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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated on October 23, 2024
We love coming to Calgary, especially because there are so many good restaurants to choose from. And there are always incredible restaurants popping up on the scene, making our list ever-growing. With so many options, narrowing down this list of Calgary’s best restaurants is a fun and challenging task for us.
With every visit to the city, we always endeavour to try a new place, and we always manage to sneak a return visit to our favourites! Without ado, here is our list of the top-rated Calgary restaurants.
Our Top Three Calgary Restaurants
Model Milk
Calling themselves “rustic chic,” Model Milk is one of our top picks for Calgary restaurants. Beautifully designed with colourful touches, this warm space makes for an ideal dinner out on the town. Aiming to source only the best ingredients, the restaurant has formed strong relationships with regional farmers, fisheries, and vineyards.
Hence, the food you’re eating at Model Milk is incredibly tasty, and you can feel good about supporting local businesses, too.
Model Milk was also one of Pedro Pascal’s favourites when he was in town shooting “The Last of Us.” And it’s no surprise because their menu is one of the most innovative in Calgary, hosting an extensive list of dishes that will knock your socks off, including vegan options.
Starters include charred shishito peppers, mortadella and cheddar donuts, plus fried buffalo sweetbreads; you can even make an entire meal out of shared starters with friends. But the large plates are not to be forgotten, as the Model Milk hot fried chicken, crispy maitake mushrooms, and Alberta rainbow trout are all terrific.
There aren’t many restaurants that can do what Model Milk does. (Pssst, if you want to charm a new beau, this is the perfect spot for a date night in Calgary.)
Location and Reservations:
- 308 17 Ave SW
- https://www.modelmilk.ca/
- Reservations
Native Tongues Taqueria
Considering we are frequent visitors to Mexico (and especially as those who regularly seek out street-side taco stands), we can tell you that Native Tongues‘ flavours are LEGIT. We rarely stray far from our regular order of chilaquiles for a starter (morita over verde) and an array of divine tacos as our main. And we always make sure to save room for dessert – the donas (donuts) made in-house are to die for.
We love the relaxed atmosphere and the inspired cocktail menu with healthy doses of mezcal and tequila. Note that they don’t take reservations, so be prepared for a wait on busy nights.
But, believe us, vale la pena (it’s worth it). While we haven’t tried all the Calgary Mexican restaurants to know for sure, we’re pretty confident that Native Tongues is one of the top three in the city.
Location and Reservations:
- 235 – 12th Ave SW; 829 – 49th Avenue SW
- https://www.nativetongues.ca/
- No reservations – first-come, first-serve basis
NOtaBLE Restaurant
Serving Canadian cuisine with a creative twist, NOtaBLE restaurant is routinely named one of the best Calgary restaurants. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, the chic interior design and commitment to sourcing only the finest local ingredients means the restaurant consistently wins over new patrons daily.
With a tagline of “passion, community, and made-right-here-goodness,” you can expect some fantastic Canadian food from the moment you walk in. We love that smell of wood burning when we first go wait to be seated.
As for our meal choices, our usual go-to’s are the Alberta bison carpaccio, the baby kale salad with stone fruit, or the seared East Coast scallops to start; for mains, the mussels and frites, seared duck breast, or the Alberta lamb shank are always winners. We also love their happy hour from 3 pm to 5:30 pm, with an excellent selection of snacks, craft beer, cocktails, and wine by the glass.
Location and Reservations:
- 4611 Bowness Rd NW #133
- https://www.notabletherestaurant.ca/
- Reservations
Other Top-Rated Restaurants in Calgary
Fortuna’s Row
Fortuna’s Row is deservedly one of the best Calgary restaurants, and by far, it’s definitely one of the coolest. When you step inside, you will be amazed at the interior design of this restaurant. Every detail has been considered when transforming this previous Calgary warehouse between Chinatown and the East Village.
Chef Mikko Tamarra’s culinary adventures worldwide and, more specifically, in Latin America have inspired everything that Fortuna’s Row is. And not surprisingly, it’s another one of Air Canada’s best new restaurants for 2023.
