2023 Restaurant Openings

Korean Soul food and cocktails now open in Kensington 

The Unicorn is taking over where College Bar was on 4th street in Mission

From the minds of YYC Pasta Bar & YYC Kitchen & Bar

 This new restaurant recreates the atmosphere and vibe  of the streets of Seoul street stalls. Menu items include Korean street food like egg rolls, Korean-style hot pot, noodles and dumplings. 

A new popup hosted by Cafe Alchemist on select evenings.

New Sushi spot next to Leopold's Tavern on 1st SW. 

Popular Edmonton vegan restaurant now in  Calgary

Ora Bread and Wine is your new concept neighbourhood cafe and restaurant in west end downtown Calgary.

New in Inglewood! Serves up Yakitory and cocktails

 Calgary's newest Filipino bubble tea shop with some exciting new flavors and combinations. 

Indulge in the art of coffee at this new Calgary cafe, nestled within a charming building.  8500 heritage square building 1st floor

This fluffy Japanese pancake franchise just opened in CrossIron Mills 

Four Dogs brewing has opened a taproom downtown (next to Home & Away). 

Over 100 flavours of wings at this place in Kensington

G.OAT Bar is Calgary’s first elevating steel cut oatmeal bar, now open inside First Street Market. Specializes in high-end, healthy oatmeal remixed with conscious ingredients. 

Popular fried chicken place from Edmonton is now in Calgary

1980s styled gourmet burger spot that took over Burger Inn location. Inspired by McDonalds, this burger hotspot is a delicious must try.

Chinese + Vietnam inspired ice cream from local female entrepreneurs. Super fun flavours like Dunkaroo, HK Milk Tea, and Ube.  

Canada's first podcast bar. Apparently they record podcasts, talk with bar guests and serve up great food and drink. 

Calgary can never have too many Nashville fried chicken sandwich places. They also have drumsticks and milkshakes!

New pop up in Meat & Bread space focused on Mediterranean flavours + Canadian Terroir. Open Thursday and Friday Nights.

Famous Brazilian company serving acai smoothies and bowls. Pop up is located in Brookfield Place and a permanent spot in District Food Hall.

Just opened in big Rock Brewery's tap room. Can't go wrong with BBQ and Beer!

A vegan pub has taken over what was Broken City. Apparently they had success in Edmonton and are bringing it here too!

Yemeni cuisine on 17th ave

New bar on Stephen ave - promising an escape from the ordinary

Apres ski themed kitchen and bar that quietly opened in West Hillhurst

Malaysian bakery and coffee shop downtown

New French-inspired wine and cocktail bar downtown

New vegan restaurant and bar in Kensington

Pizza place where the crust has sesame seeds and you can buy pizza by the slice. I tried it and I was impressed! Would order again!

New cocktail bar in East Village serving up vegan bites

New bistro in the beltline

Ethiopian coffee place in Bridgeland

Asian desserts! While posts on their IG go back to January, recently posts say they are currently open for a soft launch phase

Fried chicken franchise now in Calgary in Sage Hill

I'm not sure if this cocktail bar is a pop-up or intended to be more of a long term thing. Located on Stephen ave.

Burgers, shakes and waffles in a very instagrammable pink atmosphere. I believe there are two locations, one on 17th and one in Inglewood.

Vietnamese street food and desserts in Bridgeland

I'm not sure if this qualifies as a "Speakeasy" but that's the vibe for this bar/restaurant facing a back alley in Marda Loop

American burger franchise has arrived in Bowness

I haven't been to Sweet Loretta yet but apparently it's part restaurant and part disco dance bar. Newest addition from the Concorde Group.

Takeout, delivery and pizza by the slice in Killarney.

Fancy French restaurant in Kensington

New pizza place on 17th ave with international flavors. Takeout and delivery only.

Freshly made donuts, need I say more? Located in Discovery Hill.

Tubby's is a bar that serves wacky hot dogs but it's more than that because it has a long history of serving Calgary in various locations/capacities. (But I've never been so I'll have to go to tell you more)

This small spot has hidden gem vibes as it's tucked away off the main drag of Marda Loop.  Lots of wine options as to be expected, plus grab some charcuterie to eat.

Sushi place located on the 2nd floor of Tokyo Street Market Macleod 

Banquet Bar has proven to be a hot spot in the University District and that's why they've expanded to the deep south (Mahogany).

Honestly, this is in the wrong place, TJ's opened in Aug 2022 but no one started talking about it until now...so here it is?

Munch is a "creative kitchen" with ongoing meu changes. What does that mean? I donno, check out their IG to see how random it is lol

I haven't had fondue in forever and so going here was a real treat! It's not cheap, but I guess that's to be expected.  It's also a champagne bar.

Konz has a location on the U of C campus and we are waiting for their 17th ave location to open up.

