50 exceptional Calgary restaurants you need to try at least once
Calgary’s restaurant scene is second to none, and every year, more and more restaurants enter the fold.
If you’re looking for some of the best places to eat in the city, you’re in luck. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a thorough list of some of the best spots in town, no matter what you’re looking for.
From upscale dining to small plates to cheap eats, here are some of our favourite restaurants to visit in Calgary.
Rustic-Chic: Model Milk
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Located on Calgary’s famed 17th Avenue, Model Milk has a rustic-chic vibe featuring fun and inventive dishes like warm potato buns with honey glaze and whipped butter, its burger with maitake and cheese curd fondue and melted onions, or its hot honey fried chicken with buttermilk biscuits.
Address: 308 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Veggie Forward: Ten Foot Henry
Ten Foot Henry offers a range of mostly plant-forward dishes, family-style dining, and a solid cocktail list to boot. The restaurant also offers brunch on weekends.
Address: 1209 1st St. SW, Calgary
Homemade Italian: DOPO
Following in the footsteps of the acclaimed D.O.P. restaurant, this intimate Italian joint has superb antipasti options, pasta made in-house, and so much more.
Address: 10, 1907 34th Ave. SW, Calgary
Small space, share plates: Bar Gigi
Taking over the space that was previously home to Halibut Hut, Bar Gigi is a teeny-tiny restaurant with a big impact. With delicious share plates from raviolini sheets to charred cabbage, it’s worth making a reso.
Address: 336 9th Ave. NE, Calgary
Sky High Glam: Major Tom
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Major Tom’s menu boasts a pretty fantastic-looking beef program along with a selection of hors d’oeuvres, caviar service, appetizers, pasta, and desserts.
Address: 40th floor of Stephen Avenue Place — 700 2nd St. SW, Calgary
Stylish Japanese: Shokunin
Shokunin, which debuted in 2017, offers a range of modern Japanese tapas eats composed of seasonally and locally harvested ingredients.
Address: 2016 4th St. SW, Calgary
Decadent Brunch: Queen’s Breakfast Cocktails
Serving brunch staples and dinner classics, this restaurant adds a French flair to many of its dishes. The food here is extremely rich and decadent, and the service is luxurious.
Address: 3927 Edmonton Tr., Calgary
Tropical Speakeasy: Paper Lantern
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The Vietnamese-inspired cocktail bar is located in YYC’s Chinatown, a true speakeasy in a tropical environment serving salty snacks and delicious drinks. It’s one of the best places to eat in Calgary, even though it’s known for cocktails.
Address: 115 2nd Ave. SE Basement, Calgary
Lush and Luxe: Orchard Restaurant
Orchard Restaurant offers patrons a modern Mediterranean dining experience and food with Asian flair from Chef Jenny Kang (Shokunin Izakaya and The Bow Valley Ranch). It’s also one of the most visually striking rooms in YYC.
Address: 134, 610 – 10th Ave. SW, Calgary
Italian Deli Sandos: Scozzafava’s Deli
After hosting many a hyped pop-up, Scozzafava’s Deli finally has a permanent home in Calgary. Stop off for lunch and grab the Italian combo of the ever-popular chicken parm, you won’t regret it.
Address: 1004 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Nepali Dining: Calgary Momo House
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Calgary Momo House offers an incredible array of dishes, including Himalayan Butter Chicken, traditional Nepali Thali and, of course, plenty of momos. There’s no wonder the spot was a hit with Guy Fieri.
Address: 4310 104th Ave. NE #2150, Calgary
Address: 20 Crowfoot Cres. NW #410, Calgary
Latin American: Fortuna’s Row
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From the team that brought YYC Orchard Restaurant and Shelter Cocktail Bar, Fortuna’s Row offers modern and elevated Latin American food and drinks.
Address: 421 Riverfront Ave. SE, Calgary
Fan-favourite burgers: Class Clown Hamburgers
Class Clown is perhaps the place to get a burger in Calgary. Its smash burgers are made from a blend of Alberta chuck and brisket and served on a fluffy, buttered bun. There are also chicken, fish and veggie options, so no one goes hungry!
Address: Suite 106, 1711 4th St. SW, Calgary
Mexican Street Food: Native Tongues
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Native Tongues Taqueria is dedicated to the traditional methods of Mexican cuisine. From tacos to tortas and plenty of mezcal, it’s the perfect spot for a laid-back evening.
Address: 235 12th Ave. SW, Calgary
Address: 829 – 49th Ave. SW, Calgary
Address: 4014 University Ave. NW, Calgary
Not Your Average Pizza: Letty
Letty is a must-visit spot for Neopolitan-style pizza and small plates, just a stone’s throw from the Stampede grounds. On Saturdays and Sundays, the restaurant also serves brunch, including a unique pizza, complete with poached eggs, smoked pork belly and hollandaise.
