There’s something to please every taste in Manitoba’s capital city.

With one of the highest number of restaurants per capita in North America, Winnipeg is home to hundreds of restaurants, cafes, bistros, diners and dives. Here are some of our favourites.

Downtown

For those staying at the Delta Hotel, Blaze Bistro & Lounge, located on the main floor, specializes in contemporary Canadian cuisine featuring locally-sourced ingredients. If you’re pressed for time, Urban Bean in the lobby is the closest spot to grab a Starbucks coffee or light snack.

The Delta is also home to Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant, serving up traditional British pub fare and casual favourites alongside delicious cocktails and cold beer. Located just around the corner, Ichiban Steakhouse & Sushi Bar is a Winnipeg institution known for their interactive teppanyaki dinners. The experience is as entertaining as it is delicious!

If you’re in the mood for a good steak, there are several options all within a short walk of the Delta Hotel. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar, Carne Italian Chophouse and Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar all feature juicy steaks, classic accompaniments and signature cocktails in an upscale-casual setting.

Or maybe you’re looking for something a little different. With everything from noodle bowls to tacos, Merchant Kitchen on Portage Avenue serves elevated street food with a global influence; or check out the best Indian buffet in town at East India Company, just steps from the RBC Convention Centre.

The Forks and Exchange District

Historically, the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers has served as a meeting place for over 6,000 years. Now home to an eclectic collection of shops and dining options, The Forks is the most popular tourist destination in the province, welcoming over four million visitors annually.

While at The Forks, be sure to visit The Common in The Forks Market. Once an ordinary food court, the area has recently undergone extensive renovations, transforming it into a warm, welcoming space, popular with Winnipeggers and visitors alike. With a tempting array of food vendors – from gourmet wood-fired pizza to Asian fusion cuisine – and 40 different choices on the beer and wine board, The Common is the perfect place to grab a quick bite or linger over a beer or wine flight.

Focusing on local, seasonal ingredients and big flavours, SMITH restaurant at Inn at the Forks celebrates Canada’s diversity through food. Serving breakfast, late-night nibbles and everything in-between, the menu showcases the best of Manitoba, including local beef, pork, rabbit and pickerel. Enjoy your entrée with a local beer or craft cocktail, then finish with a selection from SMITH’s well-curated scotch menu.

North of The Forks lies the historic Exchange District, home to North America’s largest collection of turn of the century buildings, nestled along narrow streets and lanes. Home to Winnipeg’s theatre district, the area has a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, which comes alive at night.

In the heart of the East Exchange, Carnival Brazilian BBQ is Winnipeg’s only “Churrascaria,” serving traditional Brazilian steakhouse fare and signature cocktails. It’s a fun approach to fine dining – and no one has ever left hungry!

Just a little further up the street is Hermanos South American Steakhouse. Specializing in South American cuisine, with an emphasis on generous cuts of meat, grilled to perfection, Hermanos heats up a cold Manitoba night with the tantalizing flavours of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, complemented by an extensive wine list.

Across Main Street, in the West Exchange, Peasant Cookery serves classic home cooking with a decidedly French twist. Grab a seat at the bar or settle in at a table overlooking Old Market Square to enjoy the delicious food and impeccable service.

Fun and Games

When in Winnipeg, do as the Winnipeggers do – grab a supersized Jumbo Jet Dog and take your seat at Bell MTS Place to cheer on the home team! The Winnipeg Jets face off against the New York Rangers on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 7:00 p.m. (immediately following the Icebreaker Cocktail Reception), the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, Feb. 14 at 7:00 p.m., and the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 6:00 p.m.! Get your tickets early, as games can sell out fast, or, try your luck on game day as additional tickets may be released as late as 15 minutes before the puck drops.

Bell MTS Place is also home to the Manitoba Moose, the official AHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets! The Moose are in action against the Texas Stars on Sunday, Feb. 10 at 2:00 p.m., and the Chicago Wolves on Friday, Feb. 15 at 7:00 p.m.

What do you get when you combine a sports bar and a casino? The Shark Club! Come together with 500 of your closest friends to watch the big game on over 40 TVs, grab a bite to eat and try your luck in the Vegas-style gaming centre. The Shark Club is conveniently located in Cityplace, a retail and office complex connected by skywalk to the host hotel.

For a sports bar with a neighbourhood pub vibe, visit Tavern United, just across the street from Cityplace. With over a dozen beers on tap and multiple variations on Canada’s favourite cocktail – the Caesar – Tavern has something to whet every whistle. Relax with friends or play a game of darts or pool while you watch the game on one of many screens around the pub.

What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than treating your spouse or significant other to an artistic interpretation of a classic, romantic tale? The Royal Winnipeg Ballet, one of North America’s premiere ballet companies, presents Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet at the Centennial Concert Hall, Feb. 13-17.

Finally, those planning to extend their stay in Winnipeg after the conference are in luck – Festival du Voyageur kicks off on Feb. 15! Western Canada’s largest festival of French-Canadian culture takes place every February and features 10 days of fun activities and events, including concerts, the International Snow Sculpture Symposium, and fiddling, jigging and beard-growing contests.

No matter your taste, you’ll find something to satisfy your appetite for food and fun in Manitoba’s capital city. But this is just a small sampling of the things you can see and do during your stay – visit Tourism Winnipeg for a comprehensive guide to the city’s world-class attractions, dining and events. We can’t wait to welcome you to Winnipeg!

Take Advantage of Our Group Rate Book Your Hotel Room Today!

Located right in the heart of Winnipeg’s Sports, Hospitality and Entertainment District (SHED), Delta Hotels Winnipeg is steps from restaurants, shopping, Bell MTS Place and the RBC Convention Centre.

In addition to comfortable, stylish rooms and a location that can’t be beat, the hotel boasts several amenities that will make you feel right at home. Guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a business centre and a fitness area with indoor pool.

SAVE by booking your stay within the host hotel room block before Monday, Jan. 21, 2019! Simply identify yourself as part of the “2019 CAAR Conference” or “Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers” group to receive special, negotiated rates, starting at $159/night, with parking in the attached, heated parkade for an additional $15/night. For anyone wanting to extend their stay in Winnipeg, conference rates are available for three days before and three days after the event.

Don’t forget – booking within CAAR’s block of rooms ensures CAAR will be able to secure group rates for future conferences.