New bakery on 14th st SW

Omakase and sake in Kensington

This is a neat collaboration between a distillery and a brewery. Burwood Distilling and Vacay Brewing both work out of the same space in the Currie Barracks.

From the owners of Monogram coffee comes Primary Colours! It's right next to the Monogram in Britannia. It's not just a café but a restaurant too!

  Lina's has opened a new location in Inglewood.  It's a giant market and has a large seating space to eat and drink too.

Located in Cowboys Casino, this sports bar is themed after Bret Hitmen Hart and has his official stamp of approval!

Jam's Diner is famous in Airdrie and now Calgary has it's own location in Inglewood

Thank-you Hospitality has opened its 2nd location of Native Tongues. This replaced A1 Cantina in Britannia.

New Mexican restaurant on 17th. 

New breakfast place on Macleod trail

Every poutine you ever wanted

New in Inglewood serving up progressive Indian cuisine

New casual bar in Mount Pleasant

After years of pop-ups, Pizza Face finally has a permanent home on 17th ave. There's even restaurant style seating!

This epic pancake house is now open in Beacon Hill. 

 Oodle Noodle will be taking over the spot that was previously KFC on 17th ave. Expect Asian-inspired dishes like spring rolls, kung pao, soups and fried rice. 

This is the newest addition to the Concorde group (think Bridgette Bar, Major Tom). It's in the middle of Stephen Ave and the vibes are "Amalfi coast.."

These donuts look amazing! But I haven't tried them yet. :( After closing in May of 2021, Amaido has reopened on Centre Street. S. 

 Remember where Bookers was? This is right next to it, or attached to it somehow.  It's a chicken strip place with bizarre and fun chicken strip flavours.

This little restaurant describes their food as Asian x Island BBQ fusion. Located in Arbour Lake.

Big Fish Open Range has opened a second location in the heart of Marda Loop (previous location of Pubblico).

Alas I have never been to Mari Bakeshop but apparently they have a cult following. The used to have a small shop and now have opened up a new big location in Bridgeland. I need to go!

 Stuffies is located in SouthCentre Mall (and I heard a rumour that Chinook is getting one too). Stuffies are pastries baked in animal shapes and filled with flavoured custard. Yum!

   The same people who introduced us to Sensei Bar have opened a new Mediterranean restaurant. This is located where Via Cibo was.  

New odd ball coffeeshop & communal art space in Inglewood.

Described as modern Korean kitchen & cocktail bar open late.

 This restaurant wants to make everyone "feel like a VIP."  It has upscale vibes and serves classic dishes like ribeye, salmon, and tenderloin. Located on Stephen Ave. 

 The same people who made Rooftop Bar and Ceili's are making a new concept. It appears to be an upscale pub/lounge? I don't know. Just going off a few IG images. :D Guess we'll find out! 

New brewery in Sunalta that serves food and ciders and cocktails.

 I am 90% sure this is the old Bookers location. There was a restaurant called Ellies there but it went under fairly quickly.  It appears to be more of a club than a restaurant. Hey, I'd try it!  UPDATE: NOW CLOSED

 The Mash already has multiple locations (Kensington, Legacy, Mahogany, Marda Loop) and now they have opened one on 17th Ave in The Fifth (mixed use building).  

 Coming to the Grain Exchange Building Downtown, Please & Thanks will be a "street food bar & restaurant." Excited to learn more! 

This used to be 1410, then it was Chakalaka, now it's newest makeover is a beach theme. I haven't been yet but the food looks good. UPDATE: NOW CLOSED

Fans of thick crust Detroit style pizza will want to try out this new spot! Located in Brentwood and Cranston.

This restaurant is super neat because it's on the 27th floor of The Dorian Hotel. 

At Space Robo Chicken a robot will deep fry your chicken and then a serve robot will drive it up to your table. The future is here! I tried it with low expectations about the chicken and I was actually impressed.

Luca is located in The Oliver. A new multi-use high rise building downtown.  The food is Italian.

Pazzi is located in The Oliver. A new multi-use high rise building downtown.  The pizza is Neapolitan inspired.

Treno is located in The Oliver. A new multi-use high rise building downtown.  Treno is a coffee and prosecco bar, so kinda of a day-to-night place.

Fleetwood Lounge is located in The Oliver. A new multi-use high rise building downtown.  The menu focuses more on drinks than it does food, but there food options if you're hungry.

The newest addition to The District Beltline is Fire & Flora.  This vegan restaurant serves up a number of amazing mushroom-based dishes.  UPDATE: NOW CLOSED

Remember where Booker's used to be? This is right beside/attached to it. We loved the food! It's an interesting mix, for example, we had a pork belly taco and a duck platter. The cocktails were really good too. I think the best part was the atmosphere. Just check it out!