The menu is incredible whether you’re here for the weekend brunch or evening dinner. From empanadas to esquites (grilled corn), pollo (chicken) to pato (duck), there are so many options worth trying. But don’t forget to try the queso de cabeza (head cheese) with hibiscus mustard; it’s one of our favourite menu items.
Location and Reservations:
- 421 Riverfront Ave
- https://fortunasrow.com/
- Reservations
Big T’s BBQ & Smokehouse
Locations:
The pit bosses are firing up the smokers every morning at 6 am at Big T’s BBQ. And it is famous for just that – its flavour-packed barbecue meat. Whether is briskets or butts, sausages or ribs, these guys are serving American-style barbecue and Southwestern cuisine.
A personal recommendation from us: come here hungry and be prepared for generous portions, fabulous service, and a meal you’ll be talking about for a long time. Big T’s meats are slow-smoked for hours over Okanagan applewood, giving every dish a unique (and delicious) taste.
They’re open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, and there are excellent options no matter which meal you’re after. For lunch, try the sliced brisket bun or the mac ‘n’ cheese served with cornbread.
The ribs at Big T’s are some of the best in the city, so you can’t go wrong with them; other menu standouts are the pulled pork dinner, the blackened catfish in a traditional Cajun style, and the burgoo soup, a thick Kentucky style stew. Are you heading there for brunch? You can’t miss the biscuits and gravy or the peaches and cream waffles.
Location and Reservations:
- 4 locations: 2138 Crowchild Trail NW; 14935 Deer Ridge Dr. SE; 510 77 Ave SE; 1510 – 80 Mahogany Road SE
- https://bigtsbbq.com/
- No reservations
Bar Chouette
There’s a good reason why Bar Chouette made the Air Canada Best New Restaurants list in 2023. This French-influenced wine and cocktail bar in the Beltline of Calgary is so trendy and cool that you may forget you’re in Calgary and think you’re in France. Their menu focuses on simplicity, nostalgia and a little unconventional thinking.
Come for drinks, but be sure to stay for dinner. And we seriously recommend everything on their menu. It’s all delicious, from the snacks and raw options to the small and large plates. We especially love their 1608 cheese soufflé (hello!), the duck pie, and their cordon bleu stuffed chicken wing.
For the large plate, the steak frites give us our fill of premium Alberta beef cooked to perfection with French methods. We also love the reverse happy hour at Bar Chouette from 9 p.m. to close when everything is 30% and pints are $5.
Location and Reservations:
- 227 11 Ave SW #130
- https://www.barchouette.ca/
- Reservations
Charcut Roast House
The award-winning Charcut Roast House is a clear Calgary favourite. Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, chefs Connie DeSousa and John Jackson take simple ingredients and transform them into delicious urban-rustic dishes.
People will most likely recognize chef Connie Desouza from her appearances on Top Chef Canada and the Food Network Fire Masters. Her incredible butchery skills and simple approach to food will keep you coming back to Charcut time and time again.
If you need help deciding what to eat, you’re not alone, as their menu is full of incredible options. Their made-from-scratch pasta is always a good choice, especially the bone marrow stroganoff or the spaghetti cacio e pepe. But you don’t come to Charcut for pasta. Try their lamb shank, butcher cut steak (from Gemstone Ranch) or if you’re really hungry (and willing to share), the 32 oz bone-in ribeye.
Their sides are not to be ignored either. The duck-fat fried brussels or Tuscan truffle poutine are solid options. Don’t forget to show up for happy hour, Monday through Friday, from 2 pm – 5 pm and get 50% off wine, beer, cocktails, zero-proof and their Salumeria menus.
Location and Reservations:
- Two locations: 899 Centre St S; 4150 University Avenue NW
- https://www.charcut.com/
- No reservations
UNA Pizza + Wine
Labelled as a “neighbourhood restaurant,” UNA Pizza + Wine is one of our favourite Calgary restaurants, serving thin-crust and California artisan-style pies, making it one of the best pizza spots in Calgary. Their pizzas are baked to perfection on stone deck ovens and inspired by dishes from California, Spain, Italy and France.
