67 New Restaurants That Opened in Calgary in 2016

Whether you’re craving French, Italian or Asian cuisine, there are tons of new eateries to try.

The recently opened Royale is the latest restaurant from Teatro Group. Photograph by Breanne Sich.

2016 was an exciting year for Calgary’s dining scene. Despite the difficult economic times, more than five dozen restaurants, cafes, breweries, bakeries and bars across the city opened their doors for the first time. Specializing in cuisines ranging from Italian to Asian to barbecue, there’s something delicious for everyone among these new eateries that opened in Calgary in 2016.

 

A+ Buffet, Sushi & Bar

At 10,000 square feet and with 300 seats, there’s plenty of room to bring the whole family or a group of friends to A+ Buffet, Sushi & Bar, which opened this past summer. The restaurant serves its modern Asian cuisine buffet-style, featuring dishes like tempura, seafood, chicken teriyaki, oysters, dessert and more. There are also several different kinds sushi offered at its open bar.

6712 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-455-9766, aplusbuffet.ca

 

Afghan Kabob Cuisine

Afghan Kabob Cuisine, a new Afghan restaurant located in northeast Calgary, celebrated its grand opening on November 26th. Stop by to dine-in or order some take out from the menu, which includes dishes like kabobs, Afghan dumplings, fried flatbreads, Russian Lagman noodle soup and more.

3111, 5150 47 St. N.E., 403-455-0602

Alforno Bakery & Cafe

Pizza Thursday ???? Dine in and get any of our pizzas for $12 and feature glasses of wine for $6???? Featured here: Pear Pizza????

A photo posted by Alforno Bakery & Cafe (@alfornobakery) on

Teatro Group opened Alforno Bakery & Cafe in the Eau Claire neighbourhood in early 2016. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the licensed eatery offers dishes like bucatini carbonara, prosciutto pizza, caprese sandwiches and more. Alforno’s selection of baked goods are equally notable, and can include anything from dulce de leche cream puffs to opera cake. Designed by FRANK Architecture and Interiors, the space boasts plenty of natural light due to large skylights, marble counters and a cozy fireplace. During the summer, try and grab a seat outside on the flower-filled patio or swing by to fill your bike tires up with air for free using the restaurant’s air pump.

222 7 St. S.W., 403-454-0308, alforno.ca, @alfornobakery

Banded Peak Brewing

This new brewery officially opened in early May and celebrated the grand opening of its tap room soon after. Located in Manchester Industrial Park, Banded Peak Brewing’s 45-seat tap room is open every week from Thursday to Sunday. Stop by to sample one of Banded Peak’s three flagship beers (a wheat ale called The Plainsbreaker, an IPA called Summit Seeker and a Belgian ale called Chinook Saison) or one of its seasonal offerings. You can also pick up some merchandise, fill a growler and maybe even go on a tour while you’re there.

Unit 119, 519 34 Ave. S.E., bandedpeakbrewing.com@bandedpeak_brew

 

BanhMi Sub

Spicy Pork Bulgogi Sub Banh Mi Heo Han Quoc #yycfoodie #yycnow #yycliving #yycfoodtrucks

A photo posted by BanhMi Sub (@banhmisub) on

Located in the Franklin neighbourhood near Pacific Place Mall, this new Asian fusion eatery is one of the newest spots to get your banh mi sub fix. Sandwich flavours include beef sate, bean curd, shrimp skewer, spicy pork bulgogi and more. There are also salad rolls, fried wontons, chicken wings and spring rolls on the menu. Wash it all down with a coffee, juice or Boba.

3145 5 Ave. N.E., 403-454-8644, banhmisub.com@banhmisub

 

Bar Von Der Fels

Ever since Bar Von Der Fels quietly opened its doors this past summer, more and more Calgarians have been discovering the charms of this small but high quality wine bar in the downtown area. Sommeliers Thomas Dahlgren and Will Trow have stocked the bar with a large selection of wines, and can recommend glasses depending on your taste. In the kitchen, chef Nick Bereyi prepares delicious small plates of gnocchi, Brandt Lake Alberta Waygu tartare and sliced meats from Empire Provisions.

​1005A 1 St. S.W., 587-349-2656, barvonderfels.com

Begim

Manti #yyctoday #yycfood #calgaryfood #calgarylife #uzbekcuisine #begimrestaurant #traditionalfood

A photo posted by Uzbek Cuisine (@begimrestaurant) on

Calgarians looking for a completely new dining experience can now eat at the city’s first Uzbek restaurant. A family-owned eatery, Begim’s menu features a range of dishes hailing from Uzbekistan in Central Asia. Look for dishes like steamed dumplings, kababs, grape leaves filled with lamb meat and more.

