Marda Loop Neighbourhood Guide

Marda Loop is a vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood just outside downtown Calgary. Steeped in history, this community was named after Marc and Mada Jenkins, who owned a popular general store in the area in the early 20th century. Today, Marda Loop is known for its thriving local food and retail scenes, making it a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts and shoppers alike.

Whether you're craving international delicacies, indulgent desserts, or farm-to-table fare, Marda Loop's culinary offerings will leave you spoiled for choice.

Brunch, lunch, and bites to-go

• Belmont Diner - A long-time fixture in Marda Loop, the Belmont Diner features 100-year-old booths, a classic diner bar, and an open kitchen that lets you see all the action.

• Boogie's Burgers - Slangin’ burgers since 69’, Boogie's is known for their great vibes, burgers, and milkshakes.

• Diner Deluxe - Made-from-scratch comfort food for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The European café-inspired decor and menu is inviting and suitable for anyone's taste.

• Fraser and Fig - Delicious elevated cheese and charcuterie made with fresh artisanal provisions for pick up or delivery.

• Flirty Bird - If you like to flirt with fire, Flirty Bird Nashville Hot Chicken has you covered. Spicy, crispy, flavour packed Nashville style hot chicken sandwiches is their specialty.

• Ripe Tomato Pizza - Fresh and fast pizza baked on a stone oven, what more could you ask for!

• Pacific Poke - Created by food lovers, for food lovers. Pacific Poke offers fresh, fast, and healthy sushi bowls!

• Sammie Café - Brekkie, Bennie’s, and Sammie’s. The Sammie Café is unbeatable when it comes to answering your brunch and lunch cravings.

Where to have dinner

• Annabelle's Kitchen - This modern Italian 'neighbourhood' restaurant serves a variety of classic pasta, antipasti, and pizza made from scratch using the freshest ingredients.

• Dedicate Healthy Kitchen - Located inside the Blush Lane Organic Market, Dedicate Healthy Kitchen offers high quality, healthy meals to-stay or to-go.

• Globefish - With its dark wood interiors and a hint of mid-century vibe, Globefish serves up authentic Japanese cuisine including fresh sushi, as well as a creative fusion menu.

• Le Comptoir, by François - An innovative, trendy, and welcoming restaurant with a distinctive menu. Meals are cooked in front of guests by a zealous brigade, offering high quality flavours and originality.

• Our Daily Brett Market & Café - Enjoy elevated breakfast, lunch, or dinner at this vibrant cafe that also offers a large selection of local food products in their “Brett’s Bodega” section.

• Pegasus Greek Restaurant Calgary - Serving up traditional Greek recipes for over 30 years, Pegasus Greek is known by many as Calgary’s best Greek Restaurant.

Dessert & treats

• La Diperie - A great place to stop for anyone with a sweet tooth, La Diperie offers ice cream and desserts of all kinds!

• Master Chocolat - Buy boxed gift chocolate boxes, treats, and bars for any occasion from one of the best chocolate manufacturers in Alberta.

• My Favorite Ice Cream Shoppe - With 72 flavours of ice cream, and its old-fashioned ice cream memorabilia, this south Marda Loop scoop shoppe oozes nostalgia.

• Village Ice Cream - One of five Calgary locations, Village Ice Cream’s Garrison Corner shop serves up freshly made ice cream right on location.

• WOW Bakery - Experience beautifully crafted pastries, cakes, and more at this premium Korean bakery with hints of Japanese inspiration.

Breweries & bars

• The Brewer's Apprentice - The Brewer’s Apprentice is Calgary's largest growler shop and craft beer café. Sample one of their many beers on their rotating taps and take your favourite to-go.

• Marda Loop Brewing - This local brewery and bar is a well-known spot for Calgary beer lovers and features a great selection of brews, food, and family-friendly atmosphere (including their dog friendly patio in the warmer months.)

• The Mash - With the leftover grain from brewing beer at Cochrane based Half Hitch Brewing company, The Mash creates uniquely flavourful pizza dough that pairs perfectly with Half Hitch pints.

• Merchants - This local outpost features upscale eclectic dishes, cocktails, and beer on tap in a stylish dining room.

From local roasters to quaint neighbourhood café's, the perfect cup of coffee is never far away in Marda Loop.

• Aroma Café Bar - Located at the historical building of cSpace Marda Loop, Aroma Café Bar offers fresh coffee, pastries, and authentic Mexican food.

• Bell's Cafe - A local favourite, Bell’s Café is your classic, cosy neighbourhood coffee shop that features local art throughout.

• Deville Coffee - A newer addition to the neighbourhood, Deville Coffee’s Marda Loop location is bright and modern with lots of seating.

• Distilled Beauty Bar & Social House - Known for a wide variety of fresh baked pastries, espresso beverages, gourmet deli sandwiches and small, yummy plates!

• Le Comptoir, by François - An interesting and comfortable European-style café that offers high quality coffee and pastries.

• Monogram - This bustling coffee shop features house-roasted espresso drinks and pastries in a compact, stylish space.

• Neighbour Coffee - Known for serving up good and honest coffee and food, Neighbour Coffee is the sister café to Our Daily Brett located just a few blocks away from one another.

• Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters Marda Loop - Local success story, Phil & Sebastian’s has a popular location in Marda Loop. Be sure to try a Hoopla Donut when you visit.

• The Wheelhouse Cafe - This unique coffee shop can be found inside The Wheelhouse bike shop and offers up several treats that are sure to fuel your next bike ride.

While strolling the walkable streets of Marda Loop, it is never hard to find your next favourite shop. Marda Loop offers convenient shopping including the new and trendy “the Shops at Avenue Thirty Four” located in Henry Block.

Markets and gift shops

• Blush Lane Organic Market - Find organic and natural groceries, raw and vegan foods, gluten free and vegetarian products, and farm-direct produce at Blush Lane Organic Market.

• Gardenia Flower Boutique - Fresh high-quality flowers in unique and elegant arrangements that are sure to impress.

• Tres Marias - Enjoy fresh authentic tortillas, signature salsas, and meals to go at this cute Mexican Food Market.

• Kricket's Gift Shop - This local gift shop has been open in Calgary for close to 25 years and is known for selling unique gifts and supporting local creators.

• Slow Burn Books Marda Loop - A specialty bookstore and community hub that is devoted to providing a diverse selection of books catering to the interests of romance readers.

Clothing and jewellery

• Adesso – Premium products for men that are locally sourced and sustainable.

• Clothing Bar Boutique - This community closet specialises in affordable everyday styles.

• Jacarandá - A Canadian and female-owned apparel brand that offers yoga clothing and loungewear.

• The Shops at Avenue Thirty Four - A community of refined retail and service spaces, brought to life in two original Calgary character homes.

• Vienna at Marda Loop - Expertly curated jewellery and home goods from carefully sourced local designers.