As I am sure we are all aware, the pandemic has not been kind to many local businesses. The service industry and restaurants especially have been especially impacted, many of which are facing the closure of dine in services whilst still being expected to pay their rent and their staff with little to no assistance. Many establishments have gotten extremely creative to keep their businesses afloat, but they need our help and support now more than ever. This year, one of my resolutions is to support local wherever possible. Luckily for us Edmontonians, our amazing and diverse local restaurant scene makes this an easy–and delicious–venture!
- Pho Boy Vietnamese Kitchen
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As you may already know from one of my previous articles, Pho Boy VK is my favorite place to order pho from in the city. With fantastic flavours, a variety of options for vegetarians and omnivores alike, and some of the best spring rolls I’ve ever eaten, you can find me slurping soup from here any day of the week. As we head into the colder months of winter, I highly recommend you give Pho Boy a chance! You can find their menu and order takeout HERE.
- Tres Carnales Taqueria
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Tres Carnales had been high on my list of places to try since I moved to the city back in 2018. One night in December, my partner and I decided to finally give them a try, and I’m so glad we did! These tacos are bursting with fresh flavours and ingredients, are served on really fantastic tortillas, and once again, accommodate both vegetarians and omnivores with ease. Tres Carnales also offers the infamous biera tacos on Mondays, so if you’ve been lusting over these special tacos on TikTok, now is your chance to give them a try! You can find their menu and order takeout HERE.
- Padmanadi
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As a longtime vegetarian, I know just how difficult it can be to find satisfying and delicious meat free meals, especially when you are also hoping to satisfy a meat-eater (in this case, my partner). Padmanadi gets this job done with ease! What’s more, not only does this local business offer up delicious plant based meals, but they give back to the community, assisting those who cannot afford to purchase necessities during this time, no questions asked. With a broad menu, you are sure to find something that will satisfy your tastebuds and keep you coming back! You can find their menu and order takeout HERE.
- The Next Act Pub
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The Next Act takes burgers seriously! Offering a wide variety of creative and delicious burgers, including a weekly feature and housemade veggie burger, there’s something there for everyone. If, like me, you rather enjoy a craft beer alongside your burger, The Next Act offers a wide variety of beers, ciders, and wines–many of which are local to the province as well–to make your night at home feel more reminiscent of a night out! This establishment also offers a weekend brunch to help you liven up your weekends at home. You can find their menu and order takeout HERE.
- The Italian Centre Shop
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The Italian Centre Shop not only sells high quality groceries and baked goods, but makes some of the best pizza in the city as well! Thin crusts, the perfect amount of sauce, and quality toppings, these pizzas are absolutely fantastic. So fantastic, in fact, that I reward myself an Italian Centre pizza night on the couch after a particularly difficult midterm–and I suggest you do the same! My go-to is the margherita, but you simply cannot go wrong with any of their offerings. You can find their pizza menu and more information about COVID friendly ordering HERE.
And there you have it: 5 local, made in Edmonton establishments that I truly believe are well worth your support! The deliciousness certainly does not end here, and there are many more well deserving and extremely delicious spots that can also use our support. Times are tough, but if you’re able, please consider choosing local over chain to help keep our city vibrant and unique!
It’s also worth noting that many delivery services such as Skip, DoorDash, and Uber Eats often take a cut of commission from restaurants, many of which simply cannot afford this loss at a time when profits are already down. If you’re able, consider ordering directly from the linked websites and choosing in-house delivery or pick-up options. Not only will this help out our restaurant friends by keeping more money in their registers, but is an excuse for you to get out of the house–away from your pre-recorded lectures–and get some fresh air as well. Stay safe, and happy eating!