Frost Busters

Indian Infusion

Replacing Marda Loop’s JoJo Bistro this past summer, Rasoi is an Indian-inspired restaurant that serves contemporary cuisine with a twist. The spot is casually upscale, with ornate patterned wallpaper and a comfy banquette. Colourful, beautifully arranged dishes with seasonal and organic ingredients make up a pared-down menu. Start with the pani puri (bite-sized appetizers filled with masala chickpeas, coriander and tomatoes in authentic spices) on tamarind chutney and raita ($7), and steamed Gallo mussels in a savoury coconut curry with naan bread ($14). For mains, choice is limited to a fish, lamb, chicken, beef or vegetable dish. Try the cumin-crusted beef tenderloin with coriander citrus butter and garam masala roasted potatoes and cauliflower puree ($34), or the pan-roasted halibut fillet with amaranth, wilted adult spinach and black lentils ($29). Sweet hereafters include house-made sorbets ($8) and kheer, a chilled saffron rice pudding with fresh mint and dried rose petals ($6). A takeout menu and lunch options are also available. (101, 2215 33 Ave. S.W., 403-246-0082) — Lynda Sea

Comfort Station

For years, red-eyed, just-roused Calgarians have headed along Edmonton Trail to enjoy the great breakfasts served all day in the cool kitschy decor of Diner Deluxe. But don’t forget that after 11 a.m. it serves up “diner fare,” some of the best comfort food outside of your grandmother’s kitchen. Get your snack on with smoked maple salmon nuggets ($8.25) or roasted yam wedges ($6.50). If a sandwich is what you’re craving, try creations like the Alberta beef burger with caramelized onion and jalapeno jack cheese ($9.25), the grilled cheese on rosemary sourdough ($9.25) from the Urban Baker (located right next door) or the seared steelhead trout sandwich ($12). And for main dishes that will warm you from the inside out, try the baked macaroni with sun-dried tomato, basil pesto and white cheddar ($13), or the veal meatloaf with Dijon mashed pota-toes, pan gravy and red pepper jelly ($16). A good bet any time of the day. (804 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-276-5499) — Anthony Charron

All Fired Up

Flames Central, possibly the ultimate sports pub (and a great concert venue), is so massive it actually has a restaurant within it called the Wildfire Grill. Located downtown along Stephen Avenue, it’s open daily for lunch and is a fine spot for the high-rise business set. While you can’t help but look at the theatre-size screen that dominates the room and the slightly over-the-top Flames decor, the food is a step above what you’d find at other sports bars. Start out with an organic spring salad ($8) or ginger beef skewers ($12). Sandwiches include a AAA Black Angus beef burger ($12), a spicy pulled pork, and a grilled chipotle chicken club ($14). Main dishes include orange and cardamon-glazed salmon ($20), grilled chicken carbonara ($17) and pork tenderloin wrapped in double-smoked bacon ($19). (219 8 Ave. S.W., 403-935-2637) — A.C.  

Captain, my Captain

Since opening in 2006, Capo has earned a reputation as one of the top restaurants in the city — and country — for good reason. Step inside the petite, elegant Inglewood dining room of owner/chef Giuseppe Di Gennaro for an exquisite dining experience from start to finish. The menu is best enjoyed by indulging in a three-course feast of Di Gennaro’s Italian food. Start out with a caprese salad with goat cheese, spiced ricotta and Dolce Latte ($16), or a seasonal soup, prepared daily ($14). The in-between pasta choices include the incredible house-made gnocchi with lobster Americaine sauce, black truffle oil and micro greens ($18). Entrees include items like seafood risotto ($39) and a meat trilogy that includes lamb, veal and pork belly ($44). Even though the pricing likely puts it into the special-occasion realm for most, the impeccable food, service and ambience are worth every dollar spent. (4, 1420 9 Ave. S.E., 403-264-2276) — A.C.

Back to Basics

Tucked away off Centre Street N., Wa’s Japanese Restaurant, a longtime Calgary sushi haunt, is easy to miss. But many locals swear by it, and rightfully so. The unassuming exterior and quaint 30-seat dining area belies its tasty selection of traditional and inventive Japanese fare. A massive menu covers everything from cooked appetizers (baked salmon with enoki mushrooms, vegetables and lemon in foil, $14) to salads (daikon salad with julienned Japanese radish and house dressing, $6), tempura (from $6 to $12) and Japanese noodles (kitsune udon, $8). Wa’s highlights are the Stampeder roll (salmon, avocado, shrimp, capelin roe, cucumber and tuna, $9) and Sunrise roll (shrimp tempura, smoked salmon, cucumber and capelin roe with thinly sliced lemon outer layer, $20). Add to that friendly servers and quirky details such as shelled peanuts as chopstick rests and rocket candies in lieu of ordinary mints, it’s a wonder why this place is still so under-hyped. (2, 1721 Centre St. N.W., 403-277-2077) — L.S.

Little Italy

If you’re in the mood for authentic southern Italian-style cooking and jetting off to Sicily isn’t an option, Capriccio offers the requisite charm and flavours with its elegant home-style cuisine. Complimentary bruschetta starts things off, but meatball lovers should follow up with the Agnello (lamb and roasted fennel meatballs braised in tomato basil sauce, $10). For an appetizer to share, try the platter of cured meats, marinated vegetables and selection of cheeses ($15). Pastas include a three-cheese cannelloni stuffed with spinach and veal in tomato sauce ($18), and meaty main entrees range from the saucy Osso Bucco Gremolato (braised veal shanks in a gremolato of parsley, garlic and lemon zest in spicy orzo, $30) to the Filletto di Mignon (grilled tenderloin with roasted red wine demi-glace, peppercorns and gorgonzola, $30). Given that Capriccio’s manager is Cappuccino King’s Vince Izzo, you can’t go wrong with post-dinner coffee (espresso, $2). For dessert, try the tiramisu with marscapone cheese ($8). The dinner rush fills this small restaurant quickly, so make reservations. (2404 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-277-6273) — L.S.