Cactus Club
With an upscale casual menu designed by acclaimed chef Rob Feenie, very prompt and professional service and ample seating in the lounge, restaurant and patio, this eatery off Barlow Trail N.E. is perfect for a casual, comfortable lunch.
2612 39 Ave. N.E., 403-250-1120, cactusclubcafe.com
Misai Japanese
If you like sushi, you’ll appreciate this northeast gem that serves several lunch combos at very reasonable prices, as well as the usual sushi-restaurant suspects – rolls, gyoza, noodle dishes and tempura. The fish is consistently fresh and the traditional-style ambience is clean and comfortable.
1915 32 Ave. N.E., 403-250-1688
Pizza Brew
This very casual pub is adjacent to the Minhas Micro Brewery and features pizza (duh!), a full selection of beer-battered appies, sandwiches and salads, plus Minhas beers on tap – all at very good prices. Try the four-beer sampler – for nine bucks, it’s a great conversation-starter.
1314 44 Ave. N.E., 403-695-3706, minhasbrewery.com/pizzabrew, @minhasmicrobrew
Skyharbour Grill
Located in the Best Western Port O’ Call, Skyharbour offers an excellent buffet with healthy, locally sourced selections that will give you a new appreciation for buffet dining thanks to the high-tech heating and cooling stations. Its contemporary, mid-scale decor hits that sweet spot between not too fancy and not too casual.
1935 McKnight Blvd. N.E., 403-291-4600
Thai Boat Restaurant
If you love Thai food (and who doesn’t?), this restaurant serves some of the best traditional Thai food in the city, and its location in the northeast makes it especially attractive if either you or your guests are staying near the airport. Wednesday is lunch buffet day – it’s very popular and also very busy, so, if you’re after someplace quiet, avoid it that day.
2323 32 Ave. N.E., 403-291-9887, thaiboatrestaurant.ca