70 New Restaurants That Opened in Calgary in 2018

This past year, Calgary’s dining scene welcomed new Japanese restaurants, pizza spots, ice cream shops and much more.

Flower & Wolf opened inside the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire this year. Photograph courtesy of Flower & Wolf.

It’s fair to say that 2018 was a busy time for Calgary’s dining scene. Over the past year, at least 70 new restaurants, cafes, bars and quick service eateries opened standalone locations in Calgary. And that’s not even counting all the new eateries that popped up at CF Chinook Centre’s new dining hall, Deerfoot City’s new Food Lodge and the new Avenida Food Hall & Fresh Market.

Here’s a look at some of the newest dining hot spots in Calgary.

 

2030 Bubble Tea Cafe

2030 Bubble Tea Shop is one of several new bubble tea shops that opened in Calgary this year. The Mount Pleasant eatery has plenty of seating, so swing by with some friends for an oolong milk tea or a strawberry peach slush foam top. And if you’re hungry, the menu features seven kinds of tacos, wings, chicken bulgogi don and more.

602 16 Ave. N.W., 403-457-0880, 2030bubbleteacafe.com

 

Alumni Sandwich & Liquor Bar

The humble sandwich is taken to new heights at Alumni Sandwich & Liquor Bar on 17 Avenue S.W. Designed by Sarah Ward Interiors, Alumni’s diner-inspired space provides the perfect setting to try one of Alumni’s 14 sandwiches, which include a hot chicken sandwich, a turkey club, a Rosemary beef dip, a chicken parmesan sandwich and more. The well-priced drink list is worth checking out too, featuring 16 cocktail options that range from only $8 to $11.

725 17 Ave. S.W., 403-455-7255, alumnisandwiches.com

 

Baked Doughnuts

Can’t eat gluten? Don’t worry, you can still get your doughnut fix at Baked Doughnuts, which recently opened at The Core. So far, the protein-packed and gluten-free doughnuts have come in fun flavours like apple pie, vegan salted caramel, caramel pecan pumpkin pie eggnog and more.

The Core, #410 751 3 St. S.W., 403-472-7667, bakedbrands.ca

 

Bami Vietnamese Eatery

Located by the Royal Oak neighbourhood in northwest Calgary, Bami Vietnamese Eatery celebrated its grand opening on August 7th. It’s open for lunch and dinner and serves Vietnamese fare such as salad and spring rolls, banh mi sandwiches with five different protein options, pho, noodle salad bowls and more.

2110, 12 Royal Vista Way N.W., 587-356-2264, bamivietnameseeatery.wixsite.com

 

Bar Bincho

Bar Bincho is Ikemen Ramen Bar‘s new sister restaurant in Mission. Decked out in splashes of pink and yellow and a neon sign that says “Live long & sake,” it specializes in kushiyaki and yakitori skewers of scallops, king oyster mushrooms, bacon wrapped mochi, pork belly and more. Round out your meal with one of the more than 40 Japanese sakes and a few of the shareable snacks like honey butter wings or tuna tataki.

2204 4 St. S.W., 403-457-8887, facebook.com

 

Beer Revolution

With one Calgary location in the Beltline already, Beer Revolution added a second location in McKenzie Towne this past May. Specializing in craft beer and pizza, this casual restaurant and bar offers 24 rotating taps featuring beer largely from Alberta and B.C. Order one of the 13 inventive thin crust pizzas or try snacks like the pizza spring rolls or a Bavarian pretzel. Beer Revolution also has a daily happy hour that runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

180, 4307 130 Ave. S.E., 403-257-2739, beerrevolution.com

 

Berlingo

Chef Yann Blanchard is already known for the gorgeous (and incredibly tasty) pastries he makes at Yann Haute Patisserie. But this past summer, he expanded his sweet empire with a second shop dedicated to soft serve and chocolate right next door. Berlingo’s soft serve can be served on its own or in one of the chef-designed creations, which come topped with made-in-house treats like vanilla bean marshmallows, pate de fruit and cigar pastries. Be sure to pick up a box of handmade bonbons or a chocolate bar here as well.

