Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?continue anyway

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

PC

MAC Calgary - Restaurants - Northwest
Download the Schmap Calgary Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:
Calgary Home
Schmap Calgary guide and map



1886 Cafe


Step back in time
187 Barclay Parade Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 4R5
Canada
+1 403 269 9255
http://www.1886.ca/
The 1886 Café brings nostalgia coupled with great breakfast fare in to the new millennium. Breakfasts include the famous "Kenny's Special": scrambled eggs with cheese, green pepper and mushrooms. The décor is reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century kitchen and harks back to a time when the city of Calgary was nothing more than a scattering of shacks on the riverbank; a basement room is filled with pictures of Calgary in the late 1800s.

Review © 2007, Wcities
1886 Cafe photo by Kevin H. Stecyk
Photo: Kevin H. Stecyk
1886 Cafe photo by Kevin H. Stecyk
Photo: Kevin H. Stecyk
 

 
A Touch of Ginger


A great place for Thai
318 10th Street Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 1V8
Canada
+1 403 270 3816
A Touch of Ginger is a recent addition to the Kensington restaurant scene, and because of their delicious soups and subs, they have already achieved a large and loyal following. This casual restaurant is unpretentious, clean and simple. It seats approximately 55 people and you can sit at a table or a booth. Their cuisine is a combination of Vietnamese and Thai and you can choose from a variety of menu items, including large bowls of noodle soup, as well as traditional favorites, like Beef Salad.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Abruzzo Ristorante


A cozy table for two?
402 8th Street Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 1Z9
Canada
+1 403 237 5660
Abruzzo is located right in the middle of downtown, and is perfect for business lunches or family celebrations. It is small and quaint and offers traditional Italian cuisine at its finest. You can choose from extremely creative daily specials or stick to the more traditional menu, which includes pasta, soup, chicken seafood, veal, and steak. Homey and warm, Abruzzo gives a touch of elegance to its interior by including starched linen napkins, white linen tablecloths and candles on every table.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Annie's Book Company


Charming used bookshop
912 - 16 Avenue Northwest
Calgary, AB T2M 0K3
Canada
+1 403 282 1330
http://anniesbookcompany.ca/
Too many used book shops have all the charm of a garage sale. Annie's is different. Dispersed among the well-stocked shelves are comfortable chairs, sofas and tables, and the cafe in the corner offers delicious coffees and teas to sip while you browse. With over 50,000 titles in stock covering every conceivable genre, there is plenty to look at. Annie also offers a book 'rental' service, and a literary salon, which is a separate room housing rare and antiquated books. A regular schedule of poetry readings and lectures are also available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Auburn Saloon


Before or after the theatre
712 1st Street South East
Calgary, AB T2G 2G8
Canada
+1 403 266 6628
Located in the Dominion Building, which was built at the turn of the century, the Auburn Saloon features a grand old staircase and high ceilings and is a popular hangout for the Live Theatre crowd; partly because it is directly across the street from The Epcor Centre for Performing Arts. Another good reason: their eclectic and upscale menu. Choose from fully-loaded homemade pizza, fancy salads, smoked salmon and their gourmet sandwiches, or simply drop in for a martini from their extensive drink menu.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Auburn Saloon photo by Tracey Arsenault
Photo: Tracey Arsenault
 

 
Badass Jack's


The freshest and fastest subs and wraps
400 Crowfoot Crest North West
Calgary, AB T3G 2P6
Canada
+1 403 241 2201
http://www.badassjacks.com/loc...
For sandwiches and wraps where you know exactly what you're getting, check out Badass Jack's. The beef here is sliced right off a roast, and the poultry is carved from a rotisserie chicken, directly in front of the customer. There are no real menus here, so you decide exactly what you want on each sandwich, right down to the sauce ingredients. A sub or wrap is usually ready in less than five minutes, making this a good place to grab a quick lunch. There are 10 or 15 tables in the restaurant, which uses deli-style self-service instead of waitstaff.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Badass Jack's photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Bagelmakers Inc.


Great bagels
147 200 Barclay Parade Southwest
Eau Claire Market
Calgary, AB T2P 4R5
Canada
+1 403 232 1027
Bagelmakers is a trendy little place that offers delicious bagels. Unlike the usual heavy variety, these are light and almost crispy; they offer a large assortment prepared daily in their wood-fired oven. You can choose between sun-dried tomato, blueberry crisp and chocolate banana among others. They also serve a delicious assortment of flavored coffees and teas. It is a busy and bustling lunchtime counter, with just a few tables and chairs. Take your bagel to nearby Prince's Island Park, or stroll along the nearby river.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Baraka


For theatrical coffees and sandwiches
225 8 Avenue southeast
Epcor Centre for Performing Arts
Calgary, AB T2E 0P8
Canada
+1 403 237 7832
http://www.epcorcentre.org/cgi...
With its prime location on the main floor of the Centre for Performing Arts, this classy cafeteria caters to the theatre-goer. The café serves coffees and drinks for those looking for some pre-show, post-curtain or intermission refreshment. In addition to fine espresso drinks, you can also get glasses of red, white and sparkling wine, beer and cocktails. There is also a wide selection of desserts available. Baraka "Gourmet Kitchen" is just across the hallway and offers deli-style and grilled sandwiches and lunch entrees such as shepherd's pie and lasagna.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Bass Brothers Beer House and Grill


Comfy pub, stylish fare
1136 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB T2N 3P3
Canada
+1 403 283 7443
It was only a matter of time before Victor Choy, proprietor of such trendy bars as The Mercury and Concorde, made his stylish mark on Kensington. The fine-lined woodwork and big windows make this a classier-than-average pub, but it's the menu that truly impresses. This is gourmet pub grub. To go with your beer there are bacon-stuffed burgers with roquefort mayonnaise, sandwiches of pepperoni on rye, baked salmon, and curried chicken salad with peaches.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Bean There Coffee Bar


Cozy brick cafe
738 11 Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0E4
Canada
+1 403 237 0209
Red brick walls, comfortable chairs and an inviting outdoor patio lend a warmth to this coffeehouse. The house-brand coffee is excellent, and the servers are some of the friendliest anywhere. It doesn't have a huge selection of baked goods, but the muffins and scones that they do have are always fresh and stuffed with berries and fruit. There are a few very good spiked coffees available, as well as a selection of beers and ciders.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Belvedere


Urban elegance
107 8 Ave Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 1B3
Canada
+1 403 265 9595
One of the newest upper-end restaurants to grace the Stephen Avenue Mall restaurant area, The Belvedere is both urban and rustic, with a rough-cut elegance that is a refreshing change from Calgary's many, too-serious dining establishments. The menu features continental fare, seafood, wild game and Alberta beef specialties, all prepared with fresh local produce in a stunning, contemporary presentation. Skylights provide a stunning view of the famous Calgary Tower, creating a perfect setting for any special occasion.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Benny's Bistro & Bar


Breakfast, lunch or supper
355 4th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 0J1
Canada
+403 265 2700
Benny's Bistro offers breakfast, lunch and supper at unbeatable prices. They are very popular, so if you're thinking of heading there for lunch, be sure to make reservations. Benny's can serve up to 500 people, and they cater to many corporate events. You can dine in their formal dining room or head to their lounge if you're looking for a more casual evening. They specialize in Continental cuisine, which includes pasta, seafood and pizza. You can also choose from their large breakfast menu as well as their full take-out menu.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Bermuda Triangle


A trendy nightclub
1213 1st Street Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0V3
Canada
+1 403 237 7665
This trendy nightclub attracts a mostly youthful male clientele. It is a place to enjoy finger food, drink specials, and live entertainment. They also offer a "no cover charge" night on Tuesdays, which is geared to college/university students. The Bermuda Triangle is decorated with palm trees and bamboo. It has an open concept and you can sit at a table or take a stool along the bar. There is a small dance floor and stage, and on Wednesday nights they offer live entertainment.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Bermuda Triangle photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Bert's Mountain Mecca Cafe


Friendly roadhouse
10231 West Valley Road Southwest
Calgary, AB T3B 5T2
Canada
+1 403 286 4891
This no-frills diner on the Trans-Canada Highway looks like it might blow over in a strong wind. Still, it is a charming place to stop for a roadside feed. Mecca's breakfast menu offers the expected array of eggy morning fare, including the enormous Griz platter: three eggs, ham, sausage, hash browns, pancakes and toast. For lunch and dinner, try a tasty burger or sandwiches. There is little in the way of decor, but since most folks are stopping en route to the majestic Rocky Mountains, nobody seems to mind.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Blends Coffee Roasterie


Fresh beans and faraway places
1312 Edmonton Trail Northeast
Calgary, AB T2E 3K7
Canada
+1 403 230 3226
This bright cafe is a haven of serenity on a noisy urban thoroughfare. With its few small tables, big windows and stacks of magazines, it feels more like someone's living room than a coffee shop. Sit on a comfortable chair with a big cup of java or a bowl of soup and look at the photos of far-away places adorning the walls; you will forget about the traffic snarling outside. The owners roast their own coffee beans in the basement, so the place smells wonderful and the coffee is exceptional.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Blue Ginger Cafe and Restaurant


Tasty Vietnamese subs.
101, 4 - 14 Street Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 1Z4
Canada
+1 403 270 2090
Located on the edge of downtown, this tiny cafe specializes in tasty Vietnamese cuisine. The menu is small and features delicious Vietnamese-style submarines, beef noodle soups, vermicelli, and combination rice dishes such as stir-fried lemon grass chicken. There is also a large selection of beverages including jackfruit shakes, lemon soda and sublime Vietnamese coffee. The simple decor, accented by plastic trees and wooden parrots, won't win any awards, but the food here is fantastic and staggeringly cheap.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Blue House Cafe


