6A Snack Bar
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Specializing in Asian street food, 6A Snack Bar opened its doors in Thorncliffe on June 1. Go with a group of friends to try as many of the menu snacks as possible, which includes deep fried buns, fish balls, special rice rolls, imitation shark fin soup, chicken schnitzel, deep fried tofu and more. Complete your meal with a bubble tea in a classic, lightbulb or panda cup.
10B, 6219 Centre St. N.W., 587-351-0822, 6a-snack-bar.business.site/
The Alley
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The Alley, a popular bubble tea chain based in Taiwan, opened its first Alberta location in Calgary’s Chinatown area in June. Can’t decide what to order? You can’t go wrong with popular drinks like the Royal No.9 milk tea, Deerioca Fever with tapioca pearls soaked in brown sugar lava and the Apple of My Eye drink.
233 Centre St. S.W., the-alley.ca
The Allium
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When The Allium opened in the Beltline this past summer, it quickly set itself apart with its plant-based fare and its operational model as a worker cooperative. Most of the dishes on the vegetarian menu are vegan and/or gluten-free, or can be made that way upon request. Expect small plates of heirloom tomatoes, sourdough jalapeno pretzels and esquites, as well as large plates of mushroom spaetzli and za’atar buckwheat polenta. Visit the restaurant’s bright, plant-filled space for dinner from Tuesday to Sunday and or check out its recently launched weekend brunch.
Read more: Worker Cooperative Restaurant The Allium Opens in the Beltline
211A 12 Ave. S.W., 403-264-5416, theallium.ca
Allora
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Allora, one of the newest Vintage Group restaurants, brings locally-minded and freshly made Italian fare to southwest Calgary. Allora opened in Redwater Rustic Grille’s former space in the Aspen Landing Shopping Centre and sums up its menu as “local, handmade, or directly imported from Italy.” The Italian menu features house made ricotta, proscuitto di parma, five kinds of pizza and desserts like tiramisu and mascarpone cheesecake. The pasta is a particular standout at Allora — be sure to try the carbonara.
Read more: Allora Serves House-Made Pasta and Limoncello in Aspen Woods
114, 326 Aspen Glen Landing S.W., 403-686-6731, allorarestaurant.com
Alvin’s Jazz Club
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Jazz music, elevated comfort food, a 1930s vibe — you can experience it all at Alvin’s Jazz Club. This new restaurant and live music venue opened in Headquarters’ former space in Mahogany’s Westman Village on December 1. Enjoy modern comfort food like prawn cocktail, braised short rib Wellington, beef stroganoff ravioli, steak and more while listening to live jazz performances each weekend.
176 Mahogany Centre S.E., 403-313-1051, alvinsjazzclub.com
Ami Tea
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You can get a bubble tea and a Vietnamese sub all in one spot at Ami Tea & Sub, which opened in early 2019. Along with nearly 100 drink options, the shop serves several subs with fillings ranging from satay beef and chicken to vegan sausage.
128 2 Ave. S.E., 587-877-9999, amiteacanada.com
Analog
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Local coffee shop Analog Coffee now has six locations around Calgary after opening its newest location in Mahogany’s Westman Village on February 18. Sarah Ward Interiors designed the new coffee shop, which is Analog’s biggest one yet with 40 seats. Like its other locations, this one serves coffee from Fratello Coffee Roasters and snacks like baked goods. However, this new location is also licensed, which means you can treat yourself to a beer or glass of wine as well.
Westman Village, 102 Mahogany Centre. S.E., 403-910-5973, analogcoffee.ca
Annabelle’s Kitchen
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This Italian restaurant in Marda Loop is by the teams behind Blink and Bar Annabelle. The dining space was designed by McKinley Burkart, offering a bright, warm space to settle in for a hearty Italian meal of mozzarella fritta, buffalo mozzarella, pizza, ravioli, olive oil cake and more.
574 Garrison Gate S.W., 403-454-0268, annabelleskitchen.ca
Annex Adult Soda Shop
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If boozy sodas and burgers sound like the perfect combination, this is the place for you. A collaboration between Annex Soda Mfg. (Annex Ale Project‘s sister company) and Lil’ Empire (of Empire Provisions), the city’s first adult soda shop celebrated its grand opening on September 12, 2019. The new space, designed by Fort Architecture, offers beer, boozy soda drinks, non-alcoholic sodas, cheesy fries, burgers and more.
4323 1 St. S.E., annexsodas.com
Baked 3.14
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This new pizzeria opened its doors in Killarney in mid-May. Baked 3.14 offers all its pizzas with either regular or vegan toppings and offers gluten-free dough. Aside from pizza, the eatery offers Caesar salad, cheese or garlic breads and dessert dough balls. This spot is also home to Charcuterie vegan deli.
