Winnipeg's Best New Food Spots: 22 Restaurants Competing for Top 5

There's nothing more exciting than discovering a new favourite restaurant or a place to grab a quick bite. Winnipeg's dining scene has welcomed some incredible additions this year, and the competition is fierce. The Winnipeg Sun is currently running a poll to determine the city's best new food spots, with 22 remarkable restaurants vying for the top five positions.

Cassandra will be sharing the Top 5 Best New Food Spots in the Winnipeg Sun on Sunday, December 28th. Be sure to get your vote in before the poll closes on Thursday, December 18th. From elevated comfort food and global flavours to creative concepts you won't find anywhere else, these new spots are already making their mark on Winnipeg's culinary landscape.

The Contenders: 22 Outstanding New Restaurants

This year's competition showcases the incredible diversity of Winnipeg's food scene. From French bistros to Korean BBQ, artisanal bagels to Ukrainian comfort food, there's something for every palate. Here's a closer look at each contender:

1. Aroma Bistro

Aroma Bistro offers a fusion of global flavours in a contemporary setting. Known for its innovative dishes and vibrant atmosphere, it's quickly become a favourite among locals seeking a unique dining experience that blends international cuisines with local flair.

2. BabyBaby

Address: 137 Osborne St.

This trendy spot has garnered national attention, being named among the finalists for Air Canada's 2025 Best New Restaurants list. BabyBaby offers boutique cocktails and shared plates in a whimsical dining room, bringing a fresh take on comfort food with artisanal ingredients and creative presentations.

3. Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall

Combining Southern-inspired cuisine with live music, Belle's Kitchen + Music Hall provides an immersive dining experience that appeals to both foodies and music lovers. Guests can enjoy hearty dishes like smoked brisket and jambalaya while listening to local artists perform, creating a vibrant atmosphere where culinary and musical arts intersect.

4. Bull and Filly

Bull and Filly specializes in hearty, meat-centric dishes with a modern twist. This contemporary steakhouse emphasizes locally sourced meats and farm-to-table practices, offering premium cuts in a rustic-chic ambiance that makes it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.

5. Colleen

Colleen focuses on farm-to-table dining, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients in its ever-evolving menu. The restaurant presents seasonal dishes that highlight the best of what Manitoba has to offer, with an elegant setting that makes it ideal for both casual meals and special occasions.

6. Dave And Laverne's Modern Diner

This establishment reimagines the classic diner experience, offering traditional dishes with contemporary flair. From gourmet burgers to inventive milkshakes, Dave And Laverne's Modern Diner pays homage to classic American fare while introducing modern flavours in a retro-inspired setting.

7. Emparepas Treats

Bringing Venezuelan cuisine to Winnipeg, Emparepas Treats is known for its authentic arepas and vibrant flavours. Their gluten-free corn pockets are filled with a variety of savoury and sweet options, introducing Winnipeg to authentic South American flavours that are both traditional and innovative.

8. Forgotten Flavours

Dedicated to reviving traditional recipes, Forgotten Flavours offers a nostalgic culinary journey through time-honoured dishes. The restaurant pays homage to culinary heritage from around the world, bringing lesser-known dishes to the forefront with a modern flair that tells a story of bygone eras.

9. Grizzly Goose

Embracing a Canadiana theme, Grizzly Goose provides a unique dining experience with decor featuring maple leaves and animatronic bears. The menu includes Canadian classics like Montreal smoked meat and Caesars topped with ketchup chips, offering a rustic gastropub atmosphere that combines craft beers with hearty, wilderness-inspired fare.

10. Isekai Ramen

Address: 1039 Cathedral Ave

After the closure of Dwarf no Cachette, owners Yasuko and Takekuni Akimoto returned with Isekai Ramen, offering an array of authentic ramen dishes in a charming setting. Transporting diners to Japan with rich broths and fresh noodles, the restaurant features anime-themed décor that adds a playful touch to the authentic Japanese dining experience.

11. MLYN Ukrainian Restaurant

Celebrating Ukrainian heritage, MLYN offers traditional dishes like borscht, pierogies, and holubtsi in a warm, family-friendly environment. The restaurant crafts each dish with care and authenticity, providing a comforting spot for those craving homestyle Eastern European cooking.

12. Naan Culture

Specializing in Indian cuisine, Naan Culture is renowned for its flavorful curries and freshly baked naan bread. The restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional Indian dishes, with a focus on tandoor-cooked breads and a variety of curries that make it a spice lover's paradise.

13. Né de Loup

Formerly known as Enoteca, Né de Loup has been transformed into a Parisian bistro-inspired restaurant by chef Scott Bagshaw. The menu features luxurious French dishes such as savoury gougères, duck and pistachio pâté en croute, and classics like beef tartare with foie gras. The restaurant has garnered national attention, placing on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants list, and is located in the River Heights area.