4413 17 Ave. S.E., 587-353-4413, begim.ca

 

Betty Lou’s Library

Classics with a twist from our talented bar team. Come in from the cold and warm up tonight! #bettylouslibrary #yyc

A photo posted by Betty Lou’s Library (@bettylouslibrary) on

Enter the Devenish Building on 17 Ave. S.W. and head downstairs to slip into Calgary’s newest cocktail bar through a secret entrance. Parisian glamour meets the prohibition era at Betty Lou’s Library, whose 1920s-style space opened in late November. Think jazz music, velvet couches, glass chandeliers, ornate rugs and more. The speakeasy’s menu features small plates, craft cocktails, a few local craft beers and wine.

The Devenish Building, 908 17 Ave. S.W., 403-454-4774, bettylouslibrary.com

Blackbird Public Urban Barn

Come on down to Auburn Bay’s newest pub, we’re open!

A photo posted by Blackbird Public Urban Bar (@blackbirdpubyyc) on

Located in Auburn Bay, Blackbird Public Urban Bar is the latest eatery from TMAC Pub & Restaurant Group. The 130-seat pub has a patio, two dozen beers on tap and a menu of starters like Korean lettuce wraps and pulled pork poutine, burgers, pizza and mains like steak frites, southern fried chicken and pork vindaloo.

900, 100 Auburn Meadows Dr. S.E., blackbirdpub.com@blackbirdpubyyc

Blaze Pizza

This California-based pizza chain made its first foray into Calgary this year with not one, but two new locations. The first opened earlier this this year near Sunridge Mall, while the latest location opened in December in Mission. The menu features eight signature pizzas (classics like barbecue chicken, veggie and cheese are all there), or you can create your own pizza by choosing from the more than 30 available toppings, which range from applewood bacon to zucchini. No matter which you choose, all the pizzas are cooked in only 180 seconds thanks to an 800 degree open flame oven.

2618 32 St. N.E., 403-291-0985 and 2032 4 St. S.W., 403-243-8906, blazepizza.com@blazepizza

 

Boxcar Board Game Cafe

It’s chilly out there today. Warm up with a hot cup of #coffee from Boxcar! #YYC #BoardGames #Latteart #victoriapark

A photo posted by Boxcar Board Game Cafe (@boxcarcafeyyc) on

This past March, Boxcar Board Game Cafe opened its doors in the Radio Block building in Victoria Park. Designed by Frank Architecture & Interiors, the café has more than 300 board games to play, plus a food menu with sandwiches, flatbreads, waffles, desserts and more. There is also beer from Village Brewery and Wildrose Brewery, wine and Phil & Sebastian coffee.

1215 1 St. S.W., 403-383-0000, boxcarcafe.ca, @boxcarcafeyyc

 

Bridgette Bar

Go for the Waygu Beef Carpaccio: Cremini Mushroom. Pan Drippings. Garlic Chips #BridgetteBar

A photo posted by Bridgette Bar (@thebridgettebar) on

Concorde Group opened its latest eatery in Calgary’s Design District on December 13th. This chef-driven bar has a bohemian, mid-century modern vibe thanks to some exposed brick, a suspended fireplace and hanging plants. Chef JP Pedhirney heads up the kitchen at Bridgette Bar, which offers a menu of salads, pasta, pizza, small plates like Wagyu beef carpaccio and charred bay scallops, and larger plates like slow grilled lamb saddle and maple barbecue Alberta rainbow trout. Bridgette Bar is also open for brunch on Sundays.

739 10 Ave. S.W., bridgettebar.com

 

Bruhe

​The next time you’re in Ramsay, stop in at this new grab-and-go spot located in the space formerly occupied by Pop’s Dairy Bar. The 300-square-foot shop, whose name means “broth” in German, sells bone broth, butter coffee, tea, kombucha, ice cream and gluten-free treats.

1024 Bellevue Ave. S.E., 403-262-6700, bruhe.ca, @​bruheyyc

 

Caffe Trieste

There’s a new spot to get your coffee fix at The CORE shopping centre in downtown Calgary. Caffe Trieste is a new Italian cafe located beside Gratiae on the third floor of the mall. The cafe offers Italian coffee, sandwiches, pastries and more, so be sure to check it out when you need a break during your next shopping trip.

The CORE, 751 3 St. S.W., 587-353-8090, caffetriesteinc.ca

​Cluck N Cleaver

Calgary chef and former Top Chef Canada contestant Nicole Gomes opened Cluck N Cleaver with her sister Francine Gomes in early 2016. The fast casual eatery serves up delicious Southern fired and classic rotisserie chicken, as well as sides and salads like coleslaw, fries, buttermilk biscuits and more. Plus, if you live within 10 kilometres of Cluck N Cleaver, you can get your meal delivered.

