Continental Treat Fine Bistro - Southside — Restaurant in Greater Strathcona

Here is a take on the classic ambiance, service, and quality that is seldom found this side of the pond.

We had reasonable expectations of a more than passable meal when we arrived. We weren't disappointed! The ambiance was in keeping with our mood as we walked past, and seemed a decent fit for the cold evening.

Taylor was a fantastic host, service was both personal and attentive while allowing for time to visit. If you don't want to read the entire review: Spoiler alert, we found a level of quality, and attention to detail (in almost every dish) that was superb, actually one of maybe a dozen meals in ten years I've had at that level.

The gluten free garlic toast is a nice homage to the cliche, while being both delicious, and obviously fresh garlic. Starters of shrimp where quite nice, no complaints on the generous garlicy serving with the well executed sauce.

Soups of Polish Tripe, and Potatoe and Pickle where also produced flawlessly. I have not often enjoyed soup at that level of balance. Especially with tripe, which can be tricky. This was unctuous and a robustly flavoured broth, with the gentle aftertaste tripe brings. The Pickle soup clean, and refreshing which is unusual as a hot potatoe based soup.

For mains we opted for the Chicken and Shrimp, and the Mushroom and Spetcsle (interestingly, done as a sheet and cut long, rather than the rougher, more classic style. Same texture and flavor, in a more Italian egg noodle presentation) the marinated chicken is superb, needing nothing. The William Potatoes, named after a nesting doll perhaps (?) are something I haven't had before.

For dessert, two classics. But before I get into that one request: Please, if at all possible replace the canned whipped cream with a house made isi canister, european blade whipped, or machine whipped cream. Your level of execution is so good, the bar so high on everything up to this point. It's jaringly incongruous in a place with such excellence, to find the frat house flavor of preserved canned cream. I know the regulars may not want the can to change, so even as an option for the real deal (?)

Moving along, the creme caramel was on point as a classic. Smooth, creamy, delicately sweetened. The Strawberries Romanoff was similarly delicious (the pesky cream, no further commentary needed) the presentation of the Romanoff was superb.

You will not regret the time, or the food at this delicious little gem. A bastion of the old traditions in a sea of constantly changing trendy Wyte Ave cuisine. The enduring history of this restaurant should tell you all you need to know. The classics never age, and are...

Haven't been here since pre Covid, last Monday we decided to go back. You will need a reservation for this place, as its very popular, and walk in traffic is not recommended. This place is unique in Edmonton, a long term eatery, been around forever. Looking at their menu, you see dishes on there that most other places serve, but when it arrives, you'll see why they are special. Different take on everything they serve, not a jump the shark type of different, the place stays true to a general European style of cooking, that is surprisingly refreshing, an keeps them standing out from all the other eateries in the city. My one suggestion, and I do have a sous chef background, would be to stay true to, or offer a French style onion soup, like with the small crock croutons, cheese etc. They serve theirs in European style, in a bowl, with just onions and broth, kind of what you'd expect in say Germany, Bavaria etc. My wife had the dill pickle soup, and I tasted it....DELICIOUS!! I'll be having that next time we go for sure. The one thing they stand out for, is their liquor list. They have a huge list of pretty much any standard or high end stuff that you'd want....I have wanted to try Van Winkle bourbon ever since seeing the Netflix special about the Great Bourbon theft, to see what the fuss was about....you can't find a bottle anywhere, and if you do you pay a second mortgage to buy it, they have it on the menu, 38 bucks an ounce, but it was worth it if you like top shelf bourbon. The staff are professional, polite and held to a high standard of service, we did bring our own wine, paid the corkage, 25 bucks I believe, but TBH, their wine is reasonably priced, but small selection, so worth it to BYOB. We got out of there for under 300 bucks, and that's with soups, four appetizers, and two mains....great value and a wonderful experience. Highly recommended,...

Just an amazing place. Very warm and inviting. The staff try very hard to accommodate their customers, which they treat like friends. A very complete list of beers and wines and if you have any questions their knowledge always comes through. I have tried most everything on their menu and I've had nothing that I can complain about. Sylvester, the son of the owners, takes great pride in this restaurant and it's obvious from the moment you walk in until you leave. The ambiance works whether you are on a first date trying to make a good impression, catching up with an old friend or treating the family to a finer experience. Back to the food: it's is hardy, tasty and satisfying. Many of their items can be made gluten free, this includes their desserts. What can I say, I have recommended this fine restaurant to many friends and family and have never received a complaint back. If the idea of a full supper seems daunting go in and try their soup and sandwich combo for lunch. Any reservations will soon dissipate after that first bite. I reccomend reservations if you like to go out during peak times but off peak hour walk ins are always treated with a warm smile and a welcoming hello.

2018/12/15: I was just back and this fine restaurant was hopping. Christmas party reservations and families packed this wonderful restaurant. The ladies in the front were busy as bees and Sylvester was torn between kitchen, bar and front. Nothing came out wrong. Everything was delicious and the staff, as always, were friendly and professional. I'm having mixed feelings. I'm grateful this little gem is busy so it will be around for years to come. I'm a little sad it's busy because I'm selfish and I will always want table #3. Sylvester, please thank your staff, front and kitchen, for another wonderful meal. You always make me feel like I am...