Address: 247 12th Ave. SE, Calgary
Top Rated Riverside: River Cafe
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River Cafe is an upscale Calgary restaurant inside a chic, restored park concession building. The spot has made the Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list multiple times.
Address: 25 Prince’s Island Park SW, Calgary
Hip Ramen Spot: Shiki Menya
One of the trendiest spots in Calgary, this Japanese eatery serves up scratch-made ramen bowls, creative sides, beer, and fun cocktails in a hip space.
Address: 824 1st Ave. NE, Calgary
Asian Comfort: JinBar
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The concept specializes in Korean-influenced cuisine but in bold and exciting ways. Korean fried chicken is a must-have, but there are also pizzas, snacks, and more.
Address: 24 4th St. NE, Calgary
Cozy Cocktails: Pigeonhole
Pigeonhole is a genre-bending restaurant where you can order caviar, hot dogs, an absinthe fountain, jello shots and everything in between.
Address: 306 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Address: #205, 225 7th Ave SW, Calgary
Top Thai Food: Thai Siam
Thai Siam offers up some of the most authentic and delicious Thai food in the city, it’s no wonder that it’s always packed to the brim with diners. From Pad Thai with jumbo shrimp to Penang curry, any cravings will be satisfied.
Address: #15, 4127 6th St. NE, Calgary
Classic Pizza Spot: Una Pizza + Wine
A Calgary institution, Una Pizza + Wine is known for its signature thin-crust pizzas, salads, sides, and uniquely vibrant dining rooms.
Address: Various locations in Calgary
Chef-Driven: Bridgette Bar
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This “chef-driven” bar concept in Calgary’s Design District was built inside a former furniture shop. Bridgette Bar boasts a rustic-chic mid-century vibe, complete with exposed beam ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and open-flame cooking.
Address: 739 10th Ave. SW, Calgary
Modern Mexican: Masa Mama
While you’ll find more classic tacos, such as its Baja fish and Chicken Tinga at Masa Mama in Marda Loop, the spot is known for its more creative offerings. Don’t leave without trying the Mac Mama, complete with a beef and bacon patty, American cheese, and Mac sauce.
Address: 3429 22nd St. SW, Calgary
World-class Pizza: Pizza Culture
For authentic Neopolitan pizza, look no further than Pizza Culture. The Edmonton Trail spot uses the same techniques and ingredients as its Italian counterparts, and the pizza is so good that it has ranked as one of the top 100 pizzerias in the world.
Address: 1114 Edmonton Tr., Calgary
Imported Japanese: Ryuko
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Offering modern Japanese cuisine, each dish at Ryuko is presented so beautifully that you may not even want to eat it. For its stunning Kaiseki box, you’ll need to pre-book, but it’s well worth it.
Address: 13200 Macleod Tr., Calgary
Address: 40 Christie Park View SW #3150, Calgary
Brooklyn Style Pizza: Noble Pie
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There are 10 different massive 18-inch pies on the menu here, all made with fresh ingredients and homemade dough that’s served perfectly crispy but still foldable on arrival.
Address: 720 11th Ave. SW, Calgary
Japanese Hand Rolls: Raw
This intimate spot with just 20 seats offers a variety of Japanese hand rolls. You’ll also be able to get sashimi and traditional Japanese appetizers.
Address: #150 6th Ave. SE, Calgary
Lebanese Street Food: Beirut Street Food
One of the best-hidden gem Lebanese spots in YYC, this counter-service spot serves house-made falafel, salads, charcoal-grilled beef and chicken, and pita made to order.
Address: Bay C – 7220 Fairmount Dr. SE, Calgary
Modern Korean: SOT
“Sot,” which translates to “cauldron” or “pot” in Korean, offers a wide range of dishes, from Beef Tartare, Chuck Roll Beef Bulgogi and its made-to-order SOT Rice.
Address: 1216 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
Upscale Italian: Mercato
With every authentic Italian dish prepared from scratch using ingredients fresh from the connected market, this is unlike any restaurant in Calgary.
The energy here every single night is intoxicatingly vibrant, especially with the open kitchen concept in the centre of the dining room.
Address: 2224 4th St. SW, Calgary
Italian Japanese Fusion: Carino
Italian and Japanese fusion could be gimmicky in the wrong hands, but Carino takes it very seriously and does it incredibly well. Think spicy “Wagyu Bolognese” miso ramen or duck “Nanban” soup with your choice of udon or ricotta gnocchi.
Address: 2210 4th St. SW, Calgary
Intimate Italian: Cardinale
Located by the Stampede grounds, this intimate spot for amazing traditional Italian cooking is the best choice before a concert or hockey game.
