Located on 4th Street Promenade in the Ice District of downtown Edmonton, Bündok (named after “boondocks,” meaning “a far-off place”) features an inventive menu in an austere, but inviting space. Chef-owner Ryan Hotchkiss’ main mission is to celebrate the people and food of the community. He does so with the likes of gorgeous beef carpaccio with grilled onion, radish, and Piave Vecchio; kale with cabbage, kohlrabi, puffed wild rice, and yeast vinaigrette; and sea bream crudo with Thai basil, citrus, chili, olive oil, and apple.

Like all “night out” areas of town, the 104th Street strip south of Rogers Place has taken a hit the last couple years, but that hasn’t stopped Bündok from making another appearance on our best overall list. The main course menu consists of all shared dishes, including devilled eggs with fennel mayo and pickled mustard, and chicken skins were fried just short of being too flaky. If you do choose Bündok as your pre-Oilers game meal, book your table well before puck drop so you can savour every scrumptious bite.

Nominators love the hand-made food at Bündok, the compact restaurant downtown on 104 Street, particularly the Parisienne gnocchi, the grilled striploin with black garlic butter and, especially, the kale and kohlrabi salad with its toothsome vinaigrette and crunch of puffed wild rice. As well, “the charred broccoli and chicken skin snacks are my go-to,” Shauna F. The modern French bistro cooking of chef Ryan Hotchkiss is delicious, day in and day out.

Bündok is a fine Canadian restaurant where you can find some new flavours and experiences for your date nights. With elegant decoration, cozy ambiance, crazy good food, Bündok has always been the apple of our eyes, and we bet it will soon be yours too!. For your first visit here, try the Steelhead Crudo and enjoy that fresh, bouncing texture with a citrusy flavor and small hint of spiciness from basil, chili.

As one of the top spots in Alberta, it’s no surprise that Bündok has a few fantastic salads on the menu. Several grilled and roasted vegetable dishes could be considered salads, but the classic leafy green dishes here are a must-order. Made with a base of massaged kale, the kitchen dresses the salad beautifully with cabbage, kohlrabi, puffed wild rice, and yeast vinaigrette.

Top of that list is Asian-inspired Baijiu and its 16-seater bar Little Hong Kong (voted third in the Canada’s inaugural best new bars list), but also much raved-about newbie Bündok, which made the enRoute top 10 restaurants in Canada list last year, and award-winning indigenous chef Shane Chartrand’s restaurant at the River Cree resort and casino.

You can create a memorable meal around a table at Bundok with their copious amounts of shareables, snacks, and of course the cocktails and drinks!. The restaurant offers a long list of red and white wines alongside beers, cider, and seasonal cocktails like The Witcher, or the Endless Hour made with brown buttered bourbon. Where: 10228 104 St NW

Bündok, meaning mountain in Tagalog, was awarded the “best new restaurant in Canada” and was also in “Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants.”. As a guest, you can select a base liquor and flavour style then the bartender makes a personalized drink for you. They offer great cocktails, which is second best to the food.

This small chef owned restaurant serves gorgeous contemporary Canadian cuisine with authentic Edmonton hospitality. Although it opened five years ago it remains one of the best restaurants in Edmonton and continues to win awards in the city. With a small seasonal menu, every plate is an adventure.

Bundok is a top choice for contemporary Canadian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant focuses on seasonal dishes, bringing fresh and flavorful plates to the table. Their menu is designed for sharing, so it’s great for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.

Check out  Baijiu in the historic Mercer Warehouse,  Bündok,  DOSC or go one street over to visit  Sabor. Want to stick extra-close to the arena?. If so, indulge at  Braven or stop by  Alchemy for pre- or post-game libations and share plates.

Chef Ryan Hotchkiss’s small plates at Bündok are flawless and technically excellent, bursting with taste-bud excitement. Sea bream with Thai basil, citrus, beef tartare is typical, as is gnocchi with roasted mushrooms, and a roasted hen.

Bündok is a dimly lit, intimate restaurant with a great drink list. The wine menu is quite extensive and select beer and ciders are also available. The cocktail menu is focused and expertly executed.

Although we can’t guarantee a love connection, we know you’ll have an awesome meal and/or tasty cocktail at local gems like RGE RD, Fox Burger, Partake, Bündok, DOSC, and The Butternut Tree.

A burrito from Rostizado, piri piri prawns from Bodega and gnocchi from Bündok impressed CBC Edmonton foodies in 2019. (Rostizado, Jessie Cayabo/Bodega and Rosie Hotchkiss/Bündok)

Bundok: Although the online menu does not outline gluten-free options, Chef Ryan Hotchkiss will take care of Celiacs. Save room for the citrus posset!!