bun from Mr. Bun (#1 Best Chinese Restaurant)

Mr. Bun is a restaurant that I've been wanting to try so I was excited to see them at the event! They were also serving Cold Jellyfish Head and Roasted Bran with Traditional Flavour Sauce which both sounded very interesting, but again, I couldn't choose everything. Even the handmade buns came in two different flavours! I chose the cabbage and pork one. Unfortunately, it lacked in flavour and seemed too dry. 27. AAA+ Beef Tenderloin Wellington from DOSC I don't know how it always happens, but this seems to be the food photo that I missed. The shame!! Served with a demi-glace, the meat was tender and the pastry enveloping it was tasty. I noted the classic mushroom duxelles that was used, completing the dish. 26. Tropical Shirmp Tacos from Smokin’ Barrels Cocina Latina

Nice bright little taco! The shrimp were cooked well and the tortilla was good. Very fresh. However, not super memorable. There were a lot of tacos at this year's event and this one wasn't my favourite of them all. 25. CAB Striploin from Atlas Steak + Fish (#3 Best Steaks)

I certainly appreciated the presentation! Served with prawn crackers, lemon aioli, pickled shallot, and fried caper. I loved the multi-coloured prawn crackers in pink, yellow, white, and green, each with a piece of perfectly-cooked beef in the center. One of the best for creativity! 24. Pork Pastor Taco from Carne Asada

This restaurant was serving two dishes and in this case I tried both. This taco was served with marinated pork shoulder, onions, cilantro, and pineapple. The pork was very tasty and I especially enjoyed the pineapple salsa on top. A true street food experience! 23. Beet Salad from Happy & Olive (#2 Best Brunch) Apparently I didn't take a photo of this one either!! Served with pistachio butter and fried halloumi, I liked this salad as a refreshing break from all of the more heavy plates. The bright purple strands of beet were piled in a beautiful stack. There was only one singular cube of halloumi on top which felt a little sad. 22. Lox & Blinis from Pip (#3 Best Brunch)

Loved the idea behind this dish and concept of the savoury pancake! However, I found the pancake dry. I can't be mad at smoked salmon though. 21. Devilled Egg from Partake (#5 Best Overall Restaurant)

Partake is single-handedly bringing back the devilled egg. This one was served with beet hummus, pistou, and a parm crisp. Easily the most beautiful offering at the event and I love everything that Partake is about. 20. Tacos Al Pastor from Luna Cocina Mexicana (#1 Best Mexican Restaurant)

This was the best taco at the event in my opinion, and there were a lot of tacos to choose from this year! I loved the tortilla and I loved the meat. Chef Mariel Montero Sena herself was there to promote her amazing restaurant. They know what they're doing at Luna - they're the best Mexican restaurant in the city. 19. Steak Tartare from The Marc

I was pretty full by time I ate this but I certainly appreciated the beautifully crimson-coloured beef and the studs of capers and other ingredients throughout. 18. Red Chilaquiles from Carne Asada Mexican Taqueria

They didn't look like much but these tortilla chips in red salsa with feta cheese, onions, and sour cream were very flavourful! I liked the deep golden fry on the crispy chips. These were addictive and we didn't want to eat them all... But we did. 17. Pad Thai from Siam Thai Kitchen (#1 Best Thai Restaurant)

This place wins for largest portion size by a lot!! They also had a sneak attack of a second food item (green curry) which you could get by itself or they could do a half and half plate. Not the best Thai food that I've ever had but I enjoyed their bold flavours. 16. Beef Tapa from RGE RD (#2 Best Overall Restaurant)

One of the most famous restaurants in the city, I loved their well-executed dish. Roast beef, fried potato, spiced aioli, mustard onion cream, and micro greens. Each ingredient was used with care. A tiny and delicious delight! (The set-up at their booth was beautiful as well!) 15. PEI Mussels from XIX Nineteen

No one else was doing anything like this! Served with gorgonzola espuma, leeks, hickory sticks, and aleppo pepper. Flavours on flavours!! I really enjoyed the sharp taste of gorgonzola and I'll never be angry about a hickory stick! 14. Prague’s Canapés from Bistro Praha (#1 Best Tried & True Restaurant)