Their three locations constantly strive to be the best pizzerias in Calgary, and we certainly think they are. Our go-to options for pizza are the ‘Beltline’ and the ‘Prosciutto.’
Their dough and sauces are made from scratch in-house, and what they can’t cause they source locally from nearby farmers and suppliers, including Bear and the Flower (for their pork), Chinook Honey (for their honey, duh), and Bowden Farms for their chicken and eggs.
It’s not ALL about the pizza, either. There are fantastic ‘not pizza’ options, including pasta, salads and sharing plates. Some of our favourites are the brown butter roasted cauliflower, three cheese arancini, braised pork meatballs, and their house-made whipped ricotta with truffle honey is to die for.
Location and Reservations:
- Multiple Locations
- https://unapizzeria.com/
- Reservations
Moose & Poncho
Can you tell that we have a bias toward legit Mexican food? Moose and Poncho is another popular Calgary spot which delivers just that. And it’s another one of our picks for the best Mexican restaurants in Calgary in the Beltline’s First Street Market (just south of downtown).
It’s open for lunch and dinner and has market-style eating, making it the perfect spot to grab a quick taco (or three).
Moose and Poncho have been awarded several accolades, including being named one of the best new restaurants in Calgary back in 2020. Their menu is robust, including tacos, quesadillas, burritos, plus more to satisfy that Mexican food craving.
The tacos are piled extremely generously on two corn tortillas (they have to!), and make sure to grab a fork because it’s gonna get messy. Our favourite? Try the Birria and thank us later – and the jus accompanying it is seriously slurp-able.
Location and Reservations:
- 1327 1 St SW #6
- https://fsmyyc.com/vendor/moose-and-poncho/
- No reservations
Donna Mac
One of the most popular restaurants in Calgary (and one of our faves) is Donna Mac. This bright Calgary Beltline restaurant is all about delicious comfort food. Our favourite menu items include the beef pastrami sandwich, the fried chicken sandwich, and the lamb kofta.
Donna Mac is open seven days a week, and its brunch on Saturday and Sunday is a hit among guests. We highly recommend the Bavette Steak and Eggs, Brioche French Toast, or Vietnamese Crepe on the brunch menu.
As they say at Donna Mac, “Once you’ve eaten here, you’ll want to come back over and over again.”
Location and Reservations:
- 1002 9 St SW
- https://www.donnamacyyc.ca/
- Reservations
SALTLIK
If you’re after fine dining, head to SALTLIK, one of Calgary’s best steakhouses with a modern flair. This upscale restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, detail-oriented service, and mouthwatering cuisine that will have you already planning your next visit. It is located right in the downtown core, near the Calgary Tower, making it an excellent choice for a memorable meal downtown.
On the menu, you can expect to find some of the best steaks in the city, from a filet mignon to a bone-in ribeye. The steaks pair perfectly with their additions, including lobster mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or a red wine sauce. Not in the mood for steak?
There are a lot of other comfort food choices on the menu, including grilled organic salmon with truffle beurre blanc, scallops and gnocchi, French onion soup, and one of our favourite starters, the house-baked focaccia with whipped butter.
Location and Reservations:
- 101 8 Ave SW
- https://saltlik.com/
- Reservations
Santorini Greek Taverna
Regularly considered one of the best restaurants in Calgary by locals – which means you know you’re in for good food – Santorini Greek Taverna has long been the place to go for authentic Greek food in the city.
In business for over 30 years, the restaurant has dedicated itself to remaining as classically Greek as possible, whether that’s the menu, the decor, or the warm, friendly atmosphere you’ll find whenever you visit.
Open for lunch and dinner, choose from favourites patrons might recognize dishes such as kalamari, spanakopita, or hummus to start, or go for appetizers you may not have heard of before Papoutsakia (roasted zucchini stuffed with beef), Mithia (mussels sautéed in butter and fresh tomato), or Soutzoukakia (lightly spiced meatballs).