3315 26 Ave. S.W., 403-242-4432, baked314.com
Bar Patricia
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Bar Patricia first opened its doors this past summer and celebrated its grand opening in October. Pop into the downtown eatery for some tacos, sliders, weekend brunch, cocktails and more. If you want to keep the festivities going, head downstairs to the Infinity Ultra Lounge entertainment venue for drag performances, DJ music, dancing and more.
811 1 St. S.W., facebook.com
The Black Sheep
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This French patisserie and coffee shop was one of the first new spots to open in 2019. Black Sheep is particularly well known for its croissants featuring its housemade jams, though you can’t go wrong with one of the madeleines or a kouign amann either. Wash it all down with some coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
140, 815 17 Ave. S.W., black-sheep.ca
Brüch Bar
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This kombucha brewery and bar makes its own alcoholic and non-alcoholic kombucha right inside of its space in Eau Claire Market. Grab a seat at the bar to try flavours like ginger and raspberry on their own or in craft cocktails, all while snacking on a charcuterie board, some baked brie or a Mediterranean platter.
Eau Claire Market, 200 Barclay Parade S.W., facebook.com
Cafe & Mi
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Cafe & Mi is Calgary’s second cat cafe. Guests can grab a bite and play with the cats in a separate room that looks into the cafe area. The cats come from the Alberta Animal Rescue Society and are available for adoption. The food menu features eggs Benedict, smoothie bowls, hot sandwiches, dessert waffles and more. Coffee, tea, iced drinks and bubble tea round out the menu.
1134, 12 Royal Vista Way N.W., 403-375-4611, cafeandmi.com
Cafe Wisk
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Whether you’re on the keto diet, trying to cut back on carbs or just looking for a new lunch spot, you can now check out Wisk Cafe in Inglewood. The low-carb/keto cafe celebrated its grand opening in Burger 320’s former Inglewood space on November 25, 2019. Along with coffee, drinks and soup, the menu mainly focuses on paninis and “leanbacks,” which are like cream-filled doughnuts. Not only is everything five net carbs or less, but the menu is also grain-, gluten-, soy- and sugar-free.
1314 9 Ave. S.E., cafewisk.ca
Calgary Heritage Roasting Company
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Launched by former wildland firefighters and friends Mike Wenzlawe and Jamie Parker, Calgary Heritage Roasting Company (CHRC) first joined the city’s coffee scene in 2015. Years later, the pair have officially opened their own cafe and roastery in Ramsay’s historic C.C. Snowdon building. The warm, rustic space features red brick walls, wooden tables made of timber planks from the building’s basement, historic photos from the Glenbow archives and two original safes. Naturally, CHRC uses its own coffee beans to make drink offerings like cappuccinos, Americanos, lattes and drip coffee. Those who are hungry can choose from Butter Block & Co pastries, toasts and other snacks.
Read more: Inside Calgary Heritage Roasting Company’s New Cafe and Roastery
2020 11 St. S.E., calgaryheritageroastingco.com
Carmine’s Pizzeria
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The next time you’re craving New York-style pizza, check out Carmine’s Pizzeria in Highwood. The casual eatery serves 14 pizzas with red sauce and eight with white sauce, as well as pastas like penne chicken alfredo, starters like garlic knots and desserts like soft serve ice cream. Carmine’s offers specials every day of the week, including a daily late-night deal where you can get 25 per cent off a pick-up order from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
4, 390 Northmount Dr. N.W., carminespizza.ca
Chairman’s Steakhouse
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Located in Westman Village in Mahogany, this sophisticated steakhouse has an Old Hollywood vibe, live music twice a week and three patios in the summer (one of which overlooks Mahogany Lake). Treat yourself to refined fare like beef tartare, elk carpaccio, shucked oysters, Waldorf salad, pan seared east coast scallops, butter poached pork tenderloin and steaks ranging from tenderloins and ribeyes to a Waygu tomahawk rib chop.
Read more: The High-End Steak House in Mahogany
2251 Mahogany Blvd. S.E., 587-291-9898, chairmans.ca
Chix Egg Shop
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The team behind local restaurants Charcut and Charbar expanded their portfolio again this year by opening this breakfast spot in the East Village’s Alt Hotel. Accessible from outside and within the hotel, Chix Egg Shop’s charming, retro interior is matched by a fun and unique menu that includes Nutella French toast pie, breakfast poutine, the Hot Chix chicken burger, bags of bacon and half-pound chocolate chip cookies.
624 6 Ave. S.E., chixeggshop.com
Cluck N Cleaver
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Good news, chicken fans. Cluck N Cleaver’s Beltline eatery isn’t the only spot you can get its tasty rotisserie and fried chicken anymore. As of this past summer, Calgarians can now get their chicken fix at the eatery’s new second location in West Springs as well. Located inside the neighbourhood’s Co-op grocery store, this location carries all the eatery’s signature menu items from chicken to salads and sides.
917 85 St. S.W., 403-910-0052, cluckncleaver.com
Comery Block
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If you love the Texas-style barbecue at Hayden Block in Kensington, then you’ll want to check out its sister restaurant that arrived in the Beltline this past summer. The Comery Block specializes in West Tennessee-style barbecue, serving up trays of brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, turkey, hot links and chicken. Pair them with sides like corn on the cob, baked bean and potato salad, as well as one of the 100+ bourbons and whiskeys on the menu.
