Reviews

“We had a wonderful time last night. The guitar player made us happy. Food was fantastic.”

“Great and friendly service, nice relaxing atmosphere, and excellent food! Well worth going an evening out!”

“Absolutely amazing dinning experience as always! Always look forward to our evenings at Gems.”

“We recently celebrated a family 75 birthday. While camping at Woodlands RV Park. To our surprise we were able to get 15 people reserved. We had heard of this little hidden gem restaurant but holy cow! The food was so good (especially my wild mushroom beef ravioli) lol we were all very impressed with every dish that 15 people had! Who knew Fort Assiniboine would have such a restaurant with a chef from Toronto! Well worth the drive and be sure I’ll be back for some ravioli!”

“Food was excellent and great atmosphere Celebrating our anniversary Recommended great eating”

“We absolutely loved our evening at Gems. It is a truly unique experience - a real dining room experience in the truest sense of the phrase. So many restaurants, however good they may be, can feel impersonal. At Gems, it feels as though you've been invited into someone's home for dinner. Every course is prepared individually by Adrian, one plate at a time, with real care and attention. Christina welcomes everyone with such warmth that, before long, it feels less like a restaurant and more like a dinner party. The evening reminded me of the movie Babette's Feast. There is the same sense that the food, the service, and the entire evening exist simply for the pleasure of the guests. It is hospitality in the deepest sense of the word, and it is beautifully done. Thank you, Adrian and Christina, for a wonderful evening. We left feeling grateful to have shared in something so special. I couldn't recommend Gems more highly.”

“Such a beautiful personalized experience. Thank you for the experience!”

“What an amazing place! Well worth the drive if you’re willing to take a detour off the beaten path! Would recommend for anyone who wants to enjoy great service, delicious food, and a cozy atmosphere! The owners are incredibly kind and welcoming!”

“The service was very welcoming, we stepped in to the building and instantly were greeted. The menu is small but very well prepared by a more than qualified chef. We had two dishes, the steak salad, as well as the lemon pesto chicken pasta dish. The chef carefully presented the dishes which were pleasing. My wife and I paired the meal with an Americano & Macchiato which were prepared using a LaMarzocco espresso machine with skill and precision. This place is a real find for those who want to take a little drive off the beaten path, you’ll be delighted with this hidden Gem!”

“The food was scrumptious! We will be back!”

“A wonderful and quiet evening for us. We traveled from Whitecourt and the evening far surpassed our expectations. Adrian and Christina are gracious hosts warmly welcoming all the visited into their cozy restaurant which felt more like being welcomed into an old family friend’s home. The atmosphere is warm and inviting. Local art around the room and small stage for an intimate evening of food and music. The meal was outstanding, and full of subtle surprises in every dish. All three courses were packed full of love, flavor and interesting combinations of culinary greatness. It has been a long time since we have had a dining experience like this were we did not want to leave. An evening where we could hear everyone at the table talk without raising our voices to hear one another. It was a great experience with a personal touches from beginning to end that you do not receive at other establishments. Well worth the drive. Highly recommend making a reservation and trying out Gems Cafe & Bistro in Fort Assiniboine. We will be back soon.”

“Stopped in in August for a coffee, while in the area camping, amazing coffee and atmosphere, run by a sweet couple. I looked at the evening menu and decided we were going to have to stop in for great meal on our trip in September. I was back in the area last weekend hunting/camping trip, we stoped in for a late dinner on Friday night they sat us at 8:30. We had the meat platter for 4. Looked amazing and tasted even better. All the meats were amazing, duck, pork, beef, Yorkshire pudding, the potatoes.... and the gravy was incredible. Presentation would be above expectations of range road or similar in Edmonton, don't be mistaken this is not your typical small town dinner. This would easily be in my top 25 restaurants in Edmonton, might be top 10. We were served by one of the owners while the other was the chef. Like going back in time where people start a restaurant for the love of food, flavors and people, not money. They also have a love and expertise in coffee. Just a great experience. Thank you”

“You can taste the passion in every bite! The chef cooks like he's putting his whole heart on the plate — and you can really tell. His wife makes desserts that should come with a warning label. Insanely delicious! This place isn't just worth the drive — it justifies the drive. Gem's Café & Bistro is one of those rare spots where everything feels personal, because it is. Get in your car. Go! Final Score: 9.5/10”

