Edmonton Food Scene Includes Farmers' Markets, Local Favourite Restaurants
The Edmonton food scene is characterized by an abundance of fresh foods from farmers markets and, when it comes to dining out, a growing "eat local" mentality when choosing restaurants.
Edmonton Region Farmers Markets
With more than 11 farmers markets in the capital region of Edmonton, the summer months are a time of harvest and fresh flavour. With a fairly short growing season, farmers markets are busy places from June through September. The largest in Western Canada is the St. Albert Farmers Market, the community attached to Northwest Edmonton. You can count on the Old Strathcona Farmers Market for produce, handmade crafts and homemade cooking year round. This market takes place every Saturday, even in the winter.
The City Market was Edmonton’s original farmers market. It's located on 104th Street downtown and has existed for over 10 years. With yummy baked goods and a renowned selection of farm-fresh products, the 104th Street market has an urban atmosphere that is eclectic and friendly. For those living in West Edmonton, the Callingwood Farmers Market is the fastest-growing outdoor market, open every Sunday from May through October. Vendors sell arts and crafts, locally grown produce and meats, plants and homemade foods. For a list of other farmers markets in Edmonton, visit the Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development website.
Local Restaurants
The “eat local” movement has swept across the country, and proves to be a priority for Edmontonians who want to help the environment and support local businesses. A Canada-wide grouping of select restaurants have committed to “Promoting, Preserving and Protecting Culinary Diversity” through becoming members of a group called Original Fare. The restaurants are independently owned and operated and all share a passion for authenticity, social responsibility and culinary excellence. There are 18 member restaurants in and around Edmonton, all with a vast array of flavours.
Noted as “the best restaurant in the prairies” by EnRoute Magazine, the Hardware Grill is located on Jasper Avenue and serves Canadian cuisine in a fine-dining atmosphere. In a restaurant that has a view of the river valley and 500 different wine options, the warm gingerbread is just icing on the cake.
Food Festivals
If you prefer to test your palate with a variety of cuisines, the Servus Heritage Festival serves up sampler-sized bites of 85 different ethnic foods. It’s just one of the many festivals in Edmonton, The Festival City.