Read more: Inside Berlingo, the New Soft Serve Shop in Mission

327 23 Ave. S.W., 403-764-1866, berlingocalgary.com

 

Brekkie Cafe

This new breakfast and brunch restaurant opened in West Springs in June. Using abstract art with interesting colour combinations as a jumping off point, Amanda Hamilton Interior Design created a bright, colourful space for Brekkie Cafe that features its own orange, green, blue and white abstract wall mural. Chef Jordan Walsh leads the kitchen team at Brekkie Cafe. The menu features dishes like chicken and waffles, mushroom short rib bowls and French toast, not to mention seven kinds of eggs Benedict featuring anything from crab and asparagus to Moroccan chicken.

125 20 Westpark Link S.W., 403-452-9005, brekkie.ca

 

Brickwell Taphouse

Unwind with a beer at this new taphouse in Highland Park. Open since mid-July, Brickwell Taphouse offers plenty of pub staples like 18 flavours of wings, pizza, burgers, tacos, nachos and more to keep you full. Visit on a Friday and Saturday night to hear some live music.

11, 6219 Centre St. N.W., 587-353-9355, facebook.com

 

The Bro’Kin Yolk

After establishing a loyal following at its Creekside location, popular breakfast and brunch spot The Bro’kin Yolk opened a second location in Mahogany this past March. Both locations were designed by Sarah Ward Interiors and share the same menu, offering up Fratello coffee and dishes like breakfast poutine, four kinds of eggs Benedict, mini Belgian waffles, s’mores French toast, an open face avocado sandwich and more.

1410 7 Mahogany Plaza S.E., 403-457-5955, brokinyolk.ca

 

Buffo

Toronto-based restaurant group Oliver & Bonacini, whose Calgary repertoire includes The Guild, Sub Rosa and the Hudson event space, opened another full service restaurant called Buffo earlier this year. The Italian restaurant is located inside the Saks Fifth Avenue store at CF Chinook Centre. Try to snag one of the handful of seats overlooking the kitchen to see chef Michel Nop and his team making classic Italian fare. Buffo’s seven pizzas range from a classic margherita to The Buffo, which comes with a big dollop of warm burrata cheese that you spread over the pizza yourself, while the pasta dishes feature house made noodles.

CF Chinook Centre, 6455 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-351-2316, buffocalgary.com

 

Butter Block

One of Calgary’s newest bakeries is stepping up the city’s pastry game. Local baker Karen Kong opened Butter Block’s new bakery space in the Devenish Building on 17 Ave. S.W. earlier this year, but while the bakery’s brick and mortar location may be new, Kong is no stranger to the world of pastries — she previously worked on the pastry teams at Teatro, EAT and Alforno in Calgary. Stuffed croissants, pain au chocolate, bread pudding, cinnamon rolls and danishs are just a few of the delicious baked treats you can get here.

The Devenish Building, Suite 111, 908 17 Ave. S.W., butterblockyyc.com

 

Café du Centre

If you have a sweet tooth, you need to visit Cafe du Centre in Mission. The 30-seat cafe specializes in taças, which are desserts served in tall glasses and covered in chocolatey, gooey goodness. Try creations like the Café du Centre taça, which features chocolate ice cream, cookies, Nutella, Cadbury chocolate, strawberries and Kinder Bueno chocolates. If you’re looking for something less sweet, there’s also a savoury taça, croque monsieurs and stuffed croissants.

509 22 Ave. S.W., 403-764-7474, facebook.com

 

Cibo

After Scopa closed its doors this year, Cibo, another local Italian restaurant from the same restaurant group, opened its second location in Scopa’s former space in Tuxedo Park. Like the original 17 Ave. S.W. location, Cibo’s new Tuxdeo Park restaurant has a $5 pizza happy hour (though it runs every day from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at this location) and a late night happy hour (every day starting at 8 p.m. at this location). The menu of scodellina, pasta, pizza and meaty dishes is largely the same at both locations, though there are some dishes you’ll only find at the new one.

2220 Centre St. N.E., 403-276-2030, cibocalgary.com

 

Coco

Get your bubble tea fix at Calgary’s first CoCo location. The Taiwan-based company has thousands of locations around the world and is known for its fruit and milk tea drinks that come in flavours like red bean matcha latte, sago mango green tea, taro slush, jasmine milk tea and more.

213 16 Ave. N.E., coco-tea.com

 

The Dandelion

This new vegan restaurant kicked things off with a grand opening block party in September and is now open for all of your breakfast, lunch and snacking needs. The eatery has around a dozen chairs on the main level where you can sit down to enjoy a vegan take on chicken and waffles, jackfruit tacos, the tofu eggs Benedict, baked goods and more. Before you leave, be sure to check out the south side of the building to see a cool mural by local artist Sarah Slaughter.

