Since seeing this place rated highly on Canada's Top 100 Restaurants, I've been eager to pay Deer + Almond a visit. For my 30th, my fiancee and I decided to finally make it a date!
D+A stood out from the outside with its rich pink lighting. When we arrived, our hostess was kind and accommodating given we had arrived for our reservation close to 30 minutes early. We were seated towards the back of the restaurant which allowed us to see all of its interesting decorative elements. Our table was ready to go with cutlery neatly positioned over a ceramic, c-shaped cutlery stand which was a cute touch.
We ordered drinks followed by our 4 courses with no add ons. The drinks we had, a martini for her and a peach rum drink for myself, were fantastic and had us ready for our meal which began with a small but tasty tuna cracker treat. The food overall was good, however there was one standout dish on both ends of the spectrum. The Bison & Pork Tortellini Dumplings were amazing. Excellently spiced meat filling in a rich and creamy broth that both me and my fiancee adored. The Deer Carpaccio, however, was underwhelming, especially given it came with an upcharge of $10. The deer itself lacked flavor and while the beats were tasty, the dish as a whole left us wanting more.
Throughout the service, we were asked numerous times if we were good on drinks despite having said we were after the first one, which felt a little pushy. While it was a special occasion, I wasn't keen on following my cocktail with more alcohol, especially given the former had lasted me through my entire meal!
Deer and almond was a solid high-dining experience and I could definitely see how it earned its reputation, though some elements of our night could have been improved. I would be interested in trying it's other food options if I find myself returning!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
V Poon
The best steelhead trout and oysters I ever had. The tuna was also very good. Dessert in comparison is a bit mediocre. The restaurant is quite small and a bit noisy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Duckworth
They worked us in early for our reservation, which was phenomenal. My meal was amazing but the vegetarian choices were on the standard side of things. We were seated at the bar with kitchen staff flying by constantly. Plenty of other seats were available at the bar as well?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mique Michelle
Mang!!!! The deer capacious. Tender so tender...
Just go. Drop everything and go!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Reem El Sherif
1 of the best meals I've ever had, I wish I was staying longer in Winnipeg so I could go again. We did the 4 course dinner service, it was perfect. I think the beef tartare was the best bite of food I've ever had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Danny Smith
Friends took us out for dinner...the food was very good....our server/ servers had difficulty explaining the dishes.. The place is well lit..comfortable..but not my cup of tea...alcohol prices are too steep...
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Bibban Rekhi
1/5 Stars – Disappointing for a Fine Dining Experience I visited Deer & Almond expecting a memorable fine dining experience, but it fell short in several ways. Upon arrival, the hostess, Jenna, made us feel profiled by directing us to a far-end table. Worthy to mention that most tables remained empty throughout.She could have given us a better option , then her immediate mention of the $90 four-course set menu felt pushy and unwelcoming, which set a poor tone. The decor was decent but underwhelming for a fine dining venue—nothing particularly elegant or noteworthy. The seating was a major issue: the wooden chairs and benches were uncomfortable for a 2.5-hour meal, which detracted significantly from the experience. The menu itself was limited, making it difficult to select appealing dishes for each course. Thankfully, the food was a highlight—well-prepared and flavorful—and the cocktails were equally enjoyable, which saved the evening to some extent. However, our table faced the washroom, and every time someone exited, the door was left open, giving us an unpleasant view of the toilet. This was a major oversight for a restaurant aiming for sophistication. While Jenna’s attitude remained off-putting, her colleague provided excellent service, explaining each course thoroughly and professionally, which we appreciated. Overall, Deer & Almond needs significant improvements in ambiance, seating comfort, and staff approach to justify its fine dining claim. Wouldn’t recommend unless these issues are addressed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Keith
We wanted to like it more than we did. Peaks and troughs throughout the meal but overall it didn’t combine to create anything memorable for us.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Francis B.
Mandel Hitzer and his team are brilliant.
Yes, it's not the cheapest place to eat at, but I am quite tired of paying a hundred dollar for a forgettable meal. This is everything but forgettable.
Every piece of the tasting menu was delicate, and intricate and perfect. Mandel delivered each meal with heartfelt explanations. He told me that it's not only about creating a perfect meal, it's about making it consistently. Nailed it. Bravo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
ZS
Honestly such a disappointing experience, especially for a place that’s supposed to be one of Canada’s “top restaurants”.
