2024 Restaurant Openings

Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, Ol’ Beautiful is slowly setting up shop again and has launched a beautiful new spot called The Sound Room, featuring their iconic locally crafted brews and a light tasting menu. I think this could be the comeback story of the year.

Pizza Bae  started as a pop-up to test the waters here in Calgary, but now they’ve settled into a permanent spot where they serve all-you-can-eat pizza! Their signature “Bread of Zeus” pie sets them apart, and you can find them conveniently located right on 17th Avenue SW.

Dragon City Mall is getting all kinds of new places to try this year and inside Monster Kakigori the really cool shaved Ice dessert spot, you'll find Tamago Café they specialise in Japanese-style omelette, but also serve hayashi rice, egg sando, and a variety of drinks!

A new café serving up Yemeni coffee, renowned for its unique flavor and a tradition unchanged for over 500 years. Think cinnamon, clove, and the distinctive taste of Qishir. - They also have the viral pistachio knafeh chocolate! 

And the best part? They're open late—until 11 PM Sunday through Thursday, and until 1 AM on Friday and Saturday!

Could 2024 be the year of the pop-up restaurant? 

Maybe, but if you're looking for really crispy chicken and a good deal, run over to Modern Love as Day Belle's just set up shop there for what looks like a very short time!

I wasn’t entirely sure what Mr. Puffs was all about at first, but it’s essentially a spot that specializes in gourmet, bite-sized donuts. These treats are Greek-inspired and known as loukoumades. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside, and not filled with anything— but theres over 21 toppings to choose  from creamy caramel to maple cream or even Oreo cheesecake, its time to make the trip! 

Bowness has just welcomed its first brewery, Brewsmith Brewing, and it's an exciting addition to the community! They offer 8 unique brews on tap, including their standout signature Pub Ale. To pair with your drink, they serve delicious bites like Banh Mi, hot dogs, and a unique lobster roll dog—perfect complements to their craft beer lineup. Be sure to check them out!

Rosie's Burgers needs no introduction, but they're famous for their original recipe smash burgers, poutine, onion rings, milkshakes and when they opened on Friday, they gave away 100 Smash  Burgers to fans!  Calgary is really having a Burger resonance right now! 

This was an uexpected launch, but We'll take it! The Pigeonhole has flown the coop and has landed a 2nd location in Stephen Avenue Place and has a completely different vibe than their first location on 17th Ave Sw. It's a must try! 

Chick-fil-A needs no introduction, especially for its famous chicken sandwich that has had people lining up for over two hours just to get a taste. I might include them in my next Chicken Sandwich Showdown to see how they stack up against all the other fantastic spots here in Calgary.

The wait is finally over! DOPO has opened its doors, and it’s a hit, with reservations booked solid. Their recipes come straight from Tony’s mother, Rose, so you know it’s got that authentic touch. It’s looking like a perfect spot for a family dinner or an intimate night out, especially with a wine list that’s sure to impress anyone..

I normally don’t talk about pop-ups, since they’re usually gone in a flash by the time I get to try them. But I think Love Damien might stick around for a bit! They’re serving up homemade focaccia, heirloom tomato and carrot dishes, and even lasagna. Right now, you can find them at Meat & Bread on 1st St SW.

Stephen Avenue Place might just become a foodie mecca with Pineapple Hall, now home to Calgary classics like Clive Burger, Surfy Surfy, Needs Must, Double Zero, Lonely Mouth, and Board Room. So many options, so little time to try them all on my lunch break!

Taco Libre just opened on International Avenue, bringing the flavors of Mexican street food to the area. They offer classic tacos, but also go beyond with dishes like tortilla soup and three types of fish tacos. I’ll report back on this one too!

This cozy speakeasy seats just 12 guests and features a heated patio. Their cocktail menu is as unique as the location itself, and they even have a Negroni Cart, allowing you to customize your drink exactly how you like it! 

Note - Absolutely No Reservations

Comfort food and fusion are totally this year’s vibe, and Komorebi Brunch is right on it. They just opened, serving up classic brunch faves with a Japanese twist that’s caught my eye. I mean, I have to try their Chashu Benny—homemade chimichurri, poached eggs, and Hollandaise?  Sign me up- just not at  8am ;) 

Korean BBQ is having its moment here in Calgary, and Samwon Garden just opened its doors, offering premium Korean BBQ that has my mouth watering. They're located just off Macleod Trail and are definitely on my list to try soon

If you love a blend of pasta, tacos, and a mix of witchy astrology and crafty cocktails, then this is your new date spot, because your horoscope says you gotta try this new place on 17th!