Sing and dance the night away
3843 19th Street Northwest
Calgary, AB T2L 2B3
Canada
+1 403 284 9111
The Blue House Café is a good place to go if you're looking for something a little different in a dining experience. The lighting is refined and simple; the art is eclectic and the ambience, warm and inviting. It is a lively place where singers and musicians perform spirited Latin American music and original music compositions. Latin America also dominates the menu with an emphasis on fresh seafood and vegetables. The wine menu is extensive and they offer a wide selection of desserts.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Blue Nile


Tasty Ethiopian cuisine
309 10 Street Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 1W7
Canada
+1 403 270 4550
One of two Ethiopian restaurants in Calgary, the Blue Nile serves up traditional Ethiopian dishes, such as chicken doro w'et and lamb gored gored, for the adventurous diner. The chefs employ such exotic spices as false cardamom and bishop's weed in their tasty and generous stews, and each meal is accompanied by a large woven basket of soft ingerra bread. The decor is simple: photos and Ethiopian fabrics, and the bar fridge is tiny, but the attraction here is definitely the delicious cuisine.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Bodega


Spanish delights to entice
720 11th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0E4
Canada
+1 403 262 8966
The Bodega Restaurante is one of the few places in Calgary to offer authentic Spanish cuisine. You can enjoy such rarities as stuffed mussels romesco or braised lamb in butter sauce. They actually offer three separate menus and a large selection of red and white wines to suit almost any mood or taste preference. They render professional service in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Because the restaurant is on the small side, reservations are recommended.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Bombay House Restaurant


East Indian delicacies
636 Centre Street Southeast
Calgary, AB T2G 2C7
Canada
+1 403 261 0845
Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, The Bombay House serves East Indian Cuisine that is affordable and delicious. They feature delicious tandoori dishes as well as lobster masala and crab curry. Order your selections mild, medium or hot and choose from a full drink menu. Are you in a hurry? There is a full take-out menu and parking directly behind the restaurant. The décor is faux palm trees and bamboo-style chairs in a cozy and contemporary setting. They can accommodate up to 250 people and offer catering services.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Bonterra Trattoria


Elegant Italian dining
1016 - 8 St SW
Calgary, AB T2R 1K2
Canada
+1 403 262 8480
http://www.bonterra.ca/
There is no shortage of Italian restaurants in Calgary, but most are rather nondescript. Bonterra is an elegant exception. The interior is beautiful with huge iron chandeliers, stonework, fresh flowers, a romantic courtyard and a charming Wine Room for private parties. The menu features fine Italian classics such as antipasti, thin-crust pizzas, pasta, risotto, and entrees like osso buco, beef tenderloin and halibut. Each menu item includes wine suggestions and the wine list itself is a joy: extensive, eclectic and full of tasting notes. Bonterra is cellular-free: another joy.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Booker's BBQ Grill and Crab Shack


Cajun Spice
316 Third Street South East
Calgary, AB T2G 2S4
Canada
+1 403 264 6419
Although the prices are a little expensive, this restaurant makes a strong effort to bring Cajun flavor and culture to Calgary. The decor is a little loud, with lots of dark woodwork that is reminiscent of a set from a Louisiana riverboat movie. The staff is quite friendly and the service prompt. The clientele consists of both businesspeople out for something different and rabid Cajun food fans. There is a smoker in the kitchen, which can smoke-cure an entire pork shoulder for the restaurant's famous North Carolina Pulled Pork sandwich. A meal without alcohol will cost between CAD 7-20. Drink prices range from CAD 3.50 for a domestic beer to CAD 25 for a bottle of wine. Reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturday nights.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Booker's BBQ Grill and Crab Shack photo by Jerry Bowley
Photo: Jerry Bowley
 

 
Booker's Bar and Crab Shack


Cajun Cuisine in Cowtown
316 3 Street SE
Calgary, AB T2G 2S4
Canada
+403 264 6419
This old meat-packing plant has retained its loading dock facade. The interiors too, go with the outside, and have plastic tablecloths and cheap furniture. If you are looking for a posh joint, this is not it. But the food is great. On weekends, treat your senses to some jazz and blues while you delve into some Smoked Meat and fish. The staff is helpful and will help you choose sauces and spices.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Booster Juice


Just squeeze it.
314A 10th Street Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 1V8
Canada
+1 403 270 2704
http://www.boosterjuice.com/
The juice bars of the early 80's are back in vogue, and this brand new shop in Kensington is one of the best. Booster offers a wide range of juices and smoothies blended with fresh ingredients like orange, beet, ginger, carrot, berry and tropical fruit. For an extra healthy kick add a 'booster' to your drink, wheat grass, ginkgo biloba, rosehip, bee pollen and kola nut are just some of the options. Booster also features soups and sandwiches and a sunny streetside patio.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Booster Juice photo by Steven Bulman
Photo: Steven Bulman
 

 
Bottlescrew Bill's Pub


South Korea makes beer?
140 - 10 Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0A3
Canada
+1 403 263 7900
http://www.bottlescrewbill.com
With a list 200 beers deep, Bill's boasts Calgary's largest selection of suds. The "Around-the-World-in-80-Beers" program is a journey—complete with souvenir passport—through 80 import beers from such obscure beer-producing nations as Slovakia and Trinidad. The cozy surroundings, including a warm fireplace room, ensure that your drinking is done in comfort. And if that third bottle of Polish brew has got you hungry, Bill's menu includes tasty pub fare such as, ahem, sautéed bull's testicles.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Brewsters Brewing Company & Restaurant


Hand-crafted lagers and ales
Handboogstraat 20
Calgary, AB 2030
Canada
+1 403 261 2739
http://www.brewstersbrewingco....
Pick up a pool cue or settle down in front of the large screen TV to watch a game at this popular brewpub and restaurant just south of downtown in the Beltline district. One of the first local spots to pour its own ales and lagers, this spacious room offers beer-lovers everything from custom stouts and pilsners to seasonal brews. There is also a range of moderately priced menu items, from pizzas to Bow Valley Bison Burgers.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Brewsters Brewing Company & Restaurant photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Brezza Ristorante


Italian that feels like home
990-1st Avenue Northeast
Calgary, AB T2E 8J3
Canada
+1 403 262 6230
Most houses-turned-restaurants hide their origins well, but this popular and classic Italian restaurant still has first-timers double-taking at what looks like someone's bungalow. The homey feeling is carried indoors, nurtured by an ever-present owner and staff who take pains to make diners feel welcome. People keep coming back because the prices are reasonable, the portions serious and the food well prepared and tasty. The house fettuccini is a perennial favourite. There's a private room downstairs for special gatherings, and plenty of parking in the neighbourhood.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Buchanan's


Fresh seafood on the prairie
738 3rd Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 0G7
Canada
+1 403 261 4646
Situated on the outer rim of downtown, this chophouse-style restaurant is removed from most of the bustle of downtown, and has a reputation for a great selection of seafood and a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere. It offers a good business or after-work setting, with upscale wood and brass finishing at booths and open tables. There is also a lot of top-grade Alberta beef on the menu, including a 10-ounce, hot-rubbed rib eye steak in wild mushroom sauce. The adjacent lounge has its own loyal following and a reputation for one of the best Scotch collections in the city.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Buzzards Cowboy Cuisine


Saddle up and chow down
140 - 10 Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0A3
Canada
+1 403 264 6959
http://www.cowboycuisine.com/
Most Calgarians only "go cowboy" for the two weeks surrounding the annual Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, but western culture is still deeply ingrained in the city and region. This place is decorated with barn wood, barbed wire, western oil paintings and prairie antiques. A moderately priced menu offers buffalo steaks, Buckaroo Beans and fried bull calf testicles, more delicately known as prairie oysters. Burgers come in four varieties: beef, buffalo, chicken and veggie. There's an English pub to the back offering a myriad of brews from around the world.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Caesar's Steak House


Voted 'Best Fine Dining'
512 4th Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 0J6
Canada
+1 403 264 1222
Dark wood paneling and hardwood floors set a classy mood at Caesar's; the service is impeccable and the food is mouthwatering. Because of its popularity, reservations are recommended. The food is a little pricey, but if you like Alberta Beef, this is a great place to enjoy it. You can also choose from an array of other entrees including ribs, chicken, soups and salads. They have a large selection of both red and white wines, and private banquet facilities are available. Valet parking begins every day at 5pm.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Cafe Mediterranean


Great Italian and Lebanese favorites
1009 1st Street Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0T8
Canada
+1 403 286 8452
This charming cafe features classic Arabic dishes. Romantika offers appetizers such as baba ghanny and baked garlic shrimp, salads, pita sandwiches including falafel and donairs, and pastas like baked lasagna. There is also a lengthy pizza menu with the standard choice of toppings. The restaurant itself is bright and bistro-like with plenty of light, but the bare walls could use some colour. Still this is a fine place for satisfying pizza, pita or pasta cravings.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Calgary Tower


