The Exchange District in Winnipeg, Manitoba is most known for its heritage buildings and architecture. This National Historic Site spans 20 blocks of turn-of-the-century buildings that were once called “Chicago of the North.”
Now those same buildings are home to funky eateries that range from cheap restaurants to fine dining. Here is a list of some of the best ones in and around the district. Add personal favourites to the comments box at the bottom of the article.
Winnipeg Restaurants in the Exchange District
- The Lineup (98 Albert Street, 204-943-3166): Technically, it’s fast food, but it’s actually fairly healthy fast food. On top of the stuffed-full vegetable Moroccan soup and fresh pitas, the noodle boxes (beef, chicken, coconut curry, pad Thai) are probably the most popular healthy meal. For more robust choices, go with the chicken fingers, fish & chips, pizza and Mexican fried ice cream for dessert. All dishes ring in under $10 CDN.
- Yuki Sushi (554 Main Street, 204-956-2849): Three blocks from the edge of the Exchange District, Yuki Sushi is a diamond in the rough. Only glance at the shabby McLaren Hotel name above the door before ducking inside the sushi joint. The friendly family greets newcomers warmly and asks them to take a seat at the bar. They then serve up cheap sushi from a good-sized menu, prices fantastic for a prairie city (California Rolls are $3.45 and combos start at $8.95).
- Underground Café (70 Arthur Street, 204-956-1925): Step downstairs in this heritage building to the ultra casual Underground Café. Only open during the week, this place gets hoppin’ around noon, so make sure to plan accordingly. A nourishing menu of homemade soups, salads and heaps of sandwich choices are at old fashioned prices: $6.00 for a spicy tuna melt, $5.75 for a vegetarian Sun-Burger and $5.50 for a B.L.T. There are lots of vegetarian options with tofu, as well.
- Blüfish (179 Bannatyne Avenue, 204-779-9888): For a creative sushi menu and hip downtown atmosphere, Blüfish does it right. Interesting rolls are presented with flair and it’s worth it to go back a few times to try as many of the items as possible. As well as the Tiger ($9.50), Hot Scallop ($8.50) and Bannantyne ($9) rolls, there are nightly specials that are so intriguing it’s best to order at least one. A must-try is the tea, a lovely blend that comes in a pot that gets drained directly into your cup.
- The Fyxx (92 ½ Albert Street, 204-944-0045): Definitely the place to grab a cuppa joe and baked goodie, The Fyxx is a neighbourhood coffee shop where artists gather and friends catch up. The local atmosphere is refreshing for world-weary travellers used to being treated like tourists.
Winnipeg Restaurants in the Exchange District
What a pleasant surprise to travel to a large city in Canada and have the option of eating cheaply. The Exchange District is a fantastic area to spend the day and head to the moody establishments in the evening.
Tourism Winnipeg can help out with travel recommendations for those visiting the city for the first time.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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