14. Saintuary

Saintuary provides a serene dining environment with a menu that emphasizes plant-based and health-conscious options. The restaurant offers innovative vegan dishes that appeal to both herbivores and carnivores alike, focusing on wellness and organic ingredients without compromising on taste.

15. Select Start – Arcade Resto-lounge

Combining retro gaming with a diverse menu, Select Start offers a nostalgic yet modern dining experience. Guests can enjoy classic arcade games alongside a menu of comfort foods and creative cocktails, making it a unique spot for both gamers and food enthusiasts.

16. Seoul Korean BBQ

Bringing the flavours of Korea to Winnipeg, Seoul Korean BBQ is known for its interactive dining experience. Diners can grill their own marinated meats at the table, accompanied by a variety of traditional side dishes, providing an authentic Korean barbecue experience that's both fun and delicious.

17. Shirleys

Address: 135 Osborne St.

Located adjacent to BabyBaby, Shirleys has also been recognized as a finalist for Air Canada's 2025 Best New Restaurants list. The charming café is known for its artisanal pastries, specialty coffees, and brunch offerings, including inventive takes on classic dishes like eggs Benedict and French toast, all served in a bright and welcoming space.

18. Skyr

Located at The Forks, Skyr serves fresh bowls, smoothies, toasts, and cold-pressed juices with Nordic influences. Inspired by Icelandic cuisine, the restaurant offers dishes that highlight fresh seafood, lamb, and dairy products, bringing a taste of the North Atlantic to Winnipeg with a focus on simplicity and purity.

19. Snack Häus

This eatery specializes in small plates and tapas, perfect for sharing and sampling a variety of flavours. Snack Häus offers a casual setting for enjoying international street foods and snacks, drawing inspiration from various global cuisines to create a diverse and exciting menu that's ideal for social gatherings.

20. SOHO kitchen + wine

Offering a curated selection of wines paired with a contemporary menu, SOHO provides an upscale dining experience. The restaurant emphasizes seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean flavours, creating a sophisticated atmosphere that's ideal for food and wine aficionados seeking a refined evening out.

21. The Forge Bagel Co.

Known for its handcrafted bagels and spreads, The Forge Bagel Co. has quickly become a breakfast staple. The bakery specializes in artisanal bagels, hand-rolled, boiled, and baked daily, offering a variety of flavours and spreads made from scratch that bring a taste of New York to Winnipeg.

22. The Green Falafel

Focusing on Middle Eastern cuisine, The Green Falafel offers a range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. The restaurant specializes in authentic falafel, hummus, and other traditional dishes, providing a healthy and flavorful option for diners seeking plant-based Middle Eastern street food in a casual setting.

What Makes This Competition Special

This year's competition is particularly exciting because it showcases the incredible growth and diversity of Winnipeg's culinary scene. From neighbourhood cafés to upscale dining experiences, from comfort food to international cuisine, these 22 restaurants represent the best of what's new in Winnipeg.

What's especially noteworthy is that two of these restaurants—BabyBaby and Shirleys, both located on Osborne Street—have already received national recognition as finalists for Air Canada's 2025 Best New Restaurants list. This speaks to the quality and innovation happening in Winnipeg's food scene.

How to Vote

The Winnipeg Sun is inviting all Winnipeggers to participate in selecting the top five best new food spots. Voting closes on Thursday, December 18th, so be sure to cast your vote before then. The results will be announced in the Winnipeg Sun on Sunday, December 28th, when Cassandra will share the Top 5 Best New Food Spots.

Whether you're a local looking to support your favourite new spot or a visitor planning your dining itinerary, this competition highlights the incredible culinary talent and innovation happening in Winnipeg. Each of these 22 restaurants brings something unique to the table, making the choice difficult but the dining experiences unforgettable.

Exploring Winnipeg's Food Scene

Winnipeg's dining scene has truly come into its own in 2025. From the French elegance of Né de Loup to the interactive fun of Seoul Korean BBQ, from the comfort of traditional Ukrainian fare at MLYN to the innovative plant-based options at Saintuary, there's something for every taste and occasion.

These new restaurants aren't just places to eat—they're destinations that contribute to Winnipeg's cultural fabric. They bring people together, celebrate diverse culinary traditions, and showcase the creativity and passion of local chefs and restaurateurs.

As you explore Winnipeg, whether you're staying in our Crescentwood Airbnb or visiting from elsewhere, make sure to check out these incredible new additions to the city's food scene. Each one offers a unique experience that reflects the vibrant, diverse, and welcoming spirit of Winnipeg.

Don't forget to vote for your favourite before December 18th, and stay tuned for the results on December 28th. Winnipeg's food scene is thriving, and these 22 restaurants are proof that the best is yet to come.