What Food To Try in Edmonton and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Edmonton for 2024.
National currency: Canadian Dollar, symbol — C$ (international currency code CAD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Edmonton cafes and restaurants
$18.9
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $11.32
$75.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $54.57
$9.1
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.3
What to Try in Edmonton
Must-try Dishes
Banana Bread French Toast - Thick slices of banana bread soaked in a rich custard, grilled to golden perfection and topped with fresh berries. Locals love it for brunch, often paired with a side of crispy bacon.Beef on a Bun - Slow-cooked roast beef piled high on a fresh bun, smothered in savory gravy. A common street food option, it’s popular during Edmonton’s festivals, especially for a quick yet hearty bite.
Bison Burger - Juicy bison patty grilled to perfection, served on a soft bun with local toppings like pickled onions and Alberta-made cheese. It's a favorite for dinner at many casual pubs, showcasing our local protein.
Bannock - Traditional Bread - Fluffy, deep-fried bread often served warm with maple butter or as a vessel for various fillings. This Indigenous staple is a cultural gem you’ll find at local markets and community gatherings.
Hot Edmonton Dog - A twist on the classic, this street food features a hot dog topped with a tangy slaw and zesty local mustard. Best enjoyed during late-night festival hours, it’s a favorite for satisfying cravings after a night out.
Tourtière - Meat Pie - Savory pie filled with a spiced blend of ground meats, typically served with pickled vegetables. Locals love it during winter gatherings or holiday feasts, and it’s a dish that sparks warm family memories.
Grilled Salmon - Freshly caught salmon, grilled with a hint of cedar and served with seasonal veggies. Best enjoyed in the summer months, it represents Alberta’s connection to the bountiful waters around us.
Poutine - Fries with Gravy - Crispy fries smothered in rich gravy and topped with squeaky cheese curds, creating a comforting dish. Order it late night for a filling snack after a long day of exploring.
Desserts & Drinks
Coffee - Edmonton Coffee (local brew) - A rich, dark roast that's brewed in local cafes, often with a hint of caramel to balance acidity. Locals grab this energizing cup on chilly mornings or during cozy meet-ups at neighborhood coffee shops.Beermosa - Beermosa (beer cocktail) - A refreshing mix of local pale ale and fresh-squeezed orange juice, served over ice. Perfect for brunch events or sunny patios in late spring, it’s become a popular choice among weekend socializers looking to switch things up from the usual mimosa.
Snow Cone - Pêche Glacée (shaved ice treat) - Finely shaved ice piled high and drizzled with colorful, flavored syrups, and topped with a dollop of condensed milk for creaminess. You’ll find it at summer festivals or local fairs; kids especially love it as a sweet treat on hot days.
Cream Puff - Choux de crème (light pastry dessert) - Light, airy pastries filled with creamy custard and drizzled with a subtle vanilla glaze. These bite-sized delights are a local favorite at bakeries and enjoyed during celebrations or casual afternoons with coffee.
Maple Taffy - Tire d'érable (sweet treat) - Freshly poured hot maple syrup on snow, twisted onto a stick to create a chewy candy. This nostalgic delight is commonly enjoyed during winter festivals but is best experienced at outdoor events where warm syrup contrasts with the cold snow.
Food and Groceries in Edmonton
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.43 |
| Bananas | $1.4 |
| Oranges | $3.5 |
| Potatoes | $2.05 |
| Apples | $4.11 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.82 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.82 |
| Imported Beer | $3.17 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $12.07 |
| Milk 1L | $1.76 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $14.5 |
| Chicken | $11.73 |
| Cigarettes | $13.58 |
| Rice | $3.27 |
| Local Cheese | $10.38 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In a bustling downtown café last week, the tables were filled with patrons enjoying a leisurely brunch. Plates of eggs Benny and stacks of pancakes mingled with steaming mugs of specialty coffee, revealing Edmonton's love for brunch as a social occasion. It's not just a meal; it feels like a weekend ritual for many locals.
Meal times here vary a bit compared to other places. Brunch typically peaks between 10 AM and 2 PM, while lunch is often taken around noon. If you're planning to snag a decent seat, it’s wise to arrive early or expect some wait time, especially on weekends. A group of friends nearby paid about $25 each for their hearty brunch plates, which is pretty standard in the downtown area. Conversely, opting for a laid-back diner out in the suburbs might have you shelling out closer to $15 for a similar meal.
One misconception visitors often have is that tipping here is like in many American cities. In Edmonton, leaving a tip of 15-20% is common, but I've had experiences where servers were genuinely appreciative of every extra dollar in tips, especially if they provided exceptional service.
Oh, and before I forget, if you’re venturing into the Old Strathcona district, which is known for quirky eateries and vibrant farmer's markets, make a reservation. The quirky spots can fill up fast, and you wouldn't want to miss out on a local favorite due to a lack of planning.
When it comes to payment, be mindful that many restaurants prefer card payments, but smaller spots may still operate on a cash-only basis—something that caught me off guard one evening after enjoying a great dinner. Reaching into my pocket only to find I had forgotten cash was a bit of a letdown (though thankfully, there's usually an ATM nearby).
An authentic local habit is gathering with friends at food trucks during summer festivals or markets; it’s a relaxed atmosphere where people mingle, share dishes, and just enjoy the vibe. It’s heartening to see how that community connection plays out over food.
With colder months approaching, many locals start to huddle into the cozy, warm cafés, and that shift tends to push more outdoor dining options to a seasonal pause, making the dining scene feel a little more intimate and snug as we embrace the chill.
Prices in some areas are slowly creeping up, especially near the university where the demand is high and casual eateries are becoming harder to come by. Once cozy and affordable spots are suddenly seeing lunch prices jump by a couple of dollars—a little frustrating for us long-time residents, but such is the rhythm of this vibrant food scene.
Meal times here vary a bit compared to other places. Brunch typically peaks between 10 AM and 2 PM, while lunch is often taken around noon. If you're planning to snag a decent seat, it’s wise to arrive early or expect some wait time, especially on weekends. A group of friends nearby paid about $25 each for their hearty brunch plates, which is pretty standard in the downtown area. Conversely, opting for a laid-back diner out in the suburbs might have you shelling out closer to $15 for a similar meal.
One misconception visitors often have is that tipping here is like in many American cities. In Edmonton, leaving a tip of 15-20% is common, but I've had experiences where servers were genuinely appreciative of every extra dollar in tips, especially if they provided exceptional service.
Oh, and before I forget, if you’re venturing into the Old Strathcona district, which is known for quirky eateries and vibrant farmer's markets, make a reservation. The quirky spots can fill up fast, and you wouldn't want to miss out on a local favorite due to a lack of planning.
When it comes to payment, be mindful that many restaurants prefer card payments, but smaller spots may still operate on a cash-only basis—something that caught me off guard one evening after enjoying a great dinner. Reaching into my pocket only to find I had forgotten cash was a bit of a letdown (though thankfully, there's usually an ATM nearby).
An authentic local habit is gathering with friends at food trucks during summer festivals or markets; it’s a relaxed atmosphere where people mingle, share dishes, and just enjoy the vibe. It’s heartening to see how that community connection plays out over food.
With colder months approaching, many locals start to huddle into the cozy, warm cafés, and that shift tends to push more outdoor dining options to a seasonal pause, making the dining scene feel a little more intimate and snug as we embrace the chill.
Prices in some areas are slowly creeping up, especially near the university where the demand is high and casual eateries are becoming harder to come by. Once cozy and affordable spots are suddenly seeing lunch prices jump by a couple of dollars—a little frustrating for us long-time residents, but such is the rhythm of this vibrant food scene.