Blue Star Diner Huevos Rancheros
Tostados piled high with sunny side eggs, refried beans, avocado, gouda, peppers and a black bean salsa is a big enough breakfast for anybody. Sometimes, the morning doesn’t need to be all bacon and eggs. (809 1 Ave. N.E., 403-261-9998, bluestardiner.ca, @bluestar_yyc)
Cibo Pappardelle
Find your fill in this plate of pasta tossed with buffalo mozzarella, slightly spicy fresno peppers and basil in a san marzano tomato sauce. (1012 17 Ave. S.W., 403-984-4755, cibocalgary.com, @cibocalgary)
The Coup Falafel Quesadillas
You can’t hear “vegetarian” without thinking of this veg-forward eatery on 17th Avenue. Served with tzaziki for dipping, these quesadillas, filled with tons of veggies, hummus, pickles, olives, banana peppers and homemade falafel, will leave you happily full. (924 17 Ave. S.W., 403-541-1041, thecoup.ca, @thecoupcalgary)
Cafe Koi Buddha Burger
Always a great spot for a quick lunch downtown, Koi’s veggie burger is topped with beets, spinach and caramelized onions, making it a refreshing but filling alternative to the multitude of beef burgers in the area. (1011 1 St. S.W., 403-206-1564, cafekoi.com, @koicalgary)
Mango Shiva Malai Kofta
Definitely a step above the traditional Indian fare you’ll find in the city, Mango Shiva delivers a fair amount of vegetarian dishes, including this one made up of potato, carrot and cauliflower paneer dumplings in a fenugreek-accented sauce. (218 8 Ave. S.W., 403-532-8980, mangoshiva.com, @mangoshiva)
Pfanntastic Pannenkoek Haus Cranberry and Feta Pannenkoeken
If you haven’t been to this Calgary brunch institution, it’s high time you went. With more than 40 types of pannenkoeken – think giant, open-faced crepe – available for eating there’s something for everyone. The veg-friendly section includes this variety, loaded with salty feta, sweet cranberries and sauteed spinach. (2439 54 Ave. S.W., 403-243-7757, dutchpancakes.ca)
Shef’s Fiery Kitchen Red Potato Curry
Whether it’s a quick lunch for one or an easy dinner at home kind of night, grab this hearty potato curry from the Calgary Farmers’ Market with some fresh naan to warm you right up. (510 77 Ave. S.E., 403-918-7433, shefsfierykitchen.com, @shefsfiery)