638 17 Ave. S.W., 403-453-7636, comeryblock.com
Common Bond
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Common Bond launched in Paper Street’s former downtown location in October. Pop in for lobster poutine, coconut prawns, vegan lasagna, fried chicken, the Wagyu house burger and more. Not only do all the restaurant’s beef dishes feature meat from Alberta’s Brant Lake Wagyu, but anything on the menu can be made gluten-free as well. Don’t miss the weekday happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to close.
102, 630 8 Ave. S.W., 587-349-1000, commonbondyyc.com
Copper Branch
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After launching its first Calgary location in 2018, this Canadian chain opened additional locations in the Suncor Energy Centre, Bankers Hall and Crescent Heights this year. The fast-casual menu, which is entirely plant-based, includes power bowls, burgers, sandwiches, breakfast items like tofu scramble wraps and sides such as nachos, soy buffalo wings and poutine.
Suncor Energy Centre, 150 6 Ave. S.W., 587-480-8333; Bankers Hall, 315 8 Ave. S.W., 403-453-3223; 201 16 Ave. N.E., 403-230-2499, eatcopperbranch.com
Cravings Bistro
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There’s a new spot to grab a bite inside Arts Commons. Cravings Bistro, sister eatery to Cravings Market Restaurant, opened in Capuccini’s former space in October. The bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner most days of the week, so pop in to try the breakfast wraps, smoothie bowls, paninis, pizzas or tapas the next time you’re in the area or going to the theatre.
Arts Commons, 225 8 Ave. S.E., 403-252-2083, cravingsbistro.ca
Diner Deluxe
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This is Diner Deluxe’s third location, which opened in Mahogany’s Westman Village in early April. Designed by Frank Architecture & Interiors, this location has a mid-century modern meets Palm Springs atmosphere thanks to design elements like the pink and green colour palette, a wall of white breeze blocks and a retro wall clock. For breakfast, expect breakfast poutine, eggs Benedict, skillets, Bananas Foster French toast and huevos rancheros. The lunch menu features burgers, Kansas City pulled pork sandwiches, mac and cheese and more.
106 Mahogany Centre S.E., 587-482-9979, dinerdeluxe.com
D Spot Dessert Cafe
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If you have a sweet tooth, D Spot Dessert Cafe on 17 Ave. S.W. is for you. This new eatery takes creative desserts to the next level with banoffee milkshakes, cookie dough pancakes, chocolate fondue, white chocolate lava cake and more. If you need something savoury to balance it out, there are also pizzas, poutines and hot dogs.
100, 933 17 AVe. S.W., 403-284-4649, dspotdessert.com
The Dapper Doughnut
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Mini doughnuts are already a Calgary staple thanks to local events like Stampede. But Alberta’s first Dapper Doughnut location takes the fried treat to the next level with its gourmet mini doughnuts topped and coated with inventive toppings and sauces. While you can order classic cinnamon sugar doughnuts, we’d suggest trying creative flavours like s’mores, blueberry lemon, peppermint chocolate, birthday cake, bananas foster and more. Coffee and doughnut milkshakes are also available.
CF Market Mall, 3625 Shaganappi Tr. N.W., thedapperdoughnut.com
Dublin Calling
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Dublin Calling, a casual pub with locations in Vancouver and Toronto, expanded to Alberta this year with a third location in Calgary. Expect classic pub fare like nachos, burgers and sandwiches, fish and chips, fried pickles and more. Plus, the bar has fun games ranging from pool to darts.
1637 37 St. S.W., 403-475-3737, dublincalling.com
Finesse Desserts
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This French pastry shop in Kingsland is one of those shops where the treats look almost too pretty to eat. But not eating them would be a mistake. Canelés, éclairs, fruit tarts, chocolate chip cookies, macarons and cakes are all made with close attention to detail. This lovely shop has an eye-catching chandelier and an accent wall decked out in flowers.
232, 7337 Macleod Tr. S.W., 587-777-8010, finessedesserts.ca
Flame Mountain BBQ
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Unit C, 919 Centre St. N.W., 587-352-1288, flamemountainbbq.com
Flores and Pine
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Flores & Pine launched in the Bears Den restaurant’s former space in Bearspaw with a elevated menu of Canadian fare and a completely new look courtesy of Amanda Hamilton Interior Design. The restaurant and event venue offers something for everyone with dishes like brown butter king crab poutine, meatballs and perogies, spicy lamb sausage pizza, braised short rib and the seriously impressive Benchmark Angus dry aged Tomahawk board. The restaurant even offers special vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free menus.