I absolutely love Bistro Praha - it's one of my favourite restaurants in the city. (It's also famously popular among the hockey players.) There were three canapés to choose from; Smoked Salmon, Barbecue Ham, and Crabmeat Salad. I chose the crabmeat but I wish that I could have had them all! Simple and delicious. Milan Svajgr, the face of the restaurant, was there to serve everyone. 13. Chef Beef from Farrow (#3 Best Sandwich)

I've been singing Farrow's praises for years and years! And this little sandwich was a perfect example of why. Delightfully uniform, stacked a mile high with delicious roast beef, YES there's a layer of potato chips in there, all topped with the softest bun. Nailing it as always! 12. Open-Face Focaccia from Otto Food & Drink (#2 Best Tried & True Restaurant)

Otto is everyone's forever favourite! They had three focaccias to choose from and again, I wish that I could have tried them all; Mortadella with Pistachio, Chorizo Verde Sausage, and Red Lentil Veggie "Meatballs." Mortadella is always my pick! Served with pesto and whipped lemon ricotta on focaccia, there was nothing not to love! 11. Kimchi Pizza Bite from Die Pie (#3 Best Pizza)

Everyone in the know knows that Die Pie makes the best pizza dough in the world. Served with gochujang aioli, micro cilantro, sesame seeds, and chili oil. This was like eating a nug of amazing dough except with a punch in the face of flavour. I was practically licking the plate because the aioli and oil was so good. 10. Embered Leek from The Butternut Tree

The Butternut Tree had my #1 favourite dish last year so I was really looking forward to seeing what they would come up with this year! I found their entry impressive in its simplicity. Showcasing a leek? The sauce on the side was a velvet deliciousness. The light char was inspired. I've never loved a leek more in my life! 9. North Country Beef Carpaccio from Barbacoa (#2 Best Steaks)

What a bright and beautiful bite! I was so surprised that they were able to fit so many big flavours and textures into such a compact package. Every element was well-balanced and a party in my mouth! 8. Cà Ri Beef Tartare from Fu’s Repair Shop (#1 Best Overall Restaurant)

Fu's is everyone's favourite, let's be honest. I loved seeing Chef Winnie Chen there, slinging this Vietnamese-style curry. Every bite of this dish was an unexpected surprise. I enjoyed the fine chop on the noodle a lot - a smart way to keep it from being messy and difficult to eat. The creamy curry and seasoned beef were perfect companions. So good! 7. Jalapeno Jack Stick from The Next Act (#3 Best Tried & True Restaurant)

The Next Act is everyone's old standby when it comes to restaurants, and with good reason. Served with asiago dip and marinara sauce, this was like the best mozza stick ever. Except it wasn't mozza?! I loved the cheese pull and I loved getting both of the sauces all mixed together to create one super dippy sauce. The most fun! 6. Chicken Salad from Mãi Mãi Viet Street Kitchen

This dish quickly became the one that we were rating all others against. Served with crispy rice and scallion oil, the big and bold flavours were jumping off of the plate. The crispy rice cake was toothsome and everything else on top was a rainbow of deliciousness. I'm pretty obsessed with Mãi Mãi right now (with good reason). 5. Mini Crispy Chicken Sandwich from Pals (#1 Best Sandwich)

H-O-T-T-O-G-O! Biting into this sandwich felt like the first time all night that I ate something that was HOT! Pals just knows what's up. Their adorable sandwich was constructed so perfectly and the crispiest, juiciest piece of fried chicken was hanging out in there. The sesame bun, the pickles, the mayo... All amazing! I love Pals so much. 4. Akami and Toro from MSSM (#3 Best New Restaurant)

