What Makes 529 Wellington a Top Fine Dining Steakhouse in Winnipeg

If you’re going to splurge on steak in Winnipeg, 529 Wellington Steakhouse is where you do it. It’s one of the top fine dining choices for my family — a go-to spot when we’re celebrating something special or just craving a perfectly cooked steak in a beautiful setting.

The House

Before it was serving up prime cuts and onion ring towers, 529 Wellington Ave. was just a really nice house. The property is known as the Ashdown House, built in 1913 for hardware merchant J. H. Ashdown.

Over the years, the house passed through various hands and purposes, but the bones of this stately riverside mansion stayed intact. Fast forward to today, and the place has been lovingly restored into one of Winnipeg’s most iconic steakhouses. But it still feels like you’re dining in someone’s living room — with grand staircases, ornate fireplaces, and stained glass.

The Ashdown house is officially a Manitoba historic site. If you’re into architectural history, you can check out more of the backstory on their website.

The Food

I personally love their lobster bisque (CAD $18). It’s rich, flavourful, and comforting. We usually order the 529 onion ring tower (full tower CAD $18, half CAD $9). I don’t eat onions, so I’ve never actually tried them — but they smell amazing, and everyone else raves about them.

Of course, the highlight at 529 Wellington is the Canadian Prime beef — a grade that makes up less than half of the top 1% of beef in Canada. It’s known for its rich marbling and flavour, and it’s clear the kitchen knows how to handle it. Whether you go for a filet or something bone-in, the steak is always done with care.

The wine list is also worth mentioning. With over 700 wine selections, it’s one of the most extensive in the city. They’ve even picked up the Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence year after year from 2004 to 2020.

The restaurant also offers a selection of desserts, which are not only delicious but reasonably priced.

It’s not just about what’s on the plate or in the glass, though. The service is attentive, the atmosphere elegant but not over-the-top. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or just feel like treating yourself, 529 offers a well-rounded, memorable dining experience.

Below is my YouTube video featuring more of our latest dining experience at 529, including a look at the dishes, desserts, and drinks we tried:

The Patio

529 has a private and charming patio tucked behind the house. It’s not only peaceful – but also mosquito-free! 😊

On a beautiful summer day, it’s the perfect spot to sip drinks, share some appetizers and desserts, and just relax. This is the place to be.

Whether it’s the historic setting, the perfectly cooked steak, or the wine list that goes on forever, 529 Wellington delivers a classic fine dining experience that still feels warm and welcoming. If you’ve never been, it’s worth making a reservation — and if you have, you probably don’t need convincing.

📍529 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3M 0B9


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