1511 14 St. S.W., 403-266-2067, cluckncleaver.com, @cluckncleaver

 

Cured Delicatessen

Elevate your family dinner or charcuterie platter with sausages and cured meats from Cured Delicatessen in Haysboro. A new European deli run by husband and wife team Dale and Shaine Greene, the deli makes all of its products, which include fresh and smoked sausages, ham stuffed mortadella, salami and more, in-house. You can even pick up items like cabbage rolls, steaks, salads, and grocery items from both local and international suppliers here. Cured also has a new area where you can dine-in, which was designed by Amanda Hamilton. Order from the deli’s breakfast, lunch or weekend brunch menu, then settle down at one of the wood tables to enjoy.

Haysboro Plaza, 8409 Elbow Dr. S.W., 403-244-0570, curedyyc.com

 

Deane House

A piece of Calgary’s history has re-opened as a full service restaurant. The historic Deane House, which is more than a century old and located in Inglewood, has completely revamped the space, which features a bar, an outdoor patio, a verandah, a library that will be used for private events and a beautiful garden room that looks out at the restaurant’s front yard. Run by the team behind River Café, the restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The kitchen team is led by executive chef Jamie Harling (formerly with Rouge), and offers a menu centered around Canadian cuisine with an emphasis on regional, seasonal ingredients. Look for dishes like salted red cabbage, Okanagan dent corn polenta, wood fire grilled albacore tuna and seared Maple Hill duck breast on the dinner menu.

806 9 Ave. S.E., 403-264-0595, deanehouse.com@deanehouseyyc

 

Earls.67

Canadian restaurant chain Earls is offering a new experience with Earls.67, a prototype restaurant on Stephen Avenue that tests new industry concepts. The 10,000-square-foot space is divided into five different areas, including a lobby lounge, beer patio and a two-level glass atrium with a view of Stephen Avenue. The menu features a wide range of dining options, including sushi, skewers grilled on a robata grill, share plates and alcoholic punch bowls for the table to share.

315 8 Ave. S.W., 403-265-3275, earls67.ca

 

FOO Food

FOO Food already has a location in Victoria, B.C., but now, you can also get your hands on the restaurant’s Asian cuisine in Calgary too. FOO Food’s second location recently opened in Mission’s historic Tivoli Theatre building. Designed by Smith Erickson Designs, the 800-square-foot space has an eight-foot-tall industrial art installation on the wall, 20-foot ceilings and an open kitchen that you can see while you eat. The restaurant’s food is inspired by street food in Asia, and features dishes like caramel chicken, saag paneer, butter chicken, red coconut curry, sweet and sour pork belly and more.

2015 4 St. S.W., 403-454-2666, calgary.foofood.ca

Foreign Concept

We got a feeling that today is going to be a good good day #sunshine #spiritslifted

A photo posted by Foreign Concept (@eatforeign) on

Foreign Concept was one of the last Calgary restaurants to open in 2016. Offering an “alternative Asian dining” experience, the restaurant is owned by popular local chef Duncan Ly, while executive chef Jinhee Lee leads the kitchen team. The Pan-Asian menu includes charcuterie, small plates like Vietnamese-style Scotch eggs with green onion and chili thread and larger plates like the Alberta trout cha ca la vong with dill, persimmon and rice noodles.

1011 1 St. S.W., 403-813-2790, foreignconcept.ca, @eatforeign

 

Fork and Salad

Simplicity is key to brilliance. Let’s have a healthy dinner tonight and feel great. #forkandsaladdate

A photo posted by forkandsalad (@forkandsalad) on

There’s a new healthy dining option in Mount Royal Village. Fork and Salad is a 1,600-square-foot eatery with 30 seats, and as its name suggests, the menu focuses on salads. Along with seasonal salads that change every few months, there are classics like the “Avocobbo” and “All Kale to the Caesar.” Other items on the menu include soups, breakfast bowls and other healthy snacks. Fork and Salad Express also opened in CF Chinook Centre in December.

Mount Royal Village, 880 16 Ave. S.W., 403-455-7300, forkandsalad.com@forkandsalad

 

Framboise Bakery/Café

Apple cream cheese Danish. Fresh out of the oven. #calgarybakery #yummypastries #framboise #danishheaven

A photo posted by Framboise Bakery / Cafe (@framboise_bakery_cafe) on

The locally owned Framboise Bakery/Café opened its doors in mid-June. The menu features freshly baked items like pain au chocolat, opera cake, fruit danishes, cookies and more. You can also purchase items like caramel bourbon popcorn and chocolate bark from the bakery’s retail shelf.

2, 1104 20 Ave. N.W., 403-826-0380, framboisebakery.ca

 

Frenchie Wine Bar

The team behind Una Pizza + Wine and Una Takeaway have opened a new eatery called Frenchie Wine Bar. To find it, just head to the back of Una Takeaway, where a large portrait of a French bulldog marks the entrance to the wine bar. The space was designed by Connie Young, and features low lighting, an oversized banquette and dark wood. At only 350 square feet, it’s a small space with 15 seats that’s perfect for intimate chats over a glass of wine. While you sip, try the made-in-house charcuterie or a cheese board.

