40 New Restaurants That Opened in Calgary in 2015

Calgary’s dining scene got even stronger in 2015.

Charbar was one of the many great restaurants that opened this year. Photograph by Jared Sych

Ace Coffee + Diner

This is the first restaurant in West Springs dedicated to the most important meal of the day: breakfast. Ace Coffee + Diner’s all-day breakfast menu includes items like smoked salmon eggs benedict, a forest mushroom omelette and a breakfast burger, not to mention a selection of smoothies and milkshakes. A few additional lunch dishes are available from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you can’t stay long, grab a pastry and a Phil & Sebastian coffee from its to-go counter.

85 St. and 9 Ave. S.W., 403-475-1788

Analog Coffee

Shoppers at Southcentre Mall can now get their coffee fix at Analog Coffee’s third location. Located on the first floor, Analog serves coffee from Fratello Coffee Roasters and baked goods and sandwiches from Corbeaux Bakehouse. Take it to go as you shop, or grab a seat at the coffee shop.

Southcentre Mall, 100 Anderson Rd. S.E., fratellocoffee.com, @fratelloanalog

Azzurri Pizzeria

This 500-square -foot pizzeria is owned and operated by the team behind La Luna Rossa, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about Italian cuisine. Its traditional Neapolitan pizzas are made with Caputo “00” flour, San Marzano tomato sauce and cooked in a 900 degree brick oven from Naples. Choose from six different pizzas ranging from a traditional margherita pizza to the mediterraneo pizza with tomatoes, olives, anchovies, capers and parmesan cheese.

2404 Edmonton Trail N.E., 403-299-8774, azzurripizzeria.ca, @azzurripizzayyc

The Beltliner

Since opening in late March, The Beltliner has become a popular spot for breakfast and brunch. The modern, casual diner has something for everyone on the menu, from breakfast purists who just want some eggs, bacon and toast to those looking for something a bit different like the lobster eggs benedict. The Beltliner also has a dinner menu and a take out counter for coffee, juice and pastries near the front door.

243 12 Ave. S.W., 587-955-1555, thebeltliner.com, @thebeltliner

Blanco Cantina

This Mexican restaurant is the product of some of the team behind Anejo, another Mexican hot spot in the city. Blanco Cantina’s menu features Mexican staples like tacos, fajitas and quesadillas. There are also half and full pound burritos, which come with fillings choices of pork, chicken, ground beef, pulled beef or veggie. At the bar, you can choose from 50 tequilas and 50 rums, as well as margaritas, bull dogs and a selection of beers.

72 17 Ave. S.W., 403-228-1854, blancocantina.ca, @blancoyyc

Browns Socialhouse

In November, Calgary’s second Browns Socialhouse location opened up beside West Elm in Mount Royal Village. With several large booths and a social table that seats 16, this is a great spot to to catch up with a group of friends over a meal. The large, varied menu includes salads, street tacos, pizzas, burgers, social bowls, sandwiches, pasta and much more. It also serves brunch on weekends.

140, 880 16 Ave. S.W., 403-455-8158, brownssocialhouse.com, @brownssocialize

Burger 320

Burger 320 opened its second location in Kensington. This location is bigger than the first, with seating room for 62. Menu items include its signature burgers, branded with the number 320, and parmigiano garlic fries. Its also added a Belgian waffle and gelato bar. This location is also licensed.

126 10 St. N.W., newfoodorder.com, @burger320

Buttermilk Fine Waffles

This eatery has proven that waffles aren’t just for breakfast. Buttermilk Fine Waffles serves waffles day and night, and has the vibe of a Belgian cafe. Choose from savoury waffles like the H.A.M. with ham, asiago, grana padano and chives, or a sweeter waffle like Rachel’s Cinnamon Bun, which has cinnamon simple syrup, cream cheese frosting and toasted pecans. You can also mix and match two of the existing waffle choices or choose your own waffle toppings.

330 17 Ave. S.W., 403-287-9094

Cannibale

A cozy restaurant in Bridgeland, Cannibale’s small, focused menu features a handful of bar snacks, hot sandwich and salad options, plus a sophisticated drink program. It also has an impressive enclosed patio with a black-brick fireplace and seating room for 30. The restaurant shares its space with a classic barber shop, so you can grab a quick trim here too.

813 1 Ave. N.E., 403-454-5808, cannibale.com, @cannibale_yyc

Charbar

Charbar is the sister restaurant to Charcut, a roast house owned by Connie DeSousa and John Jackson. At Charbar, the pair is joined by executive chef Jessica Pelland, who heads up the Argentinean-inspired menu. While there are several meaty items here, almost half the menu focuses on vegetarian fare, with dishes like fried roman broccoli, a vegetable ceviche and pizza with a sourdough crust from Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. The restaurant is located inside of the newly renovated Simmons Building in East Village, and its rooftop patio offers a great view of the river.

