Martina's Guidebook of the Exchange District Restaurants and Bars

Martina, Bruce, And Lauren
Martina, Bruce, And Lauren
Martina's Guidebook of the Exchange District Restaurants and Bars

Libation

These are our favorite restaurants and bars within walking distance of our loft.
Amsterdam Tea Room and Bar serves delicious Dutch-inspired food alongside a great selection of beers, cocktails, wine, coffee and of course, tea! Our favorite dish here is the delicious steak tartar and gnocchi. It paired perfectly with tea-infused cocktails. We only wish we could try them all but one of us had to drive!
9 locals recommend
Amsterdam Tea Room and Bar
103-211 Bannatyne Ave
9 locals recommend
Amsterdam Tea Room and Bar serves delicious Dutch-inspired food alongside a great selection of beers, cocktails, wine, coffee and of course, tea! Our favorite dish here is the delicious steak tartar and gnocchi. It paired perfectly with tea-infused cocktails. We only wish we could try them all but one of us had to drive!
47 locals recommend
King's Head Pub
120 King St
47 locals recommend

Our Neighborhood

The Exchange District, a National Historic Site, features North America’s largest and best preserved collection of heritage buildings which include beautiful and massive stone and brick warehouses, elegant terracotta-clad buildings, narrow angled streets and cobblestone paths. The architecture provides a stunning backdrop for local restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, museums and attractions. Old Market Square is a beautiful urban green space in the heart of the Exchange and is home to the city’s most popular summer festivals including Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival and the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. Surrounding Old Market Square are numerous art studios, workshop spaces and galleries along with unique boutiques, health and wellness spaces, cafes, bistros and more. Everything is so close when you’re in the Exchange District so make it your source for year-round entertainment with the Centennial Concert Hall, The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, The Manitoba Museum and the Pantages Playhouse Theatre. Winnipeg’s film industry is also thriving in the District with the iconic Artspace building and Cinematheque. Waterfront Drive is yet another highlight of the Exchange District. Marrying heritage buildings with the edges of the historic Red River, Waterfront Drive is a modern day thoroughfare that’s on its way to becoming one of Winnipeg’s most prestigious places to live, work and play. Stephen Juba Park, which runs along Waterfront Drive, offers a scenic place to relax on a sunny afternoon. This area is quickly becoming the place to be for residents looking for riverfront property and tourists looking for boutique hotel accommodations like the Mere Hotel. This area also serves as a gateway to other popular destinations such as Winnipeg’s French Quarter and The Forks.
The Exchange District, a National Historic Site, features North America’s largest and best preserved collection of heritage buildings which include beautiful and massive stone and brick warehouses, elegant terracotta-clad buildings, narrow angled streets and cobblestone paths. The architecture provides a stunning backdrop for local restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, museums and attractions. Old Market Square is a beautiful urban green space in the heart of the Exchange and is home to the city’s most popular summer festivals including Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival and the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. Surrounding Old Market Square are numerous art studios, workshop spaces and galleries along with unique boutiques, health and wellness spaces, cafes, bistros and more. Everything is so close when you’re in the Exchange District so make it your source for year-round entertainment with the Centennial Concert Hall, The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, The Manitoba Museum and the Pantages Playhouse Theatre. Winnipeg’s film industry is also thriving in the District with the iconic Artspace building and Cinematheque. Waterfront Drive is yet another highlight of the Exchange District. Marrying heritage buildings with the edges of the historic Red River, Waterfront Drive is a modern day thoroughfare that’s on its way to becoming one of Winnipeg’s most prestigious places to live, work and play. Stephen Juba Park, which runs along Waterfront Drive, offers a scenic place to relax on a sunny afternoon. This area is quickly becoming the place to be for residents looking for riverfront property and tourists looking for boutique hotel accommodations like the Mere Hotel. This area also serves as a gateway to other popular destinations such as Winnipeg’s French Quarter and The Forks.
60 locals recommend
Exchange District
60 locals recommend
The Exchange District, a National Historic Site, features North America’s largest and best preserved collection of heritage buildings which include beautiful and massive stone and brick warehouses, elegant terracotta-clad buildings, narrow angled streets and cobblestone paths. The architecture provides a stunning backdrop for local restaurants, boutique shops, art galleries, museums and attractions. Old Market Square is a beautiful urban green space in the heart of the Exchange and is home to the city’s most popular summer festivals including Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival and the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. Surrounding Old Market Square are numerous art studios, workshop spaces and galleries along with unique boutiques, health and wellness spaces, cafes, bistros and more. Everything is so close when you’re in the Exchange District so make it your source for year-round entertainment with the Centennial Concert Hall, The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, The Manitoba Museum and the Pantages Playhouse Theatre. Winnipeg’s film industry is also thriving in the District with the iconic Artspace building and Cinematheque. Waterfront Drive is yet another highlight of the Exchange District. Marrying heritage buildings with the edges of the historic Red River, Waterfront Drive is a modern day thoroughfare that’s on its way to becoming one of Winnipeg’s most prestigious places to live, work and play. Stephen Juba Park, which runs along Waterfront Drive, offers a scenic place to relax on a sunny afternoon. This area is quickly becoming the place to be for residents looking for riverfront property and tourists looking for boutique hotel accommodations like the Mere Hotel. This area also serves as a gateway to other popular destinations such as Winnipeg’s French Quarter and The Forks.

