Calgary’s culinary scene is constantly in flux. From new restaurants opening and others closing, to new menus and concepts, there’s a lot to keep track of. We’ve got you covered with a weekly recap of what’s new and notable in Calgary’s food scene.
Two Calgary women named winners at the Food Industry Award from Skip
For the second year, Skip, in partnership with the Women’s Executive Network (WXN), has honoured women leaders changing the food industry through The Food Industry Awards, presented as part of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ Awards. Two Calgary women are part of the 2025 list: Adebola Esan, founder of Flavours Restaurant, was recognized for her leadership in building community through food by creating a place that celebrates West African culture and cuisines, and Kristen Kayfish, district manager of Costa Vida Canada, is recognized for her leadership in innovation, helping create rapid growth through four locations by building trust, empowerment and belonging in her teams.
An annual holiday pop-up bar is opening soon
Miracle is a pop-up series that opens during the holiday season at bars across Canada. This year, the pop-up is partnering with Proof for Miracle on 1st Street, which is launching on November 14. During the pop-up, Proof will be decorated in Christmas decor and serving holiday-themed drinks in special holiday glasses, like the Candy Cane Lane cocktail served inside of a ceramic unicorn mug.
More Recent Food News
October 2025
Heavily Redacted, previously invitation-only, is now open to the public
Heavily Redacted, previously a private owners’ lounge underneath FinePrint restaurant, has recently become open to the public — albeit with limited reservations. Guests who would like to visit the lounge, which features rare spirits, cocktails and a no-photos policy (making for a private experience), can now book through the FinePrint website. Reservations are made available each week, and are open Thursday through Saturday from 7 p.m. to late.
New Italian sandwich spot Fenoma Kitchen opens
Sandwich fans can now order pick up or delivery from Fenoma Kitchen, a new spot specializing in sandwiches made with schiacciata bread. Fenoma’s sandwiches include options like the Romana made with porchetta, gorgonzola spread, fresh mozzarella, grilled zucchini and more. Fenoma Kitchen is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and orders can be placed online.
Monogram Coffee’s Benjamin Put competed at the 2025 World Barista Championship
Benjamin Put is co-owner of Mongram Coffee and one of the best baristas in the world — he’s placed among the top competitors at the World Barista Championship (WBC) four times and has won the Canadian National Barista Championships seven times. Put recently took home third place at the 2025 WBC in Milan, marking his fifth championship placement. Put competed against 50 other international champions in a competition that is as much about performance as it is about the coffee. Put’s performance was a reflection on his career, community and those who have helped him become the barista champion he is today.
Chef Nicole Gomes opens a new airport restaurant
Nicole Gomes, known for Calgary’s Cluck N Cleaver restaurants and competing on Food Network’s Top Chef Canada, has opened a new restaurant in YYC Calgary International Airport. Located in Terminal C, Wander Kitchen & Bar brings a globally-inspired menu made with seasonal ingredients, perfect for travellers on the go. Dishes range from quick morning bites like the Breakfast Sammie to larger meals like house-made Italian meatballs, a Green Goddess salad or the Wander burger.
Alloy is hosting Black Fox Distillery for a special cocktail tasting menu
On October 22, Alloy and Black Fox Distillery, a gin and whisky distillery from Saskatchewan, are coming together to host A Journey Through Taste. The event includes a five-course tasting menu from the Alloy team paired with original cocktails showcasing Black Fox’s award-winning spirits.
Eat Indo-Portuguese food at the Dish the Fish event at SunnyCider
Ayo Paixao is an Indo-Portuguese food catering service that opened in 2024. This month, owners and chefs Angie D’souza and Yohann Louis are whipping up a coastal feast to showcase their offerings. Hosted at SunnyCider on October 25, the event features four gluten-free dishes as part of a set menu. For $35, tuck into flavourful curries like green masala prawn curry and Goan fish curry with rice, as well as a Portuguese egg custard for dessert. Only two seatings are available, so act fast to purchase tickets to reserve your spot.
Crave Cupcakes now ships its mini cupcakes across Canada
Snacking on locally baked goods just got even easier. Crave Cupcakes now ships its mini cupcakes to B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, within seven days. With a minimum order of $50, you can mix and match flavours like the iconic “Crave-o-licious” with seasonal picks like apple caramel (only available until November 1) to create a choose-your-own box, or select from pre-prepared flavour boxes like the Craving of the Month, pink minis and more.
