Calgary's Best Restaurants

The chili goma alone has a cult following. Fair warning, Shiki Menya is known for having a line-up and they only serve a limited amount of bowls daily. It's definitely worth it though!

Just really solid good ramen.  Everything is made in house. The location is somewhat small and does get busy but you can also order take out.

Massive bowls of Vietnamese pho that are super popular! The ultimate hangover cure.

Native Tongues is part of the popular collection of restaurants that make up the Thank-you Hospitality Group.  Known for their meaty, flavourful, tacos and large margarita selection Native Tongues is a go-to Mexican destination.

Hidden in an unlikely location, Moose & Poncho serve up delicious tacos in a small Asian mall downtown. Recently they opened a second location at First Street Market. 

Fun and delicious Mexican food. Make sure you try their edible jello shots glasses!

The rooftop patio has gorgeous views of the Calgary tower and downtown. Of course, the food is also spectacular.  

Chairman's is amazzzzing. It's stunning gold decor and big room, elegant atmosphere makes you feel you've left Calgary and been transported to LA, or I donno, somewhere that's not here.  

Absolutely delicious food and upscale atmosphere in this classic yet contemporary steakhouse downtown.

Alloy has been featured in Avenue Magazine multiple times as a top Calgary restaurant and for good reason. The food is spectacular and the drinks are really good. Be prepared to pay more for your dishes here, but trust me it is worth it. The beef short rib is to DIE FOR. 

What better way to spend Valentines' day than in an adorable  pink house? Make your reso early at this champagne and fondue bar. (pro-tip you can also book at their sister restaurant "Var Bar")

This dark and intimate spot is the perfect getaway from your usual date spots. Tucked away in Marda Loop, you'll find this small wine and pasta joint. It's not cheap! But it is tasty.

The most beautiful restaurant in Calgary? I think it could be.

This sleek restaurant is extra special because it's 27 floors up.

Dining with downtown views 40 floors up. You're probably not getting in unless you booked this way in advance.

When a visit to Tennessee turns into a whole BBQ restaurant you know things went right.

You don't have to go all the way to Texas to get authentic Texas BBQ, but you do have to drive just south of Calgary.

Triple threat! These 3 BBQ spots are known for their quality meats and beer & whiskey options.

If you want new and popular Lulu Bar is your place. Located on 17th Ave it is always bumping and has a wicked patio. They also have an awesome cocktail menu. Shout out to the Lamborghini Mercy - best drink on it. 

Model Milk is conveniently located on 17 ave and it's been around for a decent amount of time. I think the reason it's survived the last 2 or so local recessions is because of it's amazing food. Really quality ingredients and great flavour combinations.

When you ask people about their favorite restaurants in Calgary it's only a matter of time before Ten Foot Henry comes up. Note that this restaurant is "vegetable-anchored" meaning that while they serve meat, vegetables are the main focus behind their menu offerings.

This is a cross between a market and a food court, which means it has something for everyone. Visit Alforno, Friends with Benedicts, La Mano, Moose n Poncho, Pure Street Food, Saffron Street and more.

I am a person who is always down for a good sandwich. Alumni focuses in on what makes them the greatest!  These aren't "light" sandwiches if that's what you're expecting, these are hearty, meal-sized sandwiches.  And any sandwich shop that serves draft beer is A-okay in my books.

Amazing sandwiches! This well-known spot is loved by Calgarians.

This place is extremely popular. So popular that I've tried a couple times to go and have never had the patience for the waitlist. Make sure you plan ahead!

Queen's has only been around for a few years but has been a popular choice due to their breakfast cocktails and instagrammable meals.

One of Open Table's top 3 brunch places in Calgary. Be prepared for a bit of a drive as it's way down in Seton.

This place flies under the radar and I think deserves more hype. The food is excellent quality and the experience is upscale. Located in a small spot on Stephen Ave, it's a best kept secret that Dad will love.

If your dad loves BBQ, then bring him to Prairie Dog. It's delicious plus he can sample a flight of their craft beers.

Every dad can find something they like at a massive buffet! Try Grey Eagle for tons of hot and cold selections. Dad will be thanking you!

The Lougheed House is a hidden gem in the centre of the city.  Highly recommend for an excellent meal in a historic building with lot's of character.

This fine dining establishment is a great choice for mothers because of their classic food and atmosphere.

You can't go wrong with The Lake House in Bonavista. Stunning views and exceptional food will make for a memorable meal.

Higher Ground is a long-standing staple in Kensington but you may not know they have a location in Capitol Hill as well. They offer a wide selection of food and drink options.

There are many tasty options when you go to one of the multiple Deville locations, but they are best known for their Nutella Latte.

Located downtown, ZCrew serves up breakfast and lunch options as well as coffee.

Delicious lattes with the addition of some fun seasonal experiments like the mandarin honey latte. Pastries and donuts available too! 

Despite being hidden away in Altadore, Neighbour coffee is always very busy regardless of time of day.

Right on 17th Ave, Element cafe has a great location. They are open late and even serve cocktails at night.

Alforno is a super popular bakery downtown. They have a decent sized seating area and offer breakfast and lunch options too!

Started by a former SAIT student, Butterblock is 17th Ave's best kept secret.  You'll find it hidden n the Devenish building. They make stuffed croissants including Nutella stuffed croissants. OMG heaven.

This bakery might be my favourite. Their bagels are the best in the city (imo) and everything else they make is delicious too. And I love their lattes. Just go!

A literal hidden gem in the SW. Their cinnamon buns are to DIE for as well as many more of their baked goods.

This cute and busy little bakery offers delicious lunch and bakery items.

All Calgarians know and love Glamorgan's famous cheese buns!

This absolutely massive cookies come in unique fun flavour combos. 

Made by Marcus is well known in Calgary for their experimental ice cream flavours. My fave is lemon blueberry!

D Spot has a massive menu of sweet treats that aren't just for breakfast as they are open late!

Village Ice Cream is well-loved by Calgarians. They offer exciting new flavours monthly so we never get bored!

Probably the most instagrammable of all - ReGrub has many over-the-top milkshakes in crazy fun flavors.

These are next level donuts! Try skor bar, lemon curd, peanut butter cup or even maple bacon!

I bet you didn't think pie could be exciting? Let Pie Junkie change that for you! Their sweet pies are sooo good and they have savory options as well!

Crave makes delectable cupcakes, cookies and cakes. My fave is the mint icing cupcake.