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
Paper Lantern
A literal hidden gem, this Vietnamese cocktail bar is discreetly tucked away in the basement of a building in Chinatown. Once you find it, snack on shrimp crackers or beef carpaccio, or dig into dishes like pineapple stir-fry, pork belly skewers or crispy crepes, all while sipping refreshing cocktails like the Pandan Pain Killer.
115 2 Ave. S.E., 403-457-7765, paperlantern.ca, @paperlanternyyc
Runners-up
Golden Bell
Calgarians have been popping into this Vietnamese restaurant for satisfying meals since 2002. The next time you’re at any of the locations on 17th Avenue S.W., in Bridgeland or on Richmond Road, try the sate beef noodle soup, deep-fried pork spring rolls or shrimp salad rolls, which are all listed as favourites on the menu.
Three Calgary locations, goldenbell.ca, @goldenbellrestaurant
Môt Tô
Offering a modern twist on shareable Vietnamese cuisine, Một Tô is a banh mi and pho bar brought to us by the team behind Pho Dau Bo. Guests can tuck into dishes like the pho grilled cheese, crab and pork tomato soup, roasted bone marrow, vermicelli and more.
1609 Centre St. N.W., 825-910-8488, mottovietnamese.com, @mottoyyc
Phở Chú Thể
This family-owned-and-operated restaurant has been around for more than a decade and is known for its cozy atmosphere and comforting bowls of pho. The menu is extensive and covers all the favourites like banh mi, vermicelli, rice plates and a wide variety of pho at both locations.
4633 Macleod Trail, 403-457-3455; 1830, 80 Mahogany Road S.E., 403-457-3410, phochuthe.ca, @phochutheyyc
Nhớ Saigòn
With almost two decades in business and hundreds of positive Google reviews to its name, this well-known Beltline eatery is sure to hit the spot the next time you’re craving Vietnamese cuisine. Try menu items like the beef saté soup and the salted Vietnamese coffee.
1411 17 Ave S.W., 403-246-1388, nhosaigon.ca, @nhosaigonrestaurant