Take a good look around
101 9th Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 1J9
Canada
+1 403 266 7171
http://www.calgarytower.com/
Although some of downtown Calgary's office towers are actually taller, the Calgary Tower remains the city's most distinctive landmark. Officially opened in 1968, it remains a popular visitor attraction, providing a panoramic view of the mountains to the west and the surrounding foothills and prairie. On the observation deck there is access to binoculars, multimedia information kiosks and the thrilling Glass Floor Experience. The dining room rotates, allowing visitors the chance to relax with a meal while viewing the entire city from their window-side tables at the Panorama Dining Room. Tops Grill, located above the observation deck, is open seasonally and offers a light menu. Admission: Adults $11.95, Seniors (65+) $10.95, Youth (6-17) $9.95, Child (5 and under) $7.44. One free child per paid adult. Prices do no include tax.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Calgary Tower photo by Richard Cook
Photo: Richard Cook
Calgary Tower photo by Johan Koolwaaij
Photo: Johan Koolwaaij
Calgary Tower photo by Patrick Harris
Photo: Patrick Harris
Calgary Tower photo by Héctor Ferniza
Photo: Héctor Ferniza
Calgary Tower photo by Allan Yuen
Photo: Allan Yuen
Calgary Tower photo by Bob Warner
Photo: Bob Warner
Calgary Tower photo by Jared
Photo: Jared
Calgary Tower photo by Mark Brocklehurst
Photo: Mark Brocklehurst
Calgary Tower photo by Dan Mukendi
Photo: Dan Mukendi
Calgary Tower photo by Laura Hubley
Photo: Laura Hubley
Calgary Tower photo by robert zawaski
Photo: robert zawaski
Calgary Tower photo by Marc Kozak
Photo: Marc Kozak
Calgary Tower photo by gimli_fish
Photo: gimli_fish
Calgary Tower photo by John Foong
Photo: John Foong
Calgary Tower photo by David Topham
Photo: David Topham
Calgary Tower photo by Fedro Harahap
Photo: Fedro Harahap
Calgary Tower photo by sunqian_china2002
Photo: sunqian_china2002
Calgary Tower photo by Rolf van den Brink
Photo: Rolf van den Brink
Calgary Tower photo by John C Houghton
Photo: John C Houghton
Calgary Tower photo by Lisa Fortin
Photo: Lisa Fortin
Calgary Tower photo by jasonwoodhead23
Photo: jasonwoodhead23
Calgary Tower photo by Danielle Kaszas
Photo: Danielle Kaszas
Calgary Tower photo by D Korpess (BBadabing
Photo: D Korpess (BBadabing
Calgary Tower photo by Michal Kolodziejczyk
Photo: Michal Kolodziejczyk
Calgary Tower photo by Out Of Focus Photos
Photo: Out Of Focus Photos
Calgary Tower photo by M Jones
Photo: M Jones
Calgary Tower photo by Jimmy Su
Photo: Jimmy Su
Calgary Tower photo by Serdar Kilic
Photo: Serdar Kilic
Calgary Tower photo by Dean Mullin
Photo: Dean Mullin
Calgary Tower photo by yuliniardi
Photo: yuliniardi
Calgary Tower photo by Jon Simonassi
Photo: Jon Simonassi
Calgary Tower photo by Alexandra Gerson
Photo: Alexandra Gerson
Calgary Tower photo by momell
Photo: momell
Calgary Tower photo by designisgood
Photo: designisgood
Calgary Tower photo by H2ler
Photo: H2ler
Calgary Tower photo by Paul R. Pival
Photo: Paul R. Pival
Calgary Tower photo by Eric Johnson
Photo: Eric Johnson
Calgary Tower photo by Kirke Wilson
Photo: Kirke Wilson
 

 
Cannery Row


A haven for Cajun
317 10th Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2R 0A5
Canada
+1 403 269 8889
http://www.canneryrowrestauran...
Specializing in Cajun food since before it was hip, this dark and woody bar and restaurant in the south-of-downtown Beltline district serves up New Orleans-style R&B and jazz music with food fresh from the coasts of Louisiana and Canada. Diners can find a table or park themselves at the 12-seat oyster bar to watch the kitchen crew get to it on moderately priced classic dishes like "Our Famous Blackened Snapper" and Jambalaya. The operation sits right below an upscale sister, McQueen's Upstairs. Wines by the glass run from CAD5-CAD10.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Casa de la Salsa


Extra cactus paddles, please
2218 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 1B7
Canada
+1 403 264 4777
Since salsa culture has become Calgary's latest craze, the owners of Casa must be smiling smugly: they have been offering the food, music and spirits of Latin America for years. The large menu includes classics such as ceviche, sopes, burritos, and steak and seafood dishes. There are also Italian dishes with a Latin American influence, such as fettuccini with cactus paddles and pizzas topped with chayote squash. There is live music here on weekend nights, and enough tequila and fruity cocktails available to inspire some hot dancing.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Cat 'n Fiddle Pub


A down home welcome
540 16th Avenue Northwest
Calgary, AB T2M 0J4
Canada
+1 403 289 0414
The Cat 'n Fiddle Pub is a delightful restaurant that serves up home cooked meals in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The menu offers everything from delicious breakfasts to homemade apple pie. Their menu is large and varied: you can order breakfast, pub food, appetizers, sandwiches or salads. They also have an extensive martini selection. The dining room is spacious and seats about 70 people. Fast, friendly service complements a casual and unpretentious atmosphere. Enjoy their large-screen televisions or try your hand at a game of pool.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Ceili's Irish Pub and Restaurant


Contemporary Irish hangout
513 Eighth Avenue Southwest
Penny Lane Mall
Calgary, AB T2P 1G3
Canada
+1 403 508 9999
http://www.ceilis.com/
At happy hours, particularly on the weekend, the crowd is shoulder to shoulder and spilling out to the sidewalk at this wildly popular Irish pub and eatery in downtown's south end. Much of the crowd is there to pull pints of Kilkenny, Caffrey's and, of course, Guinness. But there's also moderately priced food to be had, from traditional Irish dishes like Salmon Boxty (a stuffed potato pancake, CAD10), to more contemporary Canadian pub food. The pub features four floors of fun, with Cottage, Gaelic, Victorian and pub theme areas, along with a rooftop terrace.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Centini Restaurant


Contemporary Italian food and decor
160 8th Ave SE
TELUS Convention Centre
Calgary, AB T2G 0KG
Canada
+1 403 269 1600
http://www.centini.com
Owned by two of the city's premiere interior designers and located in the classy CIBC building, this restaurant believes that style and flavor go hand-in-hand. The chef, Fabio Centini, takes pride in constructing contemporary Italian cuisine that is as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat. Prices are a little expensive but the service makes up for it. Should you have a special request that isn't on the menu, the chef is pleased to accommodate your request.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Central Grand Restaurant


Fine Asian cuisine
295-1623 Centre Street Northwest
2nd Level
Calgary, AB T2E 2S2
Canada
+1 403 277 2000
Centrally located at 16th Avenue and Center Street North, the Central Grand is a down-to-earth eatery that specializes in Asian cuisine. The menu consists of a huge selection of traditional Chinese and Cantonese items, as well as daily North American lunch specials, including soups, sandwiches and salads. The bright and lively décor adds to the warmth and vitality of the dining area; there is ample seating for about 120 people and take-out is also available. Grand Central is close to shopping malls, banking and grocery stores.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Charly Chan Szechuan Restaurant


In the heart of Kensington
1140 Kensington Road Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 3P3
Canada
+1 403 283 6165
Charly Chan's has been feeding Calgarians delicious Asian food for close to ten years. Located in the heart of Kensington, Charly Chan's seats approximately 95 people. The restaurant is bright, clean and contemporary. During the warm months, you can take advantage of their lovely outdoor patio. They specialize in Asian cuisine including Thai and Szechuan—they make some of the best ginger fried beef in the city. Be sure to inquire about their daily specials. They have a large selection of both domestic and imported beers and wines.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Charly Chan Szechuan Restaurant photo by inanimate.ca
Photo: inanimate.ca
 

 
Cheesecake Cafe


Monstrous desserts are the ticket
7600 Macleod Trail Southeast
Calgary, AB T2H 0L9
Canada
+1 403 255 7443
http://www.cheesecakecafe.ca/
On weekend nights, the waiting crowd spills out to the parking lot, anxious to exercise their guilty dining pleasures. The contemporary menu offers a wide range of selections from pasta to burgers, but just about everyone saves tummy room for one of the oversized dessert items, of which there are countless choices and good values. Come dessert time, seasoned visitors spring up from their tables and carefully choose from the many cheesecakes, pies and puddings chilling inside a glass display case near the entrance. The portions are huge, with take-home containers being standard issue.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Cheesecake Cafe photo by Micheal J
Photo: Micheal J
 

 
Chicago Chophouse


Steaks and red wine for power dining
604 8th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 1G5
Canada
+1 403 265 3000
http://www.chophousecalgary.com
This new stop on the steak and red wine circuit is marketing itself as THE place for a power lunch or dinner, with dry-aged Canadian Angus beef on the menu, and bottles of wine that cost more than what some of the help earns in a week. The young and attractive servers are what you would expect from the local entertainment group that owns this and a nearby Hooters-style cowboy bar. Impress your business clients in their private meeting and wine rooms.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Chili Club Thai House


The spices of Thailand
555 11 Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 1P6
Canada
+1 403 237 8828
Chili Club Thai House features excellent Thai cuisine, with a myriad of vegetarian dishes and seafood dishes from which to choose. They understand the nature of spices and flavors and the significance of how they work together, so you will never be overwhelmed with aroma or taste. They also have an excellent wine list. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, made more so by the muted and subdued lighting they use. The owners have surrounded each table with interesting Thai artifacts and treasures to examine while enjoying your meal.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Choice Cafe


