Saskatoon is one of Canada’s hidden gems. Located on the South Saskatchewan River, it boasts a scenic location for jogging, great patios and a surprisingly hip live music scene. Finally coming into major economic expansion, Saskatoon’s place in the spotlight will surely grow.
Below is a list of must-visit places in terms of restaurants, bars, and patios for those of you in town for conferences like the CBA’s CLC, politics, or even stranded at the airport.
Saskatoon’s Top 5 Restaurants
1. Truffles Bistro & Patisserie
230 21st Street East
(p):(306) 373-7779
(Open Lunch, Dinner, Gluten Free)
Truffles is located in the heart of Downtown Saskatoon and boasts great gourmet takes on local delicacies such as Saskatoon Berries, Bison and Trout.
2. Taj Mahal
157 2nd Ave N
(p):(306) 978-2227
(Gluten Free, Vegan)
This high-end take on food from northern India is a 5 minute walk from major hotels in Saskatoon. Be sure to try the tandoori chicken and saffron rice!
3. Weczeria Food & Wine
820 Broadway Ave
(p):(306) 933-9600
(Open Lunch, Dinner Monday-Saturday)
(Gluten Free, Vegan)
Polish name, french and local gourmet food, 5 minutes from downtown located on Saskatoon’s hip Broadway Avenue. What’s not to love?
4. Saboroso Brazilian Steakhouse
2600 8th St. E
(p): (306) 249-4454
(Open Lunch, Dinner)
(Gluten Free)
Saboroso is a Brazilian steakhouse located about 10 minutes from downtown by cab. If you feel like eating fantastic 15 great meat dishes in one sitting go here. A word of warning to vegans with this one.
5. Sushiro Sushi Bar
737 Broadway Ave
(p):(306) 665-5557
(Open Dinner Monday-Saturday)
Sushiro is the best Saskatoon has to offer for sushi and is located on Broadway. You would be wise to make a reservation as it’s only open for dinner. hop over to one of Broadway’s live music venues nearby or across the street to Duck Duck Goose for post-sushi drinks.
Breakfast Recommendations
Poached Breakfast Bistro
259 2nd Ave. South
(p):(306) 651-2255
(Open Breakfast, Lunch)
Go check out the Poached Breakfast Bistro for a large breakfast or as a good hangover cure, located downtown. Be sure to try the ‘bacon rollups’, waistline permitting.
Late Night Spots
The James Hotel
620 Spadina Crescent E
(p):(306) 244-6446
(Open Evening)
The James is Saskatoon’s premier boutique hotel and easily the best hotel bar in the province of Saskatchewan. The interior is brand new and the service is great. Make sure to try the Pimms Cup. If you decide to stay here, you can buy their luxury sheets to take home!
Top 3 Patios
If you’re in Saskatoon during the summer, the three best downtown patio spots are as follows:
1. Earl’s Saskatoon
610 2 Ave N
(p):(306) 664-4060
(Open Lunch, Dinner, Late)
2.The Spadina FreeHouse
608 Spadina Crescent E
(p):(306) 668-1000
(Open Lunch, Dinner, Late)
3. O’Shea’s Irish Pub
222 2 Ave S
(p):(306) 384-7444
(Open Lunch, Dinner, Late)
If you happen to be in the Broadway area, make sure to check out Nino’s and the Yard and Flagon as well.
Other Activities
Shakespeare!
If you decide you’re tired of eating or drinking, make sure to try catch a play on the South Saskatchewan River, with Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, currently playing “Macbeth” and “The Comedy of Errors”.
Running
Finally, check out the beautiful Meewasin Running Trails. 3, 10, 20 or more kilometers, whatever you run, Saskatoon has. The Meewasin Trail offers many kilometers of beautiful running cites around the city and across its many bridges. You can find a map here.