616 17 Ave. S.W., 403-453-1183, frenchieyyc.com

 

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

Calgary’s first Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ location opened this year. At this restaurant, every table has a charcoal grill where you can make your own Japanese barbecue with items like Harami skirt steak miso, garlic shrimp, vegetables and more. There’s also an a la carte menu you can order off of, which includes dishes like fried gyoza dumplings, beef sukiyaki bibimbap and miso soup.

#100, 638 6 Ave. S.W. 587-538-6601, gyu-kaku.com

 

Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey

1/2 priced wings are great additions to any dishes at Hayden Block! >>> Wing Night after 3pm. EVERY. WEDNESDAY.

A photo posted by Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey (@haydenblockyyc) on

If you love barbecue, then you’ll love this new restaurant in Kensington. Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey offers barbecued meats like pulled pork, brisket, pork spare ribs, chicken and more, plus sides like coleslaw, macaroni salad and smokestack corn. To wash it all down, there’s a drink menu with more than 100 kinds of whiskey, as well as cocktails, beer and wine. Enjoy your meal inside or out on the back patio (known as the “Whiskey Garden”).

1136 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-3021, haydenblockyy.com@haydenblockyyc

 

Hexagon Board Game Cafe

Weekends be like… #thehexcafeyeg #thehexcafeyyc #boardgamecafe

A photo posted by The Hexagon Board Game Cafe (@thehexcafe) on

Edmonton-based Hexagon Board Game Cafe opened its second location in Calgary. Located above Song Han Vietnamese Restaurant in Kensington, the modern cafe is home to around 400 different board games that customers can play. The cafe charges each person $2.50 an hour to play, plus you can order baked goods, treats and Fratello coffee.

#200, 1140 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-209-2881, thehexcafe.com@thehexcafe

 

High Line Brewing

There’s a new spot to enjoy locally brewed beer in Inglewood with the arrival of High Line Brewing this past October. Located in what used to be an auto garage, the 1,500-square-foot space has been turned into a brewery and 23-seat tasting room with a modern and industrial vibe. The brewery’s website lists the drinks that are available on tap, which could include a double IPA called HighPA, a scotch ale called Smokes and a fermented tea called Club Mate Plus depending on the day of your visit. Visitors can also pick up growlers and merchandise like glasses and shirts.

113, 1318 9 Ave. S.E., highlinebrewing.com@highlinebrewing

 

Jane Bond BBQ

You may already be familiar with the name Jane Bond from its food truck or catering company. Now, the company is adding another venture to its name with the opening of a full-service BBQ restaurant in Forest Lawn called Jane Bond BBQ. There, you’ll find chef Jenny Burthwright serving up a barbecue menu that features dishes like house jerk chicken, fried catfish, pulled pork poutine, brisket sandwiches and more.

4024 26 St. S.E., 403-277-7064, janebondgrill.com/bbq@janebondgrill

 

Klein/Harris

This new restaurant opened in Home Tasting Room’s former space on Stephen Avenue this past spring. Executive chef James Waters is behind the Canadian cuisine at Klein/Harris, while Christina Mah, formerly the bar manager at Raw Bar, has curated a tasty cocktail program to accompany it. The 95-seat restaurant was designed by Kasey Sterling of Korr Design and features wooden chairs and tables, soft-grey decor and mounted cardboard trophy heads.

110 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-8100, kleinharris.com, @klnharris

 

Lounge XVIII

This new spot on 17 Ave. S.W. is set to celebrate its offical opening on December 22nd. The cocktail lounge is themed around the prohibition era and was designed by Martin Lee. Look for dishes like the sweet and savoury rice bowl and pan-seared gnocchi, plus cocktails like the smoked rosemary gin and tonic.

1005 17 Ave. W.W., loungeeighteen.com, @loungeeighteen

 

Mabou​

Janice Beaton officially opened this new cheese and wine bar on October 13th. Mabou means “a place where two rivers meet” in Mi’kmaq, and is the name of the town in Cape Breton where Beaton is from. The restaurant’s cheese-focused menu features dishes such as mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, charcuterie and cheese boards, salads and a few meat dishes. There’s also a selection of more than 30 wines, cocktails and beers, each of which comes with a cheese pairing suggestion, if you’re so inclined.

1006 17 Ave. S.W., 403-229-0905, janicebeaton.com/mabou, @JBFCandMabou

 

​Made By Marcus Microcreamery

Our staff, taste-testing sundaes for optimum quality assurance. It’s a hard job but somebody’s gotta do it! ????????

A photo posted by Made By Marcus (@madebymarcus) on

The next time you’re in the Lower Mount Royal area, consider grabbing a treat from popular craft ice cream company Made By Marcus, which opened a brick and mortar shop there this past summer. The microcreamery offers ice cream flavours like blueberry lemon curd and raspberry cardamom by the scoop, along with soft serve ice cream and handmade pastries. Order a glass of on-tap kombucha to go with your icy treat and take a load off at the shop’s harvest table.