Simmons Building, 618 Confluence Way S.E., 403-452-3115, charbar.ca, @charbar_yyc

The Derrick Gin Mill & Kitchen

The Derrick is located in the space formerly occupied by El Dorado. While there are several drink options, the focus is on gin here. You can even create your own gin and tonic, where you choose from 40 types of gin and different types of Porter’s Tonic, soda and tonic for the mix. The menu is also impressive, featuring items like a glass dome covered smoked beef tartare, elevated fried chicken and a tonic-inspired posset for dessert.

620 8 Ave. S.W., 403-475-7226, thederrickyyc.com, @

Eighth Avenue Trattoria

Eighth Avenue Trattoria (E.A.T. for short) occupies the second floor of Eighth Avenue Place, and strives to embody the vibe of a European street market. The large, open concept space has plenty of seating where you can enjoy the small breakfast menu, a panini and soup selection for lunch, pastries, dessert and hot drinks.

#210 525 8 Ave. S.W., 403-263-9909, eattrattoria.ca, @eattrattoria

Grate & Barrel

This past fall, Grate & Barrel popped up in the space formerly occupied by Mission Diner. The menu featured several grilled cheese sandwiches named after different musical artists and bands, tomato soup and pie milkshakes. It has since closed this location, but fear not; it is opening in a new location some time next year.

@grateandbarrel

Home & Away

The next time there’s a game on, head to Home & Away. This sports-themed restaurant is far from a typical sports pub in both decor and cuisine – old skateboard decks line one of the walls, and you’ll find reclaimed gymnasium floors under your feet. Of course, there are several televisions throughout the restaurant to make sure you don’t miss any of the action. The menu features elevated comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken and more from executive chef Mike Pigot. Don’t leave without trying your hand at the Skeeball and Pop-a-Shot games.

1331 17 Ave. S.W., 403-455-9789, homeandawayyyc.com, @homeandawayyyc

Ikemen Ramen Bar

This Kensington noodle house, which used to be the home of Tandoori Hut, specializes in ramen made with chicken broth instead of the usual pork broth. Along with seven different ramen bowl options, there are several appetizers and sushi options to choose from. Grab one of the many seats in the restaurant, or take your ramen to go.

217 10 St. N.W., 403-452-2148, ikemenramen.ca, @calgaryikemen

Last Best Brewery & Distilling

Located in a brick building with bright yellow doors, you’ll know when you’ve arrived at Last Best Brewery. The brew pub’s interior has plenty of character as well, with exposed brick walls, bulbous chandeliers and a long bar in the middle of the restaurant. Being a brewery, there are 10 Last Best beer taps featuring staples like their IPA and Show Pony beers, and one guest tap. Snack on some classic bar food like chicken wings, burgers and sandwiches, or opt for something a bit more elevated like the bison tartare.

607 11 Ave. S.W., 587-353-7387, lastbestbrewing.com, @lastbestbrew

Lot 102

This restaurant is all about the three Bs: burgers, bourbon and beer. The menu has 12 different burgers, several fry and taco options, salads, sandwiches and more. Bourbon and beer are also well-represented on the drink menu, along with spiked milkshakes, wine and cocktails.

102 10 St. N.W., 403-265-0018

The Mission

One of the last restaurants to open this year, The Mission has taken over the space formerly occupied by Candela, a tapas restaurant that closed this year. Like Blanco Cantina, The Mission was created by some of the team behind Mexican restaurant Anejo. The menu features small plates like lobster tortelloni  and elk carpaccio, and large plates like brome lake duck leg and hanger steak.

1919 4 St. S.W., 403-455-5775, mission4th.ca, @themissionyyc

Native Tongues Taqueria

When Native Tongues Taqueria opened earlier this year, it brought something to Calgary’s dining scene that was sorely missing: taco-focused Mexican cuisine. Single tacos are available with fillings like beef tongue, pork, chorizo or refried beans, all on corn tortillas that are made fresh daily. You can also order sharing platters, which come with filling options like lamb neck, strip loin or grilled octopus. Wash it down with a mezcalgarita, or any of the other great cocktails on the menu.

235 12 Ave. S.W., 403-263-9444, nativetongues.ca, @nativetonguesyyc

Next Door Wine Bar

This Acadia wine bar combines a modern atmosphere with Mediterranean cuisine. Create your own cheese and charcuterie board, try a small plate like the arancini or fried lobster ravioli, or choose from one of the big plates and platters. Being a wine bar, there is of course an extensive list of red, white and sparkling wines.