1048 8 St. S.E., facebook.com

 

El Furniture Warehouse

If you’re looking for a fun night out and a great deal on food, look no further than Alberta’s first and only El Furniture Warehouse location. At this bar on Stephen Avenue, you can get anything on the food menu for just $5.95 each. It doesn’t matter if you’re ordering a starter of maple bacon potato skins, nachos for one, soft tacos, a burger or mini doughnuts for dessert — they’re all the same low price. The drinks are reasonably priced too, with several cocktails starting at $6.75. In the summer, there’s a streetside patio that’s perfect for people watching along Stephen Avenue.

107 Stephen Ave. S.W., 403-764-5858, warehousegroup.ca

 

Elate Lounge

At Elate Lounge, you can treat yourself to a meal, a beauty treatment or both. The space is divided into two areas; the front is a full-service cafe with live music on Saturday nights, while the back of the space is a beauty bar that offers nail treatments, facials, massages and waxing. While you can just pop in for a coffee or glass of wine, those staying for dinner will find French omelettes, a vegan burger, prosciutto wrapped prawns and more on the bistro menu.

927 17 Ave. S.W., 403-453-5283, elatelounge.com

 

Espresso Cafe

Kensington’s Espresso Cafe is filled with a mix of table seating, bar counter seating and purple armchairs where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or a full meal. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch or dinner — the cafe covers it all with its menu of eggs Benedicts, ricotta and blueberry pancakes, sandwiches and mains like wild Alaskan salmon fillet.

273 10 St. N.W., espressocafeyyc.com

 

Flower & Wolf

Whether you’re treating yourself to a staycation or just looking for somewhere to eat in downtown Calgary, be sure to check out this new restaurant inside the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire. Flower & Wolf’s globally-inspired menu features dishes like salmon eggs Benedict, beef or ahi tuna tartare, Southern fried chicken, pancetta pizza, steaks and even a footlong Wagyu hot dog. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Read more: New Restaurant: Flower & Wolf Opens in the Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire

255 Barclay Parade S.W., 403-517-6666, flowerandwolfcalgary.com

 

Gong Cha

This year, Taiwan-based chain Gong Cha opened its first Calgary location in Chinatown. At this bubble tea spot, you can get drinks like milk foam black coffee or tea, honey green tea, Earl grey milk tea and taro ice smoothies. Drink toppings can include tapioca balls, red bean, pudding and jelly.

106A, 303 Centre St. S.W., facebook.com

 

Gorilla Whale

Sugo’s former space in Inglewood is now home to a new 78-seat restaurant called Gorilla Whale. The self-proclaimed “Japanese-ish” restaurant gets its name from a famous Japanese film figure: Godzilla, whose name can be loosely translated to Gorilla Whale. The kitchen serves up yakitori, ramen, a karaage burger, milk bread and more in a casual space decked out in cool concert posters.

1214 9 Ave. S.E., 587-356-2686, gorillawhale.ca

 

Greta

There’s no shortage of things to do at Greta, a new two-level arcade and bar that opened in the Beltline in November. Home to more than 50 arcade games, you can easily spend a whole night playing Ms. Pacman, skeeball, Bubble Hockey and more with your friends. And if all that gaming makes you hungry, you can nosh on globally-inspired street eats like ginger beef baos, japchae and Greek doughtnuts or split one of the shareable cocktails.

Read more: What to Expect at Greta, the new Arcade and Bar in the Beltline

213 10 Ave. S.W., 403-984-6405, gretasbar.com

 

Gringo Street

The team behind Cleaver restaurant didn’t go far when they opened their sister restaurant at the beginning of 2018 — they opened Latin street food restaurant Gringo Street right next door. Gringo Street is perhaps best known for its 15 different kinds of tacos, which range from Guinness braised short rib to cauliflower cheese, and its seriously inventive cocktails. Try it all during the restaurant’s excellent happy hour, which features $2 tacos and $6 cocktails at select times from Sunday to Thursday.

101, 524 17 Ave. S.W., 403-474-1411, gringost.com

 

Han Maru Korean Restaurant

This new Korean restaurant opened in the Midnapore area in mid-July. Led by chef and owner Joung Rae Kim, Han Maru serves up truffle grana padano fried chicken, bibimbap, gamjatang, Korean barbecue and more.

