The 38 Must-Visit Restaurants in Calgary

Venture to the far northeast corner of the city to discover a delightful selection of Nepalese cuisine at Momo House. Co-owners and chefs Gyanendra Sharma and Prakash Magar draw inspiration from their heritage to craft elevated South Asian comfort dishes. The momos, filled with goat and vegetables, are both fried and pan-fried, finished with a unique house tandoori spice mix. While dumplings and chutneys take center stage on the menu, don’t miss the sukuti sandheko; this dish combines aged goat meat, roasted soybeans, crispy puffed rice, and slaw for a truly enjoyable texture experience. [$-$$]

It's essential to include the origin of ginger beef on this culinary map. Chef-owner George Wong is credited with creating the Canadian-Chinese dish at this well-loved restaurant in 1975. Decades later, the dried beef, sliced onions, and bell peppers are still wok-fried to perfection in a sweet and tangy ginger sauce, though the menu boasts many other delicious options as well. [$$]

Part of the Teatro Group, Vendome features a remarkable pastry program along with a diverse food menu. You might be surprised by this given its unassuming exterior that resembles a cozy coffee shop. While brewed coffee and espresso drinks form the foundation at Vendome, the menu elevates the typical café experience with offerings like the brassica and haloumi Caesar salad and grilled squid served with hazelnut romesco. [$-$$]

This long-standing restaurant, nestled in the scenic Prince’s Island Park, has been championing local and sustainable practices long before they became popular terms. Under the steadfast leadership of owner Sal Howell, River Café has consistently remained fresh and innovative. Executive chef Scott MacKenzie upholds high culinary standards with dishes that highlight Canadian flavors, particularly those sourced from local farms during the summer months. Dining here in the warm season, surrounded by a flourishing garden, offers a truly enchanting experience. [$$$-$$$$]

For those in the know, Vero Bistro Moderne has built a dedicated fanbase over the past decade, nestled quietly in the Kensington neighborhood. Chef and owner Jenny Chan crafts dishes inspired by Italy, reflecting her passion for the country. Begin your meal with her radicchio salad dressed in honey thyme vinaigrette and topped with crispy guanciale, followed by her decadent black truffle arancini. The standout sweet potato gnocchi, served with gorgonzola sauce, sage butter, and toasted walnuts, is a must-try for blue cheese aficionados. [$$$]

Calgary's longest-established wine bar has been enticing guests into its charming subterranean space for years. Nestled beneath the partner concept Eat Crow, the bar features seating adjacent to an open kitchen, offering a lively atmosphere along with your drinks. For a romantic evening, secure a table by the fireplace and enjoy beautifully crafted dishes such as mushrooms on brioche toast, coconut-curried lentil dip, and tagliatelle cacio e pepe. [$$$]

Top Chef Canada finalist Jinhee Lee has long been recognized as one of Calgary's finest chefs, so the excitement was palpable when she launched her own establishment, Dinogoy, in 2020. Jinbar specializes in Korean-style pizza, Korean fried chicken, and inventive cocktails, all set in a vibrant, eclectic dining atmosphere. The Fried Buldak is a spicy cheese pizza featuring layers of mozzarella, Korean barbecue spices, pickled jalapeños, and green onions. A beloved topping in South Korea, corn shines in the Sweet Corns & Honey Butter Chip pizza, combined with jalapeños, Parmesan, mozzarella, and parsley atop an Alfredo base, all encased in a crust decorated with house-made potato chips lightly drizzled in honey. [$$-$$$]

This vibrant speakeasy nestled in the basement of Calgary's Chinatown transports guests to Hoi An, Vietnam, featuring charming window shutters and colorful fabric lanterns. Owners Nhi Tran and Tanner Ennis drew inspiration from this setting before launching their venture. The menu, crafted by Tran’s mother, showcases lesser-known Vietnamese dishes like banh xeo and bo luc lac (shaken beef). A delightful option allows diners to experience 'what the kitchen is having' on any given evening, opening the door to an array of delectable surprises. [$$-$$$]

It’s no surprise that Alberta boasts a plethora of steakhouses, yet few can rival the iconic status of the original Caesar’s. Since its opening in 1972, the lavish marble-filled interior has retained a charming old-school vibe. Expect to indulge in prawn cocktails, tableside Caesar salads, chateaubriand for two, and more. Prepare for a nostalgic evening, and don your finest attire. [$$$$]

