While the 142 Street area is close to a lot of businesses – and therefore draws in the lunch crowd – it isn’t necessarily known as a dining destination in Edmonton. But, if you take the time to stop by, you’ll find a variety of finely tuned establishments from bistros to delis to burger bars.
This Vietnamese café is a hidden gem, located in a strip mall on 142 Street. It’s a family-run spot that gets busy around lunch time (it isn’t open in the evenings), so plan accordingly if you want to get in on this action. If you need helping deciding what to devour, the spicy beef satay soup, salad rolls with peanut sauce and cashew chicken are all popular choices.
The chefs get their antibiotic and hormone-free Heritage Angus beef from Spirit View Ranch, located in northwest Alberta. There is a variety of great burgers on the menu but if you’re in the mood for something really decadent, try the Delux Stack, which is nine ounces of Kobe-style beef, smoked bacon, caramelized onions, smoked cheddar and spicy mayo on a brioche bun. You can also build your own custom burger to suit your fancy.
This is a great spot to stop by for a simple but delicious lunch. They offer a soup and sandwich deal, plus vegetarian and celiac-friendly options. There is also a ton of fresh salads, including Greek, roasted yam with pink peppercorn dressing, Caesar, and spinach with goji berry dressing. For something heartier, there are also goodies such as shepherd’s pie, butter chicken and BBQ pulled pork.
This Italian bistro has a huge menu, featuring pasta, pizza, insalata, antipasta, zuppa and more. The entrees range from stuffed chicken to pizzaiola, as well as a variety of seafood dishes. Some of the pasta is homemade, and there is also whole wheat and rice pasta available. While the atmosphere feels a bit dated, the food is classic.
The menu is so massive at this Malaysian restaurant that it is best to bring a group and share a variety of yummy dishes. Start with the Indonesian roasted pork with white peppercorn, Tropika home-style chicken and kari lembu(beef curry). Then, throw in some veggie dishes, such as Thai-style eggplant and broccoli with sliced beef. If you still have any room left, they have a pretty big dessert menu, too.
Whether it’s calamari, bocconcini or insalata caprese you desire, you’ll find it here. There’s also a ton of pizza, pasta and entrée options, including scampi originale and osso buco. If you’re a bit peckish but not starving, they do serve half portions of pasta, including their ziti con pollo, penne arrabiata and spaghetti carbonara.
This is another fine restaurant in the ‘hood. It’s one of the oldest establishments in Edmonton, not to mention one of the most overlooked. It’s location could use a little TLC but the food is lovely. The filet mignon with green Madagascar peppercorns, in particular, is bursting with flavour. The menu is small but every item on it is substantial and delicious.