When this place opened on Saturday, September 28th, on 17th Ave, the line was around the block! They even ran out of sandwiches because they're just that popular—and, of course, incredibly good!

Perfect Meat Bowl is all about making your own perfect Hot Pot, and you get to pick all the ingredients (meats, veggies, broth, toppings) yourself and make it however you want, just be sure to weigh as you go! 

17th Ave is buzzing with a new Peruvian restaurant, offering a simple menu of fun, shareable small plates to transport you and your taste buds to Peru!

I don't know about you but I think Calgary can always have another great sandwich shop! This spot just opened up in Marda Loop.

All of the tried and true authentic flavours of Vietnam and they've got a unique twist on the classic Pho. They also offer a 100% gluten-free menu! 

Offering burgers, curries, and plenty of finger foods, this new hookah hangout on 16th Ave also features pub grub with halal options and shawarma.

I feel like 17th Ave is always buzzing with new spots to explore, and Bira 17 is no exception. With a setup perfect for cocktails and shareable plates, it looks like a place to hang out before heading out for the night.

La Ciel offers a unique experience with its three distinct floors. The first features a lively sports bar with classic pub fare, the second offers upscale fine dining, and the third is a hookah bar with a view, providing a one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Ramen Arashi is super popular in Banff and have been expanding into more locations. Calgary finally gets our own!

A new Korean restaurant named "SOT" just opened up on 9th Ave SE and offers a special menu featuring braised beef short rib (Galbi Jjim), soybean rouge duck breast, and stir-fried chicken. I can see this being a good late night hang out!

This one flew under the radar when it opened earlier this August, but that doesn't mean I won't be stopping by this famous burger joint from BC. 

This British pub serves hearty comfort food and is definitely the new place to catch a football match ⚽

This might just be one of the coziest cafes in the city. With their focus on community and meeting places, you can enjoy culinary experiences from some of the top chefs in Calgary. They also serve up classic coffees and lattes, which make for great conversation starters. 

This new spot just opened up near Tomkins Park! It has weekly specials, a big patio, and looks like a very cool space to hang out on weekends.

They had a soft launch earlier in July, and it looks like a cool spot to hang out, grab a burger or nachos, and catch up with friends. It's located on 17th Ave SW.

A new spot to enjoy some of the best curry just opened up and it looks like a fun place to hang out and relax while noshing on naan. 

A new elevated Afghan dining experience just opened up across from City Hall downtown.

After years of pop-ups this luxury coffee experience has a place of its own in Inglewood.  Apparently, you don't even need to order a drink, you can just describe your likes and the barista will whip something up accordingly.

Finally, BeaverTails is open! I never thought I'd see the day. They had the "opening soon" sign up for so long that I made bets with my friends about when it would actually open on 17th Ave SW!

The newest place to beat the heat is located on the first floor of Dragon City Mall, they have so many cool shaved ice flavours, you have to try them all! 

Tex Mex is a popular Mexican restaurant in Chestermere that has expanded to Calgary. Located in the heart of Kensington, this looks like a must try!

This extremely popular taco spot has opened a new location in Ogden.

Otie Bakehouse is now open, serving classic sandwiches, croissants, kombucha, and other comforting café treats.

Letty is next to the Stampede grounds and serves up Neapolitan style pies.

Chendu Hot pot offers a huge selection of meats to create the ultimate hot pot! Plus don't skip their selection of 99 cent desserts!

Mestizo Taqueria is now open in Kensington. Plus they have a patio!

Adding this pop-up to the list of places to check out is a no-brainer! For the love of bagels, you don't want to miss their weekend events.

This new spot on Memorial Drive is offering a taste of the streets of Bombay, India! What caught my eye is the Tiger Kachori, and there's so much more on their menu that I want to try!

Eats of Asia finally found a forever home and is now operating out of SunnyCider, and we couldn't be happier to make the trip to eat their famous Onigiri! 

ELYMI (Eat Like You Mean It) has opened to much fanfare, offering a daily buffet with a variety of international cuisines for both lunch and dinner. 