24, 240 Midpark Way S.E., 403-265-1818, facebook.com

 

Happy Tea

Whether you’re looking for a new lunch spot or craving a late night bite, this new Taiwanese cafe has got you covered. At Happy Tea, try dishes like Taiwanese popcorn chicken, takoyaki, crispy pork chop with rice or beef vermicelli noodle soup, then wash it all down with a milk tea, flavoured tea or a yakult, ice and/or fruit slush. Head to Panorama Hills to visit this family-run eatery today.

250, 1110 Panatella Blvd. N.W., 825-222-8308, happy-tea-bubble-tea-store.business.site

 

Headquarters Restaurant

Headquarters Restaurant opened in Mahogany’s Westman Village earlier this fall. Stop by at lunch or dinner to try dishes like the braised Alberta short ribs, pesto halibut, pork belly sliders, the Alberta beef burger and more. Headquarters also offers an extensive selection of wines, spirits, cocktails and beers.

176 Mahogany Ctr. S.E., 403-313-1051, westmanvillage.com

 

Hoku Poke Bar and Sweet Tooth Ice Cream

You can get dinner and dessert all in one stop at this spot on 17th Avenue S.E., which is shared by the new Hoku Poke Bar and Sweet Tooth Ice Cream’s second location. On one side of the eatery, Hoku offers four signature poke bowls and create-your-own-bowl options that blend Hawaiian and Canadian flavours. On the other side, you can treat yourself to a cup of rolled ice cream at Sweet Tooth, which offers flavours like birthday cake, cookies and cream, matcha and more.

107 17 Ave. S.E., 403-452-8151, facebook.com, sticyyc.com​

 

Hoopla Donuts

The team behind Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters have opened a new eatery that doubles as a doughnut shop called Hoopla Donuts and a new Phil & Sebastian cafe. Head downtown to Calgary Place to try doughnuts in flavours like passionfruit, crème brûlée, s’more, strawberry gin jam, double almond and more. You can also grab a coffee and all-day breakfast items like egg sandwiches and toast and avocado.

Read more: Hoopla Donuts Opens in Downtown Calgary

248, 414 3 St. S.W., 403-453-2162, hoopladonuts.ca

 

Hostel

This bar brings an interesting (and budget-friendly) approach to the busy 17 Avenue S.W. dining strip. Located in Roosevelt’s former space, Hostel offers almost all the food on its menu for $10 and almost all the drinks on its menu for $5. Their motto? “Every day is special.” Hostel has also inherited a north-facing patio that is perfect for people watching.

933 17 Ave. S.W., 403-719-9930, facebook.com

 

Junction

There’s a new spot in Calgary to go for dinner and a show. Local restaurant and venue Junction opened downtown in mid-January. The venue generally hosts live music performances, DJ nights, dancing and more from Wednesday to Saturday, so be sure to check the schedule so you don’t miss out. While you’re there, you can snack on sandwiches, flatbreads and entrees like seafood linguine.

628 8 Ave. S.W., 587-354-6161, junctionyyc.com

 

Jusu Bar

Jusu Bar, the organic health bar that took over Calgary’s Cru Juice stores in 2017, opened a new location in Britannia this year. The sleek space celebrated its grand opening on April 20, and serves 10 different kinds of cold-pressed juice and an organic food menu that includes smoothie bowls, sandwiches, salads and snacks like mango chia cups and energy bites.

808 49 Ave. S.W., 403-457-7799, jusubar.com

 

King Eddy

After years of restoration work, the King Eddy re-opened on July 20 and is pulling triple duty as a bar, restaurant and live music venue. Now open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the restaurant features Southern-inspired fare like fried green tomatoes, hush puppies, beef brisket, Cajun shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo and more. On weekends, stop by for some cornbread French toast, buttermilk fried chicken and biscuits, ham and eggs or pulled pork breakfast poutine during weekend brunch.

Read more: The Restored King Eddy Brings Food and Live Music to East Village Again

438 9 Ave. S.E., 403-476-1679, kingeddy.ca

 

Leopold’s Tavern

After opening its first Calgary location in Victoria Park last year, Leopold’s Tavern now has a second location in Bowness. Located in White Rose Vegetarian Kitchen’s former location, the neighbourhood bar serves seven different poutines, baskets of perogies, fried pickles, buckets of bacon, burgers, wraps and more. This new location also has a significantly larger patio than the Victoria Park one, so remember that come summer.