​Suite 121, 1013 17 Ave. S.W., madebymarcus.ca

​Mango Mania

Those looking for some quick, late night eats in Crescent Heights can now head to Mango Mania, which opened this past September. Mango Mania serves savoury baos with fillings like braised pork belly, spicy Korean chicken and miso mushroom for daytime and late night takeout, though there are benches inside the eatery if you want to eat there. Wash them down with a mango-inspired drink like the strawberry mango smoothie, mango milkshake or mango lemonade.

1115 Centre St. N.W., 403-668-0802, mangomaniayyc.com@mangomaniayyc

 

Mill Street Brewery

Mill Street Brewery celebrated the grand opening of its first Calgary brew pub in mid-October. This is the first Western Canadian location for the Toronto-based brewery, which has set up shop in the historic Costigan House (formerly the home of local night clubs like the Republik and Tequila Nightclub). The building features an in-house brewery, a beer hall, a sit-down restaurant area and a retail shop. Offering well-known Mill Street craft beers like the Cobblestone Stout, Original Organic Lager and Tankhouse Ale, Calgary’s head brewer Bennie Dingemanse will also be coming up with a selection of rotating, made-in-house beers that are only available here. The brew pub’s food menu was created through a partnership between Mill Street and Calgary’s Creative Restaurants Group, and features dishes like short rib mac ‘n’ cheese, elk chili, calamari and Cobblestone Stout Nanaimo bars.

219 17 Ave. S.W., 403-454-6871, millstreetbrewery.com@millstreetyyc

 

Nam Vietnamese Kitchen

This is about to go down…#yyceats #namvk #phoandbeer

A photo posted by Nam Vietnamese Kitchen (@namvietkitchen) on

Nam Vietnamese Kitchen opened its doors on August 8th. Designed by Frank Architecture & Interiors, the restaurant offers vermicelli and rice bowls, salad rolls, spring rolls and more. Nam is currently open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

1023 8 St. S.W., 587-352-8881, namvk.com

 

Paper St. Food + Drink

Paper St. Food + Drink is bringing global flavours to Calgary with a menu inspired by street food from around the world. The 8,000-square-foot, two-storey restaurant took over the downtown space formerly occupied by The Belfry Gastro House earlier this year. Expect dishes like ramen burgers, butter chicken, cubano sandwiches, spiced beef kebabs and more.

630 8 Ave. S.W., 403-457-2700, paperstyyc.com@paperstyyc

 

Philosafy Coffee

You don’t need to be a philosopher to know a great new cafe when you see one. Aged wood decor, ornate rugs and large pendant lamps create a cozy vibe at Philosafy Coffee, which opened on 17th Avenue S.W. this past May. Grab a cup of coffee and pick out a new read from the book shelf or settle in at the bar along the front window to do some people watching.

632 17 Ave. S.W., philosafy.com@philosafy

 

Plowshare Artisan Diner

This new restaurant opened in the space formerly occupied by Gypsy Bistro & Wine Bar in the Grain Exchange Building in downtown Calgary. Plowshare Artisan Diner offers a day and a night menu, which are filled with dishes like a savoury stuffed french toast, duck and waffles, a spinach and havarti cheese pie, bacon wrapped meat loaf, roast chicken and more.

817 1 St. S.W., 403-860-8182

Provision

A photo posted by Provision (@provisionyyc) on

Earlier this year, the beloved Boxwood in Central Memorial Park closed its doors. Now, another local eatery has made the space its own; Provision, a new restaurant by the owners of Avec Bistro, opened there in December. The restaurant offers a season-focused food and wine menu, with chef Daniel Pizarro heading up the kitchens at both Avec and Provision. Provision is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Diners will also notice some changes to the restaurant’s decor, which was designed by Connie Young. Provision evokes a cozy lodge vibe with its leather chairs, banquette seating and blue glass tile underneath the bar.

430 13 Ave. S.W., 403-263-0766, provisionyyc.com

 

PZA Parlour

The latest venture for Tony Nicastro, the owner of Villa Firenze, Pza Parlour opened its doors this past March. The mix of red brick, modern decor and strings of lights makes it a casual, cozy spot to grab a bite. Choose from a list of traditional and specialty New York style pizzas, salads, pastas, meaty entrees and desserts.

​9727 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-816-7968, pzaparlour.com

​Raw Eatery & Market

Stay healthy with a visit to the new Raw Eatery & Market in Kensington. Run by Ali Magee and Megan Pope, the eatery features a menu of healthy vegan dishes that feature local ingredients when possible. Look for dishes like linguine, curry, burritos, salads and more. For dessert, try a raw Snickers bar or raw salted caramel bar. Be sure to check out the products in the market area as well, which includes items from Hardbite, Hungry Buddha and Three Farmers.

