Winnipeg and Manitoba at large are in a phase of refresh and reinvention. From new restaurants redefining local cuisine, to transformative mall developments, to mixed-use projects that blend housing, wellness, and public spaces — the local landscape is changing fast. Whether you’re a foodie, shopper, or someone who enjoys exploring urban renewal, there is a lot to be excited about. Here are some of the most interesting new local spots and developments in Winnipeg / Manitoba.
1. Restaurants & Eateries: Taste the New Vibe
The restaurant scene in Winnipeg has been especially strong lately, with some standouts in late 2024 and early-2025.
Isekai Ramen
Owned by Yasuko and Takekuni Akimoto (formerly of Dwarf no Cachette), Isekai Ramen opened in a former storefront between Garden City and The Maples. tourismwinnipeg.com The space is heavily themed — think fantasy anime aesthetics, faux stained glass, whimsical things like dwarves and fungi statues, cool lighting. The menu leans toward ramen with character: “Dark Elf Dragon Mazesoba,” “Phoenix Volcano Ramen,” “Elf’s Garden,” etc. tourismwinnipeg.comAroma Bistro at The Forks
A known name in Winnipeg, Aroma Bistro has opened a second location at The Forks. theforks.com They’re bringing in Hong Kong and Sichuan flavors with a more “Western-styled” presentation. Some signature menu items: Chili Wonton, La La Chicken, La La Chips. theforks.comOthers to watch
The “New & Notable Winnipeg Restaurants for early 2025” list includes several rising stars. tourismwinnipeg.com If you enjoy variety, there are French, Southern barbecue, ramen, and wild yeast breads making noise. These spots are not just about food — many are about ambiance, theme, design, and creating memorable experiences. tourismwinnipeg.com
2. Retail & Malls: Evolving Spaces
Retail isn’t just about stores any more; it’s about experience, mixed usage, and services. Here are big recent or upcoming changes:
CF Polo Park
CF Polo Park remains Manitoba’s premier shopping destination, and it’s adding more. In 2024 it added Zara (its first store in Manitoba) and a permanent Knix location. Retail Insider Also, London Drugs is set to open its first new store in Winnipeg in ~20 years (slated for late 2025) within Polo Park. Retail Insider The inclusion of London Drugs is significant because of the role such stores play (pharmacy + wellness + technology + general retail) and the size (approx. 18,000 sq ft). Retail InsiderPortage Place Redevelopment
This is one of the most ambitious projects. The downtown Portage Place Mall (a 1.2 million sq ft enclosed mall built in 1987) is being acquired by True North Real Estate Development (TNRED) for a massive redevelopment (~CAD $650 million). constructconnect.com+2CityNews Winnipeg+2 The plan is to transform it into a mixed-use campus: health-care centre (primary care, mental health, surgery, diagnostics), expanded Pan Am Clinic programs, a full-size grocery store, housing (including affordable units), wrap-around community services, green/open public spaces, etc. constructconnect.com It’s meant particularly to revitalize downtown and serve community needs, not just retail. constructconnect.com+1St. Vital Centre & New Tenants
The St. Vital Centre has also seen updates. For example, a Mark’s store recently opened there (“official opening of Mark's at St. Vital Centre, conveniently located just off the Food Hall”). Instagram These incremental additions matter: they signal ongoing investment and the mall remaining relevant. Also, its anchor mix includes London Drugs, Marshalls & HomeSense, Walmart Supercentre, etc.
3. Urban Redevelopment & Community-Centric Projects
Beyond restaurants and shops, the city is focusing on connecting commerce with social needs.
Portage Place Revitalization
As mentioned, this project is not just about creating a shopping centre, but building something that balances wellness, housing, retail, public services, and green space. Construction, when in full swing, should reshape that part of downtown. constructconnect.com+1Graham Avenue & Public Realm Upgrades
Though not a single venue, the changes to the Graham Avenue Transit Mall are significant. In mid-2025, bus routes using Graham Avenue were moved off as part of Winnipeg’s transit network rework. The city plans to transform Graham Avenue into a more people-first destination with pedestrian-friendly features (picnic tables, benches, more open public space). Wikipedia
4. What This Means: Trends & Takeaways
To make sense of all these, here are some trends and implications:
Mixed Use is Key: Projects like Portage Place show that retail alone no longer cuts it. Health services, housing, public spaces are now part of what people expect.
Experience & Theme Matter: The success of restaurants like Isekai Ramen (theme + design + Instagrammability) shows that diners want more than good food. Ambiance, storytelling, visuals all contribute.
Local + First-in-Province or First-in-City Retailers: Zara’s arrival, Knix expansion, the new London Drugs — these first moves matter. They create buzz, attract shoppers, and often become anchors for other retail.
Downtown (re)investment: Projects focused on downtown (Portage Place, Graham Avenue) suggest that city planners & developers see value in repopulating / reactivating cores rather than letting them decline.
Wellness & Services Close to Home: With health care, mental health, grocery, housing being included, it’s evident the target is serving more than convenience: it’s about livability.
5. Top “Must-Visit” New Spots (If You’re Visiting or Living in Winnipeg)
To help you plan, here are some places you might want to put on your list:
6. SEO & Local Insights: How New Spots Affect Winnipeg’s Local Economy & Real Estate
From an SEO / business / urban planning perspective, here are some observations:
Search Intent Opportunities: People are searching for “new restaurants Winnipeg 2025”, “mall redevelopment Winnipeg”, etc. Pages that highlight new openings, menus, grand-opening dates are getting traction.
Geographic Keywords Matter: Including neighbourhood names (“Garden City area”, “The Forks”, “Maples”, “Downtown”) helps. Locals search by area.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Business + government + non-profits are coming together (e.g. in Portage Place) to address housing, healthcare, community services. These projects often receive media coverage, which helps with visibility and trust.
Real Estate & Housing Pressure: As downtown amenities improve, demand for downtown housing often increases. Affordable housing inclusion (as in Portage Place) will be crucial to keep the area accessible.
Retail Mix Is Evolving: Big anchors are still important, but smaller, themed or experiential food & beverage venues, wellness, entertainment are increasingly what make a mall or district feel “alive.”
7. What to Keep an Eye On & What’s Coming Next
While many developments are already underway, here are some upcoming or expected ones to watch:
Opening of London Drugs at Polo Park (late 2025) — big milestone for Winnipeg. Retail Insider
Portage Place redevelopment timelines — how quickly the health centre, grocery store, housing will materialize, and how public space design is handled. constructconnect.com+1
New restaurant openings beyond core Winnipeg — as suburbs, neighbouring towns grow, more local entrepreneurs are launching. Keeping watch on Brandon, Steinbach, etc.
Public realm transformations (streets, transit corridors) — how places like Graham Avenue evolve can impact foot traffic, retail success, and desirability. Wikipedia
Final Thoughts
Winnipeg & Manitoba are in a moment of exciting change. For residents, these new developments — whether a ramen spot with photogenic vibes, a wellness-focused store, or a massive mixed-use project downtown — are adding layers of richness to daily life. For businesses, they offer opportunities: to be part of fresh retail mix, or to serve communities in new ways. For urbanists & planners, these trends reflect a shift away from retail-only thinking, toward more holistic, people-centered design.
So next time you’re planning an evening out, a weekend shopping trip, or even considering real estate, check out what’s new — because “new” in Winnipeg isn’t just more of the same; it’s often something unexpected, authentic, and locally rooted.