6512 Bowness Rd. N.W., 403-475-5367, leopoldstavern.com

 

Lukes

If you’re visiting Calgary’s new Central Library, be sure to also swing by the new Lukes cafe and restaurant, respectively, which were created by Gareth Lukes of Lukes Drug Mart and chef Eric Hendry. The cafe is located on the library’s first floor and offers Manuel Latruwe and Pretty Sweet pastries, soft serve and coffee. Guests can access the Lukes restaurant, which offers a menu of oatmeal, porridge, risotto, sandwiches and more, from outside the new library building.

Read more: What’s On the Menu at the New Central Library’s Cafe and Restaurant

Central Library, 800 3 St. S.E., instagram.com

 

Mister Chen’s

This new Asian brasserie arrived in Mission earlier this month. Designed by Fort Architecture, Mister Chen’s stylish, moody space is complemented by DJ music on weekends, creating a fun vibe for trying some of chef Shaun Desaulniers creations. Order a craft cocktail and share plates of octopus tacos, ahi tuna crudo, cumin lamb biangbiang, wild boar pot stickers, pork belly or potato crusted duck breast.

2004 4 St. S.W., 403-764-2436, misterchensyyc.com

 

Modern Steak and Bar Modern

Modern Steak’s new second location on Stephen Avenue is one of the last restaurants to open this year. Inside the Imperial Bank Building, guests will find Modern Steak on the second floor while Bar Modern is on the first floor. Both are currently undergoing a soft public opening, but keep an eye out for the grand opening in January.

100 8 Ave. S.E., 403-244-3600, modernsteak.ca; barmodern.ca

 

Monogram

Monogram’s third coffee shop location opened in the Britannia Block building in January. In addition to its own coffee offerings, this location features rotating guest coffee roasters from around the world as part of its Atlas program. Monogram also collaborated with local ice cream shop Made by Marcus to create a delicious coffee soft serve that is only be available at this location. You can also snack on toasts and pastries like croissants and cream puffs.

800 49 Ave. S.W., monogramcoffee.com

 

Mr Mikes SteakhouseCasual

Canadian restaurant chain Mr Mikes SteakhouseCasual has more than 40 locations across Canada, including the one Calgary got this year. Now open in Evanston, Mr Mikes’ food menu includes panko shrimp tacos, burgers, ribs, pasta and more. And of course, there are plenty of steak options ranging from top sirloin to filet mignon to steak sandwiches.

12650 Symons Valley Rd. N.W., 587-619-2359, mrmikes.ca

 

The Muze Coffeehouse

This cozy, lower level coffee shop opened in Jing Jing Bakery’s former space in Calgary’s Chinatown area in February. Pop in to grab a coffee and choose from a range of baked goods including polo buns, barbecue pork buns, egg tarts and more.

100 3 Ave. S.E., 403-457-6822, themuzecoffeehouse.ca

 

Namo Cafe & Bistro

OEB may have moved out of its original Renfrew location this year, but local foodies can still satisfy their breakfast and lunch cravings at the new eatery that has moved into the space. Namo Cafe & Bistro recently opened there with a menu that features creative breakfast dishes like pumpkin pancakes, seven kinds of eggs Benedict, brunch bowls, Ferrero Rocher French toast and more. If you’re more in the mood for lunch fare, there are also burgers, perogies and laksa.

824 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-475-7010, namonaturals.com

 

Noodlebox

Victoria-based chain Noodlebox, which labels itself as a “southeast Asian noodle bar,” opened its second Calgary location in the 8th Street Food Cooperative. The menu is the same as what you would find at other Noodlebox locations, with dishes like a spicy peanut noodle box, a pad Thai box, a teriyaki box and a Singapore cashew curry box. Once you’ve picked a box, you can add your choice of protein and choose a level of spice.

1436 8 St. S.W., 403-453-3752, noodlebox.ca

 

OEB

It’s been in business for nearly a decade, but local restaurant chain OEB is still one of the city’s most popular breakfast spots — its restaurants still often see two-hour wait lists on weekends. So you’ll want to make note of a change to one of its locations: earlier this year, OEB closed its original restaurant along Edmonton Trail N.E. and re-opened in a new Bridgeland location on April 7. Put yourself in line using the NoWait app to check out OEB’s cool new digs.