254028 Bearspaw Rd. N.W., 403-241-7611, floresandpine.com
Frank’s on Macleod
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Get some friends together for a casual, approachable meal at Frank’s on Macleod, the new restaurant in Tango Bistro’s former space. The menu features pot roast pie, toasts, poutine, cheesy dip brisket burger sliders, bowls and all-day breakfast items like stuffed French toast and brisket eggs Benedict.
6920 Macleod Tr. S., 403-252-4365, franksonmacleod.com
Fruty Cup
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The next time you’re visiting New Horizon Mall, pop into Fruty Cup for a little snack while you’re shopping. This tropical-themed beach hut serves up refreshing treats like fruit juices and smoothies, fruit salad, shrimp cocktail, Kulfi ice cream, cups of green mango and more.
New Horizon Mall, 260300 Writing Crek Cres., 587-891-7344, frutycup.com
Gong Cha
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After opening its first Calgary location in Chinatown last year, Taiwanese chain Gong Cha opened additional locations in CrossIron Mills, Country Hills and Lincoln Park in 2019. Choose from drinks like taro milk tea with red bean, dirty brown sugar lattes, mango pearl green tea, strawberry matcha tea and more. Then, add a matcha, chocolate, sesame or original egg waffle to complete your order.
Various locations, gongchacanada.ca
Good Trade Coffee Co.
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You may have seen this local coffee company at Crossroads Market before, but now, you can also get your caffeine fix at its new 20-seat coffee shop in Kensington. The shop opened in Jugo Juice’s former space in November, transforming it into a bright eatery filled with natural light. Order a drink featuring locally-roasted beans from Columbia and a profiterole from Blue Bakehouse.
1154 Kensington Cres. N.W., goodtrade.org
The Goose
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The Goose was one of the last Calgary restaurants to open in 2019. Located in Kingsland, the restaurant is the latest dining spot by the teams behind Gorilla Whale and The Beltliner and it was designed by local architecture studio Bold Workshop. The Canadian menu features beer battered fried mushrooms, lamb meatballs, B.C. mussels, The Goose burger with cheese curds, grilled eggplant, slow braised lamb shank and more.
7746 Elbow Dr., 403-764-7446, thegooseyyc.ca
Gravity Cafe
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Gravity Espresso and Wine Bar has been an Inglewood staple for nearly eight years, and in November, it opened its second location on the main floor of the Calgary Board of Education building in the Beltline. The new café location has plenty of natural light and is a great spot to hunker down in for coffee, beer, wine, baked goods and desserts. Stay tuned as more live music events are added for this location.
1221 8 St. S.W., 403-764-4770, cafegravity.com
Green Bottle Kitchen & Soju
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This Korean restaurant opened in downtown Calgary in June. Experience Green Bottle’s cool vibe for yourself by stopping in for some skewers (chicken, pork, lamb or beef) or kimchi pork belly stir fry, as well as a colourful cocktail and some Soju.
683 10 St. S.W., 403-455-7942, facebook.com
Gruman’s Delicatessen
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With two locations in Britannia and downtown already, Calgarians can also dine at Gruman’s latest location inside of the newly re-opened Back Alley Nightclub. The new location just opened in mid-December.
4630 Macleod Tr., grumans.ca
Hart Healthy Food
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Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, eating healthier has become a little bit easier since Hart Healthy Food (HHF) joined Calgary’s food scene. The East Village eatery serves toasts and sandwiches, cold and hot bowls, soups, smoothies and more. As for that connection to a famous wrestling family? Alex Hart, the owner of HHF, is wrestler Bret Hart’s daughter, and they even use wrestler cards instead of traditional table numbers.
612 5 St. S.E., 403-453-8259, harthealthyfood.com
Hawthorn
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The Fairmont Palliser has been an iconic part of downtown Calgary for more than a century. Earlier this year, for the first time in more than 60 years, the historic hotel opened a new restaurant and lobby bar called Hawthorn. The hotel brought on Frank Architecture and Interiors to turn its Rimrock Dining Room and part of the hotel lobby into Hawthorn’s new space. The restaurant and lobby bar make a powerful first impression with its marble pillars, stately fireplace and 1962 mural by artist Charles Beil along the back wall. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner — Hawthorn has you covered.
Read more: Fairmont Palliser’s New Restaurant Emphasizes Local and Seasonal Ingredients
133 9 Ave. S.W., 403-260-1219, hawthorndiningroom.ca
Holy Grill
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Need to get your Holy Grill panini or burger fix? Well, you can now check out this local eatery’s newest location in Bow Valley Square, in addition to its two other locations in the Beltline and on 5th Avenue S.W. The new location just opened with lots of seating where you can take a load off and enjoy Sausage Nicmuffin sandwiches, brunch burgers, blackened chicken burgers, farmhouse paninis and more.
Bow Valley Square, holygrill.ca
Home & Away
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Home & Away, the popular local sports bar and restaurant that closed its 17 Ave. S.W. location earlier this year, has found a new home. Visit its newly re-opened location in Victoria Park (designed by Fort Architecture) for elevated pub fare like mini corndog lollipops, three kinds of soft tacos, fried chicken sandwiches, pizza and more. There are also arcade games and a new standing shuffle board court in the bar’s lower level.