2, 1145 Kensington Cres. N.W., 780-222-7519, thecollectiveraw.com, @raweatery

 

Ricardo’s Hideaway

Ricardo’s Hideaway is a new rum bar that opened just off 17 Avenue S.W. in mid-July. The 775-square-foot space, which is easy to spot thanks to its cursive, neon “Ricardo’s” sign at the entrance, offers around 30 different cocktails. There’s also a selection of Latin snacks, which includes ahi tuna ceviche, cheese empanadas, plantain chips and more. Ricardo’s also has a 750-square-foot patio.

1530 5 St. S.W., ricardoshideaway.ca

 

Royale

Filling the space left behind by Corbeaux Bakehouse on 17 Avenue S.W., Royale is the latest restaurant from Teatro Group. A classic French brasserie, the menu features dishes like beef tartare, escargots, foie gras, moules frites, a vegetable cassoulet and more. The 90-seat space features a beautiful sunroof, leather and velour banquettes and a 50-foot zinc bar. Royale is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

730 17 Ave. S.W., 403-475-9457, royaleyyc.ca

 

SS106 Aperitivo Bar

SS106 Aperitivo Bar, a new Italian eatery along Edmonton Trail, is a unique addition to Calgary’s dining scene. Along with an impressive selection of coffee, cocktails and apertivo, the food menu features beef carpaccio, arancini, paninis, pastas, salads and more.

824D Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-219-0949, ss106.ca

 

Seasons of Bowness Park

This casual restaurant has replaced the Parkside Café kiosk in Bowness Park. The restaurant serves a seasonal menu for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, and has a patio that overlooks the water. The current menu features dishes like chicken pot pie, tenderloin rouladen, warm mushroom salad and apple doughtnuts for dessert. Seasons of Bowness Park also has a market area with grab-and-go items.

8900 48 Ave. N.W., 403-202-5065, seasonsofbownesspark.ca

 

Shokunin

This modern, 50-seat Japanese restaurant opened in Mission in January 2016. Owner and chef Darren MacLean, formerly of Downtownfood, has created a menu that focuses on skewered grilled meats, Japanese small plates and sake. Open for dinner and weekend brunch, Shokunin is also open late from Monday to Saturday for all your late-night ramen needs.

2016 4 St. S.W., 403-229-3444, shokuninyyc.ca, @shokuninyyc

 

Sub Rosa

There’s a new spot to grab a drink on Fridays starting at 7 p.m. (if you can find it). Tucked away underneath The Guild (inside the Hudson’s Bay building on Stephen Avenue), Sub Rosa’s entrance is marked by a neon triangle sign. Once inside, you’ll find a sophisticated lounge filled with leather couches, rustic brick walls and a large, eye-catching light installation. The bar menu features an impressive mix of spirits, wine, beer and cocktails. There are also cheese and meat boards, tacos and small bites like baby cheeseburgers, calamari, steak bites and more. Between the drinks, the atmosphere and the DJ entertainment, Sub Rosa is set to become a popular nightlife spot.

200 8 Ave. S.W., 403-770-2315

 

Sweet Relief Pastries

Deirdre Lotecki, formerly the executive pastry chef for Deville Coffee, has opened her own bakery in Victoria Park. Sweet Relief Pastries is a modern, almost 1,000-square-foot shop filled with treats like chocolate covered oreos, French macarons, cupcakes and more. Beautiful classic and signature cakes are also available to order, and come in flavours like classic cookies and cream and coffee toffee crunch.

120 13 Ave. S.W., 587-894-0822, sweetreliefpastries.com@sweetreliefyyc

 

Sweet Tooth Ice Cream

Sweet Tooth Ice Cream is the city’s first brick and mortar shop to specialize in rolled ice cream. Located in Chinatown, the shop makes the rolled treat by pouring ice cream mix and toppings onto a cold plate, chopping and mixing them together, then scraping them into rolls. Sweet Tooth Ice Cream offers seven flavours on its main menu, including London Fog (with roasted earl grey, honey, fruit loops and whipped cream), Strawberry Shortie (with strawberries, vanilla bean and whipped cream) and Purple Haze (with fresh taro, coconut and whipped cream). For 50 cents to $1 more, you can add extra toppings like brownie bits, pocky sticks, toasted coconut, mini macarons and more.

206 Centre St. S.W., 587-832-0128, sticyyc.com, @sweettoothyyc

 

Sucre Patisserie & Cafe

????Banana, caramel scones! ???? #sucre #sucrecafe #yyc #cafe #patisserie #bakery #scone #caramel #pecan #banana #foodporn #delicious

A photo posted by Sucre Pattiserie & Cafe☕️️ (@sucrecafeyyc) on

Take your taste buds on a journey at the new Sucre Patisserie & Cafe, a French-inspired eatery that opened its doors in the Beltline in early October. The 1,600-square-foot cafe was designed by Holland Design, and features modern black and white decor with large mirrors on the wall and a mix of bar and table seating. Guests will find a range of traditional and modern French pastries inside the shop’s large glass display cases, which are filled with made-from-scratch macarons, Madeleine cookies, scones, pain au chocolat, Financier cakes and more. You can also get your coffee fix at Sucre, which is the first cafe in the city to serve Vancouver’s Matchstick Coffee. The shop even uses homemade caramel and Madagascar vanilla bean paste to flavour its drinks instead of syrups.