Sidewalk Citizen, a Middle Eastern-inspired bakery and cafe, along with the renowned Calgary coffee chain Phil & Sebastian, both have various locations throughout Calgary. However, their most popular spot is situated in the Simmons Building in the East Village. This building also houses Charbar, which features a rooftop bar serving refreshing cocktails and New York-style pizza. Together, these three establishments offer a vibrant atmosphere that’s grMytour than the sum of its parts. During the warmer months, the place thrums with activity—especially the rooftop—so if it gets too crowded, consider taking your meal to enjoy by the Bow River. [$-$$$]

It's nearly impossible to grow tired of Koji’s pork katsu, featuring a perfectly crispy golden crust that crackles with every bite. Owner Eric Jung offers the breaded cutlet in several traditional styles: served in a steaming soy dashi broth, enveloped in curry, or drenched in rich miso gravy. The cheese katsu elevates the concept of a deep-fried mozzarella stick to an entirely new level of deliciousness. [$-$$]

This highly talked-about restaurant, perched on the 40th floor of Stephen Avenue Place, faced numerous challenges during its journey to opening, remaining completely vacant for an entire year before finally welcoming guests in 2021. It has since become the most sought-after reservation in town. With breathtaking views and an elegant dining room, chef Garrett Martin showcases extraordinary cuisine. Begin your meal with Major Tots (house-made tater tots topped with whipped smoked sturgeon and pickled onions) and Alberta beef tartare drizzled with black pepper sauce, before indulging in pasta dishes and the exquisite A5 wagyu. [$$$-$$$$]

Chef Lam Pham captivates Calgarians with his modern interpretation of Vietnamese cuisine. Standout dishes from the menu feature sate surf and turf (fresh rolls filled with beef and shrimp), banh xeo tacos, and his renowned char siu sesame doughnut: a soft pastry adorned with sesame seeds and packed with pork, cucumber, pickled carrots, cilantro, and Sriracha aioli. Be sure to try his unique take on shaken beef, enhanced with a red wine and soy butter reduction served alongside coconut rice, and the pineapple nuoc cham braised pork cheek. [$-$$]

Con Mi Taco began as a pop-up venture and then transitioned to offering takeout taco party kits. Now, it has established itself as a permanent fixture within Meat and Bread after their daytime service. Widely recognized as the top taco destination in the city, Con Mi draws in crowds with its irresistible birria short rib tacos. Now settled in downtown Calgary, this charming taqueria also offers delightful drinks, including horchata and tamarind margaritas. [$-$$]

At Sukiyaki House, the sushi is crafted with such artistry that you might hesitate to dig in—almost. Owned by Anna Kwong and predominantly run by her siblings Judith and Justin, this contemporary Japanese restaurant presents each dish as a stunning visual experience, from the exquisite sunomono salad featuring snow crab, scallops, and prawns to the elegant chirashi bowl. During the pandemic, Sukiyaki also excelled at takeout, ensuring that their menu items maintain their beauty and taste while traveling. [$$-$$$]

This beautifully restored turn-of-the-century home, located at the edge of the Inglewood neighborhood, exudes charm. Like its sibling River Café, Deane House celebrates the essence of regional Canadian cuisine. Head chef Jason Barton-Browne emphasizes seasonal ingredients while retaining a few beloved staples, such as red lentil hummus and grass-fed beef tartare topped with pickled canola seeds. During the pandemic, Deane House successfully introduced dinner kits, making its home dining program a key part of its offerings. [$$-$$$]

Bridgette Bar would undoubtedly win an award for the most reliable restaurant in Calgary. Since its debut over five years ago, it has smoothly transitioned through various chefs without skipping a beat, a legacy that continues under current executive chef MacKenzie Pavka. Standout dishes include the stunning wagyu beef carpaccio dressed with mushroom vinaigrette, tuna crudo accompanied by a brown-butter emulsion and buckwheat, and the pretzel-crusted banana pie. The extensive menu also satisfies selective diners with options like pizza and pasta. [$$-$$$$]

This well-established restaurant in Calgary's Beltline offers a vibrant spot to indulge in a variety of Thai dishes, all set against a lively backdrop. Owner Sam Chanhao is celebrated for his charismatic demeanor and wine expertise, ensuring delightful pairings with popular dishes like chili pork-stuffed chicken wings, crying tiger beef (grilled rice-dusted beef served with a zesty chili lime sauce), and the stunning whole fried tilapia. [$$-$$$]