825 1 Ave. N.E., 403-278-3447, eatoeb.com

 

Omo Teppan & Kitchen

Head to Omo Teppan & Kitchen for some Japanese teppanyaki. If you’re sitting at one of the teppanyaki tables, you can watch as items like shrimp and teriyaki beef are cooked right in front of you on an iron griddle. New York steaks, rib eye steaks and filet mignon are all available at Omo, but if you want to really treat yourself, you can also order wagyu or kobe steak. This the only Alberta restaurant with kobe beef and you have to call 24 hours in advance to order one of the kobe steaks. If you’re seated at a non-teppanyaki table, you can order off the kitchen menu, which features tempura, sushi rolls, sashimi, noodle dishes and more.

5222 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-764-3222, calgaryteppanyaki.com

 

One Night Stan’s

A self-proclaimed “bar room and divery,” One Night Stan’s is a fun, casual space where the music is turned up loud and it’s easy to wander around and mingle. The food menu is full of bar staples like mini corn dogs, tacos, chili cheese fries, chicken dumplings, burgers and more. But one of the biggest things One Night Stan’s has going for it? It’s home to a dog-friendly patio in the summer.

520 17 Ave. S.W., 403-452-4407, onenightstans.ca

 

Otto Gelato

Need a break while working downtown? Head to Otto Gelato for some ice cream and a coffee. Order a scoop of gelato — recent flavours have included maple nut, candy cane and mango — or try a gelato creation like the Supreme Cup. There’s also tea and coffee options to keep you warm.

400 5 Ave. S.W., 403-826-0434, ottogelato.ca

 

Owen’s Landing

The Landing Restaurant Group’s first Western Canada location opened in downtown Calgary in June. Grab a seat inside the modern restaurant for a meal of brisket mac ‘n cheese, fish tacos, sausage picante pizza, lobster fettucine and more. In the summer, Owen’s Landing has an impressive south-facing patio too — there are televisions, strings of lights, heaters and a mix of couches and chairs for guests.

308 4 Ave. S.W., 587-747-7772, owenslanding.ca

 

Pacific Poke

Pacific Poke, which already has four locations in Vancouver and Burnaby, has opened its first Calgary location in Altadore. Offering its own creative, colourful take on the traditional Hawaiian dish, Pacific Poke feature four chef-inspired poke bowl options and a build-your-own option.

3554 Garrison Gate S.W., 587-864-9299, thepacificpoke.com​

 

Paros

Like Noodlebox, the second Calgary location of the family-run Greek restaurant Paros is also part of the 8th Street Food Cooperative. Try one of the big pita wraps filled your choice of protein, as well as fries, onions, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce. Be sure to check out Paros’ fun wall mural that says “Keep calm and eat a souvlaki.”

1436 8 St. S.W., 403-453-1039, parosrealgreek.com

 

Peppino

Many Calgarians have already tried Peppino’s sandwiches at one of its four locations around the city. And now, those who find themselves in the Beltline can also grab a bite at its new fifth location. Like the others, this new location serves up nearly 40 sandwiches options that range from classics like BLTs with cheese to ones like Joe’s Special with mortadella, calabrese salami, capicollo, cheese and lettuce. While you’re there, pick up some grocery items like pasta noodles, sauce, deli meat and more.

1512 7 St. S.W., 403-452-9006, peppinogourmet.com

 

Pho Houz

This spring marked the arrival of Pho Houz in Kensington. The Vietnamese restaurant has an extensive menu of noodle soups, vermicelli, stir-frys, Vietnamese subs and more. Pho Houz also offers gluten-free and vegan menus, so it’s a great option if you have dietary restrictions.

411 10 St. N.W., 403-619-2248, phohouz.com

 

Pho Vietnamese Noodle Soup

Green onion cakes, prawn salad rolls, pho — you can sink your teeth into all this and more at Pho Vietnamese Noodle Soup. Located in Sunridge, the new eatery opened its doors mid-October and is going to be a must-visit with the incoming cold weather. Be sure to check out the leaf mural by Calgary chalk artist Rozzie Lee in the front entrance when you arrive.

