Looking for a breakfast/brunch/lunch option other than the usual pancakes or basic bacon and eggs? Clementine will enchant your taste buds with dishes that burst with flavour, at a price you won’t be mad about.
Clementine is a true hidden gem in the middle of downtown Winnipeg. Located in the Exchange District at 123 Princess Street, this cozy restaurant is accessible only by a stairwell wedged between a Subway and a bar. Walk too fast, and you just might miss it. You would never guess that hidden behind a plain black door that reads “123” would be a welcoming, intimate restaurant humming with the low voices of diners discussing how tasty their meals are.
Atmosphere
As you descend the stairs, you’ll be met with a neon light sign suggesting, “Eat this, it’ll help.” The sign doesn’t lie, and you won’t be disappointed. A drawback of this otherwise standout restaurant is that it isn’t accessible for folks who depend on a wheelchair or are not able to walk down stairs. Sadly, Clementine is only accessible via a staircase down from street level.
Warm colours, lights and textures decorate the space, creating a cozy atmosphere that pairs perfectly with a constant buzz of conversation.
Another neat feature is that the kitchen is in full view, so you can enjoy watching the staff promptly prepare your fresh meal while you sip your cappuccino.
The Menu
Don’t expect your average all-Canadian breakfasts like any chain restaurant. Clementine’s menu is packed with originality and superb flavors make this restaurant my number-one recommendation for breakfast or lunch.
Breakfast-brunch-lunch dishes with global influence makes Clementine the “go to” for hipsters, young families, and silver-haired couples alike. Clementine is known for short, but mouth-watering menu. The menu is creative and well-thought out, with an assortment of dishes for every palate.
The kitchen takes classic breakfasts and transforms them with unconventional flavours. For instance, enjoy their porridge with mixed grains, coconut, pineapple purée, berries and cashews; or, be transported to Belgium with their perfectly fluffy Brussels Style Waffle (pictured above), topped with roasted berries, caramelized bananas, cinnamon whipped cream and maple syrup. Warning. Your mouth will water.
If you’re like me and coffee is your main food group, Clementine does not disappoint. Whether you’re looking for an espresso, latte, cappuccino, or—for the truly coffee-savvy—a piccolo, they offer it!
My recommendation: If you want to play it safe, Fried Chicken on Toast (trust me!); if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, the Mushroom Chilaquiles is superb!
You’re a Guest not a Customer
The service is unbeatable, with staff who are warm and attentive. They have no issue offering you or your group suggestions or explanations for their unique menu options. One peek into their bustling kitchen, and you’ll see how hard their team works to provide you with a truly delicious dish!
Good to Know
Clementine’s one downside is that they are open from 7 am to 3 pm (weekdays) and 8 am to 4 pm (weekends), so your after-work cravings will have to wait! They also get busy fast. If you’re looking for a quick breakfast, I highly recommend arriving before 10 am on the weekends and 9:30 on weekdays. They do not take reservations.
Clementine is very accommodating to special dietary needs. They offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Dishes range from $6 to $15.
