Set at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights anchors one of Winnipeg’s most walkable dining districts. Within a few minutes on foot, you can move from polished hotel dining rooms to bustling market food halls and French-inspired cafés with views of the museum’s glass spire. Whether you are planning a quick bite between galleries or a lingering dinner after closing time, these five nearby spots showcase the flavour and character of the city around the museum.
Eating Around the Museum: What to Expect
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights sits at The Forks, a historic gathering place that has evolved into a compact cultural and culinary hub. For visitors, that means you can step out of the museum and immediately choose between casual market counters, destination restaurants and hotel lounges, many of them clustered within a ten minute walk.
Most dining options near the museum skew relaxed and come without dress codes, though several offer the kind of refined atmosphere that works well for business dinners or special occasions. Menus tend to lean heavily on local ingredients and Canadian comfort food, but you will also find Italian, French and globally inspired dishes along with plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten friendly choices.
The area’s restaurants are busiest on weekends and on evenings when events are happening at The Forks or downtown. If you are visiting during a summer festival or a popular exhibition at the museum, it is wise to build in extra time or reserve ahead at sit down spots. In winter, indoor markets and hotel restaurants around the museum become a welcome refuge from the cold, making the neighbourhood just as appealing for a warming meal as it is in summer.
All of the places highlighted here are within a short walk or quick taxi ride from the museum. None require you to cross major highways or navigate confusing suburban streets, so you can comfortably pair your museum visit with a meal without spending much time in transit.
SMITH Restaurant at Inn at the Forks
Located just across from the museum at Inn at the Forks, SMITH Restaurant is one of the closest full service dining rooms to the galleries. It is a polished yet relaxed space built around natural wood, warm lighting and large windows that look onto the walkways of The Forks. Visitors often drift in for brunch or a late lunch after touring the museum’s exhibits, while hotel guests keep the room humming from breakfast through dinner.
The menu focuses on refined Canadian comfort food with an emphasis on prairie ingredients. You are likely to find dishes built around local meats, seasonal vegetables and house baked breads, alongside familiar staples like burgers, hearty salads and shareable appetizers. Brunch is particularly popular on weekends, when classics such as eggs with crisp potatoes and thick cut bacon share space with more contemporary offerings like grain bowls or plant forward plates.
Service at SMITH tends to strike a balance between casual and attentive, making it a comfortable choice whether you are travelling solo, with family or on a work trip. The bar pours a concise list of wines, local beers and cocktails, and there is usually a selection of spirit free options for those skipping alcohol. For museum visitors who want a sit down meal without straying far from the exhibits or the riverside paths, SMITH offers one of the most convenient and consistent experiences in the immediate area.
Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, but daytime walk ins are often accommodated. If you prefer something lighter, you can make a meal from appetizers and small plates while enjoying views of people moving between the museum, the rivers and the public art installations around The Forks.
The Forks Market Food Hall
For variety and atmosphere, it is difficult to beat The Forks Market, which sits a short walk from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Housed in a former rail and warehouse complex, the market’s central food hall gathers an ever changing mix of vendors under one roof, from independent bakeries to noodle counters, pizza stands and globally inspired street food. High ceilings, exposed brick and communal seating give the space a busy yet inviting feel throughout the day.
This is an ideal option if your group has differing tastes or dietary needs. One person can opt for wood fired pizza while another orders a steaming bowl of ramen or a grain based salad, and you can all gather back at a shared table. Many stalls highlight Manitoba ingredients and small producers, so it is a good place to sample local cheeses, charcuterie or baked goods alongside more familiar favourites. Coffee stands and dessert counters are plentiful, making the market equally suited to a quick snack or a full meal.
Because the food hall is indoors and open year round, it is especially appealing in winter or on rainy days when outdoor patios are less comfortable. At peak hours the noise level rises as families, office workers and travellers all converge, but the energy is part of the draw. If you prefer a quieter experience, aim for late morning or mid afternoon between lunch and dinner surges.
Prices vary from stall to stall, though most offerings fall into the moderate range, and tipping practices resemble those in the rest of Canada. For museum visitors watching the clock, the ability to browse, order quickly and eat at your own pace can make The Forks Market one of the most efficient ways to refuel before heading back to the galleries or the riverfront paths.
