 If you're looking for a specific item or tool, ingredient or condiment but aren't sure where to find it, try some of the merchants below. Not only do they carry their main products (such as Italian food at the Italian Centre), but often there are delightful surprises from other countries as well, and shelves stocked with interesting tools or gadgets.
We want to introduce you to some of the shops that are perhaps lesser well-known, out-of-the-way, and those we frequent because we love their selection, quality and service. We also want to let you know that sometimes your local supermarket may hold hidden treasures you didn't know about.
For those wanting to pursue the 100-Mile Diet or wanting to support local farmers and producers, the listing of Farmers' Markets is a great place to start. Connect with the vendors and you'll find that many of them also retail through Edmonton and area stores.
Because I favour ethnic cuisine and the casual friendliness of small restaurants, people ask me for my favourites, so I've listed a few here. If you know of a great, authentic ethnic restaurant, I'd love to hear about it.
Mediterranean & Multi-Ethnic | Asian | Specialty Foods
Tools, Equipment & Gourmet Foods | Favourite Web Sites | Farmers' Markets
Catering & Assembled Meals |
Favourite Restaurants | Health Professionals
Mediterranean & Multi-Ethnic
The Italian Centre Shop
Downtown: 10878-95 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 424-4621 / South: 5028-104A Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 989-4869
A wide range of grocery products, Italian and otherwise. Wonderful treats from the Mediterranean, the Middle East and even South America. Excellent deli and cheese counter.
Hella's Foods
12407-109 Avenue, Edmonton, AB (780) 455-8168
Good selection of imported Mediterranean foods - Greek, Lebanese, etc. The friendly family-run store makes excellent hummus and Greek baklava.
Elsafadi Supermarket
11316-134 Avenue, Edmonton, AB (780) 475-4909
Wide variety of imported Mediterranean foods Lebanese, Moroccan, Algerian, etc. A good cheese counter, meats and fresh produce. Also stocks some interesting ethnic items such as good quality Mexican enchilada sauce.
Paradiso Bakery
11318-134 Avenue, Edmonton, AB (780) 448-7292
Delicious Lebanese baklava made with cashews and pistachios, honey balls, and a wide range of tempting Middle Eastern pastries.
Sunbake Pita Bakery
10728 134 Avenue, Edmonton, AB (780) 472-8405
Hands down the best pita bread in Edmonton - available in many supermarkets across the city, but you can't beat the taste of it fresh from the bakery. Delicious selection of mini-pita sandwiches - sausage, spinach, chicken, cheese, zatar. And if you're in the area for lunch, the chicken shawarma is an absolute must (ask for extra garlic sauce!).
Read Scott McKeen's article from the Edmonton Journal about his visit to Elsafadi, Paradiso and Sunbake Pita Bakery.
Italian Bakery
10646-97 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 424-4830
Small but essential selection of grocery items and a good selection of deli meats. Delicious bread and pastries, particularly the Sicilian cannoli.
Paraiso Tropical
9136-118 Ave, Edmonton, AB (780) 471-3508
Specializing in Mexican and South American products and spices. Looking for that specific kind of chili but can't find it? Check out the back wall - there are dozens of types dried chilies! |
Asian
Lucky 97 Market
10725-97 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 424-8011
Excellent selection of Asian products and condiments, particularly Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese. Produce is extensive and fresh. They have a hot food counter, with BBQ pork and fried whole fish.
Hiep Thanh Trading
10718-98 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 424-6888
Wide variety of Asian foods and condiments, as well as household goods - woks, dishware, mortar & pestles, incense, etc. Has one of the broader selection of Thai condiments and sauces.
99 Supermarket
10768-99 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 421-9996
Good selection of Asian foods and condiments, fresh and frozen products, as well as household goods.
Canakor Foods
3116 Parsons Road, Edmonton, AB (780) 463-5458
Eclectic and good selection, specializing in Japanese and Korean foods. The owners are extremely friendly and have been known to special order specific lesser-known products.
T&T Supermarket
West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, AB (780) 483-6638
Very large supermarket with a box-store approach to Asian foods. Produce is fresh and has a good selection, and the meat and fish counters are very good. The condiments and dry goods, however, tend to lean toward quantity and lower price, versus wide selection and variety. Like a box store, there are the conveniences - sushi, a hot food bar, dim sum bar, bubble tea bar, and a bakery. I've included it here due to the repeated suggestions by visitors. Those seeking Japanese, Korean, or Thai products may have better luck at one of the other suggested markets.
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Specialty Foods
Treestone Bakery
8612 99 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 433-5924
The absolute best baguette in Edmonton, hard crust outside, soft and airy inside. Sourdough, whole wheat, rye, brioche, pizza dough, and special seasonal breads - it sells out quickly so call ahead and get there early.