8330 Macleod Trail S.E., 403-255-1222, nextdoorwinebar.ca

Nice Cream

For ice cream with a molecular twist, look no further than Nice Cream. This ice cream parlour makes your order right in front of you by combining a made-in-house ice cream mix with freezing cold, -196C liquid nitrogen. In a matter of seconds – once the billowy vapour disperses – you have solid ice cream with a very smooth texture. Choose from flavours like Mt. Robson vanilla, salted caramel and Maas chocolate, as well as several topping options. The shop has added belgium waffles and cold drip coffee to their menu as well.

4, 4604 37 St. S.W., 403-454-8868, thenicecream.com

N Burger Sushi Bar/Grassroots Burger Cafe

When N Burger Sushi Bar opened earlier this year, it brought together two very different cuisines – burgers and sushi – under the same roof. Some dishes even combined the two. But at the end of November, it announced it is moving to a larger location and re-opening in 2016. In the meantime, Grassroots Burger Cafe has taken over N Burger Sushi Bar’s former location at 890 4 Ave. S.W. It offer its own selection of burgers and sandwiches, many of which feature grass-fed beef.

@nubsbhq; grassrootsburgercafe.com, @gburgercafe

One18 Empire

This restaurant and whiskey bar has something for everyone at practically any time, with breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus. There’s a great range of options here, from a continental and hot breakfast buffet to plenty of shareable plates. One of its coolest menu items is the Counter 1800 burger deal. Between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the bar, you have 1,800 seconds (30 minutes) to order, eat the burger, pay and leave.

820 Centre Street S.E., 403-269-0299, one18empire.com, @one18empire

Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse

At Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse, dining is truly an experience. Help yourself to the large salad bar in the middle of the restaurant, then sit back at the table as gauchos bring cuts of pork, chicken, beef and lamb directly to you on long metal skewers. Flip the disc at your place setting to green for more food, and to red to make it stop.

521 10 Ave. S.W., 587-354-3441, pampasteakhouse.com, @eatpampayyc

Parc Cafe and Brasserie

Earlier this year, Parc Caf and Brasserie took up residence in the Mount Royal space formerly occupied by Italian restaurant Borgo. This French restaurant is owned by Creative Restaurants Group, who also own local favourites like Bonterra Trattoria, Posto and Cibo. The restaurant offers up authentic and delicious French cuisine, and you can choose from Parc’s selection of French wines to complement your meal.

818 16 Ave. S.W., 403-454-2700

Phil & Sebastian

Phil & Sebastian opened its latest cafe location in the new Simmons Building in East Village. The space will soon act as its new headquarters and roastery as well. The cafe has ample table and bar seating, and the building’s exposed brick walls and rustic wood makes the space feel cozy. Like at its other locations, you can order Phil & Sebastian coffee, tea and choose from a small selection of pastries.

Simmons Building, 618 Confluence Way S.E., 587-353-2268, philsebastian.com, @philandseb

Pie Cloud

Pie Cloud’s location was clearly meant to be – the address matches perfectly with 3.14, the mathematical number for pi. Although the shop has several breakfast and non-pie options on the menu, pies are obviously front and centre here. Choose from hot, savoury pies like the classic chicken pot pie and turkey dinner pie, or opt for a sweeter one like the lemon meringue pie or pecan pie.

314D 10 St. N.W., 403-802-3141, piecloud.ca

Pigeonhole

This new restaurant is determined to not be cornered into any one type of cuisine – hence the name. Justin Leboe, also the chef/owner of Model Milk, is at the helm of Pigeonhole, where the focus is on sharing plates served on antique dishware. Grab a few friends and indulge in dishes like the charred cabbage or rabbit mortadella while taking in the mid-century modern decor. Or grab a drink at the bar, which is manned by David Bain and made of reclaimed marble from a heritage bank in Edmonton.

306 17 Ave. S.W., 403-452-4694, pigeonholeyyc.ca, @pigeonholeyyc

PRLR Lounge

Located underneath the Oak Tree Tavern in Kensington, this cocktail bar (pronounced Parlour Lounge) embraces a speakeasy vibe with its leather booths, vintage mirrors and moody lighting. Take a seat at the bar and try a Tramp Stamp cocktail, or a dish like the Ploughman’s Lunch.