Passero for Italian Inspired Dining
Tucked within the Forks complex, Passero offers a more intimate and chef driven dining experience just a short walk from the museum. With its open kitchen, warm lighting and contemporary design, the restaurant feels more like a downtown bistro than a casual market stall, yet it is still relaxed enough for a leisurely lunch after a morning in the exhibits.
The menu is Italian inspired with a modern Canadian sensibility. Expect a rotating selection of handmade pastas, seasonal small plates and mains that highlight fresh produce, quality seafood and local meats. Dishes are often designed for sharing, encouraging guests to sample a range of flavours over the course of the meal. Portions are moderate rather than oversized, which suits visitors who may not want an overly heavy lunch before returning to explore more of the city.
Passero’s beverage program typically emphasizes well chosen wines by the glass and bottle, plus a selection of classic and signature cocktails. Staff are accustomed to helping guests pair drinks with menu items, and they can usually suggest non alcoholic options as well. The overall tone is professional but unpretentious, making the restaurant suitable for date nights, small celebrations or simply a more elevated meal near the museum.
Because of its size and popularity, Passero can fill quickly in the evenings, particularly on weekends and during festivals at The Forks. If you are planning to dine there after a timed entry to the museum or an evening event, consider making a reservation in advance or arriving early to secure a table.
The Common and Other Casual Spots at The Forks
For a more informal experience, The Common and surrounding casual counters at The Forks provide an easygoing alternative to full service restaurants. The Common is best known for its curated selection of craft beers and wines, many of them Canadian, served at a central bar with plenty of shared seating. It is a natural stop for visitors leaving the museum in late afternoon who want to unwind without committing to a full meal.
Nearby food vendors around The Common offer everything from tacos and burgers to lighter snacks, so you can mix and match small bites with your drinks. In warm months, outdoor seating areas look onto the river paths and public spaces where buskers and pop up events are common. In winter, heated indoor areas keep the atmosphere comfortable even when temperatures drop outside.
The crowd at The Common tends to be a blend of locals and travellers, which gives the area a social but friendly vibe. It works just as well for solo visitors who want to sit with a book or people watch as it does for groups meeting up before a concert or hockey game downtown. Staff are usually happy to offer recommendations if you are unfamiliar with Canadian craft beer or are looking for a specific style of wine.
Because you can order modest portions and linger without much formality, The Common and its neighbouring counters are particularly useful if you have an irregular schedule around museum programs or events. You can stop in for a single glass and a snack or build a more substantial, grazing style meal over the course of an evening.
Promenade Café and Wine in St. Boniface
Across the Red River in the St. Boniface neighbourhood, Promenade Café and Wine pairs French influenced prairie cooking with one of the best views of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Situated near the Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge, the restaurant’s large windows look back toward The Forks, the downtown skyline and the museum’s distinctive glass tower. The walk from the museum across the bridge takes only a few minutes and offers striking perspectives of the rivers in every season.
Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, with a menu that leans on French bistro techniques and Manitoba ingredients. Breakfast and brunch are highlights, featuring favourites like eggs prepared multiple ways, rich potato dishes and fresh baked breads. Later in the day, you will often find hearty mains alongside salads, soups and desserts that reflect both local traditions and classic French comfort food.
The wine list is typically more extensive than you might expect for a neighbourhood spot, with a focus on well chosen bottles that complement the kitchen’s style. Service is friendly and relaxed, and staff are accustomed to museum goers and visitors who may be dining there for the first time. The combination of vantage point, food and approachable pricing has made Promenade a longstanding favourite for those who want a meal with a sense of place.
Because the restaurant sits slightly apart from the busiest parts of downtown, it can feel like an escape from the crowds even when the museum and The Forks are lively. If you enjoy walking, the route between the museum and the café, whether along the bridge or nearby paths, is part of the experience and offers an atmospheric transition from gallery spaces to the streets of St. Boniface.