1207 1 St. S.W., homeandawayyyc.com
I Love You Coffee Shop
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This basement coffee shop in the Beltline has a laidback vibe, hundreds of records to peruse and tasty snacks. Order a cup of Calgary Heritage Roasting Company coffee, a Japanese pastry or a bagel sandwich, then grab a seat to take in the colourful, eclectic space. Beer and wine are also available here.
348B 14 Ave. S.W., iloveyoucoffeeshop.com
Incha
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This tea house opened near CF Chinook Centre over the summer and has several seats where you can relax and enjoy a drink. Pop in for a golden mango macchiato, a bubble milk tea or matcha latte with a salted egg yolk pastry or mini cheesecake.
103, 5809 Macleod Tr. S.W., 587-352-2888,, facebook.com
Jollibee
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Jollibee is a popular Philippines-based fast-food chain with hundreds of restaurant locations around the world. The company began expanding into Canada a few years ago and opened its first Calgary location (which is the second in Alberta) on September 20. Along with its signature fried chicken, Jollibee offers spaghetti with sauce, cheese and hot dog slices, burgers, a noodle dish called Palabok Fiesta and peach mango pies. You can wash it all down with some refreshing pineapple juice.
Read more: Filipino Fast-Food Chain Jollibee Opens in Calgary
Pacific Place Mall, 1050, 999 36 St. N.E., jollibeecanada.com
K Town Fried Chicken
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K Town Fried Chicken has brought the Chimaek experience of fried chicken and beer to Calgarians. The eatery focuses on Korean fried chicken that features a crispy skin and housemade sauces. Choose from eight flavours of fried chicken including sweet and spicy barbecue, garlic soy, spicy chili and the “snowing chicken” with grated asiago cheese. Plus, K Town has one of the best meal deals in the city: five pieces of fried chicken with a side, a salad and a drink for only $12.
919 Centre St. N.W., 403-455-0610, ktownfriedchicken.com
La Diperie
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Montreal-based chain La Diperie opened its first Western Canada location in Calgary’s Country Hills Village. La Diperie is known for its chocolate-dipped ice cream, so naturally, there are plenty of options when it comes to this signature product. The eatery offers around 30 flavours of chocolate dip, including red velvet, matcha, orange sorbet and more. You can then add toppings like pretzels, candy and nuts.There are also milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches and other frozen treats.
19, 500 Country Hills Blvd. N.E., 403-452-4005, ladiperie.com
Lately
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This late-night hot spot opened on 17 Ave. S.W. in October and has been delivering creative cocktails and great happy hour deals ever since. Snack on sweet and spicy prawns, sliders and burgers while sipping fun drinks like the “Purple Rain” made with Empress 1908 gin, peach ciroc and lemonade.
1438 17 Ave. S.W., 403-457-0939, latelycalgary.ca
Lighthouse Mission Cafe
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The Calgary Dream Centre launched its new Lighthouse Mission Cafe, which is staffed by the centre’s clients, in October. The social enterprise cafe serves Monogram coffee and snacks like pastries, three kinds of toast, overnight oats and chia yogurt.
4510 Macleod Tr. S., calgarydreamcentre.com
Lulu Bar
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Lulu Bar is a sister restaurant to Bridgette Bar and the newest addition to Concorde Group. The restaurant’s mix of small and larger plates of Pacific-inspired fare are perfect for sharing — try any combination of dishes like the salt and pepper pork belly, fried coconut squid, wood-fired skewers and steamed lobster dumplings, plus the must-try Baked Hula for dessert. As for the restaurant design, Frank Architecture & Interiors transformed Local 510’s former space by adding garage doors along the front of the restaurant, which flood the split-level space with natural light now and highlight the eye-catching bar area.
Read more: Early Favourites on Lulu Bar’s Pacific-Influenced Menu
510 17 Ave. S.W., lulubar.ca
Mélo Eatery
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Avec Bistro may be closed now, but you can still get your fill of French fare at Mélo Eatery, the restaurant that moved into Avec’s former space in the Beltline. At the helm of the restaurant is owner and executive chef Duncan Ly, who is also behind local restaurants like Foreign Concept, Takori and Greenfish Sushi. The French menu features beef tartare, chicken liver parfait and waffles, Normandy-style mussels, steak frites, braised beef short rib and more.
550 11 Ave. S.W., 403-454-3255, melorestaurant.ca
Modern Ocean
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In December 2018, Modern Steak opened its second location (and a new Bar Modern concept) on Stephen Avenue. This year, Bar Modern’s space on the first floor of the Imperial Bank Building was turned into Modern Ocean, which focuses on seafood. Modern Ocean’s menu is a seafood lover’s dream — expect oysters, ahi tuna tartare, surf and turf, prawn fettuccini, sea bass from Calgary’s own Deepwater Farms and more.