For the main courses, I highly recommend one of the delicious seafood dishes, broiled lamp chops, or moussaka, one of Greece’s most famous meals. One thing is for certain: make sure to save room for a crisp baklava for an after-dinner dessert!
Location and Reservations:
- 1502 Centre St N
- https://santorinirestaurant.com/
- Reservations
Alloy
If you’re looking for one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Calgary, head to Alloy. Inspired by their backgrounds and travels, chefs/owners Uri Heilik and Rogelio Herrera have created a menu that continuously delights and surprises.
Open for lunch and dinner, the menu features many innovative dishes and an extensive wine list. With a beautiful interior and exquisite plating to match, you’ll no doubt be inspired to take a photo or two of your experience at Alloy!
For lunch, try the truffle gnocchi, koji chicken sandwich, or short rib enchilada. The dinner menu is equally filled with delicious offerings, including pacific red snapper, braised short rib with a tomato balsamic reduction, beef tenderloin with squash risotto and a cherry tomato barbecue sauce.
A night out at Alloy may be on the pricier side, but it’s certainly worth it.
Location and Reservations:
- 220 42 Ave SE
- https://alloydining.com/
- Reservations
Fonda Fora
Fonda Fora certainly makes it on both our ‘Best Restaurants in Calgary‘ and our Best Mexican Restaurants in Calgary list. In the heart of downtown Calgary, Chef Emilio Montenegro’s menu focuses on the freshest seafood and a deep appreciation for corn. In fact, there is a corn-forward and inspired seasonal menu.
And a meal at Fonda Fora is an unforgettable experience. From the “modern-meet-vintage decor” inside the Westley Hotel to the incredible menu, we wanted to try EVERYTHING. If we had to pick, we would recommend the Tlacoyo de Hongos, a mix of mushrooms, avocado, whipped ricotta, a cured egg yolk and the macha roja, which has so much freaking flavour.
And if you’re craving pork belly, the Panza de Cerdo en Miltomate – a 12 oz confit Alberta pork belly will quickly satisfy your cravings. We could go on and on, but seriously, just go yourself.
Location and Reservations:
- 630 4 Ave SW (inside the Westley Hotel Downtown)
- https://www.fondafora.com/
- Reservations
Rouge Restaurant
One of Calgary’s premier fine-dining restaurants, Rouge Restaurant features upscale urban rustic cuisine with an emphasis on farm-to-table meals.
Set in an 1890s house in downtown Calgary, Rouge partners with local farms to bring you the freshest ingredients for your fine dining experience. Known for its incredibly attentive and personable service and one-of-a-kind ambiance, Rouge is perfect for a special occasion or celebration.
The cuisine is primarily French, with options such as rabbit two ways, duck a l’orange, and foie gras. There’s also a fantastic tasting menu of six courses with an optional wine pairing. We recommend saving some room for the Canadian cheese tasting at the end of the meal.
Location and Reservations:
- 1240 8 Ave SE
- https://rougecalgary.com/
- Reservations
Shokunin
Shokunin is a sleek, stylish Japanese restaurant that prides itself on being welcome to all. Using Japanese culinary techniques with seasonal ingredients, Shokunin is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a meal of shared plates with friends (don’t forget the bottle of sake).
Contemporary and modern yet still retaining the classic Japanese dishes we love, the restaurant deserves its spot on this list of the best restaurants in Calgary and one of Canada’s top 50 restaurants for three years running!
A fun sidenote is that Chef and owner Darren MacLean was the only Canadian to compete on the Netflix hit The Final Table and was even a finalist.
Be sure to order some of their famous yakitori (grilled chicken on a skewer) or one of their fusion dishes, such as bison tataki or eggplant and goat cheese tempura. Or try their incredible ramen if you’re in the mood for a noodle dish. And the craft cocktails with Japanese spirits are out of this world!
Location and Reservations:
- 2016 4 St SW
- https://shokuninyyc.ca/
- Reservations
Bridgette Bar
Bridgette Bar is a trendy, laidback locale in Calgary’s design district. Open for lunch, afternoon snacks, dinner, and late-night drinks, it’s the perfect spot for almost any event in your life, whether it’s a first date, a catch-up with an old friend, or a girls’ night out. With generous portions that always manage to bring a new twist to comfort food, this chef-driven bar has quickly become a favourite with locals.
