As the Calgary Stampede wraps up this weekend, Calgarians seeking a culinary escape need look no further than Edmonton, just a three-hour drive north. The provincial capital offers a distinct food scene shaped by local ingredients, diverse cultures, and passionate chefs. Elizabeth Chorney-Booth, writing for the Calgary Herald, recently attended the Taste of Place Summit in Edmonton and sampled several standout eateries worth the journey.
Bernadette's: Indigenous Flavours with Heart
Chef Scott Iserhoff and Svetlana Kravchuk run Bernadette's, a downtown restaurant honouring their Kokhums (grandmothers). Iserhoff, from Attawapiskat First Nation (Treaty 9), blends Indigenous ingredients with his culinary training. The menu features oysters, berries, bison, and elk sourced across Canada, with regularly changing dishes. According to Chorney-Booth, anything described as “dumpling” or “stew” is exceptional. Address: 10114 104 St. N.W., Edmonton; bernadettes.ca.
Rge Rd: Farm-to-Table Carnivore's Paradise
Opened in 2013 by Blair Lebsack and Caitlin Fulton, Rge Rd is known for its whole animal butchery program. The restaurant excels in dry-aged beef, duck breast, bison, and housemade charcuterie like blood sausage and pork liverwurst. Guests can opt for the Road Trip tasting menu or a lighter lunch at the adjacent butcher shop. The wine and cocktail lists are equally inventive. Address: 10643 123 St. N.W., Edmonton; rgerd.ca.
Why Edmonton's Food Scene Stands Out
Chorney-Booth notes that Edmonton's restaurants, while fewer in number than Calgary's, shine brightly. The city's unique demographic makeup, local producers, and cultural outlook create a dining experience that is distinctly Edmontonian. The Taste of Place Summit, hosted by the Culinary Tourism Alliance, brought together chefs, farmers, and tourism professionals to discuss how to leverage these distinctive aspects.
