7 Best Bistros in Winnipeg That Made Us Instant Regulars
I knew I had a bistro addition when the server at one place asked if I “wanted the usual,” and I had to pause because—honestly—I wasn’t sure which bistro I was at.
In my defense, when Winnipeg winters hit and your car seat feels more like permafrost than upholstery, few things are more convincing than the promise of warm lighting, buttery sauces, and a menu that makes you forget your heating bill exists.
I’ve spent more evenings in these bistros than in my own kitchen (the last time I opened my oven, it was being used to store takeout menus, just like a filing cabinet).
These aren’t just places to eat—they’re cozy escapes with good wine, even better food, and that one server who always pronounces “charcuterie” way better than I can.
So, if you’re craving something a little more memorable—no need to dig out your tux—these Winnipeg bistros will absolutely have you coming back like it’s part of your daily routine.
Let’s go!
1. Hidden Pocket Billiards, Bar & Bistro
– Media credit: hiddenpocketwpg
Location: 121 Scurfield Blvd.
Website: https://www.hiddenpocket.ca/
Phone number: +1 204 560 2929
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 11 am – 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday: 9 am – 2 am
Must-order: Ragu Rustica
Before stumbling into Hidden Pocket, I figured it’d be just another bar with a dusty pool table and a jukebox stuck on repeat—but nope, I was way off.
It’s built for people who actually want to hang out. The billiards are top-notch, whether you’re you’re lining up on a trick shot or just poking the cue ball for fun.
They even livestream their tournaments, so you can cheer on the pros with a drink in hand while a DJ spins tracks in the background.
It’s one of the few places in the city where you can chow down on something like their Ragu Rustica—picture beef, bacon, and chorizo all taking a hot tub dip in a tomato sauce, then bubbling away under a gooey cheese blanket.
Afterward, you can stroll over to a table for a game.
Pro Tip:
Swing by on a tournament night, even if you’re not playing. The atmosphere is electric enough, and you’ll see regulars casually pull off shots like that defy physics.
2. Beaurivage Bistro
– Media credit: beaurivage_wpg
Location: 637 Corydon Ave
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BeaurivageBistro/
Phone number: +1 204 691 6999
Hours of operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 8 am – 8 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm
- Sunday: 9 am – 2:30 pm
Must-order: Shawarma Wrap
There are a lot of spots in town serving Lebanese food, but Beaurivage Bistro hits different. Their Shawarma Wrap here might just ruin all other shawarma for you!
The beef or chicken is slow-cooked until it practically melts, then flambéed in rich, smoky house-made shawarma sauce. They pair it with crisp veggies and creamy tahini, then wrap it all up and serve with your choice of fries or a fresh salad.
And I’ve got to mention Chef George Chamaa—the real scene-stealer (well, at least for me). I’ve seen him doing the rounds in the dining room, chatting with guests, making sure everyone’s enjoying their meal.
Speaking of meals, you won’t leave hungry here! The portions are big, and the menu’s friendly for everyone—gluten-free, vegan, you name it. They don’t treat dietary options like an afterthought either.
Pro Tip:
Beaurivage Bistro has a habit of dropping surprise specials on Facebook—limited-time dishes that disappear fast. Definitely worth following if you like a little adventure with your lunch!
3. Rae’s Bistro + Lounge
– Media credit: raesbistro
Location: 9-925 Headmaster Row
Website: http://www.raesbistro.com/
Phone number: +1 204 229 0237
Hours of operation:
- Sunday to Tuesday: 11:30 am – 10 pm
- Wednesday and Thursday: 11:30 am – 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11:30 am – 12 am
Must-order: Claw Abiding Citizen
Rae’s Bistro + Lounge has been my go-to neighborhood diner since 2018.
The bar is pretty solid, with local beers, handpicked wines, and cocktails you can tell someone put thought into, but it’s the comfort food that really makes Rae’s shine.
The chalkboard menu rotates with the seasons, so there’s always something new to get excited about. I’ve had everything from crispy beet chips and shrimp tacos to rich seafood linguine and ribs that are gloriously messy (totally worth it!).
But if you want to impress your taste buds, you can’t skip the Claw Abiding Citizen.
We’re talking 7 perfectly seared scallops on top of preserved lemon lobster risotto, served alongside cherry tomatoes, fresh market veggies, a drizzle of herb oil, and a sprinkle of black truffle Moliterno formaggio.