There’s an excellent selection of wine, cocktails, mocktails, and craft beer, while snacks and small plates include eggplant fries, tuna crudo, lamb sausage with labneh and a fried egg.
For bigger meals, go for one of their vegetable dishes, pizza, pasta, or large plates. We also love the spiced beet salad, the wood-roasted halibut, and the ricotta dumplings.
Location and Reservations:
- 739 10 Ave SW
- https://www.bridgettebar.com/
- Reservations
Pizzeria Gaga
If you’re looking for pizza restaurants in Calgary, look no further than Pizzeria Gaga. With a sweet story behind the name – chef Safeta Zeljic was given the nickname “draga” (darling) by her husband, which was eventually shortened to “gaga” – the restaurant has long been delighting customers with its thin-crust pizzas.
Their mission is that “good food is the key to happiness,”… and we can’t argue with that!
Head here for lunch or early dinner; there are a lot of choices for a quick take-out meal, too. With incredibly inventive pizzas that use ingredients such as figs, apples, walnuts, and more, you can also go with one of the more traditional pies with pepperoni, onions, and mozzarella. There’s a good selection of soups and sandwiches to order as well.
Whatever you go for, it’s sure to be delicious.
Location and Reservations:
- 1236 12 Ave SW
- https://pizzeriagaga.ca/
- No reservations
Vero Bistro Moderne
A favourite in the city for many years running, we’d be remiss to leave Vero Bistro Moderne off this list of the best Calgary restaurants. With a sleek dining room, locally sourced and organic ingredients, and a reputation for never disappointing, Vero Bistro Moderne showcases the best Italian, French, and Spanish cuisine.
For dinner, you could make an entire meal out of the outstanding antipasti dishes. But that being said, the porcini tagliatelle and the sweet potato gnocchi are to die for, while the steak frites dish is one of the best steak dishes in the city.
So, if you’re after rich flavours and a taste of Europe, definitely make your way here.
Location and Reservations:
- 209 10 St NW
- https://www.verobistro.ca/
- Reservations
The Himalayan
The Himalayan is a casual eatery that serves incredible Nepali food. If you’ve never eaten food from Nepal before, we highly recommend a visit! Dining at The Himalayan is a unique culinary experience in Calgary, bringing you local ingredients, traditional Nepali techniques, and flavours.
Featuring a fantastic list of authentic dishes, start your meal with a plate of momos; these dumplings are served everywhere in Nepal and are popular street food. For your main, try one of the superb curries or stir-fry dishes, all served with saffron rice.
We’re big fans of the Maccha ko jhol (a curry with basa fish), the Bhuteko shrimp stir fry with grilled eggplant, and the Himalayan lamb cream curry with cashews. No matter what, you’ll walk away from The Himalayan feeling full!
Location and Reservations:
- 3218 17 Ave SW
- https://himalayancuisine.ca/
- Reservations
Ten Foot Henry
An excellent choice for vegetarian options, Ten Foot Henry deserves its spot on this list. This modern bistro features family-style dining and a “vegetable-anchored” menu in a beautifully airy yet rustic setting. Head here for lunch, dinner, or, on weekends, for brunch in Calgary.
Moderately priced and defined by its warm atmosphere, Ten Foot Henry has quickly skyrocketed as one of Calgary’s best restaurants. It’s a great choice to enjoy during the Calgary Stampede as it’s close to the main event.
Fan favourite dishes include cauliflower with spicy gochujang, the simple yet mouthwatering cacio e pepe pasta, and hamachi with fennel, yuzu kosho, and grapefruit. Also, try the sourdough pancakes or four-egg omelette with whipped goat cheese on weekends.
Always fresh and always delicious, we bet you’ll quickly fall in love with Ten Foot Henry.