Planning Your Meal Around a Museum Visit
When visiting the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a bit of timing can help you make the most of the surrounding dining options. The museum often opens in mid morning and closes in late afternoon or early evening, so many travellers choose to visit exhibits first and then move directly into an early dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. This approach can help you avoid peak crowds at both the museum and popular eateries, especially on weekends.
If you prefer to eat before you explore, consider a substantial brunch at SMITH or Promenade Café and Wine. Both offer menus that can comfortably carry you through several hours in the galleries without needing more than a quick coffee or snack from a market vendor. For those on tighter schedules, The Forks Market food hall allows you to grab something fast and flexible between timed tickets or guided tours, so you do not feel rushed during your museum experience.
Weather is another factor to keep in mind. In winter, temperatures in Winnipeg can be very cold, so it is practical to cluster your activities in and around The Forks to minimize time outdoors. The indoor connections between the museum, Inn at the Forks and market buildings make it relatively simple to move from one to another while staying warm. In summer, outdoor patios and river paths become part of the draw, and you may want to allow extra time to sit outside at The Common or stroll across the bridge to St. Boniface after your meal.
Finally, consider any accessibility needs or mobility levels in your group. The routes between the museum and the nearby restaurants mentioned here are generally flat and paved, and most venues offer step free access. If you would rather not walk, short taxi or rideshare trips can easily connect the museum to dining areas throughout downtown and St. Boniface.
The Takeaway
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is more than a standalone attraction. It sits at the centre of a compact, walkable pocket of Winnipeg where river views, historic warehouses and modern architecture frame an appealing array of places to eat and drink. Within a few minutes of the museum doors, you can settle into a refined hotel dining room, graze your way through a lively food hall, share Italian inspired plates, sip craft beer alongside casual bites or cross the river for French influenced prairie cooking with a view back to the museum’s spire.
Because the neighbourhood is so close knit, you can choose a restaurant based on mood rather than logistics. Whether you are travelling alone, visiting with family or meeting friends, you will find options that match a wide range of tastes, diets and budgets. With a little planning around museum hours and local weather, it is easy to pair a meaningful visit to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights with a meal that reflects the character, creativity and hospitality of Winnipeg itself.
FAQ
Q1. How far are these restaurants from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights?
Most of the featured restaurants are within a five to ten minute walk of the museum, either within The Forks complex or just across the river in St. Boniface.
Q2. Do I need a reservation to eat near the museum?
Reservations are advisable for popular sit down spots like SMITH, Passero and Promenade Café and Wine, especially for weekend dinners, but casual counters at The Forks Market usually accept walk in guests.
Q3. Are there good options for vegetarian or vegan diners?
Yes, many nearby restaurants and food hall vendors offer vegetarian dishes, and several include clearly labeled vegan options, particularly in The Forks Market where variety is a priority.
Q4. Can I find kid friendly places to eat close to the museum?
The Forks Market food hall and many surrounding restaurants are very accustomed to families, with flexible seating, informal service and menus that include familiar options for children.
Q5. What is the best choice for a quick bite between museum exhibits?
The Forks Market food hall is usually the most efficient option, allowing you to order swiftly from a range of vendors and return to the museum on your own schedule.
Q6. Where should I go for a more upscale dinner after visiting the museum?
For a more refined evening, SMITH at Inn at the Forks, Passero and Promenade Café and Wine all provide elevated menus and attentive service within a short distance of the museum.
Q7. Are there places nearby where I can just have a drink and a small snack?
The Common at The Forks is a popular choice for craft beer and wine with light bites, and several surrounding counters offer small plates that pair well with drinks.
Q8. Do restaurants near the museum stay open late?
Hours vary by venue and season, but many full service restaurants and bars around The Forks and St. Boniface remain open into the evening, particularly on weekends.
Q9. Is it easy to walk from the museum to St. Boniface for dinner?
Yes, a pedestrian bridge connects The Forks area to St. Boniface, making it a short, scenic walk from the museum to restaurants such as Promenade Café and Wine.
Q10. Are the nearby restaurants accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?
Most restaurants around The Forks and the museum provide step free access, and walking routes are generally flat and paved, though it is always wise to confirm specific needs directly with the venue.