Billingsgate Seafood Market
7331-104 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 433-0091 (and)
5506 Tudor Glen Market, St. Albert (780) 460-2222
Quality seafood, fresh and frozen, seasonings and accessories. The Lighthouse Café adjoins the store, and every year they host Lobster Fest, a fundraiser for the Fire Fighter's Burn Unit during the last weekend in May.
Fin's Seafood
298 Cree Road, Sherwood Park, AB (780) 449-3710
Wide selection of fresh and frozen seafood, seasonings and accessories. A free recipe is provided regularly for customers, and the friendly staff will explain the different fish and help you select the perfect item.
Planet Organic
7917 104 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 429-7133
Wonderful and wide selection of organic produce, dry goods, dairy and meat. The very friendly staff will assist you in finding what you need and the store provides a 100% risk-free guarantee, encouraging clients to try products they're unfamiliar with and if unsatisfied, can be returned, no questions. They have a bread and deli counter, and many lines of natural health and beauty products.
Organic Roots Food Market
9225-112 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 413-1730
Another really wonderful market with wide selection of organic produce, dry goods, dairy and meat. Good bulk section for grains, flours and baking items. Along with bread and deli, there is an adjoining café with coffee, beverages, and light meals.
Paddy's Cheese Market
125 St & 102 Ave, Edmonton, AB (780) 413-0367
An amazing selection of cheeses from all over the world. Also has an interesting selection of companion items - crackers, breads, tools, etc.
The Cheese Factory
8943 82 Avenue, Edmonton, AB (780) 450-2143
A small shop on east Whyte Avenue with a wide range of cheeses. They also have a stall at the Strathcona Farmer's Market on Saturdays. |
Tools, Equipment & Gourmet Foods
Condon Barr
14515 118 Avenue, Edmonton, AB (780) 454-0432
A restaurant supplier, there's a great selection of tools and equipment, dishware and pots and pans for the avid home cook. Often better quality at lower prices than department stores and boutique kitchen shops. Wonderful gadgets that are absolutely essential, and cooking classes by some of the city's top chefs and instructors.
Save-On Foods
Old Strathcona, 10368 78 Ave, Edmonton, AB (780) 430-6156
Growing selection of interesting imported and gourmet products, and an improving organic selection. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
Call the Kettle Black
12523 102 Avenue, Edmonton, AB (780) 448-2861
This well-organized shop is teeming with tools and gadgets, dishware and cookware, all of high quality and a very good selection. Prices can be a bit high, but they carry many unique items.
Gifts & Gadgets
111 First Avenue, Spruce Grove, AB (780) 962-5220
Run by the friendliest of staff, this small shop is stocked top to bottom with a huge variety of kitchen tools and gifts. Well worth the 20-minute drive from Edmonton.
Sunterra Market
5728 111 Street, Edmonton, AB (780-434-2610)
Good selection of produce, condiments, and specialty items. They have a great meat counter and wide variety of prepared meals, side dishes, and desserts. A smaller grocery/bistro is found in Commerce Place downtown.
Le Gnome
West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, AB (780) 444-1137
Another wonderful kitchen shop brimming with interesting dishware, high quality tools, knives and one-of-a-kind gadgets and must-haves.
Zenari's
Manulife Place, 10180 101 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 423-5409
A tasty deli for a quick lunch or take-out, there is a small section with gourmet oils, condiments and other products. They also have a decent selection of high quality tools, dishware and equipment, though prices are a bit higher than elsewhere. |
Catering & Assembled Meals
The Runaway Spoon - Catering
12417 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton, AB (780) 488-6181
This is an amazing catering company with terrific food. I have used their services for personal functions and recommend them to clients frequently. Great variety, very friendly staff, very accommodating. They also have an attached bistro, The Dish which is one of my favourite places to eat out. The phone number for the bistro is 488-6641.
Cook's Corner - Assembled Meals
9203-111 Avenue, Edmonton, AB (780) 479-8175
Perhaps you don't need a personal chef because you love to cook but need just a little help with the shopping and prep work. Assembled meals are a terrific alternative for those without dietary restrictions or specific preferences. Unlike other assembled meal services that are run as a franchise, Cook's Corner is run by Jackie Ryan, a chef for more than 20 years who develops all her own recipes and works with fresh ingredients.
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Favourite Restaurants
The Dish - Bistro Cuisine
12417 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton Alberta (780) 488-6641
The other night I had the citrus-marinated prawns with a cream sauce and it was so good it hurt. The menu has just the right amount of variety and the quality of the food is always exceptional. The prices are very reasonable and the service is terrific. Carole and Lisa, the owners, have created an oasis in downtown - great food, great people, great service...lucky for us!
Golden Bird - Vietnamese
10544-97 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 420-1612
Hands down my favourite Vietnamese restaurant in the city. Their steaming bowls of Pho, Vietnamese soup, are huge (don't ask for the large Wor Wonton unless you're really hungry....large means large!). Rice plates, entrées, fresh salad rolls, and the best spring rolls in Edmonton. Family-owned and operated, Chick and Kim use recipes they brought with them from Vietnam many years ago. They import beans from their own source in Vietnam for their famous sweet coffee.