Refuge from downtown crowds
138 4 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2P 0W6
Canada
+1 403 265 9265
The subdued atmosphere here lures many businesspeople and travelers in from the bustle of the 7th Street crowds. The walls are hung with calm, unobtrusive paintings and large mirrors whose reflections supply the dining area light. Unlike many downtown restaurants, it is cheap to eat here. The bar is open all day and Happy Hour lasts from 3p until closing.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Community Natural Foods


Health-food heaven
1304 10 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T3C 0J2
Canada
+1 403 229 2383
http://www.communitynaturalfoo...
This large grocery is a paradise for the organically inclined. There are bookshelves loaded with health, lifestyle and herbalism books, racks of fresh organic produce, vitamins, bulk baking supplies, condiments and more varieties of lentils and soy milk than you ever thought possible. There is a small cooler of fresh beef (humanely slaughtered) to remind you that you are still in Cattle Country. The Sunflower Cafe serves up tasty vegetarian dishes, fresh juice and coffee—lunch or breakfast here will cost about CAD 5.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Community Natural Foods photo by Stacy Kozakavich
Photo: Stacy Kozakavich
Community Natural Foods photo by Greg Burnison
Photo: Greg Burnison
 

 
Croissant Company


Breakfast, anyone?
1001 4th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 0K8
Canada
+1 403 264 7870
On weekends, people come from all over the city to enjoy a Croissant Company breakfast, so you have to come early to get a table. It has a beautiful outdoor patio that gets the morning sun, as well as a separate restaurant and bar painted in cheery yellows and whites. Their menu is varied and extensive and includes eggs benedict, specialty coffees, and a myriad of fresh croissants and home made pizza. They are also licensed for beer and wine and the prices are some of the best in town.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Croissant Company photo by Rachel
Photo: Rachel
 

 
Curry House


Indian delights and aromas
2101 Centre Street North
Calgary, AB T2E 2T2
Canada
+1 403 230 8509
Unlike a lot of Indian restaurants, The Curry House carries a full selection of Indian beers, including Maharaja, Usher's Pale Ale India and Laltoofan. They offer Indian foods lovingly prepared with the finest ingredients; they never use MSG and you can choose from mild, medium, hot or super hot dishes. Decorated in light-colored woods, the décor is warm, cozy and inviting. The aromas of the spices alone will make you want to return again and again.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Curry House photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Da Guido Ristorante


Serving only the best
2001 Centre Street North
Calgary, AB T2E 2S9
Canada
+1 403 276 1365
Upscale, fine Italian dining is available just minutes from the downtown core—Da Guido's offers first-class dining at very reasonable prices. You can choose from an array of traditional Italian fare, or select some of the more exotic seafood dishes. Da Guido's offers a separate dining room for non-smokers. They specialize in Italian food and offer various seafood, lamb and veal entrees. They have quite a loyal following, so reservations are recommended. You can choose from a comprehensive wine list to complement your meal.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Da Guido Ristorante photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Dakota Bar and Grill


Offering Southwestern cuisine
310 8th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 1C1
Canada
+1 403 262 4967
Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, just across from Bankers Hall, The Dakota offers Southwestern cuisine in a laid back atmosphere. You can choose from an extensive menu that includes spicy enchiladas and corn chowder soup, or sit and enjoy one of their big screen televisions. Done in red brick and dark mahogany, the Dakota offers a warm respite from the cold winds outside. You can play a game of pool or darts, or relax on their outdoor patio. They also have a large selection of draft beers.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Dante's Restaurant & Wine Bar


Venison dishes and more
210, 513 8th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 1G3
Canada
+1 403 237 5787
Dante's specializes in Continental and European food with a concentration on venison and game dishes. They are fully licensed and you can choose from a large selection of wine. They also offer in-house catering for special events. The ambiance is one of quiet civility; their attention to detail shows in the décor, as well as the food, and the service is courteous and efficient. Located in the heart of downtown, they attract a large business clientele and do a bustling lunch hour, so reservations are recommended.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Deane House


Historical dining
806 9th Avenue Southeast
Calgary, AB T2G 0S2
Canada
+1 403 290 1875 / +1 403 269 7747
http://www.fortcalgary.com/dea...
This turn-of-the-century Victorian mansion was recently restored to its former glory and is one of Calgary's newest theme restaurants. Part of the Fort Calgary Interpretive Center, the house and garden are used for casual dining as well as for hosting wedding receptions, business meetings and corporate retreats. The charming decor and staff uniforms are decidedly historical with an 1890's pioneer focus. Steak, garden salads, pasta dishes and a good selection of wines form the majority of the menu, but the food takes backseat to the atmosphere. Theatre companies occasionally use the Dean House for "Mystery Dinners," where the diners take part in staged murder mysteries. Reservations are recommended.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Deane House photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Demetri's Pizza


Share some Greek delicacies
1986 Kensington Road Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 3R5
Canada
+1 403 283 0387
http://www.demetrispizza.com/
Demetri's Pizza, a staple in the Calgary restaurant scene for close to 20 years, is just a five-minute walk from Kensington Village, and offers delicious homemade pizza as well as Greek delights such as moussaka, lemon chicken, roasted lamb, a Greek appetizer tray and baklava. Their thick and delectable pizza crust is one of the best in the city and their most popular pizza is the 'Kensington Special', which comes with bacon, salami, pineapple and black olives. Have your order delivered or pick it up yourself.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Divino Bistro and Wine Bar


Intimate downtown bistro
113 8th Ave S.W.
Calgary, AB T2P 1B4
Canada
+1 403 410 5555
http://divinobistro.com/
Adorned with hardwood and blessed with small intimate tables, this bistro is ideal for a classy lunch or a romantic dinner. The menu is French-bistro inspired featuring well-crafted items such as a grilled ahi tuna baguette with lemon caper mayonnaise, and a bouillabaisse fisherman's stew scented with saffron. The wine list features selections from France, Italy and the U.S. ranging in price from CAD26-102, with about 30 varieties available by the glass.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Don Quijote Spanish Restaurant


Spicy dancing
309 Second Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 0C5
Canada
+1 403 205 4244
The menu at this downtown restaurant offers a selection of Spanish dishes, including Valenciana paella and other classics, but the food is not nearly as hot as the dancing. Four nights a week everyone's attention is fixed firmly on the dance floor. Latino bands take the stage, and the place pulses with merengue and salsa dancers. The pros who take the floor have moves that are mesmerizing, and the enforced dress code ensures that everyone looks beautiful.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Double Mo Cafe


Mountain theme
1941 Uxbridge Drive Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 2V2
Canada
+1 403 289 1851
Popular with university students and athletic mountaineers, this bright, outdoorsy café is usually packed. The walls are decorated with climbing ropes and panoramic pictures of Rocky Mountain summits. The sandwiches are served on slices of homemade bread two inches thick and grilled to a crisp texture. There is a selection of about a dozen specialty coffees, as well as domestic and imported beers and liquors. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights feature live music from local bands, although there is someone strumming a guitar in the back room nearly every day.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Double Mo Cafe photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Drinkwaters Grill


A celebration of steak
237 8 Avenue Southeast
Calgary, AB T2G 5C3
Canada
+1 403 264 9494
Inhabiting the historic Burns Building, this restaurant is a perfect spot to enjoy Calgary's contribution to world cuisine: fine steaks. The menu features an array of contemporary entrees including rack of lamb, salmon, and chicken breast. The focus here, however, is beef. Drinkwaters offers three different cuts of Alberta AAA Beef in portions ranging from petite 6oz portions to impressive 14oz steaks. The room itself is beautiful with enormous pillars reaching to a high, curved ceiling and the lounge is a classy spot for a bit of spirits.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Earls Bankers Hall


From the global skillet
315 8th Avenue Southwest
Bankers Hall A1, Level 1
Calgary, AB T2P 1C4
Canada
+1 403 265 3275
http://www.earls.ca/LocationLi...
Despite being hidden away below a giant, elevated pedestrian bridge to downtown's biggest office tower complex, this outlet of a popular regional chain still manages to do a strong lunchtime business. At the Bankers Hall branch, the draws are simple—familiarity and reliability. There are Earl's all over the city and region; and with a largely uniform menu, look and feel, diners know they are going to get good, interesting food at a reasonable price. Many diners go for Earl's 12-inch wood-fired pizzas and their Italian and Asian pastas and sautees. Or they can graze on appetizers, like Gyoza, a plate of Japanese dumplings.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Emperor Restaurant


Head to Chinatown
197 1st Street Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 1R7
Canada
+403 265 4738
The Emperor Seafood Restaurant is located in the heart of Chinatown in the Chinese Cultural Center. It is a large and popular spot for both tourists as well as locals, so if you're going for lunch, go early. They also offer a dessert bar and extensive wine menu. The Emperor is large, spacious and bright and you can choose either a large tables or a cozy booth, but reservations are recommended.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Fionn McCool's Irish Pub


The Guinness is approved
255 Barclay Parade Southwest
Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
Calgary, AB T2P 5C2
Canada
+1 403 266 7200 (Hotel)
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/...
With its entrance off the towering modern lobby of the new Sheraton Suites Eau Claire, it might be difficult to make the mental leap over the Atlantic to Ireland. But the Emerald Isle is the thematic setting of this new pub and restaurant. Then again, the bar fixtures have been brought over from the old country, and the bar itself is Guinness approved, meaning visitors will find a true pint of the dark nectar. The crowd is decidedly up-market. The affordable pub-style food ranges from traditional Irish dishes to pastas, salads and burgers.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Flamingo Palace