Pro Tip:
Come early for dinner, especially on weekends. Arriving early means you’ll snag a seat and settle in for a relaxed, unhurried meal.
4. Pauline
– Media credit: paulinebistro
Location: 112 Marion St
Website: https://www.paulinebistro.ca
Phone number: +1 204 235 6001
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 7:30 am – 2 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 8 am – 2 pm
Must-order: Croque Madame
Pauline Bistro is one of those gems you want to gatekeep—just so it doesn’t get busier than it already is. It’s tucked away in St. Boniface, yet carries the charm of a Parisian morning, minus the jet lag.
The menu leans French with a modern twist—it’s fresh, a bit inventive, and manages to offer healthier options without feeling like a compromise.
Now, about the Croque Madame—this dish is what people keep raving about.
Picture thick-cut brioche stacked with house-smoked back bacon, melty Swiss, and a creamy mornay sauce, and then they crown the whole thing with a sunny-side-up egg and a sprinkle of chives.
Pro Tip:
Brunch here is not a secret. If you’re hoping for a slow morning with a foamy latte and window seat, try to get a bit earlier—you’ll thank yourself later.
5. Meal Set Bistro
– Media credit: mealsetbistro
Location: 612 Academy Rd
Website: http://mealsetbistro.com/
Phone number: +1 204 414 8088
Hours of operation:
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5 pm – 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 5 pm – 10 pm
Must-order: The Academy
Meal Set Bistro is my go-to whenever I want something intimate but a little out of the ordinary. It has this homey aura that’s ideal for a special night—be it a quiet celebration or one of those corporate dinners you want to attend.
What keeps me coming back is how beautifully everything’s plated. Their food presentation is like edible art. I always catch myself pausing for a second just to admire it before digging in.
I highly recommend The Academy. It’s a powerhouse combo of spicy salmon, spicy tuna, crab mix, avocado, cucumber, wakame, and a drizzle of spicy house sauce and sweet soy, all topped with sesame seeds and crunchy tempura crumbs.
Pro Tip:
Plan your visit on Wednesdays or Thursdays. They do an Oyster Night that regulars swear by, and once you try it, you’ll get why
6. Bistro on Notre Dame
– Media credit: bistroonnotredame784
Location: 784 Notre Dame Ave
Website: http://bistroonnotredame.com/
Phone number: +1 204 691 1515
Hours of operation:
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday and Thursday: 11:30 am – 2 pm; 5 pm – 9 pm
- Friday: 11:30 am – 2 pm; 5 pm – 10 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm; 5 pm – 10 pm
- Sunday: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Must-order: Ribeye + Frites
I’m a big fan of Bistro on Notre Dame because of its atmosphere. It’s where I’d go for an intimate dinner or a quiet catch-up over wine—and yes, I’ve done both!
Their Ribeye + Frites is the showstopper. I wasn’t sure what to expect with elk at first, but it’s flash-seared and so tender. When you dip it into the plum sauce with a swipe of horseradish? Game-changer!
The thick-cut fries are outrageously crispy, and those glazed carrots somehow always end up being the first thing I finish.
I also really like how the space is laid out. They have a private multimedia room and a secluded little courtyard that’s perfect when you want something a bit more low-key and personal.
Pro Tip:
Make a reservation. The bistro is pretty small, and it fills up fast, especially on weekends.
7. Inferno’s Bistro
– Media credit: infernosbistro
Location: 312 Des Meurons St
Website: http://www.infernosbistro.com/
Phone number: +1 204 262 7400
Hours of operation:
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
Must-order: Jarret d’Agneau
If I’m feeling a little fancy but still want something cozy, I like heading to Inferno’s Bistro.
I usually go straight for their Jarret d’Agneau—that braised lamb shank in a maple balsamic reduction is unreal! The veggies and potatoes on the side round it all out perfectly.
When the weather’s nice, I’ll grab a seat on the patio. It’s where the live music just sets the mood without being too much—kind of makes the food taste even better, if that’s possible.
Sometimes, I’ll switch it up and order one of their cocktails—the French Martini is my favorite, but when I want dessert and a caffeine kick in one glass, the Espresso Martini is great.
Pro Tip:
Inferno’s has temporarily disabled their online reservation system; just give them a call instead of emailing.
And if you’re organizing a group, it really helps them out if you can confirm the final headcount 2-3 days ahead. They’ve got a policy where no-shows might still end up with the bill.