Three local restaurants among best

Deer + Almond, Nola and Peacock make list of country’s top eateries

By: AV Kitching Posted: 3:01 PM CDT Thursday, May. 7, 2026

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Three Winnipeg restaurants have made it into the annual Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list.

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Three Winnipeg restaurants have made it into the annual Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list.

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Three Winnipeg restaurants have made it into the annual Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list.

Mandel Hitzer’s Deer + Almond and Emily Butcher’s Nola, both which appeared last year, retained their spots but dropped down in placing.

Hitzer’s restaurant at 85 Princess St. held the rear of the top 50, down 16 places from last year’s 34 ranking.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files
Nola owner Emily Butcher — JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files

Nola owner Emily Butcher

Nola (300 Taché Ave.) came in at 88, after making its debut on last years’ list at 86.

“We get the most joy from creating a memorable dining experience for our guests so recognition like this is the cherry on top,” says Butcher.

“I am so proud to represent Winnipeg on this national list and I am beyond thankful for everyone who has made Nola what it is. It is such an honour to work with people who treat each element of hospitality with care, dedication and spirit.”

New opening Peacock (1822 Grant Ave.) by Ed Lam and Esther Lo — which replaced the pair’s much-loved sushi restaurant Yujiro in February — was 68th on the list.

This year saw the launch of the inaugural Canada’s Best 100 Recommends listings, featuring 33 unranked casual dining spots from across the country.

MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS files
Chef Mandel Hitzer in his restaurant Deer + Almond — MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS files

Chef Mandel Hitzer in his restaurant Deer + Almond

Dustin Pajak’s Snack Häus, the countertop snack bar serving an assortment of appetizers and small plates at Low Life Barrel House (398 Daly St.), was the only Manitoba spot to be given a nod in the guide.

The Best Restaurant in Canada accolade was retained by Restaurant Pearl Morissette in Jordan Station, Ont.

Montreal restaurants took the lion’s share of the placings, with 28 venues making it into the top 100, followed by Toronto with 23 and Vancouver with 18.

Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list is judged by a panel of 160 voting judges comprising culinary enthusiasts, food writers and critics, restaurants and other food-industry professionals.

Each judge was required to submit a list of their top 10 restaurant experiences of the previous year. Restaurants were judged on service, decor, depth of cellar and food quality. Points were assigned to restaurants for each placement on a ballot. The weight of votes in each province and region is proportional to its population.