The Dogwood Cafe

Great little gem tucked away in the Victoria Golf Course Club House in the river valley. The restaurant is run by the same folks as noted local restaurant Culinas and the quality of the food speaks for itself. They’ve done a nice job of putting…some quaint touches in the space but it could use a good overhaul, however the gorgeous views of the golf course more than makeup for it. It’s a great spot for those who might be a bit more budget conscious for some of the more modest offerings but there’s also full plates like the kielbasa and pierogies that run about $18. The shrimp omelette and breakfast sandwich are two favourites. They do tend to be a bit understaffed for wait staff so don’t expect hand and foot service but I’m usually there for a nice relaxed brunch so it’s never a problem. They do often have issues with the debit machine when I’ve been there so also wise to bring cash.

Great space for brunch if you want to feel like you’re not in Edmonton since the clubhouse looks onto the Victoria golf course and with it being winter – you feel like you’re surrounded by a winter wonderland full of trees and nature. I had…the breakfast sandwich with a side of house potatoes. The potatoes were better than the sandwich in my opinion. My husband had the eggs Benedict which he really enjoyed. The service leaves a lot to be desired. When we arrived there was no hostess at the top of the stairs. We weren’t sure if it was self seating or not so we waited. And waited. And waited some more before my husband got annoyed (we also had our baby in tow) and finally had to go up the order counter to ask. There were plenty of staff crowded in that area with a clear line of vision to where we were waiting but none bothered to come out to assist us. Needless to say it’s self-seating in both dining rooms. There is no table ordering service. Instead, you order and pay at the counter. They give you a number and bring your order to you when it’s ready. Condiments and such are at separate tables in each room.

I had lunch at the Dogwood Cafe the other day. The setting on the golf course if wonderful, however I was a little disappointed. I had the salmon burger, and poutine. The salmon burger patty was wonderful, flavourful and moist. Sadly the bun was on…the dry side, it seemed to be a couple of days old, which was disappointing. The poutine was just OK, the fries were very large and the gravy was not particularly flavourful. I must say that the food was not up the the standard, in my opinion, that Culina has been in the past. Having said that I will come back again and try something else, because it is a very nice, and casual spot.

Do come here when you can sit on the deck to enjoy the view of the golf course. You need to order inside and then they bring your food and drink order. We helped ourself to cutlery and glasses of water. The food was reasonably…priced and food very good. We ordered off the breakfast menu. The hash browns were unique and the rye toast yummy.

Park near the door for free, walk a short distance through the white lights on the trees to the clubhouse located on the edge of the Victoria golf course. The upstairs dining room was cozy, great comfort food (lamb shepherds pie, brisket, cobb salad) and…excellent service. Although located close to the centre of the city, it is a park-like venue. As our dinner companion said, this is the kind of special spot you’d hope to find when travelling.

Came here with my daughter for their weekend brunch. Lots of selection at the buffet along with a creative “al la carte” menu. The vegetarian sandwich was really tasty. Really easy to get to. Took the stairs from Victoria Park Road. Great walk. This place…has a very nice vibe. Try it out.

Pleasant atmosphere and welcoming staff. Good parking. Nice view. Pleasant place for a walk along the river valley before and after. It was busy when we arrived just after 10am. Lots of choice for a freshly cooked breakfast buffet – eggs Benedict, pancakes, fruit, pastries,…sausages, etc. Sausages were a little salty – not a personal preference. Would go again.