124 10 St. N.W., 403-455-2452

Proof

Considering that Proof is owned by the owners of Vine Arts Wines & Spirits and two Calgary mixologists, it’s not surprising that this new cocktail bar and restaurant knows how to make a mean drink. The 60-seat space is split into a bar area on one side and a restaurant seating area on the other. The menu has several bar snack and small plate options, including gougeres, pickled shrimp cocktail and pork belly steam buns. Wash them down with one the many cocktail options, which come in a range of spirits and styles.

1302 1 St. S.W., 403-246-2414, proofyyc.com, @proofyyc

Re:Grub

If you’re looking for Re:Grub, just look for the giant mural of the friendly YYC Monster to the left of the store’s entrance. Then head inside to the made-from-scratch interior, which has chipboard seats, a wall made from roof shingles and wind turbine lights. Re:Grub’s menu includes several inventive burgers (appropriate, given that Re:Grub is burger spelt backwards), milkshakes made with Fiasco Gelato and a few fry options.

625 11 Ave. S.W., 587-438-9358, @regrub_love

Rodney’s Oyster House

To get your seafood fix, go to Rodney’s Oyster House. Oysters are a staple of this 315-seat restaurant, while other seafood options include two types of clam chowder, fish and chips, lobster rolls and more. Rodney’s also has a Bait and Tackle store just around the corner from its main entrance where you can get some menu items to go during some of the year.

355 10 Ave. S.W., 403-460-0026, rodneysoysterhousecalgary.com, @rodneyscalgary

Sassi Kitchen & Bar

Sassi Kitchen & Bar opened in Mission in late fall. Large chandeliers, white countertops and eye-catching wall murals make for an impressive space. The menu fuses local ingredients with European-inspired dishes, featuring soups, salads, pizza, pasta, meaty entrees and more.

2004 4 St. S.W., 403-452-4642, sassi.ca

Sauce Italian Kitchen & Market

At Sauce Italian Kitchen & Market, you’ll find it all – a bakery, deli, market and restaurant all in one space. Pick up a sandwich and bowl of soup for lunch at the deli, a cappuccino from the cafe or take a seat to enjoy the full lunch and dinner menu.

3326 17 Ave. S.W., 403-727-7627, sauceitalianmarket.com, @saucecalgary

Sidewalk Citizen Bakery

Sidewalk Citizen’s second location joined Charbar and Phil & Sebastian in the Simmons Building in East Village this past summer. Along with a display case full of fresh-baked pastries, breads and salads, you can order a sandwich, pita or pizza. Take your food to go or grab a seat at one of the tables inside or outside depending on the weather.

Simmons Building, 618 Confluence Way S.E., 403-457-2245, sidewalkcitizenbakery.com, @avivfried

Suzette Bistro

Owned and operated by the founders of Cassis Bistro, Suzette Bistro brings the flavours of North of France to the Mission neighbourhood. The French bistro is perhaps best known for its savoury galettes (the Paysanne, for instance, features bacon, roasted potate and sauted mushrooms) and sweet crepes (try the Suzette, which features orange juice and flambed Grand Marnier). But there are also salads, pasta, fish and chicken dishes on the menu.

2210 4 St. S.W., 403-802-0036, bistrosuzette.ca, @suzettebistro

Tuk Tuk Thai

Tuk Tuk Thai touts itself as being “fast and flavourful,” and it certainly is that. At this Thai eatery on 17th Ave., start off with some spring rolls and a pink lemonade while your pad thai, cashew chicken or beef masman curry are being prepared. There are a few seats inside the restaurant, or get your food for takeout.

636 17 Ave. S.W., 403-455-0999, tuktukthai.com, @eattuktukthai

Village Flatbread Co.

At Village Flatbread Co., all the pizzas are made with – you guessed it – flatbread. But what’s most interesting about the restaurant is that the menu items are named after Calgary neighbourhoods. There’s a Brentwood bruschetta, a Ramsay salad bowl and flatbread pizzas named after Inglewood (with tomato sauce, feta, tomato and cilantro) and Britannia (with honey chipotle BBQ sauce, mozzarella, mushroom, sweet bell peppers, pineapple and basil), to name a few. Find out which neighbourhood matches your taste buds. Food is available for take out and delivery.

2511 17 Ave. S.W., 403-888-1200, myvillageyyc.com, @myvillageyyc

Whitehall

Whitehall opened in Bridgeland in late 2015 in the space formerly occupied by Il Sogno. Michelin-starred chef Neil McCue is behind the contemporary British menu here, which features dishes with British flavours and ingredients like black pudding and mackeral, as well as classic items like Eccles cakes. Add the cheese biscuits Whitehall makes daily and the house-churned butter that accompanies the bread and you have all the makings of a great British feast.

24 4 St. N.E., 587-349-9008

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