This New York-style pizzeria once had patrons waiting up to two hours when it operated from a kitchen window at Eighty-Eight Brewing Co., and the high demand continues at Noble Pie's permanent location in Calgary’s Beltline. Owner Mike Lange crafts impressive pies that could satisfy even the most discerning New Yorker, such as the Sweet Cheesus (featuring aged and fresh mozzarella, grana padano, pecorino, caciocavallo, and oregano, finished with a drizzle of hot honey) and the Roni, known for its exceptional Ezzo pepperoni. If you're a pizza enthusiast, this should top your must-try list. [$$]

This once-overlooked vegan Southeast Asian restaurant has gained attention since moving to Calgary's Beltline in 2020. While it proudly serves Vietnamese cuisine, the menu also embraces flavors from neighboring cultures, featuring dishes like tom yum, vegan pad thai, and laksa. Don't miss their delectable tofu marinated in char siu, which is among the best in the city. [$-]

Situated within Hotel Arts, this uniquely designed restaurant features an eye-catching giant horse statue at its entrance. Serving meals from morning to night, it’s especially celebrated for its breakfast and brunch offerings. Monthly changing souffle-style pancakes are always a highlight, along with the pastrami-cured ham omelet served with sauerkraut and Alberta mustard hollandaise. For dessert lovers, the layered French toast made with cinnamon raisin bread, cream cheese custard, and walnut caramel sauce is a must-try. The extravagant weekend brunch buffet is set to make a grand return as pandemic restrictions ease. [-$$$]

Proof stands as a premier destination in Calgary's cocktail culture. The intimate space features towering shelves stocked with an impressive array of spirits from across the globe, equipping bartenders to craft nearly any concoction you desire. For those looking to save a few bucks, swing by during happy hour (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily) for excellent drink deals. [$$-$$$]

Greek-style pizza is a beloved favorite in Western Canada. Similar to Detroit-style in taste but round instead of square, this deep and chewy pizza features crispy edges, with Nikos particularly renowned for its generous layer of mozzarella. These satisfying pies strike a perfect balance between sauce and toppings, making them ideal remedies for hangovers. [$$]

Founded by sisters Nicole Gomes (Top Chef Canada: All Stars winner) and Francine Gomes, Cluck has established itself as Calgary's top destination for fried chicken. With high-quality chicken, Nicole’s secret spice mix, buttery biscuits, and rich gravy, it’s a must-try. For a lighter option, the Mother Clucker sandwich offers fried chicken, honey hot sauce, blue cheese mayo, slaw, and pickles on a fresh bun. [$-$$]

Located just off the bustling 17th Avenue, co-owners Fay and Pat Bruney offer a delightful array of Jamaican dishes, including patties stuffed with ground goat, beef, or chicken, tender braised oxtail with beans, roti, curried goat, and the ever-popular jerk chicken. Don’t miss the gizzada for dessert—a pastry filled with a spiced coconut mix. The patio at Simply Irie is the perfect spot for a laid-back meal paired with a rum cocktail during the summer. [$-$$]

It’s tough to find a more community-focused pub in Canada than the Ship. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere, this pub raises tens of thousands for local charities each year. Patrons from all walks of life gather here for a pint and casual bites with friends. Add in live music throughout the week and punk rock bingo on Tuesday nights, and you’ll find it hard to leave. [$-$$]

Part of the Concorde Group—known for Bridgette Bar, Major Tom, and Pigeonhole which shares a building with Model Milk—this award-winning restaurant has been delighting patrons for over a decade. Housed in a charming heritage building at the end of 17th Avenue, it was once a popular gay bar and restaurant in the early 2000s. The unique two-level layout features an open kitchen as its centerpiece. Enjoy one of the creative cocktails and indulge in the signature burger topped with mushroom ragout, cheese curds, and crème fraîche. [$$$-$$$$]

Whether you’re a vegan or just craving a good bite, this quaint fast-food joint on 17th Avenue offers satisfying alternatives to traditional cheeseburgers and fried “chicken.” Their breakfast sandwiches and burgers may remind you of those from popular fast-food chains, but they’re distinctive enough to stand on their own. The Lil’ Cheezburger is always a hit, and the milkshakes—especially the root beer swirl or piña colada—are delightful treats on a sunny day. [$]