1007 8 St. S.W., 403-813-0892, sucrecafe.com

 

Ten Foot Henry

???????????? #Brunch!

A photo posted by Ten Foot Henry (@tenfoothenry) on

Inspired by local arts mascot Ten Foot Henry, this eponymous restaurant opened in Victoria Park this past February. Chef Stephen Smee has created a vegetable-focused menu here, which is centered around New North American cuisine and family-style dining. Designed by Connie Young, the 78-seat restaurant features exposed beams, plenty of greenery and a beautiful alder bar top. Be sure to check out Little Henry, a small grab-and-go coffee bar at the front of the building that opened shortly after the restaurant, before you leave.

1209 1 St. S.W., 403-475-5537, tenfoothenry.com@10foothenry

 

The Daily

Extra, extra! There’s a new breakfast and lunch restaurant in Kensington. This news-themed eatery opened its doors this past April in the space underneath Higher Ground Cafe. Dishes are made with locally sourced and natural ingredients, and the large menu includes treats such as savoury pancrepes, breakfast poutine, frittatas, a pancake tower, sandwiches, pizzas and more.

1126 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-9400, dailyyyc.com, @dailyyyc

 

The Eatery by Capina’s

Join us for lunch at Capina’s #calgaryfoodie #yyc #calgaryfood #

A photo posted by @eatery_by_capinas on

The Eatery by Capina’s is the latest offering from the owners of Aglio e Olio and Capone’s Strada Cucina food trucks. The small Italian restaurant has set up shop next to Knifewear, and offers pasta, poutine, fries, sandwiches, burgers, salads and more. A brick wall, wooden bar and large pendant lamps make for a cozy space to sit and eat some great Italian food.

1314 9 Ave. S.E., ​587-351-0808, capinaseatery.ca

The Guild

Double barrel tartare, bone it! #wearetheguild

A photo posted by The Guild (@theguildcalgary) on

Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants opened its first restaurant in Western Canada in 2016. Located in the Hudson’s Bay Building on Stephen Avenue, The Guild features a menu centered around live fire cooking and locally sourced meats. Executive chef Ryan O’Flynn and his team serve up dishes like wild boar country pâté, oysters, duck leg confit, braised Jacob’s ladder bison and more. If you can, grab a seat on the restaurant’s impressive patio, which overlooks Stephen Avenue.

200 8 Ave. S.W., 403-770-2313, theguildrestaurant.com@theguildcalgary

 

The Smith Restaurant & Bar

Located in the space formerly occupied by Halo, The Smith Restaurant & Bar opened its doors in August. The two-story restaurant (the second floor features an adults-only bar) has two patios and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The menu features shareable starters, salads, pastas, pizzas, burgers, and meat and fish entrees like stuffed chicken smithzel and seared tuna.

13200 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-454-7684, thesmithrestaurant.ca, @thesmithyyc

 

The Still Fine Spirits & Edibles

The Still Fine Spirits & Edibles opened its doors in mid-October, and its proximity to the Scotiabank Saddledome is sure to make it a pre- and post-game hot spot. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the menu features dishes like sharing plates of scotch eggs or peanut satay skewers, flatbreads, sandwiches, steak frites and more. There’s also a DJ on Friday nights.

270 14 Ave. S.E., 403-500-8885, thestillfinespirits.com

The Street Eatery

The Street Eatery celebrated its grand opening this past March. As its name suggests, this new restaurant’s focus is on tasty global street food, which it has brought to the menu in the form of Gochujang glazed shrimp, Mughlai butter chicken, chickpea curry, tostadas, sandwiches and more. Another memorable aspect of The Street Eatery is its over-the-top Street Shakes, which are milkshakes topped with an array of candy and sugary treats.

890 4 Ave. S.W., 403-234-9969, thestreeteatery.com, @streeteateryyyc

 

Trolley 5

A new brewery and restaurant opened in the old Melrose Cafe space on 17 Ave. S.W. this past summer. Trolley 5 is a three-storey, 16,000-square-foot building with a Southern-inspired menu. Look for tasty comfort food like mac and cheese, nachos, pulled pork and beef brisket. The 190-seat atrium on the top level is a family-friendly restaurant area, while the main floor seats 175 people and features a lounge area and front patio. If you grab a seat on the latter, be sure to look up — there’s a track with 200 growlers that rotates from the lower level throughout the main floor. On the bottom level is a 60-seat tap room and on-site brewery, where Trolley 5 brews its own beers.

