Red Deer Alberta is a growing city with plenty of restaurants to offer. Being halfway between Edmonton and Calgary, this town sure makes for a good stop when going from one city to the next.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Here are 12 of the best Red Deer restaurants to eat at:
1. Tribe
With a mission to expand the horizons of the city’s food scene, Tribe strives to blend cultures and cuisines to produce the rich flavours of nouveau fusion using local ingredients for the local community. The warm chill space may appear simple, but nothing is to be underestimated as Tribe is well loved and rated by locals.
The flatbreads, which use the Persian Nan Bari as a base, come highly recommended. Try out the Fungi and Fromaggi flavour which gives off an earthy and smokey taste on crispy bread.
One of the customers’ favourites is the Tribe Salad, a Mediterranean take on a refreshing garden salad. The bar also has a great selection of local craft beers worth checking out.
What to order: Fungi and Formaggi Flatbread, Tribe Salad, craft beer
Address: 4930B 50 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 1X7, Canada
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2. Jose Jose
This quiet family-run campy spot features some of the best Latin food within miles.
A mix of different Central American cuisines including El Salvadorean, Jose Jose playfully delivers authentic and hand-crafted dishes that bring them within the top 10 of the best restaurants in Red Deer.
When it comes to servings though, they do not play around. The Hamburger comes with a pound of meat and several slices of bacon that makes even the biggest appetites full.
If you’re looking for more Latin flavours though, then the Taco Beef Fajita, which comes with succulent pulled beef strips covered in cheese, is the way to go.
And speaking of El Salvadorean, the Pupusas de Queso, which are thick corn tortilla-like pastries filled with cheese, are definitely worth a try.
What to order: Hamburger, Taco Beef Fajita
Address: 7110 50 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4N 6A5, Canada
3. Momo Sushi
One of the best sushi places around, Momo Sushi offers honest-to-goodness Asian favourites in a simply styled hangout. The great food and downtown location make this a go-to spot amongst locals.
The Assorted Tempura platter is always a great choice as a family-friendly option. The Crunch California Roll also comes recommended as an elevated version of a classic flavor with the addition of tempura flakes and a soy sauce drizzle.
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, then the Ogopogo Roll is the way to go. A re-imagination of the spicy tuna roll, the Ogopogo Roll adds to it unagi and an assortment of garnishes that bring out a stronger sea flavour blanched with some umami.
What to order: Assorted Tempura, Crunch California Roll, Ogopogo Roll
Address: 4819 48 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4N 3T2, Canada
4. Rueon Thai Restaurant
Your standard Thai restaurant done right, Rueon proves itself to be one of the go-to spots for Southeast Asian fare. Sporting a classic Thai style, the assortment of dishes and curries bursting with the right amount of spice and flavor make this a favourite in Red Deer.
While curries can be a hit or miss, the curries here, like the Green Curry, are a must-have. Green Curry, unlike its red and yellow cousins, is milder and rich with a pungent flavor profile that’s not too out there but definitely a unique taste.
Meanwhile, you can never go wrong with an order of Salad Rolls paired with Pad Thai. This classic duo is loaded with fresh vegetables and savory notes of peanuts. Be sure to specify your preferred spiciness level as they usually get it exactly right.
What to order: Green Curry, Salad Rolls, Pad Thai.
Address: 6751 52 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4N 4K8, Canada
5. Las Palmeras
Fun and upbeat, Las Palmeras serves up some authentic Mexican fare in a lively setting. Live music, decent portions, and great food make this family-owned and run spot well-loved in Red Deer.
It’s best to compliment the great atmosphere with an order of Beef Enchiladas which come with a hefty serving of sirloin strips and have a fun little kick.
The Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, meanwhile, proves to be a simple yet interesting choice as the shrimp are bursting with uncomplicated flavour.
For dessert, consider trying out the Deep Fried Ice Cream which features a cereal-like batter and a generous portion of whipped cream and chocolate sauce.
What to order: Beef Enchilada, Camarones al Mojo de Ajo, Deep Fried Ice Cream
Address: 3630 50 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4N 3Y6, Canada
6. Blue Dragon
A popular favourite in Red Deer, Blue Dragon is a warm family-run spot on the north end of town serving Thai and Khmer cuisine. The top-notch service, great price range, and even better homemade peanut sauce leave its many patrons coming back for more.
Aside from the classics like Pad Thai and Spring Rolls, the Spicy Squid is definitely worth a try as the sweet and spicy sauce pairs well with the battered squid. Tom Yum Soup is also a specialty here as it’s full of a mix of sour and salty that you can’t quite name and can’t find much anywhere else.
For dessert, highly recommended is the Sticky Coconut Rice and Caramelized Mango. The slight buttery sweetness of the rice pairs well with and tames the rich sweetness of the caramelized mango making for a sweet treat that doesn’t hurt the teeth.
