Shopping for the perfect Christmas gift can be hard work. It can also make you work up an appetite. Thankfully, when you’re shopping in neighbourhoods like Willow Park and Southcentre, there are several dining options to help with that. Here are six restaurants that are worth checking out for brunch, lunch or dinner in Willow Park and Southcentre.
Broken Plate Kitchen & Bar
This modern Greek restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Share some rotisserie souvla, calamari and tzatziki, or opt for one of the restaurant’s signature plates such as the lamb chops, chicken souvlaki or Greek-style baby back ribs. Plate breaking is also available anytime upon request.
590, 10816 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-225-9650, thebrokenplate.ca
Caesar’s Steakhouse
If a more formal dining experience is what you’re after, consider Caesar’s Steakhouse. A Calgary staple for more than 40 years, the downtown and Willow Park restaurants offer Sterling Silver and AAA Alberta beef in the form of a New York strip, rib eye steak, T-bone steak or filet mignon. Other meaty entrees include steak and lobster, baby pork back ribs, rack of lamb, salmon filet and steak Diane. Caesar’s is also known for its wine selection, so be sure to pick out a bottle for the table.
110, 10816 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-278-3930, caesarssteakhouse.com
Craft Beer Market
You no longer have to travel to the Beltline to dine at Craft Beer Market – the local chain recently opened its second Calgary location at Southcentre Mall and it’s perfectly situated for a post-shopping visit. In addition to 132 taps (more than 100 of which feature craft beer), the restaurant offers a range of elevated pub fare including shrimp or fish tacos, wings, barbecue beer can chicken sliders, steak sandwiches, burgers, coconut curry shrimp bowls, baby back ribs and more.
Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Rd. S.E., 403-216-2337, craftbeermarket.ca
Crave
While it’s not technically a restaurant, this local bakery is a must-visit if you have a sweet tooth or need a sugary boost to get through the rest of your holiday shopping. From cakes to cupcakes to cookies, there’s a sweet treat for everyone here. Plus, they have tons of special offerings for the holidays – think gingerbread eggnog cupcakes, classic shortbread cookies, gingerbread man sandwich cookies, butter tarts and more.
222, 10816 Macleod Tr. S.E., cravecupcakes.ca
Sushi Ginza Japanese Restaurant
While you can just order off the menu at Sushi Ginza, try sitting at the floating sushi bar for a more unique dining experience. Sushi dishes are placed on little boats that float around the table, letting you grab whatever catches your eye. From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the restaurant also offers lunch specials like bento boxes and tempura, sashimi or sushi combos.
276, 10816 Macleod Tr. S., 403-271-9642, sushiginza.ca