PlayWright restaurant shines a spotlight on Edmonton’s downtown and Arts District
PlayWright, a cozy yet refined restaurant nestled within the Citadel Theatre, is more than just a dining spot—it’s an experience crafted to celebrate the city’s arts and culture. Owner and restaurateur Steven Brochu wanted to revitalize a vacant space and provide a vibrant gathering place for theatre-goers and downtown visitors alike–and has been doing just that since PlayWright opened in June 2024.
“I love the arts,” says Brochu. “I wanted to bring a little life back into that space. It was really fun working with the Citadel on something that could enhance the experience of theatre patrons.”
With an eye on both accessibility and sophistication, PlayWright’s menu has evolved over time. “We knew our pre-theatre rush would be crushing, so we’ve focused on a lot of braised, slow-roasted items that take a lot of time to prep, but can be executed really quickly,” Brochu says.
The restaurant’s chef, Eric Forbes, has gradually expanded the menu while keeping value at the forefront. “Our default setting is ‘make it delicious,’” Brochure laughs. “Over time we introduced burgers and mac and cheese—dishes people recognize, but done with love. We make our own buns, our own patties. We put real care into every plate. I’m biased, but I think we make the best burger in the city.”
Beyond the food, PlayWright’s ambiance is a testament to Edmonton’s artistic spirit. “We wanted to celebrate the city, so we worked with local artist Glen Ronald to create a mural that showcases Edmonton’s landscape–I think it’s one of his best works,” Brochu says. The restaurant also features soft orange lighting inspired by the Edmonton Fringe Festival’s lively market area and beer gardens at night. “I love going to the Fringe, walking around at night under Edison bulbs, and smelling fried dough. It’s a cool vibe, and we wanted to bring a bit of that here.” Other unique touches include the classic stone bar from former restaurant Normand’s, and a unique private space. “We built a not-so-secret library, and it’s a cool little private room with some hidden treats,” Brochu says.
PlayWright’s location within the Citadel Theatre provides a built-in audience on show night, but Brochu hopes the restaurant will attract diners even when the stage is dark. “We’re happy to be open before the show, but we’d love to see people come in on a Tuesday for a date night, or on a Sunday for lunch. We want people to consider us for a night out just like they would with any other restaurant.”
PlayWright offers some themed drinks and dishes during shows, so when Citadel Theatre presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The ’70s Musical in March 2025, guests will find a special disco-themed menu. When there isn’t a show, Brochu says PlayWright will host special dinners, giving the sous chefs and younger team members a chance to design menus and collaborate with local talent.
For those visiting Edmonton’s Arts District downtown, PlayWright promises a memorable experience—where great food, art, and community come together.
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