9 Crave Inducing Restaurants In Calgary You Must Visit
First, I must start by telling you the truth, and nothing but the truth. Calgary is a new city that requires a lot of exploring and insider knowledge to the most diverse, authentic cuisines. This list has been forged from restaurants that have captured my attention in the best possible way, gluttony.
Who doesn’t wake up one morning craving a certain dish, a dish that may be far out of your reach due to your location? Calgary is such a diverse city, you will never wake up with such frustration. Why? Because within a short distance, you will find yourself in Japan, eating sushi that melts the second it hits your tongue, or in Peru, sipping on a Piscojito (Peruvian mojito), but you have one problem.. How do you know where to go? There are more than 30 different places to eat sushi in Calgary, and over 100 places to get a mojito. How do you differentiate between authentic, and commercial? Well, you could go on a tedious hunt online.. Alas, not everyone has your experienced palate, my friend. That is where I must interject. Here is an unsponsored, personally curated list, of a handful of delights Calgary has to offer.
PS — There is no particular order of favourites as each place is unique in its own way.
PSS — I hold no responsibility for the behaviour of your stomach and salivary glands during, and after this post.
This is one of the best breakfast and/or brunch places I have ever been. Everything on their menu is more than capable of satisfying your taste buds. Interested in something sweet? The Franjelico Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast smothered in condensed milk and Nutella takes the cake. Something savory? The sizzling brisket hash and fried eggs, hands down. Something more traditional? Sun-dried cherry tomato, Italian sausage and bocconcini Frittata is incredible, or any eggs benny on the menu. To top it off, there is a plethora of different hot sauces. I know what you’re thinking and yes, you have permission. Go nuts.
Insider Tip — Either plan to go really early, or go in a small group. This place is insanely small, so be prepared for a long line, but man is it worth the wait.
OEB — Over Easy Breakfast
Roll out of bed starving or hung over and go directly to OEB. It is impossible to finish a meal without a ravenous appetite. The menu is very extensive so I won’t go into detail, but my absolute favourite section is BOX’D. Each BOX’D consists of crispy golden potato wedges, some sort of melted cheese, and other toppings, depending on your selection. You may think, wow thats not enough food for me what in the world were you thinking? Stop right there. If you can finish a BOX’D meal without unbuttoning your pants, heaving for air that is being blocked from all the food you just ate, I sincerely applaud you.
Insider Tip — Get the “NoWait” mobile app, wake up and get in line without physically being there and waiting. Otherwise you will be waiting a long time. Nearly all places on this list, are always packed.
Holy mother of ramen. The ramen Gods have blessed Shiki Menya with some of the most bangin’, I-want-another-but-I-might-explode bowls of ramen I have ever had. If you enjoy lip-smacking spicy broth, I strongly suggest either the Chilli Goma or the Goma Mazeman. If you’re more of the traditional type, opt for Tonkostu Classic.
Insider Tip — This place has no reservations, if you can, go at 11AM when they open. Otherwise you will be sitting outside waiting for over an hour. There will be a clipboard with the wait list, you must write your own party down as soon as you arrive.
More like ZiBomb. Nothing gets more authentic than this restaurant when it comes to sushi. Every single solitary piece of sushi was so fresh it may actually melt in your mouth, if you allow it. Sushi at Zipang is so enticing and pleasant, it will leave you crawling back with your jaw dragging behind you.
Insider Tip — Always make a reservation. This place is almost always packed! Bring coins for parking.
Stepping into Añejo might as well be like stepping off an airplane into Mexico. Fresh guacamole made in front of you accompanied with toasty, crispy tortilla chips, tacos bursting with Spanish spices, and “halfy hour” daily at 3PM. What more could you ask for? This restaurant brings you the soul of their country to a small restaurant in Canada. If you’re in the mood for a thirst-quenching drink, do yourself a favour and order a jug of red sangria. Did I also mention they ❤ tequila as much as you?
Insider Tip — Reservation, reservation, reservation! Make the commitment. You won’t regret it.
This place is pretty damn delicious. Although, I never order off the menu. The second the table is sat, I head over to the buffet. Do not be fooled by the word ‘buffet’, as the quality in Inti is nearly unmatched. The buffet consists of juicy Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, golden roasted potatoes, garlic rice, pulled chicken marinated in an incredibly balanced spiced sauce, crafting your own salad, and an assortment of treats for when your stomach is almost content. To top it all off? A Peruvian mojito — aka piscojito — that will grab your tongue and take it on a wild ride with its tangy, bubbly flavour.
Insider Tip — If you want the experience of this restaurant without paying a fortune, visit from 11:30AM-2:00PM for the lunch buffet price (it’s nearly double the dollars for dinner).
The most authentic Thai food in Calgary is at the White Elephant. The intoxicatingly delicious mixture of spices will give you hallucinations of Thailand. A personal favourite is the Chicken Thai Panang Curry made with orange chilli, coconut milk, and lime leaves served with steaming coconut rice. My only discretions are the cleanliness of the tables, the cash only policy, the no reservation policy, and the overall decor. The tables are sticky which drive me mad, the cash only and no reservation policies are very inconvenient, and the decor is poorly done. If you don’t mind any of these concerns, dress as casually as you please and find this hidden gem.
Insider Tip — Be weary as they are only open Monday to Friday from 5PM-8:30PM. If the sticky table cloth bothers you, simply ask for it to be removed.
Never underestimate the power of real, authentic Italian food. There is an astronomical difference between Olive Garden and Mercato. Knowing the difference does not require Italian heritage, you just know. Between the delicate Gnocchi pillows, to the succulent Swordfish, the only explanation must be an Italian grandmother mastermind behind each plate.
Insider Tips — This place can get moderately pricey, and is quite loud some nights. Make a reservation on Fridays and weekends. The environment is business casual/smart casual, so dress accordingly if you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb!
Now we’re talking. Corbeaux is an interesting little place. This half restaurant, half cafe will satisfy every inch of your palate. No matter how divine their restaurant is, I would like to indulge you in their sinfully delightful pastries. Sinful, yet their pain au chocolat and almond croissants are so fluffy; almost as though it were composed of the clouds in heaven. Light, earthy cafe lattes signed with beautiful latte art, exceptional artesian bread.. Must I go on?
Insider Tip — This place is a little pricey, so be armed with cash, credit, anything you can salvage from your wallet. Every night this place has a line that stretches from the cash register to the door, therefore patience is required.
Wait.. That’s it?
Honestly, no. There are many incredible places that are almost, or just as good as the 9 listed above. Those places can be found through Avenue Calgary, Visit Calgary, and more.
Have you tried any of these gems? Let me know about your experience with them! If not, which restaurant(s) appeals to you the most and why?
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