120, 3565 20 Ave. N.E., 587-472-8485, instagram.com

 

Pinbar

What goes well with a beer and a sandwich? Pinball. At least, that seems to be the case at Pinbar, a new pinball arcade and bar on 17 Avenue S.W. Pinbar offers more than a dozen tasty sandwiches, as well as bar snacks like handmade pizza pops and nachos. If you’re really hungry, you might be up for the huge F’getaboutit sandwich, which you can get for free if you manage to eat it in 30 minutes or less. When you’re done stuffing your face, you’ll want to check out the bar’s nearly 20 pinball machines and play a game or two.

501 17 Ave. S.W., 403-930-8175, pinbaryyc.com

 

Po-ke

Po-ke was one of Calgary’s first eatery’s dedicated to poke when it opened in Crescent Heights in April 2017. The owners opened a second location in Kensington last December, and this summer, they opened a third location on 17 Ave. S.W. Stop by to build your own poke bowl or choose from one of the signature poke bowls or sushi burritos on the menu.

614 17 Ave. S.W., po-ke.ca

 

Point Sushi

Point Sushi is the first bullet train sushi bar in Calgary. Guests order sushi rolls (such as dynamite, cowboy and rainbow rolls), sashimi, gyoza, ramen, drinks and more off a digital tablet. The food is made in the kitchen and sent right to your table on a moving tray that looks similar to one of Japan’s high-speed passenger trains (often referred to as bullet trains). The whole dining experience is quick, fun and tasty.

Read more: Where to Get Sushi on a Bullet Train in Calgary

116 2 Ave. S.W., 403-290-1118, pointsushi.ca

 

Pow Pizza

Calgary’s newest pizzeria specializes in a type of pizza that’s new to the city: “Detroit spirited pizza” (DSP). Brought to us by the team behind Without Papers and Sugo, Pow Pizza makes thick-crust, rectangular pizzas layered with toppings, cheese and tomato sauce (sometimes). Order the Haute Renfrew (made with bacon, brick cheese, potato, sour cream and green onion) or the Italian Street Meat (made with Italian sausage, cacciatore, Genoa salami, chorizo, brick cheese and tomato sauce) for takeout.

Read more: Newly Opened Pow Pizza Brings Detroit-inspired Pizza to Calgary

1025 Russet Rd. N.E., 403-263-1115, powpizza.ca

 

SaVeg Cafe

SaVeg Cafe became Calgary’s first new restaurant of 2018 when it opened on January 2, and it’s been serving healthy vegan fare from inside Heavens Fitness in the Beltline ever since. The cleverly-named cafe offers a Korean-inspired vegan menu of tofu breakfast burritos, bibimbap, a vegan poke bowl, salad rolls and more. Whatever you order, you can count on it being a plant-based dish that will leave you feeling great.

637 11 Ave. S.W., 403-263-3126, savegcafe.ca

 

Shoe & Canoe Public House

Shoe & Canoe Public House can be found inside the newly renovated Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown. The restaurant and bar is inspired by land geographer David Thompson, who explored North America in the late 1700s and early 1800s. You’ll find references to Thompson throughout the restaurant, from its name (it refers to how Thompson traveled) to the decor, which features globes and a canoe-inspired light fixture. Stop by to try the smoked brisket pappardelle, Alberta braised lamb shank or one of the beers and cocktails inspired by Thompson’s travels and nicknames.

209 4 Ave. S.E., 403-205-5416 shoeandcanoe.ca

 

Sushi Crave Japanese Cafe

This Japanese cafe in Midnapore is another very recent addition to Calgary’s dining scene. There’s a little something for everyone at this family-run eatery, whether you need a coffee, are craving some baked goods or want a full meal of shoyu ramen, sushi rolls and poke sushi bowls.

Suite 336, 22 Midlake Blvd. S.E., 403-457-2822, y93kitchen.com

 

Sweet Haven Ice Cream

This year, the team behind Po-ke opened a new eatery that specializes in decorative soft serve. Using its own soft serve recipe, the shop creates tall swirls of soft serve topped with marshmallows, cookie crumbs, chocolate chips, cereal and more. Note that Sweet Haven is closed for winter.