“My wife and I traveled from Edmonton today to visit @gemscafeandbistro in Fort Assiniboine, Alberta. We can cook…and we have a shared interest in exploring new food experiences. Chef Adrian and his wife Christina have created exactly that, an experience. The bar here is much higher than hoping to leave feeling satiated and like you got your moneys worth. Our meal, the brunch platter for two, was note perfect! No element out of place, no bite 'too this or too that', nothing 'a bit over or under'. The food showcases Chef Adrian's obvious technical expertise, a competition level skill set, but more than that he is 'present' in his food. By this I mean that there is a tangible sense of what he brings to the art of cooking as a person. The food is prepared in an intentional, practiced, subtly sophisticated and passionate, beautiful way. Chef Adrian cares about connecting with people through his cuisine to provide an elevated, memorable moment in dining. He loves what he does and this you can taste this in his dishes. Make this trip! Support these people working crazy hours to make magic for us and spread the word! Chef knows his calling in life, let's help him grow the dream. Sweet people creating food experiences to savour”

“Words do not exist to describe how delightful this establishment is. Gems is a Gem! Excellent, excellent food that is 5 star all the way and live music was soo good. Definitely will return.”

“What a hidden gem! Food is amazing and staff is so nice. Stopped in on a Friday night and was amazed by the singer they had in to entertain us while we ate. We had this wonderful tasty duck with yummy risotto. We had their meat platter which was a taste of everything wonderful! Left so full we could barely move. On top of the amazing food...they have every fancy coffee and tea drink you can imagine. The chai latte was fantastic. Too many wonderful things to mention. Highly recommend trying this place out”

“What an amazing find. Staff, presentation, quality & taste were all top notch. My gosh I love this spot. Big fan and will be back!”

“Incredible food and atmosphere. Everything we had was top tier. The menu is small and changes regularly, everything is fresh and the whole menu was gluten free. The cheesecake for dessert was amazing and coffee was next level. Greatly enjoyed the patio in the shade on a warm evening. Worth the drive and can't wait to come back for brunch.”

“We had a wonderful time at this quaint establishment. The server was very attentive to our needs, and although our party of 5 all ordered a different entree, it came out hot at the same time. Even the chef checked on us after we received our dishes. Highly recommend making the trip to Fort Assiniboine to see them!”

“They were closed when we went up - but the door was open and they graciously made us an americano and latte to go. So lovely and friendly. It's such a cute spot and looks/smells amazing we'll definitely be back for the full experience soon”

“Absolutely stellar evening, thanks to Adrian and Christina. Great food, warm conversation, and a cozy welcoming ambience. We had the shrimp skewers, coq au vin (highly recommend), and stuffed chicken. Finished with basque cheesecake, and maple cinnamon latte. Gem of a place, gems of a people!”

“Very friendly owners who make your meals from fresh, quality ingredients. They come up with new, creative recipes time to time, their selection is never boring. Awesome coffee too, professionally made cappuccino, latte, etc. from always the freshest beans.”

“Experience food made by a real food-enthusiast! From starters to dessert, it is all filled with care and yummy-ness. One shouldn't miss this experience.”

“Fort Assiniboine is a town that's rich in history and community. Gems has not only added a destination for food; but has rather cultivated a landmark that represents our community. Whether it's for a quick coffee, or a planned celebration, Gems experience delivers exceedingly. Amazing food, amazing people, amazing artists, all under one roof.”

“We had a companion dinner. Three course meal with dessert. It was fantastic, the service was very friendly and the food was amazing. There was duck meat, lamb meat and pork chops, along with various other appetizers. Very homely and friendly.”

“I came to fort Assiniboine to visit a friend, and we decided to go get something to eat.. didn't know you had to make reservations.. and definitely wasn't expecting that kind of place to be in town.. they accommodated us and the experience was very nice and welcoming, live music was playing very amazing atmosphere, the people were good, food was excellent.. I will be back with more people”

“My husband and I enjoyed an intimate meal in this quaint, tucked away bistro in a small hamlet called Fort Assiniboine. We started off with the spinach, goat cheese salad with their signature dressing & a squash soup. The lamb stew is cooked to perfection with a rich and tasty gravy, lamb super tender. We shared a bison sirloin steak cooked with a peppercorn sauce, both excellent. I also had a side of scallops with bacon with the most awesome buttery garlic sauce. Even though we ordered separate meals, we ended up eating each other because it was so good!! We finished the night off with a mango raw slice and decaf cappuccino. We highly recommend this place & worth the drive.”

