Winner – Purlieu
One of Calgary’s best new restaurants last year, Purlieu’s small yet mighty menu of modern bistro fare offers something for everyone. Head to Oakridge to try delicious dishes like pan-fried chicken dumplings, mussels and fries, bison meatloaf and honey thyme roasted Cornish hen.
14, 3109 Palliser Dr. S.W., 403-280-7474, purlieucalgary.ca, @purlieuyyc
2nd – Himalayan
Located in Killarney, Himalayan’s warm and cozy dining space is a great spot to tuck into Nepali curries, stir-fries, steamed dumplings and more. For a little bit of everything, try the dal bhat plate featuring traditional lamb, chicken or paneer curry with saffron rice and bread.
3218 17 Ave. S.W., 403-984-3384, himalayancuisine.ca
3rd – Empire Provisions Café + Deli
Owners Karen Kho and Dave Sturies have created a two-in-one destination with their Haysboro cafe and deli. Along with a cafe menu, Empire Provisions has everything you need for a great meal at home thanks to the wide selection of butcher meat products like sausages and burgers, sauces, snacks, prepared meals and dinner boxes.
8409 Elbow Dr. S.W., 403-244-0570, empireprovisions.com, @empireprovisions
4th – Cassis Bistro
You can visit France without leaving Calgary thanks to Cassis Bistro, which serves up delicious French fare by chef Dominique Moussu. For something special you can enjoy at home, consider the restaurant’s French Essentials Series, which features a three-course French dinner (there’s a new menu each week) that you can pickup or have delivered.
105, 2505 17 Ave. S.W., 403-262-0036, thecassisbistro.ca, @cassisbistro
5th (tie) – Mercato West
Mercato West is ideal for urban family dining as its dishes of Italian comfort food are all designed for two or more people. The menu features family-size dishes of antipasti, pastas, meat and fish dishes and more. Mercato West also has a market area where you can grab takeaway meals and ingredients for home.
873 85 St. S.W., 403-263-6996, mercatowest.com, @mercatowest
5th (tie) – Vin Room
Visit Vin Room’s West Springs location for the expansive selection of wine and mix of small and large plates ranging from pork belly lettuce wraps to chicken karaage don. For those staying close to home, Vin Room also offers a “date night in” menu for pickup and delivery.
8561 8A Ave. S.W., 587-353-8812, vinroom.com, @vinroomyyc