Location and Reservations:
- 1209 1 St SW
- https://www.tenfoothenry.com/
- Reservations
Major Tom Bar
Major Tom Bar is a stylish bar boasting stunningly sleek decor, impeccable service, and a fantastic menu to delight your taste buds. But don’t just take our word for it; the restaurant quickly earned accolades and was recently named one of Canada’s best new restaurants.
And people don’t just come to Major Tom Bar for the food. The views here are outstanding above Calgary on the 40th floor of Stephen Avenue Place (formally the Scotia Centre). That epic view pairs perfectly with one of their original cocktails; try the “Bold Fashioned,” the “Saskatoon Sunrise,” or the “Baked Apple Pie Sour,” amongst others.
And while Major Tom Bar is known for its delectable cocktails, the food is just as exquisite. With a great selection of hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, salads, pasta, mains, and desserts, choose from classic dishes with a Canadian influence, such as a golden beet salad, fresh oysters, Alberta trout, and Alberta prime beef.
Be sure to head here for a golden hour every day from 3 pm to 5 pm, with an excellent list of nibbles to dine on.
Location and Reservations:
- 700 2 St SW #4000
- https://www.majortombar.ca/
- Reservations
Minas Brazilian Steakhouse
Minas Brazilian Steakhouse is known for its fantastic Brazilian food, bringing the tradition of tableside carved meats to downtown Calgary. Highlighting flavours from Southeast Brazil, chef Jose Montes delivers traditional cuisine in a sleek setting, whether you’re visiting for a lunch meeting or a family dinner.
Enjoy your rodizio meal, an all-you-can-eat style popular in Brazil with set prices. Choose from barbecue cuisine served on skewers alongside classic sides such as farofa (toasted cassava flour), fried sweet plantains, or black bean stew. There’s also a fabulous selection of cocktails and a carefully curated wine list.
Location and Reservations:
- 136 2 St SW
- https://www.minassteakhouse.com/
- Reservations
Nupo
One of the most unique restaurants in Calgary, Nupo brings you a fine dining sushi experience. Incredibly intimate – especially if you sit at the Omakase sushi bar, where there are only six seats – you should make a reservation at this highly sought-after spot!
With Canadian decor yet a Japanese menu, the restaurant is a beautiful representation of what it means to live in Canada and experience a blend of cultures and cuisines. Nupo is unlike any other in Calgary, featuring vegan and plant-focused food mixed with sushi.
Enjoy the a la carte menu in the dining room, making sure to pair your meal with one of Nupo’s tasty cocktails (all made with Japanese flavours such as yuzu, green tea, or Japanese whiskey). But for a memorable time, book the Omakase sushi experience, where you sit at the bar and watch the sushi chef prepare your pieces of nigiri with precision and care.
While this experience is common in Japan, it isn’t easy to find in Calgary, making Nupo quite the hidden gem!
Location and Reservations:
- 631 Confluence Way SE
- https://nupo.ca/
- Reservations
River Café
This is a rare Calgary restaurant that has stood the test of time. With exceptional surroundings on Prince’s Island and a warm and inviting building to match, River Café is the perfect fine-dining spot for an especially important occasion.
River Café started serving up local and sustainable cuisine long before it became the cool thing to do, and thus, they have perfected Canadian food like none other.
The menu changes with the seasons, but this is where you want to go for delectable originality. Indulge in a chef’s tasting menu to be surprised with each plate, or if you want a more casual and intimate affair, the River Cafe even offers picnic baskets to amp up the romance in Prince’s Island Park.
A meal here is a dining experience not to be missed and one of the best in Calgary.
Location and Reservations:
- 25 Prince’s Island
- https://www.river-cafe.com/
- Reservations
Park by Sidewalk Citizen
Park by Sidewalk Citizen is one of the very best. Using local ingredients and inspired by the bustling food markets of Israel and the Mediterranean, dine in a beautiful solarium with views of nature all around you.
Park has a daytime menu, brunch specials, an extensive dinner menu, plus happy hour snacks from 3 pm to 5:30 pm.
Our favourites include the shakshuka or cured salmon plate for breakfast, the green eggs and lamb for brunch, and the sautéed freekah, beef bavette, and chicken wings stuffed with garlic tahini and date barbecue sauce for dinner. We think this is one of the most flavourful restaurants in Calgary, and it will indeed become one of your go-to’s. You’ll certainly be spoiled for choice at this Calgary restaurant.