New in the University District, Borough Bar is right next to the VIP Theatre, Canadian Brewhouse and Banquet Bar. The food at Borough Bar is New York inspired, think pizza, pasta and sandwiches.

I looooove Earl of Sandwich. It is the king of hangover food. Delicious hot sandwiches and tomato soup that is like no other.  I would eat at Earl of Sandwich multiple times per day when in Vegas. Plus drag all my friends there to convert them to Earl of Sandwich fanatics. Open now in South Trail Crossing.

17th ave Asian-inspired tapas restaurant.  This was previously the nightclub/restaurant UPDATE: NOW CLOSED

Did you know Central Taps is brought to you by the same people who brought you Craft Beer Market?! This is right next to the new downtown food hall District.

Who wouldn't want to try this amazing invention that is a cross between a soufflé and a pancake?! Fluffy, light and bouncy, these tasty pancakes will surely change the pancake game. They arrived in Kensington first and plan to open in  Chinook Mall, University District and downtown Calgary.

33 Acres is super popular in Vancouver. I've even been there and I've been basically no where in Vancouver.  The Calgary location is right next to District and Central Taps. 

This looks really interesting. This is actually a bar inside an art gallery.

Described as modern Japanese, Ryuko looks clean, contemporary and like it won't disappoint!

This is the sister restaurant to Mercato. The dishes are described as modern Italian. The menu is simple but looks delicious.

Burnin' Bird is part of a collection of restaurants that opened on 17th ave in the mixed use building The Fifth (across from National). As someone who loves a hot chicken sandwich I can't wait to try this.

The restaurant describes themselves as Vietnamese but with a modern twist. I haven't been but the pictures look amazing!  Can't wait to try.

12 beers on tap, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic options are available at this inclusive community tap room.

A new Hong Kong inspired restaurant secretly opened up in Inglewood. It looks modern and fun! Def on the list to try out. UPDATE: NOW CLOSED

This new Mediterranean restaurant just opened next to District Food Hall in the beltline. Their websites says it's modern rustic but I couldn't find any pics of the inside or of the food. :D A bit of a mystery!

Also part of the collection of places that opened in The Fifth on 17th Ave. This is a tiny cocktail bar that boasts an active dance floor on weekends. It's on my list to try! Ladies night!

UPDATE: NOW CLOSED

You'd probably drive right by this place and not notice it, it's down that steep hill by SAIT. But it's def worth stopping in for breakfast or for lunch. We loved our meals and I'll be back!

Remember where Jack Astor's was on Macleod trail? It's now a steakhouse! The inside is nice and the food is good, but obviously where this place stands out is the Tomahawk steaks. They offer beef, pork, bison, veal and lamb and it's so freaking good!

I got to visit Banquet Bar for their soft opening and we had a really good time! It's similar to Home & Away or National. It has sporty vibes and mini bowling to play. It's big with lots of TV's.  Located in the University District.

Does Calgary have too many pho restaurants? Absolutely not. :D That's why I warmly welcome Pho Pham to the pho fam.  Now open in Signal Hill!

Described as a fusion between Canadian, West African, and Caribbean I honestly don't know what to expect from Ellie's and that excites me!  I love a creative flavour combo.  I'm a little nervous about the space they chose, the location that formerly held Bookers for years, those are some big shoes to fill!

UPDATE: Now closed.

I haven't been to Missy's but from what I've seen it looks like a quirky understated wine bar. More hipster than the usual pretentious wine bars.  Also on my list to check out! 

District Food Hall is like an upscale mall food court. It's got awesome vendors like Modern Burger and Roy's Korean Kitchen. Super convenient lunch location for downtown workers.

Surfy Surfy is the newest member of the Concorde Group. They're located in Chinook Mall below Double Zero. I haven't been yet but they serve casual Mexican-inspired food (tacos, burgers, salads, bowls and churros).

Daydream by Flora is a plant based cafe serving up toast, wraps, and sandwiches. For drinks you can grab a smoothie, latte or raw juice. Cookies, macrons and cinnamon buns are available as well as other baked goods.

This brunch cafe serves waffles, bubble tea and some lunch items as well.  Their smoothies also look amazing! UPDATE: I  believe this is now closed. :(

Cinnamon buns but EXTRA. These gourmet, all vegan cinnamon buns come with a variety of different flavoured toppings. Fruit, chocolate, nuts, and tons of icing, something for everyone! Now open on 17th ave.

I've never been a brunch person but it's starting to grow on me. I'd love to check out Maven, the newest addition to 17th ave.  Opened January 10th, Maven features all your traditional brunch fare co-owned with a super cute plant shop Plant It Modern.

I have heard good things about Pat & Betty's!  Apparently it's really nice inside and the food is European inspired. Located in Victoria Park.