Local company Cubbi wins $100,000 at Foodtech Frontier Awards
On October 1, the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) revealed its list of 35 award-winning companies for its inaugural Foodtech Frontier Awards, recognizing companies that are innovating in the areas of sustainability, food security, health and supply chain efficiency. Cubbi, an all-in-one food service platform that helps to manage lunch, catering, snacks and other food benefits for businesses and their employees, was awarded $100,000 to help grow its operations and impact.
Chef Darren MacLean recognized at The Best Chef Awards 2025
Chef Darren MacLean (of Eight, Shokunin and Nupo) was recently recognized as one of the best chefs in the world at The Best Chef 2025 awards in Milan on October 1 and 2. MacLean is among 15 other Canadian chefs recognized and is the only Calgary chef on the list.
A monthly dining series inspired by explorer David Thompson returns
At Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown, newly appointed executive chef Macknel Lawrence leads the second edition of the David Thompson Chef’s Table Culinary Experience. Inspired by explorer David Thompson, the menu combines Canadian regional cuisine, storytelling and cocktails in a five-course immersive dinner featuring dishes like cold water shrimp bisque and confit duck with sweet corn crema. Tickets are currently available for upcoming dinners on October 25 and November 15.
MasterChef Canada’s latest season features a Calgary contestant
Season eight of MasterChef Canada premiered on October 2, and the new season features Calgary’s own Bhu Chana, a local high school teacher and member of Madhuban Performing Arts performing group. After the special premiere, tune in on Tuesday nights starting October 14 on CTV to cheer on the Calgary home chef all the way to the end.
September 2025
Try Halloween-inspired cocktails at Ricardo’s Nightmare Before Christmas pop-up
Ricardo’s Hideaway is getting in the Halloween spirit with the return of its Nightmare Before Christmas pop-up from October 1 to November 2. During the pop-up, the Concorde Entertainment Group restaurant will be decorated in spooky decor and will be serving up Halloween-themed drinks. If you love all things Halloween, this is a great opportunity to don your favourite costume and indulge in some creative cocktails.
YYC Pizza Fest is back with creative pizzas for a good cause
There’s no better time to go out for a pizza than during YYC Pizza Fest. From September 26 to October 13, participating restaurants are offering special pizza creations with part of the proceeds going to support Calgary Meals on Wheels. Check out this year’s list of participating restaurants and the pizzas they’ll be making during the festival.
Calgary is getting a new Latin American-Japanese restaurant
Orijins is a new tapas restaurant helmed by chef Francis Martinez (formerly of FinePrint) that combines Japanese and Latin American food in a style inspired by Nikkei cuisine. Nikkei cuisine originated in Peru and was created by Japanese immigrants. The food at Orijins is inspired by this, combining Japanese sensibilities and techniques with Latin American ingredients and flavours. The restaurant’s grand opening is on September 30.
Untitled Champagne Lounge launches a new menu with Champagne pairings
Untitled Champagne Lounge is going through a bit of a refresh, and has launched some new menu programs and deals to check out. On Thursdays, Untitled offers its “Champagne Fling,” which features a rotating flight of sparkling wines from around the world for $20, with food pairings available for $30. There’s also a new food menu with items like foie gras doughnuts and duck croquettes. Untitled puts a lot of effort into its cocktails, so it’s also added a new QR code menu complete with stories and pictures for all of the cocktails to showcase the extensive offerings.
Globefish opens new location with solo dining booths
Globefish Sushi & Izakaya kicked off the soft opening of its fourth and newest restaurant location in Seton at the beginning of September. The restaurant has tons of booth and table seating options, but its most interesting option is an elevated bar seating area where each seat has been sectioned off on the sides to create individual dining booths. The next time you’re dining solo and craving some ramen, this is the place to try.
Feast on Fourth returns with $10 dining deals
If you love a good dining deal (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t), then this is the event for you. From September 24 to 28, Feast on Fourth highlights $10 dishes from select restaurants located along 4th Street S.W. Snack on donair egg rolls from Blowers & Grafton, butter chicken from Elephant & Castle, a cheese and charcuterie plate from Peasant Cheese and more. Some dishes are only available for dine-in service, some are only available for takeaway and some are available for both.
