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
Spiros Pizza & Greek Taverna
Spiros Pizza & Greek Taverna is a popular, family-owned spot that’s been serving tried-and-true Greek bites and specialty pizzas since 1969. Try dishes like the moussaka or Athenian chicken, or opt for pizzas like Annah’s Island (with sweet chili sauce, pineapple and roast chicken) or the meaty Cowboys & Heroes – YYC pizza.
1902 33 St. S.W., 403-685-444, spirospizza.ca, @spirospizzayyc
Runners-up
Cassis Bistro
Cassis Bistro is a little piece of the South of France in the heart of Calgary. The ever-changing menu of French fare features ingredients from local producers, so you can look forward to a fresh and exciting dining experience. Order one of the restaurant’s signature pasta dishes or the popular steak frites featuring Alberta beef striploin.
2505 17 Ave. S.W., 403-262-0036, thecassisbistro.ca, @cassisbistro
Ryuko West
Ryuko West is one of three Ryuko locations across the city. The restaurant showcases Japanese cuisine through impeccably crafted plates of gyu-tako tartare, salmon and hamachi carpaccio, sashimi and more. This location is the only one that offers a Japanese-inspired brunch on weekends, with dishes like an onsen tamago Benedict and a yuzu crème brûlée shokupan to enjoy.
40 Christie Park View S.W., 403-991-3208, ryuko.ca, @ryuko.yyc
Mercato West
Mercato West delivers the ultimate Italian dining experience. Located in West Springs, the restaurant’s open theatre kitchen offers guests an exciting glimpse at the care that goes into the cooking process here. The menu features Italian classics such as the Fiorentina-style steak and tagliatelle pasta paired with an ever-evolving selection of fine Italian wine.
873 85 St. S.W., 403-263-6996, mercatowest.com, @mercatowest
The Himalayan
The Himalayan is a popular destination for authentic Nepali cuisine. Guests can dig into hot plates of basa fish, chicken or paneer roasted in a clay oven, or opt for one of the many meat, seafood, vegetarian or vegan curries available. Save room for mango rice pudding or cassava and coconut cake for dessert.
3218 17 Ave. S.W., 403-984-3384, himalayancuisine.ca
UNA Pizza + Wine
Una’s West Springs location offers all the pizzeria’s beloved favourites. Pop by with some friends or family to enjoy the restaurant’s famous kale Caesar salad and thin crust pizzas like the popular 4-maggi that comes with four cheeses and smothered in Una’s truffle honey.
8529 Broadcast Ave. S.W., 403-453-11833, unapizzeria.com, @unapizzaandwine