Where to eat in Calgary

Looking for your next great meal? It’s no secret that Calgary’s food scene has reached another level in recent years. Top restaurants are a mixture of hidden gems, local institutions, and new favourites. Here is a list of new and noteworthy places to eat in Calgary.

DOPO

DOPO is the newest evolution of the beloved D.O.P Italian restaurant which closed its Beltline location in August 2024. Building on the legacy of its predecessor, DOPO combines a refined Italian menu with a welcoming ambiance in the heart of Marda Loop. The restaurant’s name pays homage to its roots, meaning “after” in Italian, symbolizing a new chapter while staying true to its heritage.

Address: 1907 34 Ave SW #10

Known For: Their famous giant egg yolk ricotta raviolo and family-sized veal parm options.

Bar Gigi

Disguised as the former "Halibut Hut" by day, Bar Gigi is a cozy, European-inspired restaurant offering high-end shareable plates made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Its small, intimate setting makes it a popular spot, so reservations are a must to secure a table.

Address: 336 9 Ave NE

Known For: A carefully curated wine selection, and elevated small plates in a charming, intimate space.

Pineapple Hall

Pineapple Hall is a new food hall in Calgary featuring some of the city’s favourite local restaurants under one roof. Highlights include Double Zero’s artisan pizzas, Lonely Mouth’s Japanese-inspired small plates, and Clive Burger’s gourmet burgers and shakes. With its communal and lively vibe, Pineapple Hall is a hub for food lovers looking for great options from some of Calgary’s best.

Address: 225 7 Ave SW #205

Known For: Mixing Calgary’s favourite restaurants in a vibrant and social dining experience. A great spot for a business casual lunch with colleagues.

Lina’s Trattoria

Lina’s Trattoria is a natural extension of Lina’s Italian Market , offering an authentic taste of Italy in the heart of Calgary. This charming spot is perfect for a casual meal or a special gathering, with a focus on high-quality ingredients sourced directly from Italy. The trattoria’s warm and inviting atmosphere pairs beautifully with its menu, featuring classic dishes like handmade pastas, fresh salads, and wood-fired pizzas.

Address: 2202 Centre St NE

Known For: Fresh pasta dishes, Italian wines, wood-fired pizzas, and an indoor connection to Lina’s Market, where you can shop for your favourite Italian ingredients after your meal.

The Tavern Collective

The Tavern Collective is a welcoming Calgary hotspot that combines laid-back charm with elevated pub fare. This modern gastropub is perfect for casual nights out or celebratory gatherings, offering a menu filled with comforting classics and creative dishes. With a large selection of craft beers, cocktails, and wines, it’s an ideal place to unwind while enjoying great food and drink.

Address: 7995 11 St SE

Known For: Elevated pub fare, a rotating list of local craft beers, and an easily accessible location.

See a full list of new restaurants in Calgary.

These restaurants have all become iconic within the Calgary food scene. Reservations recommended.

Rouge

Rouge has been a fixture in Calgary’s fine dining scene since it opened in 2001. Diners can expect French-inspired meals in a historic setting. The Cross House sits next to the Bow River and features a beautiful backyard garden. Dishes often include ingredients pulled from the garden earlier that day.

Address: 1240 8th Ave SE

Known For: Continually appearing on Best Restaurant in Calgary lists.

Caesar’s Steakhouse

You know a restaurant is great when it’s been around for over 50 years. Caesar’s has two locations and both offer remarkable experiences. These are old school steakhouses. The décor drips of opulence and the food is indulgent.

 Address: 512 4th Ave SW and 10816 Macleod Trail #110

Known For: Being a go-to spot for milestones and special occasions.

CHARCUT Roast House

When it comes to famous Calgary restaurants, locals visit CHARCUT Roast House for its contemporary and inviting atmosphere that combines award winning local chef-driven cuisine with Italian and Country French accents. Whether you are looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, CHARCUT’s menu is forever evolving.

 Address: 101, 899 Centre Street SW

Known For: Locally sourced ingredients from small, local artisan farmers and ranchers, with herbs harvested daily from their own garden.