Food scene

All the restaurants and bars listed here are within walking distance​ of our loft.
Since Deer + Almond opened in 2012, it has gained a strong following of diners that swear by their eclectic lunch and dinner menus. The restaurant is a loud and bustling hotspot and has appeared on many best-of lists thanks to creative dishes like Korean fried chicken and smoked lamb ragout. The cocktails, too, are well above average. We recommend tippling on the tree planters punch or the refreshing basil smash. I went here with friends and we loved there tapas-style dining it made it perfect for sharing and getting to try a bit of everything which you will definitely want to do. The atmosphere and the ever-changing menu make it the perfect place to go out for a night.
49 locals recommend
Deer + Almond
85 Princess St
49 locals recommend
Since Deer + Almond opened in 2012, it has gained a strong following of diners that swear by their eclectic lunch and dinner menus. The restaurant is a loud and bustling hotspot and has appeared on many best-of lists thanks to creative dishes like Korean fried chicken and smoked lamb ragout. The cocktails, too, are well above average. We recommend tippling on the tree planters punch or the refreshing basil smash. I went here with friends and we loved there tapas-style dining it made it perfect for sharing and getting to try a bit of everything which you will definitely want to do. The atmosphere and the ever-changing menu make it the perfect place to go out for a night.
We are a full service restaurant that also offers more than 1500 board games. We charge $6 per person to play as many games as you like Enjoy some of our delicious, freshly prepared food or get refreshed with a variety​ of beverage and dessert choices. This is one of my favorite places in the exchange I have been here with my friends and family even my younger nephews and there is always something for everyone. The helpful staff helped us pick out games based on what we were interested in and wanted to do and kept us all entertained all through our meal. My nephews who normally can't sit still were too intrigued the whole time and didn't want to stop playing.
24 locals recommend
Across the Board Game Café
211 Bannatyne Ave
24 locals recommend
We are a full service restaurant that also offers more than 1500 board games. We charge $6 per person to play as many games as you like Enjoy some of our delicious, freshly prepared food or get refreshed with a variety​ of beverage and dessert choices. This is one of my favorite places in the exchange I have been here with my friends and family even my younger nephews and there is always something for everyone. The helpful staff helped us pick out games based on what we were interested in and wanted to do and kept us all entertained all through our meal. My nephews who normally can't sit still were too intrigued the whole time and didn't want to stop playing.
Wee Johnny’s is an authentic Irish pub-style bar and eatery with live music and comedy. A smaller intimate space on the lower level of Jonny G's. Lots of fun!
9 locals recommend
Wee Johnny's Irish Pub
177 McDermot Ave
9 locals recommend
Wee Johnny’s is an authentic Irish pub-style bar and eatery with live music and comedy. A smaller intimate space on the lower level of Jonny G's. Lots of fun!
Inspired by our city’s past, we serve homey, comforting food made with ingredients that express the bounty of our region, accented with sophisicated, globally inspired touches
Saddlery on Market
114 Market Ave
Inspired by our city’s past, we serve homey, comforting food made with ingredients that express the bounty of our region, accented with sophisicated, globally inspired touches
This is one of the best breakfast places ever! Nationally recognized by THe Goble & Mail as one of Canada's best Breakfast restaurants This might just be my favorite restaurant in the exchange ... nevermind in Winnipeg. When Clementines first opened we walked into it not expecting much but boy were we wrong when we stumbled upon this gem, we walked out with a new favorite place to eat. This is definitely our family's go-to restaurant for brunch they have the best egg benedicts along with yogurt panna cotta and their house ice tea. Plus a great atmosphere and open kitchen where you can see the chefs make it hard to go wrong.
62 locals recommend
Clementine
123 Princess St
62 locals recommend