Pizza Culture Napoletana takes a big international win
Pizza Culture Napoletana is a big player in Calgary’s pizza scene thanks to the quality of its ingredients and commitment to showcasing traditional Napoletana-style pizza. The pizzeria recently took home a big win cementing that status — at the 2025 50 Top Pizza awards, Pizza Culture was ranked 81st in the world (the highest and only Canadian pizzeria that made the list). This huge achievement by founder Jeremy Hube and the restaurant team puts Calgary on the culinary map even more.
State & Main opens its third Calgary location in Uxborough
This Canadian chain restaurant first opened in 2012 and has since expanded across the country with more than 25 locations. The new Uxborough location marks the third in Calgary, with a spacious patio that seats over 100 people. Stop by the new restaurant for a variety of pub-style dishes like burgers, bowls and appies, as well as some excellent happy hour deals.
Way of Normal wins award for design of Calgary’s Blue Rock Swim Club
Calgary interior design studio Way of Normal is behind the look of many popular restaurants including Class Clown Hamburgers, Pat & Betty, Prickett Richard and more. Recently, the studio has been getting lots of attention for its work on Calgary bar Blue Rock Swim Club. The studio won a 2025 INT Interior Design Award in the “Commercial – Hospitality – Bars / Bars” category for its work on the subterranean bar below South Block Barbecue & Brewing Co. The space was also shortlisted for a Restaurant & Bar Design Award in the “Standalone” regional category, with the results to be revealed in late October.
Two new restaurants open in Dragon City Mall
Head to Dragon City Mall in Chinatown to try one of the new dining spots that have recently opened there. Baekban 1988 has been serving tasty Korean fare since mid-July, while Chinese dessert spot Sweet Together launched its soft opening phase at the end of August.
New bakeries are popping up around Calgary
If you love a flaky croissant or decadent slice of cake, you’re not alone. And thankfully, there has been no shortage of new bakeries popping up around the city this summer. Some of the most recent additions include Crave’s new Hillhurst location and Poésie Co on the main Kensington strip. Earlier this summer, the city also welcomed the arrival of Millo Millo in Glenbrook, Sugar Stream in Marda Loop and new downtown locations for Mari Bakeshop and Hey Sugar.
Kinton Ramen opens its third Calgary location
This Toronto-based ramen chain has been expanding into the Calgary market and recently opened its third location in University Heights. Stop by for a variety of chicken, beef, pork and vegetarian ramen options, as well as sides like karaage, takoyaki, donburi and more.
A popular Fresh & Local Market & Kitchens stall closes
The J Spot was a popular stall inside Fresh & Local Market & Kitchens at Avenida Village that served up a bevy of worldly cuisine in the form of burgers, poutines, bowls and more. The J Spot recently shared on social media that its eatery at this location is now closed. Not to worry, though — the owners are also the team behind Aloha Modern Kitchen (which offers tasty bites of Hawaiian cuisine), so you can still get a taste of their food.
August 2025
Prasátko announces a new pop-up date
Held at The Prairie Emporium, Prasátko is a pop-up by cookbook author and local food expert Dan Clapson that features a Czech-inspired menu with a contemporary twist. This iteration runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on September 6 for dinner and 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on September 7 for lunch. The menu includes new dishes like grilled camembert, tomato and peach salad, a Czech-style beef tartare and open-faced sandwiches, as well as staple dishes like pickled camembert, a sausage platter and a Czech potato salad. Prasátko is also serving homemade lemonades in different flavours (also available in alcoholic versions).
Crave Cupcakes opens a new bakery and café
Crave Cupcakes has been a Calgary staple for a long time, offering cupcakes, cookies and other sweet treats. After recently closing its flagship location on Kensington Road, the local bakery opened a new location in Hillhurst on August 27 that serves all the Crave favourites. The new spot also introduces the company’s new coffee concept called Cece’s Coffee right beside it, which serves Monogram coffee and sweet bites like brioche cinnamon buns, muffins and more.
Prosperity Bar and Francine’s are hosting a tropical pop-up
On August 30 and 31, Prosperity Bar and Francine’s (a former pop-up with a brick-and-mortar spot on the way) are hosting special collaboration dinners. From 5 p.m. until late, head to Prosperity Bar for Club Paradis: A Tropical Soirée, which will feature tropical cocktails, frozen pineapple mugs, late-night happy hour deals and Francine’s’ specialty Château Blanc steam burgers (inspired by White Castle burgers, but much, much better).
