A casual lunch in Edmonton, AB

Edmonton’s winter months can get a little chilly - there’s no doubt about it and definitely no way around it. Embrace the cold with a hot bowl of noodle soup, a staple food group for local food blogger Cindy Nguyen (Let’s Om Nom). Slurp your way around Edmonton with some of her favourite bowls.

From fast food Mexican joints to tequila bars, Edmonton has a nice little variety of south-of-the-border restaurants. Margaritas, tacos, flautas, chimichangas and more offer your taste buds something unlike anything else in Alberta.

Sherwood Park is a growing community with a variety of fantastic restaurants and thriving businesses. These are my picks for the Top 10 places to enjoy a bite to eat in the Park.

Whether your idea of a quick lunch is takeout or a sit-down meal with grease-lightning fast service, these spots deliver results every time. Not only are they delicious, they will also get you back to your office with time to spare.

There is no denying that Thai food is absolutely, outrageously delicious – it’s like a sweet and spicy dream cuisine capable of delighting the pickiest of taste buds. These Thai restaurants are the tastiest in Edmonton.

A delicious, savoury pie filled with various types of meat and veggies, and typically topped with gravy. Does it get any better? Most commonly from the U.K., Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Canada, there are many ways you can make ‘em, but there’s only two ways to enjoy them: With a fork and knife or with your hands.

Whether you grew up in a Ukrainian household or not, there’s a good chance that you have always loved devouring a plate of perogies and sausage. These Edmonton restaurants dish out cabbage rolls and pyrizhky just like your baba used to make. There aren't many Ukrainian restaurants in the city, which makes us appreciate these spots all the more.

There’s something about a good lasagna that’s so comforting: Saucy, cheesy, goodness layered between hearty, tender noodles and then baked so it perfectly browns that top layer of delicious mozzarella. The delectable textures, the savoury sauce, the way it warms you up from the inside out – lasagna is definitely comfort food.

When you’re on a restricted diet, it’s not always easy to find a place to eat out or grab goodies. Luckily, Edmonton has a lot to offer to those seeking great food that fits a variety of diets: vegan (egg and dairy free), vegetarian, ketogenic (high fat, low carb, no sugar), paleo (high fat, low carb, no dairy), diabetic (low sugar) or gluten free.

People often focus on dining in downtown Edmonton or close to the city’s busier districts, like Whyte Avenue and 124 Street. However, there are plenty of great restaurants farther south. If you work or live on the south side, you don’t need to venture very far to devour a fantastic lunch at these spots.

Living with a gluten allergy or intolerance means you have to say “no” to certain foods, but it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on fresh, delicious pizza. There are restaurants all over Edmonton that offer gluten-free pizzas that are every bit as delectable as their gluten-filled counterparts.

Who says you need a mate to go out for a meal? If you’ve ever had the hankering to take yourself out for breakfast, lunch or dinner, worry not! Remember: Being alone is not the same as being lonely. So, grab a good book, pop open your laptop or get set to people watch at these spots where supping solo won’t look weird.