Edmonton
Food Delivery and Takeout
Options for ordering meals from local restaurants to be delivered to your home or picked up for takeout.
Sections
1. Popular Food Delivery Apps and Platforms in Edmonton
Edmonton has a well-established food delivery ecosystem, with several popular apps and platforms available. These services allow you to order from a variety of restaurants, ranging from fast food to fine dining.
a. Uber Eats
- Overview: One of the most widely used food delivery apps in Edmonton. It offers a user-friendly interface and a broad selection of restaurants.
- Features: Real-time tracking, scheduled deliveries, and options for contactless delivery.
- Delivery Fees: Typically range from $2.99 to $6.99, depending on the distance and demand.
- Popular Restaurants: Remedy Cafรฉ (Indian fusion), OEB Breakfast Co., and Seoul Fried Chicken.
b. DoorDash
- Overview: Another major player in Edmontonโs food delivery scene, known for its extensive restaurant partnerships.
- Features: DashPass subscription for reduced delivery fees, group ordering, and pre-ordering.
- Delivery Fees: Usually between $1.99 and $5.99, with additional service fees.
- Popular Restaurants: The Old Spaghetti Factory, Pho Hoan Pasteur, and Duchess Bake Shop.
c. SkipTheDishes
- Overview: A Canadian-based platform that is particularly popular in Edmonton. It often features local restaurants and chains.
- Features: Loyalty rewards, real-time tracking, and a wide range of payment options.
- Delivery Fees: Typically $2.99 to $4.99, with occasional free delivery promotions.
- Popular Restaurants: High Voltage Food & Coffee Bar, Meat (BBQ), and Padmanadi (vegan).
d. Instacart
- Overview: While primarily a grocery delivery service, Instacart also partners with some local stores and delis for prepared food delivery.
- Features: Same-day delivery and the ability to combine grocery and meal orders.
- Delivery Fees: Start at $3.99 for orders over $35.
e. Local Delivery Services
- YEG Eats: A smaller, Edmonton-focused delivery service that supports local businesses.
- Ritual: A pickup-focused app that allows you to order ahead and skip the line at participating restaurants.
2. Key Cuisines and Restaurant Options
Edmontonโs food scene is diverse, reflecting the cityโs multicultural population. Here are some popular cuisines and notable restaurants for delivery and takeout:
a. Canadian and Local Favorites
- Poutine: Try La Poutine or The Next Act Pub for this quintessential Canadian dish.
- Burgers: Check out The Burgerโs Priest or Jackโs Burger Shack.
b. Asian Cuisine
- Chinese: Panda Hut Express and Double Greeting Wonton House are local favorites.
- Japanese: Izakaya Tomo and Dorinku Tokyo offer sushi, ramen, and izakaya-style dishes.
- Korean: Seoul Fried Chicken and NongBu Korean Eatery are highly rated.
- Vietnamese: Edmonton has a strong Vietnamese food scene; try Pho Hoan Pasteur or King Noodle House.
c. Indian and South Asian
- Popular Spots: Remedy Cafรฉ (Indian fusion), New Asian Village, and Zaika Indian Bistro.
d. Middle Eastern
- Shawarma and Falafel: Visit Paramount Fine Foods or YEG Kebab for authentic Middle Eastern flavors.
e. Vegan and Vegetarian
- Options: Padmanadi (vegan Asian cuisine) and The Moth Cafรฉ (plant-based dishes).
f. Italian
- Pizza and Pasta: Rosso Pizzeria and Vaticano Cucina are excellent choices.
g. Specialty and Gourmet
- Bakeries: Duchess Bake Shop is a must-try for pastries and desserts.
- BBQ: Meat is a popular spot for smoked meats and BBQ dishes.
3. How the Ordering Process Works
Ordering food delivery or takeout in Edmonton is straightforward. Hereโs a step-by-step guide:
- Choose a Platform: Download a food delivery app (e.g., Uber Eats, DoorDash) or visit the restaurantโs website if they offer direct ordering.
- Browse Restaurants: Use filters to search by cuisine, dietary preferences, or delivery time.
- Select Your Items: Add dishes to your cart, customize orders (e.g., spice level, toppings), and review your selection.
- Enter Delivery Details: Provide your address and any special instructions (e.g., buzzer code, leave at the door).
- Payment: Pay using a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay). Some platforms also accept cash.
- Track Your Order: Most apps provide real-time tracking so you can monitor the progress of your delivery.
- Receive Your Food: Ensure youโre available to collect your order or provide clear instructions for contactless delivery.
4. Delivery Fees and Approximate Costs
- Delivery Fees: Range from $2.99 to $6.99, depending on the platform, distance, and time of day.
- Service Fees: Most platforms charge an additional service fee (5-15% of the order total).
- Tips: Itโs customary to tip delivery drivers in Canada. A standard tip is 10-20% of the order total, with a minimum of $3-$5 for smaller orders.
- Promotions: Many apps offer discounts for first-time users or free delivery on orders over a certain amount.
5. Tips for Takeout Etiquette
- Be Prompt: If youโre picking up your order, arrive on time to ensure your food is fresh.
- Check Your Order: Verify that all items are included before leaving the restaurant.
- Tipping: Itโs polite to tip staff when picking up takeout, especially if the restaurant provides excellent service. A tip of 10-15% is appreciated.
- Packaging Disposal: Edmonton has a strong focus on recycling and composting. Dispose of takeout containers responsibly by separating recyclable and compostable materials.
6. Unique Local Considerations
- Winter Weather: Edmonton experiences harsh winters, so plan for potential delays in delivery during snowstorms or icy conditions. Consider tipping extra during bad weather as a courtesy to delivery drivers.
- Local Ingredients: Many Edmonton restaurants prioritize locally sourced ingredients. Look for menus that highlight Alberta beef, bison, or seasonal produce.
- Cultural Festivals: During events like the Edmonton Heritage Festival, some restaurants may offer special menus or limited-time dishes inspired by the festivalโs themes.
- Support Local: Edmonton has a strong โshop localโ culture. Opt for independent restaurants and local delivery services to support the community.
7. Additional Resources
- Edmonton Food Bank: If youโre in need of assistance, the Edmonton Food Bank partners with local restaurants and organizations to provide meals.
- Yelp and Google Reviews: Use these platforms to find highly rated restaurants and read customer feedback.
- Social Media: Follow local food bloggers and Instagram accounts (e.g., @yegfood) for recommendations and updates on new restaurants.
By using this guide, youโll be well-equipped to enjoy Edmontonโs diverse and delicious food scene through delivery and takeout. Whether youโre craving comfort food, international cuisine, or something healthy, Edmonton has plenty to offer!