Winner
Kama
Kama’s take on Mediterranean cuisine draws influences from Spain, Greece, North Africa and the Middle East, resulting in a menu of small plates and tapas-style bites that have pleased Calgary foodies since it opened in 2022. Kama’s colourful dining room creates a great ambiance to tuck into dishes like popcorn octopus, Turkish prawns and grits or chicken souvlaki. Stop by after 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday for Nighthawk, Kama’s late-night alter-ego.
211 11 Ave. S.W., 403-266-7062, kamacalgary.com, @kamayyc
Runners-up
Aida’s Bistro
Since 2000, this Mission restaurant has served up traditional dishes from owner Aida Abboud’s home country of Lebanon. In fact, you’ll still find the restaurant’s namesake running the kitchen from time to time. Pop by for classic Lebanese dishes like tabbouli, lamb kabob and share plates piled with hummus, grape leaves, falafel and more. The sweets are all made in-house as well, like baklava or kashtaliey, a milk pudding topped with pistachio and rose water.
2208 4 St. S.W., 403-541-1189, aidasbistro.ca, @aidasbistro
Park By Sidewalk Citizen
While Park By Sidewalk Citizen’s incredible solarium may be the first thing that draws you into this restaurant, the menu of shareable plates — which includes a variety of Mediterranean dishes, grilled skewers and dips — is the main thing that keeps guests coming back. Park also hosts a number of events, such as cooking classes, salons and food talks.
340 13 Ave. S.W., 403-263-2999, parkbysidewalk.com, @parkbysidewalk
Broken Plate
Broken Plate is known for its modern take on traditional Greek food. Favourites like dolmades, tzatziki, lamb sirloin souvlaki and moussaka can all be enjoyed at this Mediterranean dining hub in Willow Park. The baklava cheesecake with mixed berry compote beckons for dessert.
10816 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-225-9650, brokenplate.ca, @brokenplateyyc
Santorini Greek Taverna
This family-owned Greek restaurant has been serving Calgarians fresh, authentic Greek fare for more than 30 years. The welcoming environment makes this a great spot to enjoy some souvlaki, moussaka or even Mediterranean sea bass or bream, which Santorini occasionally flies in from the Mediterranean.
1502 Centre St. N., 403-276-8363, santorinirestaurant.com, @santorinigreektaverna_