100 8 Ave. S.E., 403-244-3600, modernocean.ca
Monki Breakfastclub & Bistro
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Monki Breakfastclub & Bistro has called the Beltline home for years, and on April 15, the popular breakfast and lunch spot opened a second location in The Fine Diner’s former space in Inglewood. Brick accent walls and wood tables add some rustic charm to the space, while cute wooden monkeys hanging from ceiling plants add a playful touch. Monki Inglewood is nearly twice the size of Monki Beltline West and has a second dining area in the back of the space. Order dishes like the brisket hash, the pancake s’mores stack, chocolate fondue and five kinds of eggs Benedict (try it with the pink Prosecco hollandaise sauce).
Read more: Monki Breakfastclub & Bistro is Twice as Big in Inglewood
4, 1420 9 Ave. S.E., 403-453-7131, monkibistro.ca
Moonlight & Eli
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It’s not hard to spot this Champagne and fondue bar thanks to its building’s bright pink façade. Once you arrive at the Bridgeland eatery, settle in for some cheese or chocolate fondue paired with a glass of Champagne or sparkling wine.
627 1 Ave. N.E., 587-907-8316, moonlightandeli.com
Moose and Poncho
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The next time you’re craving authentic Mexican food, seek out The Moose and Poncho in Chinatown. This Mexican restaurant is something of a hidden gem, serving up tasty soft tacos, tamales, soups and more from inside the Far East Shopping Centre. Be sure to order the agua fresca to drink and an order of churros for dessert.
18, 132 3 Ave. S.E., 587-707-4980, facebook.com
Mr. Lu Japanese Street Food
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If you’re looking for a hearty, warm meal on a cold day, check out Mr. Lu Japanese Street Food in Mission. The restaurant serves up individual hot pots and heaping bowls of ramen, as well as dishes like yakitori, edamame, mussels, pork curry rice and more.
111, 1800 4 St. S.W., 403-453-5598, facebook.com
Pie Junkie
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This local bakery opened its newest (and third) location in Mahogany’s Westman Village. Pie Junkie’s menu has something for every pie lover, whether you’re into savoury or sweet flavours. On the savoury side, there are flavours like turkey dinner pie, steak and mushroom, chicken pot and butter chicken. And those with a sweet tooth can pick up classic apple pies, blueberry-cranberry, salted honey, sour cherry, maple pecan with chocolate drizzle and more. Not only does this new location have a tea station and an eight-seat pie bar, but there will also be an outdoor patio to enjoy next year.
2171 Mahogany Blvd. S.E., 587-623-1144, piejunkie.ca
Pistachio Bake Shop & Cafe
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This charming bakery and cafe in northwest Calgary makes a wide range of sweet and savoury treats for you to indulge in. Pick up a slice of pistachio raspberry cake, some baklava, almond croissants, eclairs, tarts, cheddar twists, scones, pistachio cookies and more. You can also grab lunch items likes turkey sandwiches, labneh wraps, salads, stuffed grape vine leaves and more.
2, 1104 20 Ave. N.W., 403-475-1104, pistachiobakeshop.ca
Pizza All’Angolo
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The next time you’re at at Lina’s Italian Market, grab a pizza from Pizza All’Angolo. This pizzeria is open from Wednesday to Sunday in Lina’s Cappuccino Bar and serves up antipasto and pizzas ranging from Sicilian to wild board bacon. There is even a vegan pizza and a gluten-free keto pizza.
2202 Centre St. N.E., 403-277-9166, pizzaangolo.com
Pizza on the Fly
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Pizza on the Fly specializes in Roman-style pizza. It launched its first location in downtown Calgary in 2018 and opened a second one in Brentwood’s Northland Village Mall in 2019. This style of pizza comes in rectangular slices and features a thick, chewy crust with lots of air bubbles. Flavour options include Margherita, Hawaiian, veggie lovers, Fiesta salami and the most popular, Crostino Truffle.
Read more: Where to Get Roman-Style Pizza in Calgary
Northland Village Mall, 5111 Northland Dr. N.W., pizzaonthefly.ca
Poached
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Poached is one of Calgary’s newest breakfast destination. The 60-seat restaurant is now open daily in the Silverado neighbourhood. Try dishes like the breakfast bowl, a breakfast burger or crab cake eggs Benedict with your morning coffee or mimosa.
1202, 19369 Sheriff King St. S.W., 403-719-0256, facebook.com
Pubblico Italian Kitchen
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This Italian restaurant opened in Mad Rose Pub’s former space in Marda Loop this fall. Get things off to a cheesy start with one of six options from the burrata bar, then choose from dishes like prosciutto cotto, Wagyu beef tartare, handmade tagliatelle al ragu, wild boar shoulder and more. Brunch is also served on weekends.