River Café

The location of River Café is hard to beat. It’s surrounded by trees, on a river island, in downtown Calgary. And the food lives up to the setting. The restaurant focuses on sourcing food from small local farms and fishermen. This comes through in its seasonally changing menu.

Address: 25 Prince’s Island Park SW

Known For: Its picnic baskets , which are perfect for a day spent exploring Prince’s Island Park.

Teatro

Teatro is the flagship restaurant of Calgary’s well-known Teatro Group. It opened in 1993 in the historic Dominion Bank building, right across from Arts Commons. The Italian menu is so authentic that the olive oil comes from the owner's family's olive groves.

 Address: 200 8th Ave SE

Known For: It’s 10,000 bottle wine cellar.

Check out more options for a quintessential Calgary dining experience.

There’s nothing better than finding a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that blows you away. These local spots are worth seeking out.

Scozzafava's Deli

Scozzafava's Deli is a blink and you’ll miss it spot (but you’ll be mad if you did) off of 17th Ave SW in Calgary. This family-run deli specializes in Italian sandwiches, cured meats, cheeses, and freshly baked breads, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or stocking up on deli favourites, Scozzafava's is the go-to destination for those craving classic Italian flavours.

Address: 1004 17 Ave SW

Known For: Hearty Italian sandwiches, freshly made pasta salads, and a selection of premium imported Italian meats and cheeses.

Paper Lantern

You’ll have to do a bit of searching to find this Vietnamese hotspot. Paper Lantern sits in a Chinatown basement. Go down the stairs and look for an unmarked door. Your reward is refreshing cocktails and tasty Vietnamese street food.

Address: 115 2nd Ave SE  (basement)

Known For: Their authentic Bánh Mì (Vietnamese subs). The chicken roti is a must-try.

Frenchie Wine Bar

You’ll have to make your way through UNA Pizza to find this intimate wine + fondue bar. Frenchie is only open for dinner and has a fun, moody vibe. The 'Frenchie Fondue' has gruyère cheese, truffle oil, honey, and cracked pepper.

Address: 616 17th Ave SW (go through UNA Pizza)

Known For: Being a perfect date night spot.

Seniore’s Pizza

Seniore's Pizza is in an unassuming strip mall in Calgary’s Beddington neighbourhood. You’ll notice it right away from the line-up out the door. The owners commit to serving pizza with the best dough and cheese. Come hungry because this pizza is filling.

Address: 176 Bedford Dr NE #5

Known For: Being home of “The Original Donair Pizza”.

Rain Dog

Like the atmosphere of a wine bar, but prefer to drink beer? That’s the concept of Rain Dog . Craft beer fans will rejoice at the extensive menu. Many of the beers come from breweries down the street. The Northern European-inspired food pairs perfectly with an IPA, porter, or stout.

Address: 1214 9th Ave SE.

Known For: Promoting Calgary’s best craft breweries.

Perfect for a date night, a night out, or a night to remember. You’ll find your attention gets torn between the amazing food and impressive views.

Charbar

Located in the historical Simmons Building alongside the Bow River, Charbar is known for its incredible view of the river and downtown skyline. Experience the great view during the warmer months from a stunning rooftop patio paired with amazing Argentinian inspired dishes.

Address: 618 Confluence Way SE

Known For: The best waterfront views in the city.

Deane House

The Deane House sits at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. This site has been an important meeting place for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The house and the grounds are beautiful and the views of the rivers are even better. Enjoy incredible Canadian regional cuisine in a historic setting.

Address: 806 9th Ave SE

Known For: Its support of local farms, gardens, and ranches.

Major Tom

Canada's 100 Best named Major Tom ‘Canada’s Best New Restaurant’ in 2022. It’s easy to see why. The restaurant is on the 40th floor of a downtown skyscraper. The Benchmark Angus steaks get broiled at 1800° to ensure a caramelized crust. And the décor is a throwback to 70’s glam.

Address: 40th Floor – Stephen Avenue Place - 700-2 St SW

Known For: Its stunning views of downtown Calgary during Golden Hour – 3-5 p.m.