Location and Reservations:
- 340 13 Ave SW
- https://www.parkbysidewalk.com/
- Reservations
Eight
Found inside the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village, Eight is a high-concept restaurant perfect for a meal to remember. Interestingly, the restaurant only books seasonally, so you’ll have to book far in advance… each sitting sells out quickly!
Using only the finest seasonal ingredients, Eight has created quite the name for itself in the city and has become an exclusive culinary experience and one of the most unique Calgary restaurants.
Lasting an entire evening, your meal will focus on Canadian cuisine as the chefs look at “ingredients, techniques, and flavours that have found specific homes across our nation.” This means you can find all sorts of dishes on the menu, influenced by the cultural mosaic of people that call Canada home.
One piece of advice: book in advance. And be prepared because it’s expensive but worth every penny. Eating at Eight is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of meal.
Location and Reservations:
- 631 Confluence Way SE
- https://eightcdn.ca/
- Reservations
Paper Lantern
“For the Love of Vietnam”. You’d never expect a tropical Vietnamese escape tucked away in a basement in Chinatown, but Paper Lantern is full of surprises! This cocktail bar is known for its amazing atmosphere, delicious libations, and fabulous Vietnamese cuisine.
Open from 5 pm until late, head here for a cozy drink, a date night, or a few sharing plates with friends.
On the food front, we recommend one of the scrumptious banh mi sandwiches, the crackling salmon spring rolls, or the pineapple stir fry with pork belly (although every dish is worth trying). Craft cocktail connoisseurs will love Paper Lantern’s drink menu; there’s a terrific selection of innovative beverages, including the “Banana Old Fashioned,” the “Penicillin Fizz,” and the “Asparagus Piña.”
Location and Reservations:
- 115 2 Ave SE Basement
- https://paperlantern.ca/
- Reservations (via Instagram)
Calcutta Cricket Club
If we’re craving excellent Indian food, we head to Calcutta Cricket Club. We love everything about this restaurant, especially the decor and ambiance inside. Their menu and dishes have legitimate flavours and aromas straight from India.
We always gravitate to their Beef Kosha, Butter Chicken Masala, and Shahi Paneer. The Dal Makhani and Papri Chaat are two of our favourite vegan options.
We have yet to try their three-course tasting menu (dine-in only), but you can bet we will at some point. And their brunch is very popular on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am to 3 pm.
Location and Reservations:
- 1213 1st St SW
- https://www.calcuttacricketclub.com/
- Reservations
Một Tô Bahn Mi and Pho Bar
We’re always on the lookout for good Vietnamese food. And Một Tô Bahn Mi and Pho Bar delivers. But don’t just trust us; Air Canada awarded this small family-run business the distinction of one of Canada’s best new restaurants in 2022. As per their website, Một Tô directly translates to “one bowl”, but we bet you can’t just have one.
Everything on their menu is delicious, and not only the food. Their cocktails and Viet Coffee are divine as well. And the team here is all about taking Vietnamese classics and putting a unique and modern twist on them. For example, the “Pho Grilled Cheese” is loaded with beef, cheese, caramelized onions, and Thai basil and finished with a shot of pho broth for that extra umami.
We tend to order the Bun Bo Hue and Vermicelli Bun with grilled pork for our main dishes. And for something quick to go, their Banh-mi options are legit. We do recommend trying their Viet Tiramisu for dessert, and you can thank us later.
Location and Reservations:
- 1623 Centre St NW (Inside Central Landmark)
- https://mottovietnamese.com/
- Reservations
JINBAR
Originally from South Korea, Chef Jinhee Lee is known for her creative dishes and innovative approach to food. She’s brought that talent and passion to JINBAR, a fun and lively restaurant in Calgary with spectacular cocktails and tasty meals of Korean-style tapas.