Korean BBQ restaurant that specializes in seasoned ribs, pork makchang, and grilled scallops. Interestingly this restaurant has a "jail" theme.

Chaiwalla has recently opened its doors in Calgary, specializing in Indian street food. Expect chicken kebab rolls, mono fries, and a wide selection of ice-cold chai drinks.

Located on 17th Ave SW, Cold Beer & Pizza is a new bar serving up "Roman-Style" pizza to stay or to go. Sit inside or on their surprisingly large patio space. 

A new gluten-free Korean bakery just opened up in the Beltline. It offers a delicious selection of gluten-free whole cakes, cube cakes, honey breads, and lots of other treats!

A cozy spot offering a menu of globally inspired dishes and sharing plates. A cute date night spot! 

 Journey to a tropical paradise with exotic and authentic Mexican & Latin food and cocktails.

Hanyang offers classic Korean comfort food dishes and soups.

A cozy brunch spot with a focus on breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes, complete with coffee and cocktails.

Calgary's first 2D Cafe & Brunch spot serving up Korean comfort food.

Focused on small-batch ice cream and bars, their riverfront location will be great for enjoying a cold treat while strolling this summer!

This is a cute spot to grab a bubble tea, or a snack and check out some of the cool finds as this is a cafe and curated store! 

Serving up Cali-Cabo food vibes, The Office has everything from fish tacos to crispy calamari and more! 

Egg Club serves up fluffy egg sandwiches with Japanese bread.

Moving from a cannot miss pop-up to a more permanent location, it's a pearl of a spot for oysters and seafood!

Dough boy specializes in handcrafted doughnuts, each drizzled with mouth-watering syrups and delicious toppings!

Morning Brunch Co. has opened a few new locations! You'll see them in Shawnessy, Airdrie and Okotoks.

A charming pub that has a place to dance and karaoke every week, as well as great happy hour specials! 

Looks like Concord has done a soft launch of their new concept dining room experience and we can't wait to know more!  This is in the old space of National on Stephen Ave (main floor not the patio).

Korean Street food at its finest, putting their twist on corn dogs and mandu dumplings, this could be a great place for after-bar hopping on 17th Ave! 

A brand new spot serving up Katsu, but also when you dine in you get unlimited rice and cabbage salad! 

Just like their name says this sushi hot spot specializes in hand rolls.

A luxurious experience with both classic and fusion Vietnamese dishes.

You have to check out their Texas sized fritters!

Mama Rice opened  with its homemade steamed rice rolls (cheung fun), a beloved Cantonese dim sum delicacy..

Huge variety of pierogi options available. 

Firehouse Subs just opened up and we're excited to try their signature Hook and Ladder sub, the one that started it all! 

Right where Revival Brewcade used to be in Inglewood Burn Block Social club is taking up the mantle of a cool brewery lounge to hang out at! 

A new sports bar with billiards and games has just opened up on 17th Ave SW, and it looks like a lot of fun! 

Salt 'n Sugar just opened up in Crescent Heights Village and they are serving up Kimchi Burgers and other Asian-style treats!

A new spot just opened and is specializing in authentic Chinese Luosifen. 

Located in Royal Vista, Lotus Fine Cusine offers a wide range of traditional and modern Indian food, 

A tiki bar in Chinatown just opened up and it's from the same owners of Paper Lantern! 

This spot is all about Cookies, and they have everything from a classic chocolate chip, red velvet, PB & J, lemon poppyseed, and baklava! Located downtown.

Indian street food with eggs in different formats.

New watering hole in Crescent Heights with trivia, game and speed dating nights. (Used to be Elite Brewing, but it's had a makeover) (*now closed)

 This dumpling shop has a ton of weird varieties of dumplings to try. Plus it's an "automat style" meaning more robots and less people!  

French cocktail bar located downtown

This massive BBQ restaurant chain recently opened two locations in Edmonton and has now opened a spot in downtown Calgary.

Maverick’s Donut Company opened a new store in Copperfield. They offer a wide range of flavors, from classic honey-glazed and chocolate dip to unique maple bacon, pecan pie, and lemon ricotta donuts!

Crumbl cookies is US based and has been rapidly spreading across Canada.

New Thai restaurant downtown