This is one of the best breakfast places ever! Nationally recognized by THe Goble & Mail as one of Canada's best Breakfast restaurants This might just be my favorite restaurant in the exchange ... nevermind in Winnipeg. When Clementines first opened we walked into it not expecting much but boy were we wrong when we stumbled upon this gem, we walked out with a new favorite place to eat. This is definitely our family's go-to restaurant for brunch they have the best egg benedicts along with yogurt panna cotta and their house ice tea. Plus a great atmosphere and open kitchen where you can see the chefs make it hard to go wrong.
A big group of us went into this quaint restaurant before a show at MTC with it only being a two-minute walk to the theatre. We had an amazing server that had great recommendations and we ended up sharing a couple of different pizzas with the only problem being which one I liked the most! Make sure you get the creme brulee if you go it was definitely the perfect dessert to finish off the meal.
11 locals recommend
Corrientes Argentine Pizzeria
137 Bannatyne Ave
11 locals recommend
A big group of us went into this quaint restaurant before a show at MTC with it only being a two-minute walk to the theatre. We had an amazing server that had great recommendations and we ended up sharing a couple of different pizzas with the only problem being which one I liked the most! Make sure you get the creme brulee if you go it was definitely the perfect dessert to finish off the meal.
Located on beautiful Waterfront Drive, Carnaval Brazilian BBQ is the only churrascaria restaurant in Winnipeg. Specializing in South American-style rotisserie, the restaurant offers picanha (sirloin cap), bacon-wrapped tenderloin and coxa de frango (chicken drum sticks). The experienced gaucho carvers cut and serve your meat at your table. Carnaval’s authentic menu is stacked with other traditional favorites, too, such as feijoada (black bean stew with pork and beef). Be sure to leave room for dessert—they come paired with a tasty after-dinner drink.
21 locals recommend
Carnaval Brazilian BBQ
100-270 Waterfront Dr
21 locals recommend
Located on beautiful Waterfront Drive, Carnaval Brazilian BBQ is the only churrascaria restaurant in Winnipeg. Specializing in South American-style rotisserie, the restaurant offers picanha (sirloin cap), bacon-wrapped tenderloin and coxa de frango (chicken drum sticks). The experienced gaucho carvers cut and serve your meat at your table. Carnaval’s authentic menu is stacked with other traditional favorites, too, such as feijoada (black bean stew with pork and beef). Be sure to leave room for dessert—they come paired with a tasty after-dinner drink.
Hy’s is dining at its finest, seating patrons in its elegant and lavish dining room, and serving them refined classics such as escargot, beef tartare and steaks cooked to order. With a wine selection spanning over 100 vintages, this steakhouse is sure to please your inner aficionado. If you prefer privacy while you dine, Hy’s offers a secluded dining room that that is perfect for romance or business meetings.
34 locals recommend
Upstairs in the Village
206 Osborne St
34 locals recommend
Hy’s is dining at its finest, seating patrons in its elegant and lavish dining room, and serving them refined classics such as escargot, beef tartare and steaks cooked to order. With a wine selection spanning over 100 vintages, this steakhouse is sure to please your inner aficionado. If you prefer privacy while you dine, Hy’s offers a secluded dining room that that is perfect for romance or business meetings.
15 locals recommend
The Mitchell Block
173 McDermot Ave
15 locals recommend
Students under expert instructors prepare and serve high-end cuisine, wine and cocktails for much less than at a private restaurant. A beautiful venue in a historic bank. Redolent of marble, lofty Corinthian columns, a well-stocked bar and a beautiful open kitchen where you can view food prep! The menu and seating availability changes often, consult the website calendar or call to plan your visit.
Jane's
504 Main St
Students under expert instructors prepare and serve high-end cuisine, wine and cocktails for much less than at a private restaurant. A beautiful venue in a historic bank. Redolent of marble, lofty Corinthian columns, a well-stocked bar and a beautiful open kitchen where you can view food prep! The menu and seating availability changes often, consult the website calendar or call to plan your visit.