Saskatchewan’s two largest cities continue to surprise and impress with a full menu of familiar and upcoming culinary establishments. Here is a sampling of places to check out on your next urban dining tour in Saskatoon and Regina.

Saskatoon

Odd Couple
228 20th Street West

 Photo supplied by Carey Shaw

Riversdale is home to a murderer’s row of great restaurants, but Odd Couple stands out for the simplicity and deliciousness of its cuisine, which fuses Cantonese, Vietnamese and Japanese techniques with Canadian favourites.

Ayden Kitchen & Bar 
265 3rd Avenue South

 Photo supplied by Discover Saskatoon

Chef Dale MacKay’s first restaurant – Ayden Kitchen & Bar – offers one of Saskatoon’s best fine casual dining experiences. The cocktail menu is still one of the best reasons to pay a visit.

Sticks and Stones
226 2^nd Avenue South

 Photo supplied by Ali Inay

Sticks and Stones offers ramen bowls, sushi rolls and Korean comfort food in the heart of Saskatoon’s downtown.

Primal
423 20^th Street West

 Photo supplied by Primal

Primal prides itself on creating time-honoured Italian food and handmade pasta using Saskatchewan heritage grains and meats. Owned by well-known Saskatoon restaurateurs Kyle Michaels and Christie Peters, Primal was also featured on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants 2022.

Odla Restaurant & Market/Farm One Forty
801 Broadway Avenue

 Photo supplied by Odla Restaurant & Market

Arlie and Brett LaRoche of Farm One Forty teamed up with chef Scott Dicks to create Odla Restaurant & Market – a farm-direct restaurant and market – with a seasonal menu of delicious dishes. The restaurant emphasizes tradition, simplicity and sustainability – and the food is amazing.

POP Wine Bar
334 20^th Street West

 Photo supplied by Sik Pics Productions

Looking for a unique natural wine to go with oysters or a charcuterie board? POP Wine Bar is one of Saskatoon’s newest and most exciting places to go for a light snack and a glass of bubbles in the Riversdale neighbourhood.

Bannock Express
1205 22^nd Street West

Warning: Browsing the menu of Bannock Express will cause instant hunger pangs. Owner Rachel Smith moved to a new location in 2022 to accommodate her growing business, and it’s easy to see why when you try one of her breakfast sandwiches or chef specials. Her bannock-centric meals are satisfying and delicious.

 

Regina

Skye Café & Bistro
2903 Powerhouse Drive

 Photo supplied by Skye Cafe & Bistro

Located at the Saskatchewan Science Centre, Skye Café & Bistro offers an international menu made with locally grown ingredients. New chef Jssel Hysuik, formerly of Sprout Catering, is carrying on the café’s tradition of lunches, brunches and Friday dinners.

Crave Kitchen + Wine Bar
1925 Victoria Avenue

 Photo supplied by Crave Kitchen + Wine Bar

Practically a Regina institution, Crave Kitchen + Wine Bar has brought fine dining and Saskatchewan ingredients to restaurant goers since 2006.

Italian Star Deli
1631 Victoria Avenue

100 grams of deli meat. 50 grams of provolone. Feta cheese, basil pesto, banana peppers, spicy house-made bomba spread and fresh, locally made bread. Put them together and you get Italian Star Deli’s “legendary” sandwiches. After 57 years, the Italian Star Deli has moved to a larger location, with specialty grocery items, ready-to-go meals, a hugely expanded deli section and an espresso bar.

Caraway Grill
1625 Broad Street/2072 Aurora Boulevard

 Photo supplied by Caraway Grill

Exceptional Indian food at the edge of Regina’s downtown, Caraway Grill added a location in the East end of the city and one in Saskatoon.

Homestead Bar à Vin
338C University Park Drive

There are wine bars, and then there’s Homestead Bar à Vin. Owner Josh McLean started the restaurant with his partner Leslie as a way of sharing his love of natural wine and fine cuisine.

Avenue Restaurant
100 - 2201 11^th Avenue

Avenue Restaurant is a beautifully designed fine casual dining establishment in downtown Regina. Its carefully crafted cocktails and delicious food earned it a place on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list.

Bar Willow
3000 Wascana Drive

 Photo supplied by Bar Willow

Bar Willow, located on the shore of Wascana Lake, boasts the best view in the city. From the restaurant’s expansive outdoor patio, enjoy the sunset over the Saskatchewan Legislative Building as you sample the extensive wine menu and snack on elevated casual fare.

 

Where is your favourite place to dine in Saskatoon and Regina? Share your photos with us on Instagram by using the hashtag #ExploreSask.