Winner – Fuji Ramen and Sushi
Fuji Ramen and Sushi offers a warm, family-friendly space to tuck into delicious and artfully plated Japanese fare in Lake Bonavista. Come with an appetite so you can squeeze in a rich, hearty bowl of black or red Fuji tonkotsu ramen as well as a few feature sushi rolls like the colourful mango paradise roll.
111, 12100 Macleod Tr. S.E., 587-352-5595, fujiramenandsushi.com, @fujiramenandsushi
2nd – Pho Dau Bo
Located along International Avenue in Forest Lawn, this popular Vietnamese restaurant will more than satisfy your cravings for pho, vermicelli bowls and more. The family-run restaurant, which has been around for nearly 13 years, also launched creative dining options like family pho kits and instant pho cups for takeaway and delivery during the pandemic.
110, 4909 17 Ave. S.E., 403-272-5160, phodaubovietnamese.com, @phodaubo
3rd – Around The Bend
Soft pretzels reign supreme at this casual eatery by the Deerfoot Meadows shopping centre. Along with create-your-own and predesigned pretzel sandwiches, Around The Bend also makes multiple flavours of savoury and sweet pretzels that pair well with house-made sauces ranging from smoky mustard to cinnamon cream cheese.
116, 8400 Blackfoot Tr. S.E., 403-523-0989, justaroundthebend.ca, @around.the.bend
4th – Chairman’s Steakhouse
This Mahogany steakhouse seamlessly melds Old Hollywood charm and Alberta’s cattle roots to create a luxurious dining experience. As you’d expect, steak is the main focus here with cuts ranging from an eight-ounce tenderloin to a 36-ounce smoked ribeye, but you’d be remiss to ignore appetizers like the ahi tuna tartare or pan seared East Coast scallops.
2251 Mahogany Blvd. S.E., 587-291-9898, chairmans.ca, @chairmansyyc
5th – Starbelly Open Kitchen + Lounge
A staple of the Seton neighbourhood for years, Starbelly continues to stand out with its focus on locally sourced ingredients and delicious, approachable fare. The globally inspired menu features a wide range of dishes including bourbon glazed pork belly, cauliflower and zucchini pakora, saffron seafood risotto, chipotle ribs and more.
220, 19489 Seton Cres. S.E., 403-570-0133, starbelly.ca, @starbellyyyc