I had called ahead to let them know about our allergies and to confirm we could order à la carte — they said no problem. But when we got there, our waitress seemed to have no idea. She didn’t ask about allergies, and when we reminded her, she basically ignored it. Food still came out with allergens, and when we asked again, she seemed unsure. Another server stepped in and offered to remake it, but it took over 20 minutes. Just a total lack of communication all around.
The vibe was bad as well… super bright lights, barely any music, and it smelled like a weird blend of bleach and sushi?? Not at all the cozy or cool vibe I expected.
Service overall was just BAD. Table service was completely missing. No one cleared plates, no fresh glasses for new wine, slow on refilling water, and no sense of actual table service. Ava did try to help and was kind, but by that point, the night was already almost over.
I was hosting colleagues visiting from out of town who are used to great dining experiences and I was embarrassed.
Wow. Just wow. Great food great service. Great experience. I have no words to describe the experience here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Martin Gosselin
The waitress was very knowledgeable about the dishes, answered all our questions. We also received these complimentary amuses bouches treats while we were looking at the menu, really nice touch. They made my birthday dinner a meal to remember. Definitely recommend for special occasion or to impress a first date.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
WrenleeISme
Nice place but I really don't like the exchange.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Will Flexer
Just about perfect.
Visiting Winnipeg from Alberta to help settle my youngest into their new life. Was recommended Deer + Almond by a friend who works in the local food industry. It did not disappointed. I was initially bewildered by the menu design, but our exceptionally helpful server sorted everything out and helped us order. We were not terribly hungry and it was later in the evening, so we ordered several dishes to share. Super fun to eat, and lots of nuances to appeal to the foodies out there. We especially enjoyed the venison and mushroom dish, though the tuna in a dashi inspired creation, stole the show. Can't forget the papardelle however, which was also flavourful, comforting and perfectly prepared. We finished off with a reinterpretation of a apple brown Betty. Please forgive that I don't remember the individual menu items, but I think anything at D+A would be considered far above average by most. Looking forward to our next visit and the opportunity to try other things on the menu.
Since seeing this place rated highly on Canada's Top 100 Restaurants, I've been eager to pay Deer + Almond a visit. For my 30th, my fiancee and I decided to finally make it a date!
D+A stood out from the outside with its rich pink lighting. When we arrived, our hostess was kind and accommodating given we had arrived for our reservation close to 30 minutes early. We were seated towards the back of the restaurant which allowed us to see all of its interesting decorative elements. Our table was ready to go with cutlery neatly positioned over a ceramic, c-shaped cutlery stand which was a cute touch.
We ordered drinks followed by our 4 courses with no add ons. The drinks we had, a martini for her and a peach rum drink for myself, were fantastic and had us ready for our meal which began with a small but tasty tuna cracker treat. The food overall was good, however there was one standout dish on both ends of the spectrum. The Bison & Pork Tortellini Dumplings were amazing. Excellently spiced meat filling in a rich and creamy broth that both me and my fiancee adored. The Deer Carpaccio, however, was underwhelming, especially given it came with an upcharge of $10. The deer itself lacked flavor and while the beats were tasty, the dish as a whole left us wanting more.
Throughout the service, we were asked numerous times if we were good on drinks despite having said we were after the first one, which felt a little pushy. While it was a special occasion, I wasn't keen on following my cocktail with more alcohol, especially given the former had lasted me through my entire meal!
Deer and almond was a solid high-dining experience and I could definitely see how it earned its reputation, though some elements of our night could have been improved. I would be interested in trying it's other food options if I find myself returning!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
The best steelhead trout and oysters I ever had. The tuna was also very good. Dessert in comparison is a bit mediocre. The restaurant is quite small and a bit noisy.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
They worked us in early for our reservation, which was phenomenal. My meal was amazing but the vegetarian choices were on the standard side of things. We were seated at the bar with kitchen staff flying by constantly. Plenty of other seats were available at the bar as well?
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mang!!!! The deer capacious.
Tender so tender...