2018 33 Ave. S.W., 403-455-0753, pubblicoitaliankitchen.com
Purlieu
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Purlieu opened in a small strip mall in Oakridge this past spring. The team behind this new restaurant both have ties to Calgary’s food scene — Eric Mah used to be the executive chef for Craft Beer Market and Vintage Group, while Jason Armstrong was Bistro 2210’s chef and owner. Purlieu’s menu features small plates like Humbolt calamari and barbecue pork belly steam buns, as well as larger dishes of pasta, roasted duck leg, Alberta beef short ribs and more.
14, 3109 Palliser Dr. S.W., 403-280-7474, purlieucalgary.ca
Queens
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Vero Bistro’s new sister restaurant is serving up some tasty fare in northeast Calgary. From Tuesday to Sunday, visit Queens for breakfast to start your day off right with some Hong Kong-style French toast, smoked wild salmon eggs Benedict, bolognese poutine and more. You can also pop in for dinner from Thursday to Saturday.
3927 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-764-0878, facebook.com
Red Tails Cajun Seafood Bar
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If a heaping platter of seafood and barbecue sounds like your idea of heaven, there’s Red Tails Cajun Seafood Bar, which opened along Macleod Tr. S.W. in September. If you’re sharing with some friends, try one of the platters for up to eight people filled with racks of ribs, shrimp, mussels, popcorn chicken, corn, fries and more. There are also items like lobster, king crab, fish and chips, clams, wings, skewers and fried catfish that can be order on their own and/or in a combo.
4515 Macleod Tr. S.W., 403-455-6802, facebook.com
Royal Tea House
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Head to Dragon City Mall to get your hands on a bubble tea from the locally owned Royal Tea House. The shop is open daily and has plenty of seating inside. The menu includes cheese Earl grey milk tea, brown sugar roasted milk tea, avocado smoothies and more.
Dragon City Mall, 328 Centre St. S.E., 587-351-9881, royal-tea-house-bubble-tea-store.business.site
Sharetea
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Sharetea officially opened in the New Horizon Mall in May. There are only four Sharetea locations in Canada and this is the only one outside of Ontario. Sip on a classic pearl milk tea, a mango green milk tea, Hawaii fruit tea and more.
New Horizon Mall, 260300 Writing Creek Cres., Balzac, facebook.com; sharetea.com.tw
Sidewalk Citizen Restaurant
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Sidewalk Citizen already has a deli/bakery in Sunnyside and a bakery/cafe in East Village’s Simmons Building. In November, it’s opened its first full-service restaurant in the Beltline’s Central Memorial Park. The restaurant is focused on modern, Israeli-inspired fare, with dishes like Shakshuka, challah French toast, pitas, whipped labneh, fattoush salad, roasted kabocha squash, grilled mackerel and more. Local ingredients are a key part of this restaurant’s philosophy — flip over your menu to see the many local farms and producers whose products are used here. The restaurant space is also very memorable thanks to its gorgeous solarium created by local design and architecture firm Studio North.
Read more: Inside Sidewalk Citizen’s New Restaurant in Central Memorial Park
340 13 Ave. S.W., 403-263-2999, sidewalkcitizenbakery.com
Smoke N Fusion
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Smoke N Fusion celebrated its grand opening in Lake Bonavista on April 25. The smokehouse’s menu features beef brisket, Korean beef ribs, pan seared kangaroo loin, duck wings, lamb pot pie, a gouda bacon burger and desserts like deep fried bananas foster. Keep an eye out for the restaurant’s second location at Granary Road market as well.
12100 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-234-8885, smokenfusion.com
Snowy Village
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Calgary’s first Snowy Village location opened in Brentwood this year. Along with coffee, tea and taiyaki, the eatery offers several kinds of bingsoo topped with everything from cheesecake pieces to fresh fruit. The massive shaved ice desserts comes in flavours like espresso, mango, melon, injeolmi, Oreo, green tea and more.
101, 3604 52 Ave. N.W., snowyvillages.ca
Social Beer Haus
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This new bar and smokehouse on Stephen Avenue officially launched in early September. Social Beer Haus focuses on Texas-style barbecue, which means you can order trays of mouthwatering smoked brisket, pulled pork, hot link sausage, ribs, pork belly burnt ends and more. Other dishes include mac and cheese, a shrimp po boy sandwich, soft tacos and jalapeno poppers. Plus, there are more than 50 beers and whiskeys to choose from. With 300 seats spread across 7,000-square-feet, there’s plenty of room to settle in with a group of friends or catch a sports game on one of the large screen TVs.
220 8 Ave. S.W., 403-474-6466, socialbeerhaus.com
Southland Yard
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Part of the Delta Hotels Calgary South in Willow Park, Southland Yard is a new adults-only bar that combines tasty food with fun games for a memorable, casual dining experience. The menu features an elevated take on bar fare with dishes like Wagyu beef and pork meatballs, Korean ribs, a crispy chicken sandwich, stone-fired pizzas, east coast mussels and more. There are more than a dozen local beers on tap, as well as a selection of wines and cocktails. And there’s more to do at Southland Yard than just eating — the bar has an indoor bocce ball court, shuffleboard, pool and foosball, not mention arcade and board games.