Well-rounded Peking cuisine
229 11th Avenue South West
Calgary, AB T3C 0M5
Canada
+1 403 290 1777
This local favorite, one of Calgary's classic Chinese establishments, lies between the north and southbound lanes of Macleod Trail in the old section of town. One of the oldest restaurants in Calgary, it has been producing first-rate Peking food for almost twenty years and shows no sign of slowing down. The servers don't hesitate to point you to the best dishes in the house, such as the black-bean vegetables and ginger beef combinations. The decor boasts a dark, comfortable ambience, which comes only from years of regular patronage.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
French Maid


Exotic dining and drinking
302 Third Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 0G4
Canada
+1 403 269 7544
http://www.frenchmaid.com
This exotic nightclub has long been the focus of attention for Calgary's rowdy young males. Video Lottery terminals and interactive arcade games line one wall, while exotic dancers perform on a stage at the other end. VIP booths can be reserved for large parties, but tables are usually available without a reservation. The food is excellent, with a full dinner menu including fresh local steak and produce, as well as seafood, appetizers and a full complement of desserts. Drinks are expensive, ranging anywhere from CAD57 each.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Garage Billiards Bar & Grill


Guys' getaway
200 Barclay Parade Southwest
Eau Claire Market
Calgary, AB T2P 4R5
Canada
+1 403 262 6762 / +1 403 264 6450 (Mall)
This is the sort of places guys sneak off to—a hip refuge of pool tables, satellite TV-fed sports and video games. Tucked into a corner of the downtown Eau Claire Market, the focus here is on shooting pool and the breeze over a few drinks and some finger foods. There are numerous bar-sized playing tables, all rented on a clock. Some 14 TVs blast the latest hockey and football games, and a DJ has music constantly playing. Though it's billed as a restaurant, this is not a true sit-down experience, with a menu that tilts toward Italian Panini sandwiches and chicken wings. The focus is on finger foods such as chicken wings and fingers, dry ribs and Italian sandwiches. There are several beers on tap at the long bar.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Garage Billiards Bar & Grill photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Gaston's Ristorante


Fine Italian dining
435 4th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 3A8
Canada
+1 403 265 7719
Gaston's offers fine Italian dining that won't decimate your budget. Gaston's offers traditional Italian fare, and you can also choose from steak, lamb or veal dishes. Although Gaston's is upscale, it is not pretentious. When you enter the premises, friendly staff, in elegant, but cozy surroundings, greets you. They also provide valet parking beginning at 5pm daily. If you are a wine connoisseur, they have one of the largest selections in the city.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Gee Gong


On the edge of Chinatown
206 Centre Street Southeast
Calgary, AB T2G 2B6
Canada
+1 403 264 1533
Gee Gong Restaurant is hiding just off Center Street, on the edge of Calgary's Chinatown. Décor is not their strongest point, but the food and friendly staff definitely make up for it. They offer chicken, shrimp and seafood dishes as well as BBQ meat at very reasonable prices: around $4 for appetizers and $7 for main dishes. The no-frills hot pots are popular; choose beef and bean curd or squid and oyster. Be aware they might have trouble digging up an alcoholic beverage, the bar choices are limited.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Ginger Beef Peking House Restaurant


Calgary's best ginger beef
3802 Brent Road Northwest
Calgary, AB T2L 1K8
Canada
+1 403 282 5090
This popular Chinese restaurant is consistently voted as one of the city's best, especially for its namesake dish. The staff is friendly and the decor rather simple, consisting mainly of Chinese calligraphy and the requisite goldfish tank. At lunch the place is jammed with diners enjoying the tempting buffet. The restaurant is fully licensed; offers take-out and delivery service and is a fine place for a no-nonsense Chinese feed.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Girasole


Fine Italian dining
636 10th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 1M3
Canada
+1 403 263 6661
Il Girasole just celebrated its 5th year and has been voted "Best Fine Dining" by CBC radio two years in a row. If you are looking for really good Italian food at a really good price, this is the place to go. Il Girasole's is quietly elegant and offers intimate dining for two, or you can book the space for large groups of up to 100. There is a separate dining room that offers privacy for up to 25 people and plenty of free parking in front of the restaurant.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Halftime Sports Bar & Grill


Something different every day
11, 6219 Centre Street
Calgary, AB T2K 0J9
Canada
+1 403 274 2114
If you feel like kicking up your heels a little bit, take advantage of the Karoake machine in this fun little bar. Every night has something different; Tuesday is "name that tune" night, Thursday is shooter night, and you can enjoy two dollar drink specials all evening on Fridays. Relax in the casual atmosphere while taking advantage of the pool tables, VLTs, dartboards and big-screen televisions. Indulge in nachos, chicken wings and pizza, as well as burgers and sandwiches. On Saturdays play free pool and enjoy happy hour prices all day.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Heartland Cafe


Monster cookies
940 2nd Avenue Northwest
Calgary, AB T2M 0E6
Canada
+1 403 270 4541
Cookies the size of a small pizza in oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate chip, raisin and a host of other flavors—even if it's only for those sweet creations, this little cafe is worth a visit. Every day there are three lunch specials, such as macaroni salad, curry chicken or some variety of soup. The decor is borderline rustic, with rough-worked wood furniture and ornamentation. Everything is clean and tidy, and the servers are always polite and efficient.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Heartland Cafe photo by Dave King
Photo: Dave King
Heartland Cafe photo by Margot
Photo: Margot
 

 
Higher Ground


For that post-movie coffee
1126 Kensington Road Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 3P3
Canada
+1 403 270 3780
Worth visiting just to defy the Seattle mega-chain star-bucking next door, this no-frills but comfortable cafe offers the regular assortment of hot caffeine, as well as a huge selection of loose teas. Grilled sandwiches and pastries are also available as well as a selection of beers and wine. On sunny days, the few tables outside are filled with the neighborhood's trend-conscious latte sippers, newspaper readers, dog walkers and crowd watchers. With the Plaza Theatre just across the street, this is a perfect spot for post-movie coffee and conversation.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Ho Won


In the heart of Chinatown
115 2nd Avenue Southeast
Calgary, AB T2P 1R7
Canada
+1 403 266 2234
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Ho Won's is a bustling and busy place that radiates with energy and has a reputation for serving quick, delicious food at great prices, so if you come for lunch on weekdays, be prepared to wait. Be sure to ask about their fried shrimp pancakes and deep fried shrimp balls; on the weekends, you can order Dim Sum. They also have an extensive wine menu.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Ho Won photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Honey's Pizza and Sports Parlour


For all you sports fans
517 10th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0A8
Canada
+1 403 294 1494
If you're a big sports fan, or know someone who is, check out Honey's Pizza & Sports Parlor. Their central location coupled with great prices, makes it an easy choice if you're looking for munchies and jugs of draft. They offer three televisions and one big screen with round the clock sports via satellite. You can also shoot a game of pool, or take part in their dart tournaments. Honey's is reminiscent of an old English pub, with a wrap-around bar and hardwood floors.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Hong Kong Bakery Cafe


Irresistible Chinese baked goods
108 Third Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2P 0E7
Canada
+1 403 261 8853
A rich bakery aroma wafts out onto the street as you walk by, luring you into this authentic little shop in the heart of Calgary's Chinatown. The tempting treats on sale inside include traditional almond cookies, egg cake and lotus cake. There are also large birthday cakes and Western, as well as Chinese wedding cakes, with figurines on top to match the nationality. Also take a look at the to-die-for desserts; those and everything else are made on the premises. Get your fresh baked bread here, too.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Hose and Hound Neighbourhood Pub


Firestation decor
1030 9th Avenue Southeast
Calgary, AB T2G 0S7
Canada
+1 403 234 0508
This warm and inviting pub occupies a turn-of-the-century firehouse and plays out the firefighter theme throughout its open and airy interior. The barroom ceiling is a good thirty feet above the hardwood floor; the four other rooms all have balconies overlooking the bar, with separate areas for dining, drinking, pool and darts. Vintage firefighting equipment such as axes, fire-coats and ancient pumps line the walls, while a huge ceramic Dalmatian, mascot of all firefighters, guards the bar. They serve a full compliment of excellent burgers, steaks and other American foods.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Hose and Hound Neighbourhood Pub photo by Patrick N.
Photo: Patrick N.
 

 
Hunterhorn Bakery Ltd.