Open only in the evenings, it’s a cool spot to share a drink or two with friends – we love the “Guava in my Rum” and the “Jin Jin Mule,” as well as their selection of local craft beers – and dive into a smorgasbord of delicious menu items.
You’d be remiss if you didn’t order some of the fried chicken, famous for its lengthy marinating period and crispy skin. Other standouts on the menu include the Korean Beef Bulgogi pizza, the Braised Pork Belly taco, and the incredibly fresh watermelon salad. Just make sure to save room for dessert!
Location and Reservations:
- 24 4 St NE
- https://jinbar.ca/
- Reservations
Sukiyaki House
Found in Pennwest Plaza, Sukiyaki House is one of the best sushi restaurants in Calgary. Known for its modern and minimalist approach, it emphasizes the freshest ingredients for the best quality. With a history dating back to 1976, there’s a long tradition of excellence here, whether with the sushi served, the wine and sake list, or the exceptional service.
Featuring a sushi bar, you can also choose from many Japanese entrees and hot pots (to order a hot pot, you need to give at least one day’s notice). Some of our favourites include the Wagyu beef tataki, the miso sablefish, or the sashimi dinner, while go-to rolls include the inari (fried bean curd), Kani (snow crab meat), and the tobiko (flying fish roe).
Perfect for business meetings, lunch with friends, or a family dinner, Sukiyaki is always a great choice.
Location and Reservations:
- 207 9 Ave SW #130
- https://www.sukiyakihouse.com/
- Reservations
Orchard Restaurant
It is one of the hottest Calgary restaurants, so get ready to be wowed as soon as you enter the dining room at Orchard Restaurant. Beautifully decorated with chandeliers, modern furniture, and tons of greenery, you’ll be pleased to discover that the food at Orchard is just as fantastic as the decor. With an interesting menu featuring Asian Mediterranean flavours, you’re always in for something special here.
Open for lunch and dinner, this fine dining restaurant offers modern cooking techniques mixed with classic ingredients. With excellent choices for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike, we love plates such as the Icelandic cod with bok choy and apple salsa, the cauliflower gratin with sumac and pickled onion, and, for lunch, the yellowfin tuna sandwich.
No matter what you order, you know it will be memorable at Orchard Restaurant.
Location and Reservations:
- 620 10 Ave SW #134
- https://orchardyyc.com/
- Reservations
SS106 Aperitivo Bar
SS106 Aperitivo Bar is cozy, welcoming, and perfect for socializing. With a lively atmosphere and an incredibly friendly staff, the restaurant is known for building a social environment while serving delicious Italian fare. Open for lunch, dinner, and drinks, it’s a great date spot or for hanging out with a few friends.
There’s a substantial wine list featuring one of the best selections of Italian wines in Calgary. You can also choose from classic Italian aperitivos and cocktails such as an Aperol spritz, an Italian sour, or my favourite, a Negroni.
To eat, choose from an extensive list of starters – think Italian sausage, arancini, and calamari – as well as cheese and meat boards, salads, pizzas, and pasta. SS106 Aperitivo Bar is a terrific combination of delicious food and a fun atmosphere, so you know you’re in for a good time whenever you visit.
Location and Reservations:
- 824D Edmonton Trail
- https://www.ss106yyc.com/
- Reservations
Looking for a choice of specialty restaurants after a very fun night out? We’ve got a rundown on the best spots for breakfast in Calgary, brunch in Calgary, as well as some fabulous Calgary coffee shops to check out.
There’s no doubt that eating is a fave activity in the city with all of the exceptional Calgary restaurants on offer, but don’t miss out on all the other greatthings to do in Calgary!
And if you need a place to sleep off your food coma, we’ve got a guide to all of the best Calgary hotels. Or if you’re not quite ready for bed and want to try some local craft beer, check out some of the best breweries in Calgary.
Pete is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. Growing up in Edmonton he has an extensive knowledge of Alberta and everything the province has to offer. He loves to eat good food, hike (especially in the winter), play tennis and curl. Apart from running Road Trip Alberta, he is a director with HMI, a digital media agency, half of the Hecktic Travels duo, and a co-creator of the popular card game Trip Chaser.
