In one of the oldest neighbourhoods of the city, you can find one of the newest views of the river valley. And as Edmontonians are wont to patroning, it’s of course from a cute rooftop.
The 20-seat terrace extends from La Petite Iza, a third-floor French bistro named after the owner’s daughter. The building is just south of the river near the High Level Bridge, so you get a great view of the river valley and city skyline to accompany an intimate dinner of French classics, like ratatouille, steak tartare, (French) onion soup, and crème brûlée.
Plus, what is France without wine? The list is lush with the likes of Bordeaux, Gevrey-Chambertin, Riesling, Chablis, and Champagne, as well as options for a pre-meal apéritif or post-meal digestive. Abel Shiferaw considers Paris as his second home and its bistros a great love, so he’s bringing them to life in Edmonton.
Abel also owns Eleanor & Laurent (a French patisserie/café named after the neighbourhood’s historic founding couple) and the neighbouring Sugarbowl, a comfort food staple in the community since it opened under previous ownership in 1943. Both of which also have coveted sidewalk patios, providing plenty of options for soaking up the sun with a drink in hand.
Cheers, friends! Or as the French say, à ta santé!
Make sure to visit these spots this summer!
La Petite Iza: 10926–88 Ave., 3rd floor | 780-435-0083 | lapetiteiza.com
Eleanor & Laurent: 10926–88 Ave., 1st floor | 780-988-0897 | eleanorandlaurent.com
Sugarbowl: 10922–88 Ave. | 780-433-8369 | thesugarbowl.org
Our Patios Cup Runneth Over
Grab those sunglasses, slap on the sunscreen, and head outdoors for fabulous food and thirst-quenching beverages across the city.
Baijiu | 10359–104 St. | baijiuyeg.com
Shanghai chic meets hip-hop in this trendy late-night downtown cocktail joint with Asian- inspired plates. Order yourself an inventive drink like Last Days in Vietnam (with soju, sherry, lemongrass, and Thai basil) or the Chanel No. 6 (rose-infused sake, prosecco, and lemon) and enjoy the ambience, the weather, or a view of the Neon Sign Museum.
Confederation Lounge | Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, 10065-100 St. | 780-424-5181| fairmont.com/macdonald-edmonton
Sip in style as you enjoy stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River and meticulously groomed gardens from the patio of this perennial favourite, part of the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Their handcrafted cocktail selection includes everything from the Purple Reign to the Confederation Caesar to the Chipotle Pineapple Margarita.
Craft Beer Market | 10013-101A Ave | 780-424- 2337 | craftbeermarket.ca
With more than 100 beers on tap and no shortage of both sunshine and shade, you’re sure to find the perfect spot and beer to suit your tastes. And since beer with friends means appies for sharing, the menu is loaded with favourites like Fried Pickles, BBQ Beer Can Chicken Sliders, and Korean Satay Lettuce Wraps.
Fox Burger | 6423-112 St. | 780-250-0369 | foxburger.ca
The stairs may be daunting, but the destination is worth it. Juicy handcrafted burgers, famous garlic fries, local craft beer, and a unique view of the historic Gibbard Block in the Highlands area await. Make sure to book a reservation—this rooftop fills up quickly.
The Marc | 9940-106 St. | 780-429-2828 | themarc.ca
Open for lunch and dinner, the restaurant and inviting patio have a casual elegance that makes every visit feel like an occasion. Ask the helpful staff for recommendations on the perfect wine pairing to sip, savour, and repeat.
The Next Act | 8224-104 St., 780-433-9345 | nextactpub.com
Award-winning burgers and an extensive (and we mean EXTENSIVE) selection of craft beers is just the beginning: The Next Act’s menu also includes favourites like mac n’ cheese, donairs, and poutine. On weekends, book yourself a spot on their patio for hearty, classic brunch fare, plenty of beverage options, and the perfect spot for people-watching in Old Strathcona.
Urban Diner | 12427–102 Ave. | 780-488-7274 | urbandiner.com
Tucked away and surrounded by blooming flowers, you may not think you’re in the city anymore. Not only does the canopy give just the right balance between sun and shade, you can relax for brunch and even try the fan-favourite Dutch Poffertjes (mini pancakes dusted with icing sugar, with chocolate and maple sauces for dipping).
What’s your favourite patio in Edmonton? Let us know @WhereEdmonton!