A bakery and deli in one
6692 4th Street Northeast
Calgary, AB T2K 6H1
Canada
+1 403 295 1050
The Hunterhorn Bakery is actually a combination bakery and deli. Located in the Hunterhorn Plaza, they offer delicious, healthy snacks to suit each individual's taste. They are particularly knowledgeable regarding allergies, and offer 'allergy-free' baking along with their regular fare. They can create beautiful wedding cakes that are exquisitely crafted and custom designed. They also offer a variety of cookies, bread and freshly baked bagels as well as a full deli section. There is ample free parking and you are within walking distance of stores, malls and banking institutions.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Hy's Steakhouse


A great steak house
316 4th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 0H8
Canada
+1 403 263 2222
http://www.hyssteakhouse.com/
The locals consider Hy's a Calgary institution. Dinner for two will run you about fifty dollars though, so it's not for the budget conscious. Richly decorated in reds and gold with opulent carpeting underfoot, Hy's is upscale without being ostentatious. If you are looking to spoil yourself or someone you love, take them to Hy's for some of the best steak in the province. They also do a great job with an array of seafood, chicken and salads, and have an extensive wine menu.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Hy's Steakhouse photo by Angie Geworsky
Photo: Angie Geworsky
 

 
Indochine


Vietnamese-French fusion
315 8 Avenue Southwest
2nd Floor, Bankers Hall
Calgary, AB T2P 4K1
Canada
+1 403 263 6929
This restaurant, located in a major downtown office building, offers an interesting blend of French and Vietnamese cuisines. Though a little tight and noisy, this small café offers reasonably priced and beautifully presented fare, from various simple noodle dishes to more elaborate concoctions of duck and seafood. The service is friendly and quick, making for a brief but satisfying lunchtime getaway for the harried business crowd from the surrounding office towers. The average price is typically less than CAD10 a head.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
James Joyce Authentic Irish Pub


You'll swear you're in Dublin
114 8th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 1B3
Canada
+1 403 262 0708
http://www.jamesjoycepub.com/
A visitor walking through the wide front doors of this revived heritage bank building may quickly feel they've died and gone to Dublin. From the brews on tap (Guinness at three different temperatures and many other ales), to the acres of dark wood and utter absence of TVs or pinging video gaming machines, this is the green isle revisited. The food includes modestly priced pub fare such as soups, stews and carvery meats. For a big snack, try their Irish take on nachos.

Review © 2007, Wcities
James Joyce Authentic Irish Pub photo by Patrick N.
Photo: Patrick N.
 

 
Joey Tomato's Kitchen - Eau Claire


Lotsa pasta, lotsa fun
208 Barclay Parade SW
(Eau Claire Market)
Calgary, AB T2P 4R5
Canada
+1 403 263 6336
http://www.joeysmedgrill.com/h...
Giant bottles of the house white line the booths at this boisterous and casual Italian eatery, which is part of a small but growing regional chain. The emphasis is on moderately priced pastas and a wide range of appetizers, but many people head right to the menu's pizza section for everything from traditional four-cheese numbers to offbeat tandoori chicken toppings, most for less than CAD10. The decor consists of a noisy, casual Italian market atmosphere finished off by an open kitchen. If the weather cooperates, try for a table on the large outdoor patio.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Joey Tomato's Kitchen - Eau Claire photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
John Henry's Grill and Bar


Cozy downtown pub
6351 Pine Ridge Road Southeast
Calgary, AB T2P 0W4
Canada
+1 403 264 8025
John Henry's is a fun little pub where you can enjoy excellent food as well as happy hour prices Monday through Friday from 3pm to 7pm. Located right in the heart of downtown Calgary, the menu is extensive and eclectic—you can enjoy stuffed jalapeno peppers, peel 'n eat shrimp, chicken wings and chicken quesadillas. Decorated like an old English pub, John Henry's is casual and inviting; there is lots of parking directly behind the restaurant. Domestic draft pints cost just CAD3.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Joy's Caribbean Foods


Great Jamaican fare
630 1 Ave NE
Suite 5
Calgary, AB T2E 0B6
Canada
+1 403 234 9940
In the freezer of this Bridgeland shop, you will find curried goat meat, oxtail, fish and jerk chicken. The shelves are stocked with African pepper sauces, palm oil, baking supplies, condiments, bags of rice and a large selection of canned and dried beans. A small selection of fresh produce includes hot peppers, plantain, cassava and huge coco yams. Joy also serves up tasty Caribbean dishes such as Jamaican patties, but the limited seating means you might have to take your lunch to go.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Juan's Mexican Restaurante


Classic Mexican cuisine
7, 232 - 8th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 1B7
Canada
+1 403 266 0045
http://www.juansmexican.com/
For authentic Mexican cuisine in the city's core, be sure to make a visit to this tiny downtown eatery. The menu offers a good selection of Mexican classics such as huevos con chorizo and chicken breast in mole sauce, as well as hot and cold appetizers and platters suited for sharing. The decor is simple, with scattered Mexican blankets and a television flickering with whatever international soccer tournament might be on. Should you find the giant inflatable Corona bottles on the ceiling at all inspiring, Juan is fully licensed.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Jugo Juice


Get a boost
200 Barclay Parade Southwest, Suite 169
Eau Claire Market
Calgary, AB T2P 4R5
Canada
+1 403 313 4190 / +1 403 264 6450 (Mall)
http://www.jugojuice.com/index...
Situated at a busy corner in downtown's Eau Claire Market, this juice bar does a healthy trade in entirely healthy drinks. The women running the bar and its ever-whirring blenders offer over a dozen possible smoothies, from a basic Jugo Classico with strawberries, bananas and OJ, to a Sunset Over Saturn, with watermelon, strawberries, sorbet, OJ and cranberry juice. The service is quick and the tab for a 24-ounce drink, with an added nutrient boost, is about CAD5.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Jugo Juice photo by Vasiliki Antoniou
Photo: Vasiliki Antoniou
 

 
Jupiter Restaurant & Bar


Eclectic lounge fare
124 10 St NW
Calgary, AB T2N 1V3
Canada
+1 403 270 3347
Enjoy a hip, urban ambience at this Kensington restaurant, complete with an outdoor patio and stylish lounge. Jupiter features an array of ecletic bar fare, but its Saturday specialty -- mussels and martinis -- can attract a special crowd. Other items on the menu include rack of lamb, stuffed chicken breast and apple ginger salmon. A solar system-shaped chandelier provides a final out-of-this-world touch.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Khublai Mongolian Cuisine


Mongolian cuisine
349 10th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0A5
Canada
+1 403 232 8800
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this restaurant is the " food bar," where you choose from the authentic Mongolian foods and sauces and they do all the work! It is a fun alternative to dining out at the usual places. The Khublai seats approximately 65 people in a modern and contemporary atmosphere. They offer a self-serve buffet, and extend senior discounts on Sundays and Mondays. The Mongolian cuisine includes stir-fries, vegetarian dishes and even seafood. They have a large selection of wines, and reservations are recommended.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
King & I Thai Cuisine


Thai cuisine like no other
820 11th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0E5
Canada
+1 403 264 7241
http://www.kingandi.ca/
The King and I Thai Cuisine offers mouth-watering Thai cuisine in an upscale and contemporary environment. The menu features a large selection of noodle dishes with a variety of rice and curry complements. They offer vegetarian dishes as well as seafood: tiger prawns, shrimp, scallops and squid. All of their selections are MSG-free. The soft lighting gives a spacious impression to the dining area, which seats 150 and fills up during lunch hours and on weekends. Interesting Asian artifacts line the walls, and private booths can be reserved ahead of time.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
La Viena Italian Restaurant


Best priced pasta in town
2139 Kensington Road Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 3R8
Canada
+1 403 283 3063
For some of the most delicious and best-priced pasta in town, head to La Viena Restaurant. On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, you can order their "pasta extravaganza" for only $4.98. Quiet and intimate, it attracts both a family and business clientele. It seats approximately 44 people, and the fresh flowers and red-checkered tablecloths add a touch of Italy. They specialize in Italian food and also offer homemade pizza. Other entrees include chicken, veal and seafood. They have a large wine menu to choose from and reservations are recommended.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Latin Corner Cantina


Another guava-rita, por favore
2116 4th Street Southwest
Calgary, AB T2S 1W7
Canada
+1 403 228 5377
This charming cantina is a celebration of Latin American cuisine. The menu features fine tapas such as cerviche, fried green plantains, chorizo sausage, and fried yucca. The bar menu is worth particular attention. It offers margaritas mixed with fresh fruit: tamarind and guava, wonderful sangria and South American cocktails. The dining room is beautiful, furnished with Latin American cabinetry and art, and unusual leather chairs. There is live music on the weekends. What a perfect place for a casual meal washed down with several fruity cocktails.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Lazy Loaf & Kettle


Child friendly restaurant
8 Parkdale Crescent North West
Calgary, AB T2N 3T8
Canada
+1 403 270 7810
Small and intimate, the Lazy Loaf & Kettle is actually a two-in-one facility. One side is an old-fashioned store that sells baked goods made from scratch; the other side is a cozy café bar, where you can enjoy an intimate meal at tables for two or four. In addition to an excellent assortment (and generous portions) of soups, enjoy baked goods and desserts at excellent prices. This spot is so child-friendly, it maintains a playroom for children.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Leavitt's Ice Cream Shop


48 flavours of ice cream
3410 Parkdale Boulevard
Calgary, AB T2N 0M2
Canada
+1 403 283 3578
The upright piano and antique bench at Leavitt's Ice Cream Shop add to the sense of having taken a step back in time to the days of old fashion soda shops, complete with a friendly wait staff. Located just off the Bow River pathways, the close proximity to the cool river breezes make it the place-to-be on any hot summer day. For those who insist on the real thing, the range of flavours runs from bubble gum to Swiss chocolate almond. Tantalizing alternatives to traditional ice creams are available, including fat- and cholesterol-free Frace.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Lido Cafe


Classic greasy spoon
144 10 Street Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 1V3
Canada
+1 403 283 0131
Look up the word "diner" in the dictionary and you will find a picture of this place, complete with white countertops, padded stools, strong coffee and charming chain-smoking waitresses who call you "sweetie". The menu features all the classics (clubhouse sandwiches, roast turkey dinners, liver and onions, pork chops) as well as some Chinese dishes, and prices are very low. This is a perfect place for cheap comfort food with absolutely no frills.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Lido Cafe photo by chrisevans
Photo: chrisevans
 