What to order: Spicy Squid, Tom Yum Soup, Sticky Coconut Rice and Caramelized Mango
Address: 7611 49 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4P 1M3, Canada
7. Pho Thuy Duong
This Vietnamese spot is perennially busy and for a good reason – it has some of the best Pho in all of Red Deer. Serving fresh noodles in heaping portions, this folksy classy hangout may not look like much but is definitely one to check out if everyone else is especially with its affordable price range.
Shrimp Salad Rolls are always a classic appetizer here and are best when dressed in their peanut sauce.
When it comes to Pho, the Bun Bo Hue, which comes with an assortment of meat and a spicy kick, and the Beef Pho are the way to go. Both feature a rich broth and some fresh vegetables that elevate the flavour.
What to order: Shrimp Salad Rolls, Bun Bo Hue Pho, Beef Pho
Address: 5108 52 St #4, Red Deer, AB T4N 6Y4, Canada
8. Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria
You can never go wrong with a well-loved pizza chain, and Famoso does not disappoint. With a menu full of Neapolitan favorites, this casual spot has quickly become one of the top restaurants in Red Deer and has taken on a friendly neighbourhood reputation.
You can never go wrong with a good Margherita Pizza which comes with fior di latte, a mozzarella-like cheese made from Canadian dairy and has a more delicate flavour.
For a more North American kind of pizza, the Sweet BBQ Chicken does a good job of merging American flavors with Italian techniques.
What to order: Margherita Pizza, Sweet BBQ Chicken Pizza
Address: 5016 51 Ave Unit B, Red Deer, AB T4N 4H5, Canada
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9. Mediterranean Lava Grill
A hidden gem in Red Deer, Mediterranean Lava Grill, not to be confused with Lava Grill in Edmonton, brings Greek and Middle Eastern spices alongside some Canadian classics. Simple in terms of design, you’ll want to try the bursting flavours in this Top 20 restaurant.
Lava Grill specializes in Shawarmas and Kebabs. A favorite of these is the classic Beef Shawarma which is great in a wrap or on a plate and always comes in big servings.
The Stuffed Vine Leaves as well as the Falafels are great on the side and come with some hummus for dipping.
What to order: Beef Shawarma, Stuffed Vine Leaves, Falafels
Address: 6791 50 Ave #6, Red Deer, AB T4N 4C9, Canada
10. Occam’s Razor
A cozy and intimate space in the heart of downtown, this cuisine laboratory has stepped up to become one of the most notable bars in Red Deer, if not Central Alberta. A step up from your usual pub and grub, Occam’s Razor brings passion and creativity to its dishes and leaves patrons coming back for more.
The Charcuterie Board is always mentioned especially for the high-quality cheeses and the smoked salmon. You also cannot go wrong with Gills and Grills, which is what they call their breaded oyster mushrooms which are paired with earthy and tangy flavors such as salsa and charred broccolini.
Of course, since they regularly rotate their menu, it may be hard to plan ahead and see what you like. That’s not a problem though as they are very receptive to catering each dish and each drink to your liking and specification – straight from the bartender and chef themselves. Be sure to ask about the names of what you’re ordering as well.
What to order: Honour Honir, Gills and Grills.
Address: 4916 50 St, Red Deer, AB T4N 1X7, Canada
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11. Jake’s Restaurant and Grill
Though far and few in between in Central Alberta, Red Deer has a taste of Filipino Cuisine in Jake’s Restaurant and Grill. Being family-run and owned, you know their menu is full of authenticity and homestyle cooking.
Highly recommended is the Sizzling Sisig which is pork pieces served on a hot sizzling plate making them extra warm and crispy.
Also commonly ordered are the Spring Rolls, also called lumpia, which are a cross between fried egg rolls and Vietnamese salad rolls.
What to order: Sizzling Sisig, Spring Rolls
Address: 7121 b 50 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4P 4E4, Canada
12. Chubby Jerk BBQ and Kitchen
A cozy little one-man operation in the heart of Red Deer, Chubby serves up Caribbean classics that leave lines out the door. With a touch of home in every dish, this spot brings jerk chicken and Jamaican sweets to people all over town despite having a small online presence.
Chubby has a different menu for each day of the week. The only thing constant is the Jerk Chicken, which means you absolutely have to get it. With great portions, a deep smoky flavour, and a side of rice and beans, it’s no wonder why it’s the most famous thing on the menu.
For a less spicy option, try out the Beef Patty, which, unlike the ones you find in burgers, are large empanada-like pastries that are slightly crispy and packed with flavour.
What to order: Jerk Chicken, Beef Patty
Address: 5005 50 Ave, Red Deer, AB T4N 4B2, Canada
Red Deer has a ton of great options worthy of making a quick stop off the highway for. If you’re headed north, then maybe you’ll want this list of the best Edmonton restaurants.