135 Southland Dr. S.E., 403-225-8636, southlandyard.com
Spolumbo’s
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Can’t get enough of Spolumbo’s classic deli sandwiches? The next time you’re shopping at the West Springs Co-op, you can pick one up at Spolumbo’s latest location inside the grocery store.
100, 917 85 St. S.W., spolumbos.com
Super Smash Cafe
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Super Smash Café is a video game cafe in northwest Calgary. The cafe has games like Super Smash Bros., Mortal Kombat 11, King of Fighters, Rock Band and more that you can play while snacking on coffee, tea, baked goods, sandwiches and desserts. If you’re planning to play for awhile, don’t worry — each gaming station has a couch so that you can stay comfy while you play.
1240 16 Ave. N.W., 403-629-8027, supersmashcafe.ca
The Taco Shop
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Chef Alli Said, the chef and co-owner of Mikey’s on 12th, has opened a taco shop inside of the Beltline bar and music venue. Pop in any day of the week for authentic Mexican tacos filled with pork, beef brisket, chorizo and potato, shrimp and more.
918 12 Ave. S.W., 403-452-8060, facebook.com
Taiko Canteen
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Taiko Canteen is a great spot for a date night or a fun evening with friends. In addition to a tasty food menu that features bao tacos and fried chicken sandwiches, the industrial space has nine minigolf holes that will put your putting skills to the test.
Read more: Taiko Canteen Brings Bao Tacos and Minigolf to Manchester
107, 3851 Manchester Rd. S.E. 403-454-1843, taikocanteen.com
Takori
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Takori’s new Beltline location was chef Duncan Ly’s third new eatery this year. The Asian fusion taqueria opened directly beside Foreign Concept (the two restaurants share a space) in the Beltline. Start your meal off with honey butter chips drizzled with yuzu aioli, then try soft tacos filled with bulgogi beef brisket and smoked pork belly. Don’t leave without trying the cinnamon fried baos for dessert.
1011 1 St. S.W., 403-719-7288, takori.ca
Taj Kabob
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Taj Kabob specializes in Afghan street food. The restaurant was designed by Holland Design and has been open in northeast Calgary since July. Come hungry and order a kabob plate, wrap or sandwich (or just a kabob on its own with a side), as well as shareable plates of bolani, mantu and shornakhod.
215, 11135 14 St. N.E., tajstreetfood.com
Tea Bubz
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Open since June, this eatery serves up liege Belgium waffles, bagels and treats like croissants and mille feuille crepe cakes in flavours like ube, Earl grey chocolate and matcha. Wash it all down with a salted cheese tea, a matcha drink or a specialty tea.
755 5 Ave. S.W., teabubz.ca
Tsujiri
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If you love matcha, Tsujiri is the place for you. The Japanese matcha tea brand has nearly 160 years of history behind it and is known for using “the highest grade of Japanese green tea.” Visit this Crescent Heights eatery (which just opened in December) to indulge in all things matcha, including matcha lattes, cheesecake, parfaits, cheesecake, roll cakes, floats, shaved ice and soft serve.
205 16 Ave. N.E. 403-454-4488, tsujiri.ca
Waalflower
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Waalflower officially opened on March 5 in Bridgeland’s historic De Waal building. Designed by Hribar Design Group, the 3,000-square-foot, 80-seat restaurant features a casual, colourful vibe accented by local artwork.The menu offers a wide range of seasonal fare including poke cups, Alberta Wagyu sirloin tartare, gnocchi, a steak sandwich, crispy duck and seven kinds of pizza. The cocktails are a standout at Waalflower as well, with options like a smoked pina colada, the flaming Zombie (Original 1934) and the colour-changing Gardener’s Tonic.
Read more: What to Expect at Waalflower in Bridgeland
24 4 St. N.E., 587-349-9008, waalflower.ca
Yardarm
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This moody, 32-seat cocktail bar serves creative cocktails with seasonal snacks like charcuterie, mushroom tartare and salmon tataki in East Village. Swing by on a Friday or Saturday to hear live music while you dine.
107, 535 8 Ave. S.E., 403-453-3762, yardarmyyc.com
YiFang
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This Taiwanese fruit and bubble tea chain opened its first three Calgary locations this year. The first one opened in the Beacon Hills Shopping Centre in June, followed by locations in Crescent Heights in July and downtown in September. Drink options include the store’s namesake Yifang fruit tea, brown sugar pearl black tea lattes, pearl green tea, winter melon lattes and more.
117, 11652 Sarcee Tr. N.W.; 1607A Centre St. N.W.; 606 5 Ave. S.W.; facebook.com
Yummy Q
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If you’re craving a sweet treat, pay a visit to this eatery in Sunnyside. Along with an extensive list of bubble tea options, Yummy Q offers cups of rolled gelato, taiyaki, bubble waffles and more.
1, 338 10 St. N.W., 403-245-6778, facebook.com