“This cafe truly is a gem…the dishes served are always beyond my expectations and my imagination. Today I enjoyed eggs benedict with truffle hollandaise on a gluten free waffle….mmmm, soft and so tasty. And recently I ordered the coq au vin…chicken slow cooked in red wine…oh my! It was divine…I highly recommend this charming gem of a cafe/restaurant…especially on the festive Friday nights”

“Hidden GEM, not your typical small town restaurant. Well worth the drive from Barrhead”

“Amazing little shop. Really worth the drive to a hidden 'Gem'. Great food, Great coffee but the Owners have really hit the nail on the head with the setting, feel and atmosphere. A perfect place to go for a Sunday drive.”

“I forgot how good it can be, to eat out. I had a wonderful evening with my wife, enjoying unique delicious food, a beautiful atmosphere, and a warm and friendly service. The prices were very reasonable, and the amounts were generous. We are fortunate to have such a lovely place, in our area.”

“This is a hidden gem! Amazing food, and service with nothing but smiles 😁 Chef is super passionate and introduces himself to everyone. If you go here, trust me! You will not be disappointed 😊”

“Who would have guessed such an amazing restaurant and venue would appear in the Hamlet of Fort Assiniboine?! Not us, but we are thrilled to have it in our backyard! The food is amazing! And there's always some musical entertainment to accompany it on a Friday night. Did I mention the Meat Platter? Amazing! Coffee your thing? They've got the goods. If you are looking for a cozy, friendly and fun place for dinner, and you love great food, Gems is worth the trip. Highly recommend a visit to experience it yourself.”

“Absolutely stunning and tasteful. The food is fantastic. Super quality. Very reasonable. Good atmosphere. A much needed space for the area. Keep up the good work.”

“Gem's Cafe is truly one of a kind, although Fort Assiniboine is well out of our way, once we got there it was most definitely well worth the trip! When you walk in you're greeted with a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere, the staff are kind and helpful, creating a great and calming ambience, great for gatherings among friends and even just taking a bit of time to yourself to relax and have a pleasant meal. Each dish is fresh and holds unique flavours I haven't been able to find anywhere else. Ingredients are fresh and dishes are well thought out and find great balance in flavours, each meal having a homemade quality that's hard to come by these days that can only come from someone who has a real passion for cooking and it shows. A big round of applause to Adrian and his crew. We will see you again soon!”

“We visited Gems Cafe in Fort Assiniboine tonight and had an outstanding dining experience, featuring a mouthwatering seafood platter, exceptional service, and a cozy ambiance. We will definitely return!”

“Great food, amazing coffee very inviting atmosphere! A must experience!!”

“Not your average small town Restaurant. Very good and fresh food and prices are reasonable! Try it.”

“We really enjoyed our dinner. Food had so much flavor. That it just made you wanting to try more. We had one of the specials. Chicken marsala and a grilled chicken Panini with the tomato bisque soup. Desserts were no bake pineapple cheesecake and zucchini brownie. Every time you walk into the building you were just drawn to the aromas of the foods that they are creating or already have for the daily specials. The staff is so friendly and kind hearted. It really makes the place feel very warm and welcoming, very nice ambience. I highly recommend trying this place out. Lots of love and passion is put into their food. Definitely worth the travel. Prices are very reasonable. It is really hard to find that good of a quality in a restaurant around here. So if you're looking for a very nice cozy atmosphere and a place with amazing food then this is definitely a place to come to.”

“We had a very enjoyable evening! The food was served in a timely manner. We had the Steak au Poivre and were really impressed. The dessert tasted light and fresh. Overall 5* experience!”

“What a wonderful 'gem'. We stopped for the first time early this morning and they actually opened for us to have a take out coffee. Besides receiving an absolutely fantastic cappuccino I learned a whole lot about how to up my home coffee game. We will make a trip down for food in the near future. Thank you so much, what a treat to meet a fellow coffee geek. We are really looking forward to our next trip there.”