11 upcoming Calgary restaurant openings to look forward to
Somehow, we’re almost a quarter of the way through the year. While there have been plenty of excellent restaurant openings in Calgary already, there’s a whole lot more to come.
However, staying on top of what’s coming down the line is a job in itself, so we’ve compiled a handy list of some of the biggest restaurant and cafe openings heading our way in YYC.
From enormous noteworthy chains to the expansion of some Calgary favourites, there’s plenty to look forward to in the coming months.
Shake Shack
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After teasing its Canadian expansion last year, Shake Shack has confirmed its first Alberta location is poised to open on the upper level of CF Chinook Centre, just across from the food court. The spot is slated to open this spring.
As to what to expect in YYC, we’ll be sure to see Shake Shack’s signature menu items, such as its Angus beef burgers, chicken burgers, hot dogs, crinkle cut fries, milkshakes, frozen custards and concretes. However, the chain has also promised some “Calgary exclusives” on its menu.
Address: CF Chinook Centre – 6455 Macleod Trl., Calgary
Hiipot Hotpot– Kensington
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After opening its first location on 17th Avenue last summer, Hiipot Hotpot is bringing its customizable hotpot offerings to Kensington.
Touted as Calgary’s “first malatang hotpot experience,” diners at Hiipot are able to build their own hotpot, with a wide range of veggies, noodles, and proteins to load up on. The ingredients ring in at $18.88 per lb, and you can weigh your bowl as you go.
Address:Â 302 10th St. NW, Calgary
Alforno – West District
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Alforno, the spot known for its coffee and baked goods, is officially opening its West District cafe on Saturday, April 4, marking its eighth outpost in the city.
To celebrate the exciting milestone, Alforno West District guests will be able to get free mini fritters while supplies last between 11 a.m. and 3 pm on April 4.
Address:Â 780 78th St. SW, Calgary
Village Ice Cream – West District
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Also opening on April 4 is Village Ice Cream’s new West District outpost.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, Village will be hosting a huge grand opening celebration, with free kids scoops between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., as well as a signature Cronut ice cream sandwich available for purchase in collaboration with Alforno.
Alongside all that ice cream, there’ll be a live DJ on the patio and All Things GQ will be there for a pop-up selling vintage goods on a bus.
Address: 780 78th St. SW, Calgary
iQ Food Co
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iQ Food Co. has revealed that its first restaurant in Western Canada is set to open in Calgary, as the brand has secured real estate in the city.
If you’re unfamiliar with iQ, it offers a large menu of “nourishing, clean-eating dishes” including veggie and protein-packed bowls, smoothies, sandwiches, soups and more.
Thai Siam
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While Tiago Sousa, co-owner of Thai Siam, told Dished last year that the hunt for a second location was underway, we now have details on where it’ll be.
Thai Siam’s highly anticipated second outpost is slated to open this summer, in a location just across from the CF Chinook Centre, so it’s great news for those further south.
“Our hope is that this second location will not only allow us to welcome more guests, but also help lighten the load on our first home so that more of you can get in, sit down, and enjoy the Thai food you love, without the stress of missing out,” the Thai Siam team said.
Pho Pham – Chinatown
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Family-owned Pho Pham is set to open its third Calgary outpost in Chinatown.
The space will feature an interior garden and skylight, mimicking the lush greenery seen in Vietnam, as well as woven straw lampshades that represent the NgĂ´n la, traditional conical hats worn by many in the countryside.
On the menu, you’ll find classic Vietnamese fare such as salad rolls, vermicelli noodles, and, of course, heaps of pho.
Tony Roma’s
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After a vanishing act from Calgary’s dining scene, it appears as if Tony Roma’s is preparing for a comeback. Signage for the restaurant chain has appeared at 601 8th Ave. SW, the space that Mister M previously occupied.
In case you’re unfamiliar with Tony Roma’s, it’s perhaps best known for its signature baby back ribs, its “World-Famous” onion loaf, and classic potato soup. The spot also serves a selection of seafood, steaks, handhelds and more.
Address:Â 601 8th Ave. SW, Calgary
Wingstop
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After years of waiting on the edge of our seats, we finally have confirmation that Wingstop will be opening not one, but three Calgary locations in 2026.
The first flagship location for YYC will be located at CF Chinook Centre, and it’s going to have some pretty cool features, including a live DJ booth and modern interior elements to support the high-foot-traffic spot.
In addition to Chinook, it looks like another outpost will be opening at Deerfoot Meadows, according to the shopping centre’s website.
Address: CF Chinook Centre – 6455 Macleod Trl., Calgary
Hello Nori
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Hello Nori has officially confirmed that its first Calgary outpost is in the works, with the new spot slated to open in Bridgeland in early 2026.
Known as Canada’s “premier hand roll bar,” Hello Nori’s restaurant design will draw inspiration from the forests of the Pacific Northwest, featuring a sculptural wooden ceiling — a touch that has become synonymous with the restaurant.
Diners in Calgary will soon be able to try Hello Nori’s menu of 16 different varieties of hand rolls, featuring options such as Bluefin tuna, Snow crab, truffle lobster, and Hokkaido scallop.
Address:Â 885 1st Ave. NE, Calgary
Alva
C.A. Restaurant Enterprises
Alva, a new Canadiana-themed restaurant, will be a new 6,000-square-foot space with 50-foot ceilings, featuring a large bar in the centre of the room, as well as lots of cozy seating.
As well as its indoor dining area, Alva will also be utilizing some of the outdoor space in front of The Edison, with a two-tiered south-facing patio, with some seating at street level and some around four feet above, where there will also be a canopy to protect from the rain as well as the sun.
The spot is slated to open in June 2026.
Address:Â 150 9th Ave. SW, Calgary
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