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Characters Fine Dining Reviews List
Characters Fine Dining
Characters Fine Dining offers an elegant dining room with a décor of brick walls, polished hardwood & an open kitchen. Characters features a menu with a diversity of fresh, seasonal offerings presented with exceptional attentive & accommodating service.
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59 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 59 reviews
5 stars
(34)
4 stars
(17)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- special occasion(43)
- romantic(38)
- fit for foodies(34)
- notable wine list(34)
- good for groups(28)
- great for lunch(19)
Characters Fine Dining Reviews List
Review 1 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Fine dining DOES exist in Edmonton!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wonderful food - amazing service...does it cost? YES...it's expensive but it's not something you do every day."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic
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Review 2 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We went to Characters for our anniversary and everything was excellent. We are planning to go back soon,"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wonderful food, comfortable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is one of my favorite lunch and romantic dinner restaurants. The warm spinach salad is unique in all of Edmonton - add prawns. It is interesting to be able to see the wonderful dishes come out of the kitchen. Busy and yet quiet and organized."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 4 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Definately fine dining prices
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Definately fine dining prices but unfortunately the highlight of the evening was the dessert. Having been to many fine dining restaurants, its not often you pull out your own chair upon arrival. Service was cheerful but on occassion may be a bit too many tables per server. Had to send my main back as it was severely undercooked."
Dined on 20/04/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 5 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As if the menu wasn't delicious
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"As if the menu wasn't delicious enough, I was presented with the option of a special, the night that I was in. Even though I did not order it, it sounded wonderful. Instead I stuck to the menu and have the most amazing venison chop I have ever eaten. Being a fan of German food I was pleasantly surprised that the German noodle spaetzle was on this dish. The meat was tender and full of flavor, but not gamy. For dessert I went with the Oreo ice cream sandwich which was divine. Having been there before, I knew that the ice cream is made from scratch and takes 20 minutes to make, so I ordered it when I was almost finished my main course. If you have never tried fresh ice cream, you don't know what you're missing."
Dined on 16/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 6 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went in on a Friday and was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went in on a Friday and was pleasantly surprised with the chef bringing back the jalapeno cheddar bread. As much as I love the french fries, their homemade bread is amazing and worth going in on a Friday for it. The rest of the meal was fantastic and the service was perfect. Definitely one of the finest restaurants in Edmonton!"
Dined on 17/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 7 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent; celiac friendly
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We absolutely loved Characters. From the well-thought-out menu through the classy ambiance and good service, the evening out was enjoyed from start to finish. My baby octopus salad was delightful and the venison was succulent. My mother is celiac, and they were very careful to tailor her choices to be food safe. She enjoyed the lamb very much, and her salad was delicious as well. We each had a dessert, and were so very full. I can't say enough about how excellent our experience was."
Dined on 03/04/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 8 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I usually save going to fancy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I usually save going to fancy restaurants such as Characters for special occasions, but since I have started following the restaurant on Twitter and Facebook, I am so tempted by all the wonderful food that I have made it one of my regular restaurants to go to. The updates via social media are great especially when they come out with specials, and even better is the fact that they have pictures to go along with it, which makes it even more irresistible. I would highly recommend checking out Characters for yourself, as well as adding it to your Facebook and Twitter."
Dined on 13/04/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
TO LOUD
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great food, average service the atmosphere leaves something to be desired. Restaurant was extremely loud even though it wasn't very busy. Not a place to try to have a quiet romantic dinner."
Dined on 13/04/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Review 10 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Had the beef tartar, per usual
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had the beef tartar, per usual it was amazing. I really liked the new presentation of it too! The calamari is the best I have ever eaten (I have sampled a lot). I also enjoyed the fresh made pasta, with garlic, basil, and olive oil. I will always come for more tantalizing experiences!!"
Dined on 09/04/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A group of us went for dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A group of us went for dinner including my two nieces (seven years and nine years old). Being a fine dining restaurant, I assumed that it would be difficult finding something for my nieces to eat, but we were informed that the kitchen could do chicken fingers and fries for the kids. Another commonly overlooked detail was that our server brought out the kids meal at the same time as our appetizers, because you never want to eat in front of a hungry child. That is top-notch service.
I would highly recommend Characters to anyone. It's fine dining where you don't have to worry about bringing your kids."
Dined on 28/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 12 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Overall great experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Overall great experience. Food was amazing and well presented. Best soufflé in town!"
Dined on 27/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 13 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Aesome!!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great experience at Characters. It was our first visit and we were pleasantly surprised with the atmosphere, service, food, and drinks. Would go back again!!"
Dined on 22/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
With a menu that boasts so
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"With a menu that boasts so many delicious items I find myself not having to go to any other fine dining restaurants in Edmonton because of the consistency that I am accustomed to getting at Characters. I know that no matter what dish I select from the menu, I'm going to get high quality ingredients creatively combined into something amazing. With them changing the menu every season, I find I am able to visit many times without ever getting tired of any of the appetizers, entrées, and desserts. Don't take my word for it, try it for yourself and I'm sure you won't be disappointed."
Dined on 14/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
they recently changed their
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"they recently changed their menu and we tried a couple of the new dishes. we were pleasantly suprised.. we will definitely be going back to try out the other new dishes."