Thai Valley Grill - Thai
4211-106 Street (Whitemud Crossing), Edmonton, AB (780) 413-9556
If you're looking for truly authentic Thai cuisine, this is the place to go. They make their own roasted, crushed peppers, chili oils, and the restaurant is closed on Mondays so the chef can make all her own condiments for the week. Another family-owned and operated restaurant, their Pad Thai reminds me of the one I enjoy when I'm in Chiang Mai. They serve sticky rice and will prepare any dish Thai-style hot....and that means hot!
Boualouang - Laotian & Thai
10669-97 Street (Just south of Lucky 97), Edmonton, AB (780) 423-4207
I just came across this place not that long ago and was amazed! This is really, really good Northern Thai cooking. The food is superb and the service friendly, but don't go expecting a quick bite to eat. The meal is prepared truly Thai style and the chefs work on a single, electric stovetop. On a busy night, your first dish will generally come 30-40 minutes after you order, and your last dish 30-40 minutes after that one. In Thailand, it's about the company and enjoying a leisurely meal, one course at a time. I've tried half the menu and everything is worth the wait. The fish cakes are especially outstanding!
Dadeo's - Cajun
10548A-82 Avenue, Edmonton, AB (780) 433-0930
This is comfort food at its best. Their Po'Boy sandwiches are delicious and filling. Fried chicken, biscuits, oysters, gumbo, ribs, and catfish, the flavours are big and the 50's diner atmosphere is relaxing and fun. The sweet potato fries and herb mayo are a must. Now open in Vancouver, too!
Las Palmeras - Mexican
3630-50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB (780) 346-8877
People living in Red Deer have regular access to the best Mexican in the province. This colourful eatery serves homemade salsa, tortillas and a wide range of delicious meals with great lunch specials. Definitely worth the drive for dinner!
Sunbake Pita Bakery - Lebanese
10728 134 Avenue, Edmonton, AB (780) 472-8405
Everything on their menu makes for a tasty lunch with prices starting at $1.75 and topping out at $7.00. The chicken shawarma with pickled vegetables is an absolute must (ask for extra garlic sauce!).
Read Scott McKeen's article from the Edmonton Journal about his visit to Sunbake Pita Bakery.
Los Comales - Guatemalan
10824-97 Street, Edmonton, AB (780) 423-1213
One of my new favourite restaurants, the owners are very friendly and the food is delicious! There is a small retail area with South American and Mexican products, crafts and food items.
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Farmers' Markets
There are many regional markets as well as seasonal ones. Check out Edmonton Daytrips for listings in surrounding towns and cities as well. A few are listed below, but please check out Edmonton Daytrips for many more.
Old Strathcona Farmer's Market, 10310-83rd Avenue, Edmonton, AB
Hours: Saturday 8-3, year-round
Capilano, Capilano Shopping Mall, 5004-98 Avenue, Edmonton, AB
Hours: Saturday 9:30-5:30, year-round
The Marketplace at Callingwood Farmer's Market, 6655-178 Street, Edmonton, AB
Hours: Wednesday 12-5, Sunday 10-3, May through September
City Market, 104 Street between Jasper & 103 Ave., Edmonton, AB
Hours: Saturday 9-3, May long weekend through September
St. Albert - Outside Market, Downtown St. Anne/Thomas, St. Albert, AB
Hours: Saturday 10-3, July through September
St. Albert - Inside Market, Grandin Park Plaza, St. Albert, AB
Hours: Saturday 10-3, October through December
Westmount Farmer's Market - Inside Westmount Mall, 111 Avenue & Groat Road
Hours: Thursday 10-5, year-round |
Health Professionals
Revive Nutrition
200-7205 Roper Road NW, Edmonton Alberta (780) 450-2027
A group of dietitians and nutritionists with a focus on balanced, healthful eating.
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Favourite Web Sites
Thai Import Food - great resource for Thai products, condiments, produce, recipes, techniques and information.
Epicurious.com - the online recipe database for Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Shape and other magazines and a few cookbooks, plus blogs and how-to videos
Food TV - the online recipe database for the Canadian Food Network
Food Network - the online
recipe database for the US Food Network
CookingLight - the online recipe database for the magazine and its sister publications
Cooks Illustrated - in addition to an online recipe database, there are great tips, techniques and how-to videos
Fine Cooking -
in addition to an online recipe database, there are great tips, techniques and how-to videos
Edmonton Day Trips - a wonderful site where you can find fun activities in the greater Edmonton area, including all the surrounding farmers markets!
Healthy Picnics - a comprehensive resource for ideas, places, tips, and in particular, food safety
Food Safety Network - The University of Guelph provides information on food safety, including recent recalls and problem foods
Canadian Partnership for Consumer Food Safety Education - comprehensive site on safe food preparation & handling
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