My office moved downtown almost a year ago, which opened up a whole new dining scene for me at lunchtime. There is an assumption that fast food and food trucks are the only affordable options downtown, but I’ve managed to find some mid-day deals at some great Edmonton restaurants. Here are five lunch options downtown that won’t break the bank:
1. Sabor – $18
109 10220 103 Street, Edmonton
I love checking out Sabor for Chef Lino’s lunchtime feature – which includes a vegetable puree soup and one of three features for $18. I think it is a great price for a two-course meal that always includes a seafood option on the feature menu. Or if you love gluten, you can score a piri-piri chicken panini served with a soup, salad or fries for $16.
2. Rostizado – $15 Comida Corrida
10065 100th Street, Edmonton
Loved the lunch #comidacorrida @Rostizado_yeg today #glutenfree #yegfood pic.twitter.com/PMd7oah4tV
— Sharman Hnatiuk (@ThePorkGirl) August 9, 2016
Even on days when I bring my lunch I can’t help but check out Rostizado’s instagram account for the #comidacorrida feature of the day. The two course menu for $15 often includes a soup and a beautifully plated dish (that is occasionally gluten free).
3. Pampa – $14.99 lunch buffet
9929 109 Street, Edmonton
I’ve heard so many people say they have stuffed themselves silly at the all-you-can-eat meat fest at Pampa for dinner; however, the lunch is a more reasonable amount of food in one sitting and it comes at a great price. The Pampa salad bar is enough to satisfy me -$14.99, or you can have a serving of grilled chicken or pork loin along with unlimited access to the salad bar for $14.99. If you want, you can upgrade to a serving of AAA Alberta beef rump steak for $16.99.
4. Careit Urban Deli – Soup & Sandwich combo $13.75
10226 – 104 Street, Edmonton
Careit recently extended their family of restaurants downtown with a little space in the Fox tower on 104th street. The homemade soup & sandwich combo includes a drink for just $13.75 or upgrade to the panini for $14.75. While this gluten-free girl can’t partake in this deal, they often have a GF soup I can enjoy – and the place is a hit with my coworkers (as well as many of the construction workers in the area).
5. Harvest Room, Fairmont Hotel Macdonald $25 three course express lunch
10065 100th Street, Edmonton
Ok, so $25 is a bit of a splurge for lunch, but I think the express lunch in the Harvest Room at the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald is worth it. Chef Serge Jost and his culinary team serve up a designer meal intended for the modern lunch break. In just 45 minutes, staff will serve up your choice of one appetizer, one entrée & one dessert to enjoy at your leisure or take your sweet to go.