Edmonton's Culinary Excellence Recognized on National Stage
Edmonton's dining scene has received significant national recognition with five local restaurants securing coveted spots on OpenTable's prestigious Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in Canada list for 2026. The announcement, made on January 28, comes just in time for Valentine's Day celebrations, offering couples exceptional fine-dining options within their own city.
Five Local Establishments Earn National Acclaim
The 2026 edition of OpenTable's annual compilation features five Edmonton-area restaurants among the 100 honored establishments across Canada. The recognized venues include La Ronde, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Brew and Bloom, Sabor, and ORO Trattoria. These restaurants are presented alphabetically rather than ranked, emphasizing that each offers a uniquely romantic dining experience worthy of celebration.
"I think it's awesome," declared Sarah Elliot, general manager at ORO Trattoria in Sherwood Park. "It's exactly what we need to boost the community." Elliot expressed particular pride in her establishment's recognition, noting that many local residents consider ORO Trattoria "the hidden gem" of Sherwood Park.
Methodology Behind the Prestigious List
OpenTable compiled this distinguished list through comprehensive analysis of more than 900,000 diner reviews, incorporating multiple data points including diner ratings, reservation demand patterns, and the percentage of reviews specifically tagged with the word "romantic." This rigorous methodology ensures that the selected restaurants genuinely represent exceptional romantic dining experiences as validated by actual customers.
ORO Trattoria: Sherwood Park's Romantic Destination
Nestled within the L'OCA Italian market, ORO Trattoria has cultivated a reputation as what Elliot describes as "the most romantic place in Sherwood Park, if not Edmonton." The restaurant offers a sophisticated fine-dining experience without requiring formal dress codes, creating an accessible yet elegant atmosphere that has hosted numerous special moments.
"We've had people who have gotten proposed to here, and put on full-blown weddings as well," Elliot revealed, highlighting how the restaurant has become intertwined with customers' relationship milestones. "The space here has an ambiance like no other restaurant."
Sabor: From Family Dining to Romantic Destination
Since opening in 2008, Sabor has evolved into a premier romantic dining destination at its 10220 103 Street location. Co-owner Adalino Oliveira expressed both personal and professional satisfaction with the recognition, stating "I'm very happy, on a personal and business level."
Interestingly, Oliveira originally envisioned Sabor as a family dining establishment inspired by his fourteen years living in Portugal. "We first decided to move large groups out of the dining room and into more private spaces," Oliveira explained regarding their strategic shift toward cultivating a more intimate atmosphere. This evolution now includes special dishes designed specifically for couples, such as their signature "dinner for two" offering.
A Boost for Edmonton's Dining Community
This national recognition arrives at an ideal moment for Edmonton's culinary scene, providing validation for local restaurateurs while giving couples exceptional options for Valentine's Day celebrations and romantic occasions throughout the year. The inclusion of five establishments demonstrates the depth and quality of Edmonton's fine-dining landscape, positioning the city as a significant culinary destination within Canada.
As Valentine's Day approaches, Edmonton residents can take pride in knowing they have multiple nationally-recognized romantic dining options right in their backyard, each offering unique atmospheres and culinary experiences that have earned them places among Canada's most romantic restaurants.
