THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN’S MAIN CAMPUS IS SITUATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY AND THE HOMELAND OF THE MÉTIS.
THE UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN’S MAIN CAMPUS IS SITUATED ON TREATY 6 TERRITORY AND THE HOMELAND OF THE MÉTIS.
New to the city? Here’s a list of local restaurants that never disappoint.
There’s a reason Saskatoon was dubbed “Paris of the Prairies”; we have endless options when it comes to grabbing a bite to eat. The endless possibilities can be dizzying to navigate, even as someone who grew up here. Here’s a list of all my favourite locally owned Mom & Pop restaurants in our city, with lively atmospheres and generous portions—- with my own go-to orders!
Konga Cafe
Talk about soul-satisfying food. Open only for supper time, the Jamaican restaurant makes the most of its operating hours. The menu leans into hearty, homestyle dishes that are the textbook definition of comfort food. The menu features many protein options under sections labelled Piggy Pen and the Chicken Yard. Surrounded by colourful Caribbean decor, the tender meat and bold flavours will melt in your mouth and blow your mind.
My go-to order: Canajun Pork Chops, with a side of half ‘n half rice & peas and roasted potatoes.
Ngon Ngon Restaurant
“Ngon” is a Vietnamese word that translates to “yummy” or “delicious”. It’s a bold title, and Ngon Ngon lives up to its name. Though Saskatoon has plenty of Vietnamese restaurant options available, Ngon Ngon is one of the most authentic. There are authentic dishes on the menu that aren’t offered at most Vietnamese restaurants, like their Bun Cha. The food is “ngon”, but the wait times aren’t long. If you go in looking for a quick, comforting meal, Ngon Ngon will deliver.
My go-to order: Bun cha: a vermicelli noodle platter with BBQ pork and meatballs, served with sweet fish sauce and lots of veggies.
Bistro on B
Located on Avenue B, Bistro on B makes sure there is love on every plate. The owner is chatty and welcoming, and most importantly, his love for cooking is evident. The owner describes his cooking as “Tex Mex with a French Bistro feel”, according to a CBC interview. All of Bistro on B’s dishes have generous portion sizes, yet all made with high-quality meat and house-made sauces. Menu items like the 16-hour brisket for $12.50 are what make this local gem stand out in Riversdale.
My go-to order: 16 hour brisket mac & cheese.
Cafe Japa Bowl
Cafe Japa Bowl is a no‑fuss spot that delivers on fast Japanese comfort. Bowls arrive piled high with perfectly seasoned rice, crisp veggies and your choice of tender proteins glazed in punchy sauces like sweet‑soy, spicy mayo or citrusy ponzu. The atmosphere is casual and efficient, and the portions are generous; expect silent slurping after the first bite. It has a selection of ramen and rice dishes and shortribs, making Cafe Japa Bowl the perfect spot for a quick lunch downtown or a late‑night pit stop.
My go-to order: Spicy barbecue pork ramen.
Keo’s Kitchen
Thai food is hard to get wrong, but Keo’s gets it so right. Keo’s Kitchen is a warm, neighbourhood Thai and Lao restaurant that feels like comfort food with generous portions, bold sauces and a menu for sharing. Service is friendly, and the dining room has a charming, lived-in feeling with plants and traditional decorations that make it great for sit-down meals. Keo’s takeout travels well, too; consider calling them for takeout night. The spice on their dishes goes from level one to level five. Choose wisely, they don’t hold back on the spice!
My go-to order: Pad Thai with tofu, at a level four spice.
D’lish by Tish
This cute cafe is no stranger to students at USask. With live music and mismatched plates, this cafe is overflowing with character. It is an art-filled café that has no shortage of soulful soups and a good slice of cake. It has many vegetarian, vegan and halal-friendly options, with standout dishes like Thai coconut curry lentil soup, peanut butter paninis and salted caramel cheesecake. The atmosphere blends cozy with artistic flair, and the cherry on top is the friendly staff. They also often have local artists doing live performances, just make sure to close your laptops when they’re up on stage. The atmosphere at this little cafe is hard to beat!
My go-to order: Mediterranean panini with a chai latte.
Hometown Diner
This brunch spot needs no mention on this list; it’s already hard enough to get a table on a Saturday morning. Think of Hometown Diner as brunch with a little bit more flair. All its menu items are made from scratch, giving you comfort food bright and early. The restaurant operated on a first-come, first-served basis, with an in-person waitlist, so expect a lineup on busy weekends. Trust, the wait is so worth it every time.
My go-to order: Ukrainian Brekkie: perogies and sausages with heaps of sauerkraut and a sunny side up egg. PS, ask for hot sauce.
Fuh Station
Tucked beside an Esso gas station on Idylwyld Drive North, Fuh Station is a true hole-in-the-wall. Despite its unassuming location, its clean, decorative interior will surprise you! The roadside setting only adds to its charm, serving up big flavours and bigger portions. Their noodle bowls are heaping, and their pho broth is rich, with variations like the peanut satay broth, a personal favourite. Their banh mi subs are fresh and reliable, some of the best in the city. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch or ordering for takeout night, Fuh Station won’t let you down.
My go-to order: Special pho with tripe, tendon, meatballs and beef slices.
Pak Donair
Tucked away in the back of One Stop convenience, between aisles of chips and energy drinks, Pak Donair will never disappoint you when that donair craving hits. Though it is toeing the line of “Mom and Pop”, it is still Saskatoon locally owned and has so much charm and merit that it couldn’t be excluded. It is one of the few places open in the early hours of the morning, ready for your group of friends after a night out or as study fuel. There are three locations in the city open until 2 a.m., so don’t be shy! They are never shy on the portion or the sauces, offering “regular” and “large” donair sizes. Their rice platters are also heaping, so your dollar goes a long way.
My go-to order: A regular-sized lamb donair with cucumbers, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles, with white garlic and donair sauce.