MSSM consistently had the longest line at the event and were sold out before it was finished. (With good reason: this restaurant is helmed by Michelin Chef Masaki Saito.) They were serving six types of sushi and preparing them by hand to-order; Hotate (scallop), Sake Zuke (marinated king salmon), Madai (sea bream), Hamachi (yellowtail), Akami (bluefin lean tuna), and Toro (bluefin fatty tuna). Each plate included two types - but you didn't know which you would get. You had to time yourself just right to get certain fish. Obviously the big draw was the bluefin! I struck gold when I was served both the Akami and the Toro on the same plate. Absolutely wonderful. The Toro was the height of sushi excellence. I cannot wait to visit MSSM for a proper dinner. 3. Dry Aged Beef Meatball Sandwich from The Butchery (#2 Best Sandwich)

I'm such a fangirl for The Butchery!! I love all of their products and their sandwiches are incredible. This one was served with tomato sugo, basil pesto aioli, Lakeside Farmstead mozzarella and alpine cheese, on a housemade torpedo roll. It was warm, you could taste the high quality of the meatball, and I loved the cheese draped over top. They accomplished so much with this somehow! 2. Braven Short Rib from Braven

(#1 Best Steaks)

This was a dish that you would only hope to be served at a restaurant. Served with beef fat carrots (where were the carrots?), sour cream mashed potatoes, crispy onion, and brown butter hollandaise. This plate was rich and luxurious. The meat fell apart and melted in my mouth (no knife necessary). If this is meat and potatoes - sign me up!! 1. Esquites from Luna Cocina Mexicana (#1 Best Mexican Restaurant)

I never saw this guy coming. My top pick!!! IT'S CORN! It was love at first bite as this dish instantly blew me away! I've never tasted anything like this before. Tender kernels of corn cooked with Epazote served in a cup. Topped with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili piquín, and lime. Bold, tangy, and unique. No other dish could catch this one. Chef Mariel Montero Sena is doing amazing things at Luna and everyone must go! Unfortunately, I didn't even get to try El Mero Mero (#3 Best Mexican Restaurant) who had Birria Tacos and Guacamole y Totopos, Junoon Lounge (#2 Best Indian Restaurant) who had a Tangri Kebab (it was plated beautifully!), and La Morenita (#2 Best Mexican Restaurant) who had Sopes. There just weren't enough tickets to get to them all! Sad! I also couldn't possibly have eaten any more. I wish that I could have eaten it all. Here's the aforementioned savoury cocktail pretzels and dip that lived at our table and that we couldn't possibly consume.

And yes, just when you think you'll surely die from everything that you've crammed into your body... There's dessert. The desserts don't cost tickets so you can have as much as you want! There was Kind Ice Cream offering a trio of ice cream flavours; Tiramisu, Salted Caramel, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Of course Duchess Bake Shop (#1 Best Desserts) was there (always and forever!) with a Créme de Tonka. Wild Rose Cakes (#2 Best Desserts), whom I've never tried before, was there with three cakes; Lavender Lemon Blueberry, Chocolate Salted Caramel, and Earl Grey Blackberry. These cakes were stunningly gorgeous. And Farrow (#3 Best Sandwich) brought a Cinnamon Sugar Cronut that unfortunately sold out before I could get my hands on one. Too slow!

Beverages are also a big deal at the event, although I never end up using all five of my tickets. (I'd rather have more food tickets instead!) There were two fancy cocktails available. Clementine (#1 Best Cocktail) was doing a Timeless Gin Fizz and Dolly's (#3 Best Cocktail) had a Lavender Haze. Both very good! But what I really loved was the Indigenous Tea Lattes from Leduc Coffee Shop. They had a Restore Latte (fireweed & wild mint) and a Maple Pine Latte (eastern white pine needle tips & maple syrup). Both were completely delicious and made with traditional plants. I liked these better than the boozy beverages!

And finally, I got to take home a Nanaimo Bar from Leduc Coffe Shop and a chocolate from Delavoye Chocolate as a favour.

Another EDify Best Restaurants event in the bag!! I look forward to attending each year and am constantly blown away by the level of culinary excellence that we have in this city. Tacos seemed to be a really hot item this year, as well as various forms of rare meat. And some really cute sandwiches! The event was a wonderful environment to view our city's best chefs in one room and to rub elbows with all of the cool foodies in town. I am so proud of the exciting vibrancy that Edmonton has to offer in terms of food! I can't wait for next year!