Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada, and is a vibrant and resilient prairie city where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet – a historic site known as “The Forks” that has been a gathering place for thousands of years. Often called the “Gateway to the West,” Winnipeg boasts a unique blend of cultures, a burgeoning arts scene, and a strong sense of community.

Upon arriving into Winnipeg (2 hours and 30 mins flight from Vancouver) I went straight to my hotel and then had a late lunch in the Corydon neighbourhood.

Hello Asian Fusion is a well-regarded spot in Winnipeg for those seeking flavorful and authentic Hong Kong-style dishes, particularly their ramen. They offer a diverse menu with a good mix of familiar and more unique items. It is a great place to satisfy cravings for comforting Asian cuisine.

Specializing in Asian Fusion cuisine, three friends came together and opened their restaurant two years ago in the popular Corydon neighbourhood in Winnipeg. They feature Ramen dishes many of which include their signature shrimp broth, they also have stir-fry noodle dishes, as well as rice dishes, soups and more.

It was a hot day when I visited and the Strawberry Oolong tea was refreshing. I also had their tasty spiced Hello Chips & Wonton as well as their Wonton noodle soup in a delicious broth. Hello Asian Fusion is located at 753 Corydon Ave in Winnipeg, and on Instagram @hello.asian.fusion

I visited Fools & Horses Coffee Company within The Forks Market in Winnipeg. Situated in this historic meeting place, it offers a full espresso menu featuring Pilot Coffee and rotating feature roasters, all prepared with precision on a Modbar. They roast their coffee fresh and deliver it weekly to their locations.

At The Forks, Fools & Horses provides a spot to enjoy their coffee and other offerings within the vibrant atmosphere of the market. The Forks itself is a significant historical and cultural hub in Winnipeg, located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, making it a unique setting for a coffee shop. I had a Nitro cold brew coffee while I was there.

Fools & Horses Coffee Company is located in the The Forks Market at 1 Forks Market Rd in Winnipeg and on instagram @fhcoffee_

Baby Baby restaurant is located in the Osborne Village area where I had dinner. It has garnered attention as a newer addition to the city’s dining scene, operated by the team known for other successful establishments like Clementine and Segovia.

The restaurant offers a diverse and inventive menu that doesn’t stick to one specific traditional cuisine, but rather presents a modern approach with global influences. The menu is structured with “Small,” “Medium,” and “Large” plates, along with “Sweet” options for dessert.

I had the Chicken Dinner (bbq, crispy & skewered with various accompaniments) that came with lettuce and fixins to make my own lettuce wraps, as I was dining solo, I was quite full after eating this one dish.

Baby Baby Restaurant is located at 137 Osborne Street in Winnipeg, and on Instagram @babybabyrestaurant

The next day I visited Café Postal, a charming and highly-regarded third-wave coffee house nestled in the heart of Winnipeg’s historic French Quarter (St. Boniface). It’s known for its focus on artisanal coffee, minimalist design, and a cozy atmosphere.

Café Postal is a beloved coffee shop in Winnipeg known for its excellent coffee, stylish yet cozy atmosphere, and friendly service. It’s a great place to enjoy a well-crafted espresso drink, a light bite, and soak in the charm of the St. Boniface neighborhood. Due to its popularity and smaller size, it can get busy. I had a Cortado while here.

Café Postal is located at 202 Provencher Boulevard in Winnipeg, and on Instagram @cafepostal

Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar is a contemporary Canadian restaurant located within The Leaf at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg. It focuses on globally-inspired modern prairie cuisine, emphasizing fresh, locally-sourced, and seasonal ingredients, some of which come from the Kitchen Garden right outside.

This is a destination restaurant that offers a unique dining experience thanks to its beautiful location, commitment to local ingredients, and creative menu. It’s often described as a great spot for special occasions or a memorable meal. The menu takes inspiration from culinary traditions around the world while highlighting the bounty of Manitoba’s growers and farmers.  

Situated within the architecturally stunning The Leaf, the dining room offers views of the Tropical Biome, creating a unique and vibrant ambiance. There’s also a patio that overlooks the Gardens at The Leaf, perfect for warmer months.

I had the Gather House Salad with grilled chicken which was a meal for one, that featured their apple balsamic dressing.

Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar is located within The Leaf at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, and on instagram @gatherattheleaf

I visited Bernstein’s Deli, a family-owned Jewish traditional deli where I visited for a snack getting Gefilte Fish for takeout.

The deli has a cozy and casual atmosphere, offering dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. They serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert, coffee, beer, and wine, with a children’s menu and vegetarian options available. They also have a small grocery section.

Bernstein’s Deli is located at 1700 Corydon Ave in Winnipeg, and on Instagram @bernsteinsdeli

Thom Bargen Coffee Roasters is a well-regarded third-wave coffee shop and roastery with multiple locations in Winnipeg. They are known for their high-quality, ethically sourced coffee beans that they roast themselves, and a stylish, minimalist aesthetic in their cafes.  

I visited their newest location in Corydon Village for an Iced Cold Brew Coffee, the café features a warmer wood design that transitions from day to evening, and they offer an evening menu with snacks and drinks like wine and beer.

Thom Bargen Coffee Roasters is a go-to spot in Winnipeg for those who appreciate high-quality coffee in a thoughtfully designed and welcoming environment. Whether you’re looking for a perfectly pulled espresso, a bag of freshly roasted beans, or a cozy place to work or meet friends, Thom Bargen offers a consistently excellent experience.

Thom Bargen Coffee Roasters location that I visited is in Corydon Village at 743 Corydon Ave in Winnipeg, and on Instagram @thombargen

Located nearby, I visited Honey Bunny Pastry Shop, it’s European-inspired and a cozy bakery that specializes in classic European pastries with the owner’s signature touch.

They aim to create traditional recipes with less fat and sugar than typical North American pastries. I had their most popular Ukranian honey cake which I took to go and enjoyed in my hotel.

Honey Bunny Pastry Shop is located at 832 Corydon Avenue in Winnipeg and on Instagram @honeybunnypastryshop

There are many more great restaurants and cafes and I look forward to discover more on future visits.

By: Richard Wolak