Dined on 09/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 16 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I'm craving the french fries!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"In reading some of these reviews, I feel it is important to me to come to the restaurant's defense because of my experiences. I don't understand why people complain about the complementary gourmet french fries with black bean sauce. In speaking with the owner and head chef, he stated that a lot of his customers are requesting gluten-free items. For me gluten-free doesn't matter, but I would much rather have some hot and delicious french fries than stale cold bread any day.
A quick review of my meal, from appetizer to desert, was fantastic.
I'm looking forward to visiting Characters again soon, I'm craving the french fries!"
Dined on 01/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 17 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Characters Impresses
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of the most enjoyable dinners I've had in a long time. Perfect night."
Dined on 23/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I reserved a private room
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I reserved a private room for lunch with my 2 kids, my cousin and her child. It was a perfect setting as we were able to enjoy our lunch while the kids had some room to move. I enjoyed the lobster perogies to start, which we're delicious and the duck pizza which was out of this world good!! Yet another extraordinary afternoon."
Dined on 22/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
One of Edmonton's Finest!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Not the first time we have dined here and definitely won't be the last. We are never disappointed when we come here for dinner. The service and the food is outstanding. If you have never been you are missing out on a great dining experience."
Dined on 23/02/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 20 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We reserved the Elevator Room
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We reserved the Elevator Room for four people and it was perfect. It was tucked away and had a cozy feeling with some privacy rather than the more open tables throughout the restaurant. Our server was fantastic - she had a sixth sense of when to come over and when to give us more time. We found the oddest part was that their complimentary bread service was a few french fries and homemade potato chips with an aioli dip, which seemed out of place for a higher calibre restaurant like this. They were tasty but as much as we like fries(!), something fancier or even an artisan bread would have seemed more in line with the overall restaurant."
Dined on 23/02/2013
2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 21 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great ambiance, better food at home
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The server appeared unkempt and, though kind, a bit hassled. They were polite, but not very interactive or explanatory. Did not have any remarks on wine choices. The "fries and chips" basket was too greasy, bread would've been nicer, and it came after our appetizer. The dip for the fries and chips was very salty. Two things I don't expect when paying upwards of $300 with tip is greasy and salty food. The lamb loin was nice and tender, but again topped with even MORE fried greasy bits, and served on a bed of mushy bland rice that I didn't feel the need to touch. Might be better served alone with a red wine reduction. The s'mores chocolate dessert was outstanding, the presentation (likewise for the entree) was impeccable. Very nice ambiance."
Dined on 13/02/2013
2013
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Inconsistent
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We all had the red snapper lunch special and I remembered why I seldom choose this restaurant. It is inconsistent. I've had some great food here and one not so good experience with a burnt dessert but this time the snapper was oddly combined with artichoke and roast potatoes - very bland but the colourful roe garnish saved it."
Dined on 20/02/2013
2010
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Review 23 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Haven't been to this restaurant
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Haven't been to this restaurant in years....won't let that much time go by again. Just as great as we remember. Banana bread pudding is still THE BEST!"
Dined on 13/02/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Had a great time and the food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a great time and the food was delicious. I would go back in a heart beat."
Dined on 15/02/2013
2011
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 25 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
When outstanding food and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"When outstanding food and service are as consistent as it is at Characters, you begin to look at the more subtle aspects of fine dining. One of these is the plating of the dishes. I believe the only boring, plain white, circular plates are the bread ones. To give you an example, when I ordered the T-bone steak it came to me on the most original dish I had ever seen; a wooden cutting board. It's details like this that puts Characters in a league of its own for fine dining in Edmonton."
Dined on 09/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 26 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Characters is top on my list
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Characters is top on my list whether I'm celebrating a special occasion, or fulfilling a craving. I had the authentic paella which was very flavourful and filling. The chicken dish was delicious and was also a large portion so I had some for lunch the next day. Last but not least I had the Oreo icecream sandwich which is my new favourite dessert. Made to order it's a 20 min wait time, and well worth it! Overall it was another amazing night with beautiful food in a beautiful place."
Dined on 09/02/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 27 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
New menu day is my favorite
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"New menu day is my favorite day to go to Characters, not only for the different menu items, but also to watch head chef Shonn work his magic in the kitchen. The best way that I could describe this would be watching Yoda train his Jedi's in the arts of the force. The new dishes were fantastic and very tasty and I love the idea of the sampler on the dessert menu, because most of the time I am too stuffed to eat a full serving of dessert. The service was outstanding as usual and I'm looking forward to my next visit."
Dined on 05/02/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 28 for Characters Fine Dining
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I eat out quite a bit and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I eat out quite a bit and have been to numerous fine dining restaurants all over the world and for me I can no longer rate restaurants just on their food, but on the entire dining experience. Saying that, Characters delivers on every aspect with the food, service, atmosphere, and of course value. For some people it may seem expensive, but as you look and taste the ingredients you notice very quickly that they are using the finest available. I would gladly pay five dollars more an entrée to experience such quality and flavor. I would highly recommend checking it out for yourself."
Dined on 18/01/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Characters Fine Dining
Based on the average of (31) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate