A Culinary Experience That Surprised This European Palate – Moxies Is Truly Exceptional
As someone born and raised in England—where food is both tradition and art—I rarely expect chain restaurants in North America to reflect the depth, elegance, or restraint that marks a truly elevated dining experience. But Moxies completely redefined that expectation for me.
From the moment I stepped inside, I felt the energy of something carefully curated—not just another restaurant, but a space where design, service, and flavor are in conversation with each other. And when the food arrived, I genuinely asked myself: Could this be a chef with Michelin roots?*
As it turns out—it is. Drawing inspiration from a Michelin-recognized restaurant, the culinary team behind Moxies doesn’t just prepare meals—they compose them. And the proof is on the plate.
We ordered the Chipotle Mango Chicken and the Lemon Basil Salmon, two dishes that could easily find their place in The Savoy in London.
Let’s begin with the Chipotle Mango Chicken. This was more than just a dish—it was a masterclass in balanced flavor. The chicken was infused with a sweet and spicy dry rub that clung to every bite like a caramelized whisper of smoke. The ancient grains, (brilliant) served as a nutty, earthy foundation, creating depth with every forkful. Seasonal vegetables added crispness and color, while the cool contrast of fresh avocado and bright pico de gallo brought it all to life—like sunshine cutting through smoky skies. It wasn’t just delicious—it was architectural. Every flavor had a purpose. Every texture told a story.
Then came the Lemon Basil Salmon, I did have concerns if the lemon would overpower the basil and it did not, which deserves its own spotlight. The pan-seared salmon had that elusive, perfect crust—golden and delicate—encasing tender flakes that melted into the tongue. The lemon herb sauce was fragrant and complex, never overpowering, but lifting the natural richness of the salmon with a fresh acidity that lingered in the most satisfying way. Served with fresh seasonal vegetables, this dish felt like spring on a plate—light, thoughtful, and completely balanced.
And while those dishes were highlights, the real surprise was the care given to vegetarian offerings. The Tofu Thai Curry Laksa is not just an option—it’s a destination in itself. A creamy coconut broth, fragrant with lemongrass and spice, wraps around tender tofu, sautéed mushrooms, crunchy bean sprouts, and soft rice noodles in a bowl that speaks fluently in comfort and complexity. It’s a bold, soul-warming bowl that doesn’t just accommodate vegetarians—it celebrates them.
This is where Moxies shines—not just in individual dishes, but in the way it unites eclectic global inspiration with warm, gastro pub hospitality. Whether you’re indulging in a handcrafted meal or sipping one of their signature cocktails, it’s clear: this is not fast food. This is 'crafted food'.
And the experience is not limited to one city—Moxies has built this reputation across 50+ locations in Canada and the U.S. for over 30 years. That kind of consistency, paired with Michelin-level ambition, is something truly rare.
I’m genuinely excited to return and explore the summer menu, which I’m sure will offer new layers of brilliance. Because Moxies isn’t just keeping up—they’re setting the bar higher. And for food lovers like me, that’s something worth...
Read moreWe recently dined at this new Moxie's location in SEC. As soon as we walked in, our entire party commented on how airy, gorgeous, & BRIGHT the restaurant was! It was such a refreshing, welcome change from the usual dungeon-esque incredibly dark aesthetic that modern restaurants have. Paige M was our server & she was WONDERFUL! She was friendly, welcoming, and helpful; she provided us with several recommendations upon our request and she attended to us in a way that did not seem intrusive or too intense. (Her recommendation of the Roasted Tomatoes & Whipped Feta was SO DELICIOUS! We had it as an appie and I honestly could have eaten it all myself!) The food was fresh, seasoned incredibly well, & all of us thoroughly enjoyed the dishes we ordered (Vindaloo, Lemon Basil Salmon, and Tofu Thai Curry Laksa). It was honestly one of the best meals out we'd all had in a while dining out. The atmosphere was relaxed & welcoming; often when you go to a dining establishment like this for lunch, it can feel "too fancy" or that you are out of place being there in the afternoon. It was the exact opposite here! As mentioned, the decor was tasteful & bright; a refreshing take on restaurant interior design. It was a very relaxing & lovely place to enjoy a delicious meal! One thing that I will mention that is usually my personal taste is that the music was a tad loud for me. I think this is often how it goes in restaurants, however I think with the bright atmosphere and relaxed feel, the music could be slightly adjusted to allow conversation a little easier for those patrons who are hard of hearing or very soft-spoken. This experience was definitely one of the best I've had dining out in a long while! We will definitely be returning to Moxies South Edmonton Common again! (Hopefully soon!) Thank you for...
Read moreReview of Moxies, South Common, Edmonton
We recently visited the new Moxies location in South Common, Edmonton, on a Thursday evening and were pleasantly surprised by how busy it was. The popularity of this new spot is evident, as the parking lot was completely full. Fortunately, we were able to find additional parking at the Tim Hortons next door, which was quite convenient.
The location itself is fantastic, with a modern and welcoming ambiance. We started our evening with a refreshing IPA on tap, which was a perfect way to unwind. The beer selection is commendable, and the IPA we tried had a crisp, authentic taste that beer lovers will appreciate.
For our meal, we indulged in the Beef Vindaloo and a perfectly cooked steak. The Beef Vindaloo was bursting with authentic flavors and had the right amount of spice, making it a standout dish. The steak was cooked to perfection, tender, and flavorful, showcasing the kitchen's expertise in preparing classic dishes.
To top off our meal, we shared a white chocolate brownie for dessert. It was a delightful end to our dining experience, rich and decadent, leaving us thoroughly satisfied.
While the food and drinks were excellent, the service could use some improvement. It seemed that the staff was a bit overwhelmed by the unexpected number of patrons on a Thursday evening. However, considering that this location is only a couple of weeks old, it's understandable that they are still getting into the groove of things.
Overall, we had a great time at Moxies South Common. Despite the minor hiccups with service, the quality of the food and the pleasant atmosphere won us over. We look forward to returning and watching this new location grow and thrive. Highly recommend...
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