Address: 401 12th Ave. SE, Calgary
Creative Vietnamese: Mot To
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From the team behind Pho Dau Bo, this is a contemporary Vietnamese restaurant featuring a menu made up of classic dishes with modern twists.
Address: 1609 Centre St. NW, Calgary
French-influenced contemporary: Bar Chouette
With a good mix of small plates such as Le 1608 Cheese SoufflĂ© and larger dishes such as Steak Frites, Bar Chouette’s offerings perfectly pair with its exceptional wine and cocktail menu.
Address: #130 227 11th Ave. SW, Calgary
Top Notch Sandwiches: Alumni Sandwiches
A Calgary staple for good sandwiches, amazing tunes, and fantastic cocktails on 17th Avenue. It’s a favourite for a good reason.
Address: 725 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Hawaiian-Themed: Lulu Bar
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Surfboards on the walls, plants in the corners, and hanging lantern-style lights are a few touches that perfectly complement the Asian fusion food and cocktail menu at Lulu Bar.
Address: 510 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Pizza-by-the-slice: Cold Beer & Pizza
Sometimes, you want to bypass a fancy dinner in favour of something affordable and just as tasty. Enter Cold Beer & Pizza. Its signature Roman-style rectangular pies come as a half metre, full metre or just by the slice.
Address: #102 1019 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Modern Indian: Calcutta Cricket Club
With made-from-scratch dishes like Papri Chaat, made with spiced potatoes, sweet yogurt, tamarind and mint chutneys or its Murgh Mahkani (its own take on the 1950s Butter Chicken), this stylish spot is packed with bold flavours.
Address: 1213 1st St. SW, Calgary
Sushi Bar: Sukiyaki House
Sukiyaki House in downtown YYC is a minimalist restaurant with a top-notch sushi bar and many different Japanese entrees, like hotpot and tempura.
Address: 207 9th Ave. SW #130, Calgary
Mexican Small Plates: Milpa
Offering small plates and cocktails with a taste of Mexico, Milpa is a must-visit found just off 17th Avenue.
Address: 1531 5th Street SW, Calgary
Brunch and Market: Our Daily Brett
With a Mediterranean feel, this brunch, lunch, cafe, and market spot is a great idea at any time of the day.
Address: 1507 29th Ave. SW, Calgary
Japanese Sake Bar: Lonely Mouth
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The room is beautiful, the sake list is likely the best in the city, and the food is inventive and delicious.
Address: 528 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Stunning Solarium: Park by Sidewalk Citizen
Brought to life by the team behind the ever-popular Calgary bakery, Park by Sidewalk Citizen is a blissful oasis in the heart of the city. Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes in its gorgeous solarium-style dining room.
Address: 340 13th Ave. SW, Calgary
Burger Joint: Lil’ Empire
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Known for its elite menu of burgers, fries, and hot dogs, this is simple burgers done perfectly.
Address: 1105 1st Ave. NE, Calgary
Address: 4321 1st St. SE, Calgary
Address: 1837 20th Ave. NW, Calgary
Hip Steakhouse: Charcut
This is the classic steakhouse you want, but in a modern setting with contemporary sides and add-ons you always hope for. If you’re looking for fun sides, this is one of the best places to eat in Calgary.
Address: 899 Centre St. S, Calgary
Address: 4150 University Ave. NW, Calgary
Creative Sandos: Super Variety
Calgary is home to plenty of sandwich spots, but Super Variety may be the most unique of the bunch. It’s Buckin’ Brocc with charred broccolini, halloumi, honey and harissa is worth the visit alone.
Address: 1327a 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
NY-Style Pizzeria: Pizza Face
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There are currently 10 different pizzas on the menu here, with an additional feature menu that’s also a creative spin on our favourite food wheel.
Some of the mainstays include a burger pizza, classic pepperoni, and the Mike’s Pickle, topped with garlic cream, mozzarella, crunchy pickles, fresh dill and black pepper.
Address: #3 1103 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Plant Store and Resto: Maven
The food here is incredible, with decedent brunch items like brown sugar and buttermilk pancakes served with cultured butter, and well-travelled comfort food, like Kaya Jam French Toast and German Pork Schnitzel.
Address: 1006 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
Elevated Cafe Dining: Primary Colours
Located in Calgary’s growing Brittania community, Primary Colours is a spot for brunch and dinner and both menus are bigger and way better than any cafe in the city. You could go here 10 different times and have an entirely new experience but each one will be fantastic.
Address: 802 49th Ave. SW, Calgary
Mediterranean Tapas: Kama
Offering a wide selection of Mediterranean tapas, share plates, wine and cocktails, Kama feels worlds away from Calgary’s Beltline.
Address: 211 11th Ave. SW, Calgary
With files from Hogan Short and Charlie Hart
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