The Wilde on 27

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer diners unobstructed views of Calgary’s picturesque downtown. The life and works of Oscar Wilde inspired The Dorian hotel and its restaurant, The Wilde . This is where you can celebrate the finer things in life. The menu is imaginative, and the design is whimsical.

Address: 27th Floor - The Dorian – 525 5th Ave SW

Known For: Rooftop cocktails.

Sky360

Dine at the top of the Calgary Tower. A rite of passage for locals, eating at Sky360 is also a classic experience for visitors. Families will enjoy the novelty and couples will get caught up in the romance. Everyone will devour the steakhouse fare.

Address: 101 9th Ave SW  (inside the Calgary Tower)

Known For: Its revolving restaurant floor.

You don’t have to comprise on taste with these popular cheap and cheerful eats.

Tubby’s Bar

Tubby Dog is legendary among Calgarians. It closed its doors during the COVID-19 pandemic and reopened as Tubby’s Bar . Inventive, gourmet hot dogs draw the crowds. The new location is upscale for a hot dog place and perfect for an inexpensive way to impress friends.

Address: 100A, 1210 8th St SW

Known For: The ‘A-Bomb’ hotdog – bacon, cheese sauce, topped with crushed potato chips.

Class Clown Hamburgers

Class Clown is a lively local spot in Calgary’s Mission Neighbourhood that brings together creative burgers and chicken sandwiches, top notch ingredients, and nostalgic 70’s diner vibes. In a town with a lot of competitive burger joints, Class Clown has made a name for themselves.

Address: 1711 4 St SW #106

Known For: The Coney Fries, The Donald McRonald Burger, and an instagrammable interior.

Hankki

Hankki brings the flavours of Korean street food to Calgary with a modern twist. This casual eatery got its start at the famous Calgary Farmer’s Market and specializes in quick and flavour-packed dishes like Korean fried chicken, Korean style hotdogs, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and their signature cupbap.

Address: 6 locations across Calgary

Known For: Signature cupbap—a layered meal-in-a-cup combining rice, marinated meats, and fresh vegetables; Korean fried chicken, and mouthwatering Korean style hotdogs.

Cluck N Cleaver

Enjoy fried chicken at its best. Francine Gomes teamed up with her celebrity chef sister, Nicole, to start Cluck N Cleaver . They make the batter from scratch which results in crispy perfection.

Address: 1511 14th St SW

Known For: The ‘Mother Clucker’ sandwich – chicken coated in chipotle hot sauce with blue cheese mayo, coleslaw, and pickles.

Peter’s Drive In

Cars line up around the block to get a burger and shake from Peter’s Drive In . Everything is simple, real, and fresh. Not much has changed at Peter’s since it opened in 1962. Why change when the food is that good?

Address: 219 16th Ave NE

Known For: Its thick milkshakes. You can choose up to 3 flavours to create over 4,500 combinations.

If you’ve had dinner and are looking for something sweet to finish off the evening, these spots are for you.

Blackfoot Truckstop Diner

The Blackfoot Truckstop has been a Calgary institution since it opened in 1956. It’s old-school in all the best ways. Slip into one of the retro booths and order some pie and coffee.

Address: 1840 9 Ave S.E.

Known For: Their six-inch-high Flapper Pie.

Amato Gelato

Authenticity is everything at Amato Gelato. It’s a family-run business with over 90 years of gelato-making experience. All the flavours are made from scratch. If you’re looking to really indulge, order the Bomboloni Gelato Panino.

Address: 7-2104 Kensington Rd N.W. & 602 17 Ave S.W.

Known For: Their extensive selection of rotating gelato flavours – 72 to be exact.

Y Not Today

Y Not Today is no ordinary bubble tea spot. They also serve up smoothies and some of Calgary’s best bingsu – Korean shaved ice dessert with sweet toppings. Flavours include matcha, taro, and brown sugar with names inspired by your favourite movies.

Address: 4339 Macleod Trail S.W.

Known For: Having an extensive collection of puzzles, brain teasers, and board games.

Locals also go crazy for the donas at Native Tongues , the Cinnamon Crunch Crêpe Cake at Hawthorn Dining Room , and the Lemon Curd Blueberry ice cream from Made by Marcus .