Just go. Drop everything and go!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
1 of the best meals I've ever had, I wish I was staying longer in Winnipeg so I could go again. We did the 4 course dinner service, it was perfect. I think the beef tartare was the best bite of food I've ever had.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Friends took us out for dinner...the food was very good....our server/ servers had difficulty explaining the dishes..
The place is well lit..comfortable..but not my cup of tea...alcohol prices are too steep...
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
1/5 Stars – Disappointing for a Fine Dining Experience
I visited Deer & Almond expecting a memorable fine dining experience, but it fell short in several ways. Upon arrival, the hostess, Jenna, made us feel profiled by directing us to a far-end table. Worthy to mention that most tables remained empty throughout.She could have given us a better option , then her immediate mention of the $90 four-course set menu felt pushy and unwelcoming, which set a poor tone.
The decor was decent but underwhelming for a fine dining venue—nothing particularly elegant or noteworthy. The seating was a major issue: the wooden chairs and benches were uncomfortable for a 2.5-hour meal, which detracted significantly from the experience.
The menu itself was limited, making it difficult to select appealing dishes for each course. Thankfully, the food was a highlight—well-prepared and flavorful—and the cocktails were equally enjoyable, which saved the evening to some extent.
However, our table faced the washroom, and every time someone exited, the door was left open, giving us an unpleasant view of the toilet. This was a major oversight for a restaurant aiming for sophistication.
While Jenna’s attitude remained off-putting, her colleague provided excellent service, explaining each course thoroughly and professionally, which we appreciated.
Overall, Deer & Almond needs significant improvements in ambiance, seating comfort, and staff approach to justify its fine dining claim. Wouldn’t recommend unless these issues are addressed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
We wanted to like it more than we did.
Peaks and troughs throughout the meal but overall it didn’t combine to create anything memorable for us.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Mandel Hitzer and his team are brilliant.
Yes, it's not the cheapest place to eat at, but I am quite tired of paying a hundred dollar for a forgettable meal. This is everything but forgettable.
Every piece of the tasting menu was delicate, and intricate and perfect. Mandel delivered each meal with heartfelt explanations. He told me that it's not only about creating a perfect meal, it's about making it consistently. Nailed it. Bravo.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Honestly such a disappointing experience, especially for a place that’s supposed to be one of Canada’s “top restaurants”.
I had called ahead to let them know about our allergies and to confirm we could order à la carte — they said no problem. But when we got there, our waitress seemed to have no idea. She didn’t ask about allergies, and when we reminded her, she basically ignored it. Food still came out with allergens, and when we asked again, she seemed unsure. Another server stepped in and offered to remake it, but it took over 20 minutes. Just a total lack of communication all around.
The vibe was bad as well… super bright lights, barely any music, and it smelled like a weird blend of bleach and sushi?? Not at all the cozy or cool vibe I expected.
Service overall was just BAD. Table service was completely missing. No one cleared plates, no fresh glasses for new wine, slow on refilling water, and no sense of actual table service. Ava did try to help and was kind, but by that point, the night was already almost over.
I was hosting colleagues visiting from out of town who are used to great dining experiences and I was embarrassed.
I wouldn’t recommend eating here to anyone.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Wow. Just wow. Great food great service. Great experience. I have no words to describe the experience here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The waitress was very knowledgeable about the dishes, answered all our questions. We also received these complimentary amuses bouches treats while we were looking at the menu, really nice touch. They made my birthday dinner a meal to remember. Definitely recommend for special occasion or to impress a first date.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice place but I really don't like the exchange.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Just about perfect.
Visiting Winnipeg from Alberta to help settle my youngest into their new life. Was recommended Deer + Almond by a friend who works in the local food industry. It did not disappointed. I was initially bewildered by the menu design, but our exceptionally helpful server sorted everything out and helped us order. We were not terribly hungry and it was later in the evening, so we ordered several dishes to share. Super fun to eat, and lots of nuances to appeal to the foodies out there. We especially enjoyed the venison and mushroom dish, though the tuna in a dashi inspired creation, stole the show. Can't forget the papardelle however, which was also flavourful, comforting and perfectly prepared. We finished off with a reinterpretation of a apple brown Betty. Please forgive that I don't remember the individual menu items, but I think anything at D+A would be considered far above average by most. Looking forward to our next visit and the opportunity to try other things on the menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pretentious and overpriced.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
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