918 Centre St. N., facebook.com

 

Tokyo Street Market

Tokyo Street Market in Crescent Heights is a collaboration between the teams behind Kinjo Sushi and Ke Charcoal Grill & Sushi. As its name suggests, this new eatery is inspired by Tokyo street markets and the fare you’d find there. The well-priced menu includes $5 ramen, yakitori, donburi, oden, gyoza and takoyaki. That’s not all though — there’s also a wall filled with Japanese snacks like Pocky, chips and drinks that you can enjoy while dining in or buy for home.

922 Centre St. N.E., instagram.com

 

Tuk Tuk Thai

2018 was a big year for Tuk Tuk Thai. Over the course of the past year, the local Thai chain has grown from one location on 17 Ave. S.W. to five in total with new locations in Kensington, Fifth Avenue Place, Signal Hill and Creekside.

Various locations, tuktukthai.com

 

Uzu Taiyaki

​Calgarians love their soft serve, and now, there’s a whole new way to enjoy it at Uzu Taiyaki. The small Chinatown eatery serves taiyaki, a sweet Japanese waffle cake in the shape of a fish, topped with soft serve in flavours like ube, pandan, matcha and lychee rose. Finish off your soft serve with toppings like Pocky sticks, Teddy Grahams or sprinkles for the ultimate Instagrammable treat.

Read more: Uzu Taiyaki Opens in Chinatown

1, 110 2 Ave. S.E., 403-560-5928, facebook.com

 

Vibes Coffee Bar

Vibes Coffee Bar has become a popular hangout spot since opening its doors in Evanston earlier this year. The coffee shop serves several popular local food and drink products, including Rosso coffee, bagels from Bagelino’s and Ritual Doughnuts.

2060 Symons Valley Pkwy N.W., vibescoffeebar.com

 

Vintage Caffeine Co.

After opening its first location in West Hillhurst in 2016, Vintage Caffeine Co. expanded with a second location at CrossIron Mills this year. Along with coffee and tea, the eatery serves toasts and bagels, a few sandwiches, ice cream and baked goods. Stop by for a little treat while you’re doing some shopping.

CrossIron Mills, 349, 261055 CrossIron Blvd., Rocky View, 403-453-4699, vintagecaffeine.com

 

Wakado Ramen

Warm up with some ramen at this new eatery in the Beltline. There’s a ramen for everyone on the menu, which features several different options made with chicken, pork or veggie broths. You can also add appetizers like gyoza and edamame beans to your order.

907 10 Ave. S.W., 403-457-8828, facebook.com

 

Wami Loft Cafe

If you’re a fan of the Japanese food at Brentwood’s Wami Ootoya, you’ll want to check out the cafe that opened above it in January. Wami Loft Cafe has table and couch seating where you can enjoy a bubble tea, shaved ice, crepes, takoyaki, wings and more. Stop by to try the cafe’s casual fare specifically or pop up there for some dessert after dining at Wami Ootoya.

130 3820 Brentwood Rd. N.W., facebook.com

 

XO Ice Cream & Waffles

Don’t be surprised if you’re hit with a wave of nostalgia when you step into XO Ice Cream & Waffles vintage-inspired space in Auburn Bay. This shop makes its ice cream by hand in small batches, offering a mix of classic and creative flavours ranging from salted caramel to pear sorbet. You can also get waffles here, which come in chocolate, sugar, cinnamon honey and chocolate chip.

Read more: XO Ice Cream & Waffles Opens in Auburn Bay

808 100 Auburn Meads Dr. S.E., 587-573-8837, xoicecream.com

 

ZCrew Cafe

Stop in for a coffee or some brunch at this new cafe in Victoria Park. Open since early June, ZCrew Cafe’s menu features dishes like Boston cream French toast, Korean fried chicken and waffles, poke bowls, tartines and more. While you can order classic coffee drinks like Americanos and lattes, you can also get your caffeine fix with one of its more unique offerings like the “On the Rocks” drink, which features a cube of frozen cold brew that you pour milk over to create a cold latte.

401 11 Ave. S.E., 403-460-6668, zcrewcafe.com

Get a weekly serving of suggestions for how to experience Calgary's restaurants, bars and markets by signing up for Avenue’s Food & Drink Newsletter.

Related posts

5 Things We’re Excited to Eat in April

Alana Willerton

Sharon Ruyter and Erin McQuitty | Calgary’s Food & Hospitality Game-Changers 2024

avenuecalgary

Filipino Restaurant Month Returns to Calgary in April

Alana Willerton

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Privacy Policy

Privacy & Cookies Policy
Avenue Calgary