728 17 Ave. S.W., 403-454-3731, trolley5.com@trolley_5

 

Una Takeaway

Attached to Una Piza + Wine, Una Takeaway serves delicious pastries, salads, sandwiches and more that are perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can also get your hands on one of Una’s popular pizzas here, which are available in whole pies or by the slice. While the whole menu is available to go or for delivery, the eatery does have some seating inside if you want to stick around.

616 17 Ave. S.W., 403-453-1183, unatakeaway.com@unatakeaway

 

Veg-In YYC

Vegans and vegetarians will be happy to hear that there is a new eatery that caters to them in Calgary (though carnivores as welcome too, of course). Veg-In YYC offers veggie burritos, burgers, samosas and naan flatbreads. Whether you stop by for lunch or dinner, a healthy meal here is bound to make your taste buds happy.

215 6 Ave. S.E., 587-351-5253, veginyyc.com@veg_in_yyc

 

Vélo Café

Come try our breakfast menu! A bientôt! #SideWalkCitizen #YYCFrenchFood #CyclinglifeYYC

A photo posted by VéloCaféYYC (@velocafeyyc) on

Calgary cyclists will be happy to hear of the recent opening of Vélo Café, a cycling cafe attached to Market 17. Ride over for some single origin coffee, a pastry or some breakfast made by the head chef and pastry chef of Cassis Bistro.

102, 2505 17 Ave. S.W., velocafeyyc.com

 

Vintage Caffeine Co.

There’s a new spot to get your caffeine fix in West Hillhurst. This past April marked the opening of Vintage Caffeine Co., a 735-square-foot coffee shop that serves pastries, desserts and sandwiches, as well as Phil & Sebastian coffee. The vibe is vintage meets modern here, with a bright white counter and walls complimenting the rustic wooden tables and shelves.

101 19 St. N.W., 403-452-9037, vintagecaffeine.com, @vintagecaffeine

 

Wheat: Pizza by Jay

Wheat: Pizza by Jay has brought a new pizza pick-up and delivery option to the northwest. The menu, created by owner and chef Jason Dubnewych, features traditional and thin crust pizzas, as well as a create-your-own option. Salads and pan bread sides are also available. 

2220 20 Ave. N.W., 403-454-3424, wheatbyjay.ca@wheatpizzabyjay

 

White Rose Vegetarian Kitchen and The Coal Shed Smoke House

Owned by the team behind Open Range and Big Fish, these two new eateries in Bowness are ideal for carnivores and herbivores alike. White Rose Vegetarian Kitchen is a 45-seat restaurant that used to be a 1950s White Rose gas station. The restaurant offers a family-style vegetarian menu that is mostly split into $12 dishes like okra grilled cheese sandwiches and $18 dishes like scallop potatoes. In front of the restaurant is The Coal Shed Smoke House, where braised, grilled and smoked meats like beef brisket, bison burgers and pulled pork can be purchased.

6512 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-455-8055, whiterosekitchen.ca, @meet_and_veg

Windsor Pizza Co.

Pepperoni & Sausage anyone?? #windsorpizzaco #windsorpizza #yyceats #yycpizza #za #yum????

A photo posted by @windsorpizzaco on

If you’ve ever had pizza in Windsor, Ontario, you might’ve noticed a difference in how the pizza tastes. The owners of Windsor Pizza Co. noticed it too, and opened their own pizzeria in January to bring that city’s rave-worthy pies to Calgary. So what is it that makes it so different? For starters, all the toppings are cooked on top of the cheese and meats like pepperoni are shredded. The pizzas are also cooked directly on a pizza stone in a gas-power oven to create a crispier crust. Customers get to create their own pizza by choosing from a list of toppings, and can either eat in (there’s seating for eight at the eatery) or get it to go.

10822 50 St. S.E., 587-471-5800

 

Wise & Wright

A great addition to Stephen Avenue’s dining scene, Wise & Wright opened its doors this past July. The 1,552-square-foot, 40-seat eatery is well worth a visit for a morning coffee and treat, lunch or dinner during the week. Look for items like built up toasts and breakfast bowls to start the day, or opt for a stone oven flatbread, super food salad or one of its bowls for lunch or dinner. Drink-wise, you’ll find a selection of natural teas, coffee and smoothies.

163, 317 7 Ave. S.W., wiseandwright.com@wiseandwright

 

WOW Bakery

Where to find a good Kouign-amann in Calgary? Visit us today and check out this crunchy caramelized goodness!

A photo posted by Wow Bakery (@wowbakery2016) on

Wow Bakery is owned by the same team behind Wow Chicken, and opened its doors in Chinook Park Plaza in June. Visit the new bakery for delicious treats like macarons, bread, pastries and more.

Chinook Park Plaza, 108, 5809 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-640-0273

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