Coke Canada Bottling partners with Green Calgary to create rain barrels
The Calgary manufacturing facility for Coke Canada Bottling has partnered with Green Calgary (an urban environmental charity) to help Calgarians save water. Coke Canada has donated more than 400 empty barrels formerly filled with concentrated syrups to be recycled into rain barrels. The rain barrels can be purchased at Golden Acres Home & Garden Centre and will help Calgarians maintain their gardens while saving on water consumption. Those who have purchased rain barrels can further save money by applying for The City’s rain barrel rebate program.
Participating Concorde restaurants are offering summer deals for the rest of August
For Concorde’s Endless Summer event, the restaurant group is offering deals on food and drinks from August 11 to 31. Head to its participating restaurants for deals like $6 ahi tuna crudo and $8 spritzes and highballs at Barbarella Bar, $8 coconut coolers and $5 hot dog baos at Lulu Bar, and $8 martinis and Tom Collins and $15 Hokkaido scallop crudo at Major Tom. Check out the full list of deals on Concorde’s website.
Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. is celebrating its seventh birthday
Eighty-Eight is one of Calgary’s most iconic craft breweries, and on August 23, it’s celebrating its seventh birthday. Mark the occasion by heading to Eighty-Eight for a party in the parking lot from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Share a few pints, grab a pizza from Portland Street Pizza and listen to DJs pumping tunes all day long.
Zero Issue Brewing closes its doors
For eight years, Zero Issue Brewing has been delighting Calgarians as one of the most unique breweries in the city, offering a wide lineup of beers like the Nemesis IPA and Innsmouth Cherry Tangerine Sour. Zero Issue recently shared on social media that it has closed its doors for good, paying homage to its past and present brews through some very clever wordplay. This is a big loss that will surely be felt in Calgary’s beer scene.
The Cultural Chef Exchange brings chef Garam Park to Calgary
The Cultural Chef Exchange dining series is the brainchild of chef Darren MacLean (of Shokunin, Eight and Nupo) in partnership with Food Tourism Strategies. The dining series is back again, bringing one of Seoul’s rising culinary stars, Garam Park from Dresden Green, to Calgary for the collaborative dining series. On August 15 at Shokunin and August 16 at Eight, MacLean and Park will be hosting special dinners that fuse Park’s delicate Korean dishes with MacLean’s Canadian-focused Japanese cuisine.
SAIT celebrates 75 years of hospitality and tourism
SAIT’s School of Hospitality and Tourism is a big part of what makes Calgary’s culinary landscape what it is — the program feeds many of the city’s restaurants with the chefs and food service professionals that will be the industry’s future leaders. The School of Hospitality and Tourism is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and has some big plans in the works. The Highwood Kitchen & Bar, the student-run restaurant, has been under construction for a while, and construction is nearly finished, giving the students a renewed space to practice their skills. Plans have also begun for a Banff Hospitality & Tourism campus.
Alberta on the Plate returns
Alberta on the Plate is one of Alberta’s biggest dining festivals, with participating restaurants offering a multi-course, set menu dining experience or special menu items, all highlighting Alberta’s bountiful ingredients. The festival returns from August 8 to 17, with 39 Calgary area restaurants participating this year including River Café, Bar Chouette and more.
Dave’s Hot Chicken lands in Calgary with two new locations
L.A. born Dave’s Hot Chicken is a popular spot for Nashville hot chicken across the U.S., and the chain recently made its Calgary debut with two new locations opening here within the last month. The chain opened its first location in East Hills on July 3 and a second Beacon Hill location opened on August 8. Dave’s serves up chicken sandwiches and tenders available in seven heat levels (be forewarned that anything past mild is very hot), as well as sides like fries, mac and cheese and coleslaw. Dave’s is also planning to open another location in Willow Park in 2025.
215 409 E. Hills Blvd., 825-540-9377; 11588 Sarcee Trail N.W., daveshotchicken.com
Correction: This story has been edited to reflect that Orijin’s draws inspiration from Latin American cuisine, not strictly Peruvian.