For a satisfying sandwich in Calgary, look no further than this delightful modern diner located in the vibrant 17th Avenue area. The mouthwatering tuna melt is a must-try, along with the flavorful rosemary beef dip and the delightfully spicy hot chicken sandwich. Be sure to sample the charred onion dip, too. Surprisingly, Alumni also serves fantastic cocktails, making it a standout diner experience. [$-$$]

If you're a pho enthusiast in Calgary, Pho Dau Bo is an essential stop. Located on International Avenue, this laid-back Mytoury offers a wonderfully fragrant broth, particularly highlighted in its renowned oxtail version. The menu also features a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as bo tai chanh (thinly sliced raw rib-eye with herbs, crispy shallots, white onion, lime vinaigrette, and raw quail egg) and bo la lot (seasoned ground beef wrapped in lolot leaves and grilled to perfection). Notably, it's one of the few spots in Calgary that serves the rich and creamy ca phe trung (egg coffee). [$-$$]

Within Calgary's vibrant East Indian food scene, Moti Mahal stands out for its hearty servings of shahi paneer (homemade cheese with tomatoes in a fenugreek cream sauce), lamb bhoona (braised lamb with caramelized onions in ginger and turmeric curry), and chicken mumtaz (slow-cooked curried chicken with jaggery, dried chiles, apricots, and lemon). The restaurant also has a playful cocktail menu, featuring a Caesar enhanced with house-made vindaloo sauce and bourbon infused with chai spices, giving a unique twist to the classic Old Fashioned. [$$-$$$]

This iconic truck stop in Inglewood is renowned for its affordability, endless coffee, and around-the-clock service. Inside, you'll find a nostalgic decor filled with vintage mini jukeboxes and a model train that loops around the room on a track above. A comforting plate of grilled cheese (made with classic Kraft Singles, of course) paired with onion rings is the perfect remedy for any hangover, no matter how intense. [$]

After closing his celebrated Dinogoy Anju, Roy Oh took a nearly two-year hiatus before making a comeback to Calgary's dining scene. Now, food enthusiasts flock to his Mission restaurant, Roy's Korean Kitchen, to enjoy long-time favorites like oxtail tortellini, crispy tofu paired with maple sesame kimchi, and pork belly drizzled with lemon aioli. The menu also features Korean barbecue platters and an ample selection of soju. [$$-$$$]

Established in the fall of 2007 and still thriving, Alloy exemplifies how a fine dining establishment can succeed beyond the city’s trendy neighborhoods. Co-owner Uri Heilik expertly manages the front of house, ensuring a stellar wine selection and flawless service during every visit. His partner, chef Rogelio Herrera, brings a playful spirit to the kitchen, which is reflected in each lively dish on the menu. [$$$$]

Calgary boasts the only Vietnamese drive-thru in Canada. The compact To Me Vietnamese, located on a busy road, is easy to miss, but you can always spot the long line of cars at peak hours. Their coconut curry chicken banh mi is a standout, especially for its price. [$]

Chef Kaede Hirooka is somewhat of a mystery; you never know when or where he’ll pop up in the city. However, once Calgarians hear about his next event through social media, they rush to him in large numbers. Renowned for his unique ramen, featuring umami-rich broth and homemade noodles topped with crispy fried chicken, Hirooka is also famous for his gyoza-stuffed chicken wings, which are as delicious as they are hyped. Additionally, he has gained recognition in the grocery market with his red miso-cured bacon, available in various stores across Alberta. [$-$$]

While Lebanese cuisine is prevalent in Calgary, few spots rival the charm of Beirut Street Food. Nestled in a humble location on the edge of an industrial area and a residential neighborhood, this delightful fast-casual Mytoury draws patrons in with (mostly) made-to-order pitas, crafted right before your eyes. It's rare to find a menu where every item shines, but here, even the messy shawarma wraps—overflowing with coal-roasted chicken or beef (or falafel), pickled cabbage, pickles, spicy peppers, and that divine sweet sauce—are outstanding. The donair or shawarma-topped poutines represent the pinnacle of Canadian-Lebanese fusion. [$]

This unique diner and deli, managed by Karen Kho and Dave Sturies, has garnered a loyal following among Calgary's food service crowd. On the deli side, they’ve crafted an impressive array of cured meats, fresh sausages, and snacks, while the diner offers hearty, straightforward comfort food. Don’t even think about leaving without grabbing some Filipino beef jerky and Empire Dill Pickles—turn back if you must! [$]