Saskatoon is a beautiful city in the heart of Saskatchewan, Canada, known for its stunning river valley, beautiful parks, and growing dining scene. The city’s dining scene has been gaining attention in recent years, with many new restaurants opening up and old favourites expanding. Saskatoon’s dining scene is diverse, with options for all kinds of cuisine preferences and budgets, making it an ideal destination for food lovers.
Saskatoon Dining Scene
Saskatoon’s dining scene is a vibrant tapestry of culinary delights, constantly enriched by new establishments. As residents and visitors enjoy a broad spectrum of flavors from farm-to-table Canadian cuisine to authentic Italian and Chinese dishes, the city’s food culture continues to flourish. Particularly in downtown Saskatoon, food enthusiasts find themselves amidst a bustling array of top-tier restaurants and bars. Similarly, the Riversdale neighborhood has emerged as a center for artisanal food and drink, drawing attention for its unique offerings.
Amidst this culinary diversity, a growing trend is the integration of mobile gaming into the cafe culture. Cafes throughout Saskatoon are increasingly catering to the digital-savvy diner, providing not just a place to eat and drink but also a venue to engage in online activities, including gambling. The popularity of casino apps, especially in these social settings, highlights a shift in how people combine dining with gambling entertainment. This trend is particularly notable in Saskatoon, where the convenience of mobile gaming complements the casual, relaxed atmosphere of local cafes.
Interesting Facts
Here are some interesting facts about the local dining scene:
- It is home to the world’s largest berry, the Saskatoon berry. The berry is commonly used in desserts, jams, and sauces in many local restaurants.
- The city is known for its love of perogies, a traditional Ukrainian dish.
- Saskatoon is also known for its love of the wild game, such as bison, elk, and venison. Many restaurants here offer wild game dishes, including Ayden Kitchen and Bar, which serves bison carpaccio and elk tartare.
- The city has a growing craft beer scene, with several local breweries and taprooms. Some popular breweries include 9 Mile Legacy Brewing Co. and Prairie Sun Brewery.
- It has a thriving food truck scene, with many local food trucks serving up delicious and unique dishes. The Saskatoon Food Truck Wars is an annual event that celebrates the city’s food truck culture.
- It is home to the largest indoor farmers’ market in Western Canada, the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market. The market offers locally grown produce, meats, and artisanal products, and many restaurants source their ingredients from the market.
Top Restaurants in Saskatoon
Local restaurants offer a unique dining experience that is not to be missed. Many of these restaurants source their ingredients locally and use traditional cooking methods to create delicious dishes. Visiting these restaurants is a great way to support the local community and get a taste of the city’s culture. From classic Canadian cuisine to international flavours, local restaurants in Saskatoon offer a range of options that are sure to satisfy any food lover’s palate.
Here are some of the top-rated restaurants based on customer reviews and ratings:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range | Specialties |
| Ayden Kitchen and Bar | Canadian | $$-$$$ | Charcuterie, Handmade Pasta |
| Odla | Nordic | $$-$$$ | Pickling, Fermenting |
| Little Grouse on the Prairie | Italian | $$-$$$ | Housemade Pasta, Craft Cocktails |
| The Hollows (closed) | Canadian | $$-$$$ | Charcuterie, Farm-to-Table |
| Una Pizza + Wine | Italian | $$-$$$ | Wood-Fired Pizza, Wine |
| The Rook and Raven | Pub | $-$$ | Burgers, Craft Beer |
Each restaurant offers a unique dining experience and specialty dishes. Ayden Kitchen and Bar is a popular spot for charcuterie and handmade pasta, while Odla offers Nordic cuisine with a focus on pickling and fermenting. Little Grouse on the Prairie serves Italian cuisine with house-made pasta and craft cocktails, and The Hollows (closed) is a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes charcuterie. Una Pizza + Wine offers wood-fired pizza and an impressive wine list, while The Rook and Raven is a local favourite for burgers and craft beer.
Different Cuisines
Saskatoon’s dining scene offers a diverse range of cuisines, from classic Canadian fare to international flavours. Here are some of the top cuisines to try in local cafes:
Italian
Italian cuisine is popular here, with many restaurants serving up classic dishes such as pasta, pizza, and gelato. One of the top Italian restaurants in Saskatoon is The Rook & Raven, which offers a variety of pizza and pasta dishes, as well as craft beer and cocktails.
Indian
Indian cuisine is another popular option in Saskatoon, with many restaurants serving up flavorful curries, naan bread, and samosas. Spicy Bite is a top-rated Indian restaurant offering a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, as well as a lunch buffet.
Vietnamese
Vietnamese cuisine is gaining popularity in Saskatoon, with several restaurants serving up pho, banh mi sandwiches, and spring rolls. Asian Kitchen is a popular Vietnamese restaurant known for its fresh ingredients and generous portions.
Mexican
Mexican cuisine is another option popular in the city, with many restaurants offering dishes such as tacos, burritos, and churros. Hacienda Steakhouse is a top-rated Mexican restaurant in Saskatoon, offering a range of dishes that are inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine.
Greek
Greek cuisine is also in demand, with several restaurants serving up dishes such as souvlaki, gyros, and spanakopita. Taverna is a top-rated Greek restaurant in Saskatoon, offering a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, as well as cocktails and craft beer.
