Each year, we ask Avenue readers to vote for their favourite restaurants in Calgary in our Best Restaurants readers’ choice ballot. These are some of their favourite places in the city.
Winner
Namo Cafe Bistro
At Namo, you’ll be treated to a menu inspired by flavours from around the globe. Namo’s three locations share a brunch menu with favourites like brunch poutine and delicious twists on classics like an Alberta lamb eggs Benedict. And not everything is savoury, of course. Indulge your sweet tooth with tasty treats like ricotta and orange pancakes or tiramisu waffles. Fun fact: the South location also offers a dinner menu.
Three Calgary locations, namocafebistro.com, @namoyyc
Runners-up
Maven
Maven is a cozy brunch oasis filled with an abundance of plants — in fact, just past the kitchen galley, you’ll find a plant store and café, Maven Plants. On the menu, guests can expect a mix of dishes like the sweet, thick-cut kaya French toast featuring a house-made coconut pandan jam, brunch dishes for big appetites like the Cowboy Brisket Polenta, the warm and comforting Singapore-style pork congee and more.
1006 17 Ave. S.W., 403-457-7898, mavenbrunch.ca, @maven_yyc
Queens Breakfast Cocktails
Queens’ intimate and rustic space is ideal for cozy breakfast dates. Start your day on a luxurious note with a croissant eggs Benedict — the smoked wild salmon and Montreal smoked brisket are both great options. Or if you have a big appetite, consider the signature Queens breakfast, which, along with eggs, sausage and bacon, comes with delectable lemon ricotta pancakes.
3927 Edmonton Tr., 403-764-0878, queensyyc.ca, @queensyyc
OEB Breakfast Co.
With a large menu that offers everything from breakfast poutines, to eggs Benedict, to savoury crepes, the options are endless at this local chain. OEB also accommodates diverse dietary needs — you can find gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan options. The atmosphere is casual and fun, which makes this a great place for brunch with friends.
Multiple locations, eatoeb.com, @oeb_breakfast
Galaxie Diner
Since 1996, this local gem has become known for three things: all-day breakfast, bottomless coffee, toast and hashbrowns, and its breakfast burritos. The casual spot, styled like a classic diner from the ‘40s, is a tiny space nestled between local shops and grocers and its sister establishment, Myhre’s Deli.
1413 11 St. S.W., 403-228-0001, galaxiediner.ca, @galaxiediner
Red’s Diner
With five locations to its name, Red’s Diner has been a Calgary staple for years and is a no-brainer when looking for a great place to get breakfast or brunch dishes that serve a variety of appetites and palettes. From classic breakfast platters to six kinds of eggs Benedict, not to mention waffles, pancakes, soups, sandwiches and more, you can’t go wrong at Red’s.
Multiple locations, redsdiner.com, @redsdineryyc
The Bro’Kin Yolk
Brothers Jeff and Gil Carlos (part of Avenue’s 2021 Top 40 Under 40 class) are the duo behind this farm-to-table concept that has opened locations in Calgary, Edmonton and Canmore with breakfast favourites and Filipino-inspired dishes. On the menu, you’ll find classics like the farmers breakfast, plus tempting creations like apple and cinnamon waffles, the Fili breakfast bowl with longanisa sausage, baked egg frittatas and more.
Three Calgary locations, brokinyolk.ca, @brokinyolk