 
Lina's Italian Market


Brava Lina!
2211 Centre Street North
Calgary, AB T2E 2T4
Canada
+1 403 277 9166
Calgary loves Lina. Her beautiful store is half supermarket, half cafeteria. Stop in to the market for Italian groceries. Lina's aisles are crammed with imported Italian foodstuffs and ceramics, fresh produce, housemade pastas and a huge selection of deli meats, cheeses and antipasti. The cafeteria is an even greater joy. At lunch Lina;and the various Marias in her employ;make up fresh pizzas, cold cut sandwiches and entrees such as Italian sausages, stuffed peppers and veal scaloppini. For dessert there is gelato, espresso and a giant selection of Italian pastries.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Lina's Italian Market photo by craptastic
Photo: craptastic
 

 
Loco Lou's Bar & Grill


The largest deck in the northwest
1324 16th Avenue Northwest
Calgary, AB T2M 0L1
Canada
+1 403 284 3366
Loco Lou's has one of the largest outdoor decks in Northwest Calgary. They offer a large menu filled with North American favorites: pizza, hamburgers and nachos, as well as a myriad of finger foods such as chicken wings, veggie wraps and nachos. Lou's is spacious and roomy inside; patrons choose from tables, booths and barstools for seating, hang around the pool tables or try their luck at the video lottery terminals. Lou's has a large wine menu, and daily drink specials.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Lombardo's Ristorante


A restaurant & deli in one!
1114 Edmonton Trail Northeast
Calgary, AB T2E 3K4
Canada
+1 403 277 3408
One of Calgary's best-kept secrets and only 5 minutes out of the downtown core, Lombardo's serves superior Italian cuisine at excellent prices. You can drop by for either lunch or dinner in their main restaurant, or head next door to the deli/pizzeria and enjoy their take-out. Although reservations are sometimes recommended, the restaurant itself is large and seats about 120 people. You'll feel a "little touch of Italy" when you enter because of the many art pieces and artifacts beautifully displayed throughout.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Luciano's Little Italian Grill


Ciao bella
1935 Uxbridge Drive Northwest
Stadium Shopping Centre
Calgary, AB T2N 2V2
Canada
+1 403 220 0222
http://www.lucianosrestaurant.com
This friendly eatery is bright with quirky grape-shaped light fixtures, ubiquitous checkered tablecloths and a young, attractive staff. The cuisine might be best described as 'fun Italian' that features such favourites as Gnocchi, Lasagna, Chicken Marsala and pizzas. Their selection of pastas is lengthy and servings are enormous. While Italian-food purists might scoff at the less traditional dishes, such as the General Po Hunan Pasta, Luciano's offers enjoyable and affordable meals in a casual atmosphere.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Luna Rossa Ristorante Italiano


Italian food second to none
823 14th Street Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 2A4
Canada
+1 403 270 0707
La Luna Rossa's specialty is traditional Italian food painstakingly prepared on the premises. They warn you at the outset not to be in a hurry because each order will take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Dishes are lovingly prepared, beautifully laid out and well worth the wait. The menu selections are extensive, affordable and delicious: they offer lamb, veal, seafood and chicken as well as their Italian specialties. There are two separate dining rooms; the ambience of both rooms is restful and relaxed. In summer, enjoy their patio.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Luxor Emporium Cafe


Eat like an Egyptian
937 7 Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2P 1A5
Canada
+1 403 282 0030
This restaurant specializes in tasty Egyptian cuisine and Middle Eastern groceries. The menu includes such traditional Egyptian fare as kusheri, kebabs, kofta, and shawarma, as well as decidedly non-Egyptian pizza. There is a children's menu and dinner combinations that match sandwiches, kebabs and kofta with tasty salads and bread. Their Arabic coffee is wonderful. The decor is simple; the walls are hung with replica Pharaonic art and papyrus. The grocery is stocked with cardamom coffee, lentils and spices as well as Egyptian pastries and deli meats.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Madisons Restaurant & Bar


California fusion
15, 8120 Beddington Blvd Northwest
Beddington Town Centre
Calgary, AB T2L 1K8
Canada
+1 403 295 2175
http://www.madisons.ca/
Madisons is one of the newer cafés to enter the restaurant scene in Calgary. Their Sunday Brunch includes Belgian waffles, homemade pancakes, eggs benedict and omelets. Their menu consists of "California fusion" which includes stir-fries, vegetarian dishes and "create your own" pizzas. There is also a large selection of beer and wines. Both the newly renovated lounge and more formal dining room exude a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Because they are located in the Brentwood Mall, parking is never a problem.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant


Ethiopian spice
130 10th Street Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 1V3
Canada
+1 403 283 6796
For jaded diners who cannot stand the thought of another steak sandwich, the Marathon, in trendy Kensington, offers spicy and exotic concoctions of Ethiopian cuisine. Served in the traditional Ethiopian manner, the food consists of dozens of exotic pastes served on flat round bread, which does double-duty as both a plate and utensil. The pastes are exciting concoctions of lamb, beef, chicken, lima beans and vegetable mixes. There are full vegetarian combinations available as well. Meals are generally communal affairs, with up to five people eating off of one large round-bread.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Marciano Shishkabob House


Classic Italian and Mediterranean
1001 1 Street SW
10 Avenue Southwest and 1 Stree Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0T8
Canada
+1 403 263 1112
This new Italian restaurant occupies a charming old building in Calgary's downtown. The interior walls feature large and garish murals of Italian scenes, and the intimate tables are set with classy linens and candles. Both the lunch and dinner menu contain classic Italian dishes such as minestrone soup, homemade pasta (angel hair with snow crab is especially popular), and traditional veal, steak and chicken dishes. There are also a few Middle Eastern dishes such as kebabs and tabouli salad. The wine list is rather small, with most selections available at moderate rates.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Martin's on Eighth


Historic dining downtown
121 8 Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 1B4
Canada
+1 403 232 8080
Martin's pays homage to historic Calgary with walls lined with black and white photos from the city's colourful past and wooden furniture and floors reminiscent of another era. The menu is decidedly modern with an eclectic variety of dishes that includes blackened cheeseburgers, sesame crusted sole with scallion ginger oil, and triple-pepper crusted New York steak. There are also salads, pasta and chicken entrees. The wine list features 13 wines available by the glass for about CAD6 each. There is a lounge upstairs and a small patio.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Maurya


Fine Indian dining
100 1204 Kensington Road Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 3P5
Canada
+1 403 270 3133
This smoke-free Kensington restaurant, accented with marble floors and carved woodwork, specializes in delicious Indian cuisine. The menu features baked specialties from their tandoor oven such as tandoori murgh and murgh malai tikka. There are lamb, chicken, beef and seafood dishes, a long list of vegetarian specialties, and Indian appetizers, soups, breads and desserts. The liquor list includes Indian beers and wines ranging. Maurya offers weekday lunch and Sunday brunch buffets. They also do catering.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
McGillicutty's Pub and Pizzeria


Come for a brew
16 MacEwan Drive Northwest
Calgary, AB T3K 2P2
Canada
+1 403 274 8155
If you are looking for a laid back place to hang your hat after a long week, check out McGillicutty's Pub: drinks, pizza and pub food in a relaxed atmosphere. Sit at the wrap-around bar or take advantage of several large screen televisions to catch up on the world of sports. They have ample free parking in the back and offer great daily specials such as 20-cent chicken wings on Mondays.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
McQueen's Upstairs


Jazzy, uptown seafood dining
317 10th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0A5
Canada
+1 403 269 8889
http://www.canneryrowrestauran...
This upscale sister operation to Cannery Row offers exotic fish and shellfish in a hip, Chicago speakeasy style, though there is still more than a hint of New Orleans from downstairs. You will find live vintage jazz and blues at the piano each night, and plenty of room between tables to stretch out, talk and enjoy. For appetizers, there's everything from PEI mussels (in tomato and garlic broth, to a grilled veal chop. Louisiana-influenced fresh seafood is the primary focus, and the selection varies according to availability. Live jazz only makes it taste better.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Mescalero's Restaurant


Gourmet dining out of downtown
1315 1st Street SW
Calgary, AB T2R 0V5
Canada
+1 403 266 3339
Mescalero's has been one of Calgary's better restaurants for a number of years, offering California cuisine and tapas with a Southwestern flare. Unusual offerings, like Grilled Scallops on Butter Lettuce and Radicchio (CAD12) and Peruvian Brick-style Chicken Breast Supreme (CAD21), share the menu with more conventional fare—Portobello Quesadillas, for example (CAD9). They also make a mean margarita. A bright lounge is done in heavy reds and blacks. There is also a patio and a store selling interesting Mexican gifts.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Molly Malone's Irish Pub


Warm and friendly
1153 Kensington Crescent North West
Calgary, AB T2N 1X7
Canada
+1 403 296 3200
With the startling number of Celtic pubs sprouting up in town you'd think Calgary's civic planning department is run by the Guinness family. Still, no one is complaining. Molly Malone's is one of the better new pubs in the trendy Kensington neighbourhood. Subdued lighting, intimate booths and a huge bar make for a relaxed pint, and if you are having trouble deciding, the ubiquitous Guinness-propaganda on the walls offers some suggestion. The menu features a variety of beer-inspired pub fare such as Smithwicks fish and chips and ploughman's sandwich.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Mona's Kitchen