Chinese Food in Saskatoon
Saskatoon’s Chinese food scene has grown significantly in recent years, with a mix of traditional and modern restaurants. Chinese cuisine is known for its bold flavours and use of fresh ingredients, and many of the Chinese restaurants in the city offer authentic dishes that are sure to satisfy any food lover’s cravings. Here are some of the best Chinese restaurants here:
| Restaurant | Specialties |
| Keo’s Kitchen | Lao and Thai Cuisine |
| Golden Pagoda | Dim Sum |
| Asian Hut | Szechuan and Cantonese Cuisine |
Keo’s Kitchen is known for its Lao and Thai cuisine, while Golden Pagoda specializes in dim sum. Asian Hut offers Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine and is a popular spot for Chinese food in Saskatoon.
Restaurants for Special Dietary Needs
The trend towards plant-based diets has been growing in Canada, and Saskatoon’s dining scene has responded accordingly, offering a wide range of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. These restaurants showcase the creativity and innovation of the local culinary scene, proving that delicious food can be both healthy and sustainable. For those with special dietary needs, the city has a variety of restaurants to offer.
| Cuisine | Price Range | Specialties |
| Karma Conscious Café | Vegan, Gluten-Free | $-$$ |
| Nosh Eatery & Tap | Vegetarian, Gluten-Free | $$-$$$ |
| Living Sky Café | Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free | $$-$$$ |
Karma Conscious Café offers vegan and gluten-free options, including smoothie bowls and sandwiches. Nosh Eatery & Tap serves vegetarian and gluten-free dishes such as falafel and hummus. Living Sky Café is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that specializes in organic and locally sourced ingredients.
Where to Go on Breakfast and Brunch
Whether you’re looking for a classic breakfast dish or a unique brunch experience, Saskatoon has something for everyone. Here are some of the best breakfast and brunch restaurants worth visiting:
| Restaurant | Price Range | Specialties |
| Poached Breakfast Bistro | $$-$$$ | Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffles |
| The Hollows (closed) | $$-$$$ | Breakfast Charcuterie, Baked Goods |
| Hometown Diner | $-$$ | Classic Breakfast Dishes, Milkshakes |
| Park Café | $-$$ | Pancakes, French Toast |
Poached Breakfast Bistro is a favourite spot for eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles, while The Hollows offers a breakfast charcuterie board and baked goods. Hometown Diner serves classic breakfast dishes and milkshakes, and Park Café is known for its pancakes and French toast.
Bars and Nightlife in Saskatoon
The city has a lively bar and nightlife scene, with many popular venues and events. Here are some of the best bars and nightlife spots in Saskatoon:
| Venue | Price Range | Specialties |
| The Yard and Flagon Pub | $-$$ | Craft Beer, Pub Fare |
| Louis’ Pub | $-$$ | Live Music, Dance Parties |
| The Capitol Music Club | $-$$ | Live Music, Cocktails |
| The James Hotel Lobby Bar | $$-$$$ | Craft Cocktails, Tapas |
The Yard and Flagon Pub is a local favourite for craft beer and pub fare, while Louis’ Pub is a popular spot for live music and dance parties. The Capitol Music Club offers live music and cocktails, while The James Hotel Lobby Bar is a chic spot for craft cocktails and tapas.
Catering and Food Events
For those special planning events, there are many catering services and event venues to choose from. Here are some of the top options for catering in Saskatoon:
Cakes by Kait
Cakes by Kait is a popular bakery in Saskatoon that specializes in custom cakes and desserts for events such as weddings and birthdays. The bakery offers a wide range of flavours and designs to choose from and can also accommodate special dietary needs, such as gluten-free and vegan.
Riverside Country Club
Riverside Country Club is a top-rated event venue that offers a beautiful setting for weddings and other special events. The venue has a variety of spaces to choose from, including a grand ballroom and outdoor terrace, and offers catering services with customizable menus.
Prairie Ink Restaurant and Bakery
Prairie Ink Restaurant and Bakery is a unique event venue in Saskatoon that offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious food for events such as book launches and corporate meetings. The venue has a bookstore and gift shop on-site, making it a great option for a unique and memorable event.
Prairie Harvest Cafe
Prairie Harvest Cafe is a farm-to-table restaurant in Saskatoon that offers catering services for events such as weddings and corporate functions. The restaurant sources many of its ingredients locally and offers a variety of customizable menus to fit any dietary needs.
PickNic’s Catering and Fine Foods offers custom menus with locally sourced ingredients, while TCU Place is a popular venue for ballrooms and meeting spaces. Delta Hotels by Marriott Saskatoon Downtown is another option for event spaces and banquet facilities.
Final Thoughts
Saskatoon’s dining scene is diverse and constantly evolving, with new restaurants opening up regularly. Whether you’re looking for Chinese food, gluten-free options, or a great breakfast spot, the city has something for everyone. With a lively bar and nightlife scene and many catering services and event venues, Saskatoon is also an ideal destination for events and special occasions. A dining guide can be a valuable tool for navigating Saskatoon’s dining scene, whether you’re a local or a visitor to the city.