So that's what she's smiling at.
320 9 Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 4J5
Canada
+1 403 290 1090
This restaurant in Bankers Hall is a unique place for lunch, and is a popular noon-hour stop for downtown's office dwellers. The cuisine is relatively simple: sandwiches, daily soups, gourmet salads, and hot specials; everything is made fresh and looks gorgeous. They also serve delicious coffees and claim to make Calgary's best cappuccino. Service is cafeteria-style but the wooden tables and chairs and stylish decor make this a cafeteria with class. The giant portrait of Mona Lisa kindly overlooking the place makes diners feel they are in good hands.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Mongolie Grill


A healthy and fresh alternative
405, 5005 Dalhousie Drive Northwest
Calgary, AB T3A 5R8
Canada
+1 403 286 7779
The Mongolie Grill is a large restaurant that seats about 75 and offers a fresh and healthy alternative to the regular dining scene. You pay by the gram, and after selecting the various fillings such as seafood, raw vegetables, meats and spices, the cooks go to work, and create their magic. It is a nice way to spend an evening and the stir-fries are always quick and delicious. Because it is the only one of its kind in the NW area, they do a booming business at lunchtime.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Mongolie Grill photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Monty's Deli


Power lunch
606 First Street South West
Calgary, AB T2P 3B1
Canada
+1 403 264 5154
Located in the heart of the business district, Monty's Deli is a well-kept secret patronized by many of the most powerful businesspeople in Calgary. The nondescript exterior looks the same as any little downtown restaurant, but the oaken chairs inside are packed with professionals discussing the latest economic developments in hushed voices. The staff are notoriously discreet about their clients, and serve up some of downtown's most filling food. The lasagna is thick and flavorful, and it is served in extremely large portions, as is the famous liver and onions special.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Mother Tucker's


Prime Rib like no other
345 10th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2R 0A5
Canada
+1 403 262 5541
Mother Tucker's serves delicious Alberta beef: their specialty is Prime Rib. They also offer chicken, seafood, ribs and a selection of excellent vegetarian choices, including a salad bar with over 60 items. Brunch is served on Sundays. The selection of ales and lagers is large and you will find great prices on the red and white house wines. Mother Tucker's is decorated in dark woods and rich reds and offers a formal dining room as well as a lounge featuring pool tables, dartboards and an identical menu.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Murph's


Can I get a beer for breakfast?
630 8 Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 1G6
Canada
+1 403 263 6555
This downtown pub is one of Calgary's friendliest watering holes. Under subdued lights and ceilings draped in fishing nets, Murph offers pool tables, dart boards and enough television screens to catch whatever game is on. In addition to the expected pub grub—burgers, sandwiches, steaks and finger foods—the menu features seafood, classic pasta dishes and pizzas are that reputed to be among the city's best. They also have an enormous breakfast menu, and Murph opens early to serve omelettes and such to morning diners. There is live music on weekends.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Murph's photo by Tanya Leavy
Photo: Tanya Leavy
 

 
New Berliner


Best of the wurst
Bay 19, 2219 35th Avenue North
Calgary, AB T2E 6W3
Canada
+1 403 219 0961
http://www.berliner.ca/
This cozy restaurant specializes in the cuisine of northern Germany. Inside the decor is reminiscent of someone's living room, with art on the walls and classical music on the stereo. The menu includes pork, beef and chicken entrees and several sausage dishes. The long list of schnitzel dishes includes a Schnitzel Mozart, of which, the menu claims, "you can almost hear the violins." The wine list is composed exclusively of German wines. This is not exactly light fare, and you are sure to leave this place satisfied.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Nicastro Foods Cappuccino Bar


Homemade Italian eats
2416 Edmonton Trail Northeast
Calgary, AB T2E 3M8
Canada
+1 403 230 5424
Tucked into a corner of an Italian supermarket, this cappuccino bar serves as a haunt for the neighborhood's Italians and wanna-be's. Nicastro serves up enormous sandwiches of Italian cold cuts, as well as piles of pasta smothered in Mrs. Nicastro's homemade tomato sauce. If not for the delicious food, the inexpensive beer and wine, or the fine espresso, visit just for the kitchy decor. One wall is airbrushed with a mural of Robert Deniro, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley and Pope John Paul II sitting down to espresso and red wine.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Nick's Steakhouse and Pizza


Comfortable family dining
2430 Crowchild Trail Northwest
Calgary, AB T2M 3N5
Canada
+1 403 282 9278
Nick's is one of the few restaurants in the city that offers delivery food that tastes as good and fresh as the meals served hot to restaurant tables. The restaurant opened 20 years ago, offering a non-trendy dining atmosphere where nearly everyone could feel comfortable. Once the restaurant was well established, Nick's went a step further by offering delivery services and catering. This is one of the few places where you can get a five-star steak dinner complete with garlic toast, salad and baked potato delivered right to your home, minutes after ordering. Its pizzas are loaded with toppings nearly an inch deep, and come in a huge variety of styles, from traditional Hawaiian to the notorious Chicken-Taco pizza. The prices are pleasantly low, ranging from CAD 15 for a steak dinner to CAD 20 for an extra-large pizza.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Odyssey Pizza Steakhouse and Lounge


Casual dining, great prices.
3814 Bow Trail Southwest
Calgary, AB T3C 2E7
Canada
+1 403 246 8889
The Odyssey typifies casual dining, where good food and great prices go hand in hand. They offer about two-dozen different types of pizza, but if pizza doesn't suite your palate, you can choose from chicken or seafood, or take advantage of their mouth-watering pasta specials. Sit in a private booth in the lounge, or opt for a formal dinner in the dining room. The restaurant seats about 110 people, there are video lottery terminals available and they are licensed for beer and wine.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Oriental House Restaurant and Lounge


Specializing in Thai cuisine
No. 8, 232 8th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2G 0R31
Canada
+1 403 262 9530
http://www.orientalhouse.ca/
The Oriental House offers various exotic Thai dishes, along with some of the more traditional Chinese fare such as noodles and rice. The menu features a chili pepper rating system that will tell you just how hot a certain dish will be. There are two rooms available for dining—a casual lounge or a more upscale, formal dining room. Both rooms are decorated in rich hues and dark wood, creating a cozy and inviting dining atmosphere.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Original Joe's


Great pub food
1220 Kensington Road Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 3P5
Canada
+1 403 670 5637
This bright pub is a great place for a cold pint or a meal of much-better-than-average pub food. The menu features Joe's take on pub classics, such as a Joe's cabin club, a huge clubhouse sandwich with peppered bacon, ham and turkey. There is a pool table, a popular patio, and a vast bar that offers 18 draught beers on tap. And while the furniture is reminiscent of a high school cafeteria, after a couple of pints one tends not to notice.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Original Joe's photo by Cameron
Photo: Cameron
 

 
Osteria de Medici Restaurant


Upscale Italian
201 10 Street Northwest
Calgary, AB T2N 1V5
Canada
+403 283 5553 / +1 866 678 3742 (Toll Free)
http://www.osteria.ca
Osteria's superior upscale Italian cuisine has been tempting the palates of Calgarians for so long, that the owner offers her cookbook, "Antonietta's Classic Recipes," for sale on the premises as well as in local bookstores. Sophisticated without being stuffy, this is high-class dining in a relaxed atmosphere. You will find gourmet Italian dishes, veal, chicken and seafood lovingly served with attention to detail and service. In addition, there is a very extensive wine selection. The weekday lunch crowds are usually heavy, so reservations are highly recommended.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Owl's Nest Restaurant


Upscale dining
320 4th Avenue Southwest
(Westin Calgary)
Calgary, AB T2P 2S6
Canada
+1 403 266 1611
The Owl's Nest personifies upscale dining and is located in the heart of downtown Calgary. The restaurant is bright and beautiful with hardwood floors, linen tablecloths and napkins, and beautiful plants and greenery. They offer a delicious brunch on weekends, which includes homemade omelets and hash browns, as well as an assortment of vegetables, soups and baked goods. They have one of the largest wine selections in the city, and their lobster bisque and veal medallions are their most popular dishes.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Paella Spanish Restaurant


Spanish spices to entice
100, 800 6th Avenue Southwest
Calgary, AB T2P 3G3
Canada
+1 403 269 5911
http://www.lapaella.ca/
La Paella offers something a little different for the jaded palate. Specializing in tapas and authentic Spanish food, La Paella offers European cuisine that mixes rich flavors with exotic spices. La Paella is heavily wooded and exudes a mystical and almost regal atmosphere. They also offer a selection of "North Americanized" Spanish cuisine such as enchiladas and Spanish pizza. Seafood and vegetarian dishes are also available. They have an extensive wine menu. Located in the heart of downtown Calgary, the place is popular with the business crowd.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Paella Spanish Restaurant photo by Amy Thai
Photo: Amy Thai
 

 
Pegasus Restaurant


Greek delicacies by the score
1101 14th St SW
Calgary, AB T3C 1C2
Canada
+1 403 229 1231
http://ourpegasus.com/
Pegasus has plenty of parking available, and on Friday and Saturday nights you can enjoy live belly dancing and great music. Choose from one of the private booths, or take a seat along the bar. Enjoy the beautiful hand-painted murals. If you're unsure what to order, try the delicious appetizer platter which features about a dozen different type of Greek delicacies. Some of these include Stuffed Grape Leav