I’ve lived in all four quadrants of Calgary, exploring the options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although Calgary is a sprawling city, there are definitely some places I’ll still drive across town for. These are some of my top restaurants across the city. A few are widely recognized, while others are just personal favourites.
All my choices have vegetarian options. For other dietary restrictions, check the official menus linked in the descriptions.
Pricing scale per person: (without alcoholic beverages)
$ — <$15 CAD
$$ — $15-$30 CAD
$$$ —>$30 CAD
Brunch Restaurants
Namo Cafe Bistro — $$
Locations: Edmonton Trail, Beltline, Macleod Trail
We discovered Namo while living in the southeast, but there are actually three locations across Calgary. They’re a full service restaurant serving all three meals, but I’ve only been here for brunch and it was delicious.
They offer imaginative fusion dishes like their Furikake Ebi Bowl, Karaage Fried Chicken, and Lobster Rangoon Benny. The food is fresh and fun and their Macleod location is bright and beautiful. I´d definitely recommend a meal here.
Belmont Diner — $$
Locations: Marda Loop, Willow Park, Aspen Landing
Three words: Apple Pie Milkshake
Okay, there are a lot of great reasons to love Belmont Diner, but that milkshake is definitely up there!
I’ve been to their Marda Loop location once and the Willow Park spot twice. Their milkshakes are delicious, their eggs benny are dependable, and their hashbrowns are bottomless—what’s not to love!
Lunch and Dinner Restaurants
North Calgary
Boogie’s Burgers — $$
Locations: Edmonton Trail, Marda Loop
Boogie’s is a Calgary classic. Open since 1969, Boogie’s Burger is not only a local favourite, it also has some of the best burgers and fries in town—in my opinion. I Iove their black bean burger in particular, but I was initially introduced to Boogie’s by a meat-eating friend of mine, so rest assured their beef burgers are also fantastic.
Along with generous portion sizes and a retro vibe, Boogie’s also offers 36 delicious milkshake options in addition to their featured milkshake of the month!
BánhMì SUB — $-$$
Location: 3145 5 Ave NE
When I was working and living in the northeast, this was my absolute favourite Vietnamese sub place. I loved the bean curd option, although they also have a tofu sub for vegetarians.
In addition to veggie-friendly subs, they also have all the classics, from chicken and beef sate to vermicelli, pho, and spring rolls.
Tacos Mexico Memorial — $$
Location: 3725 Memorial Dr
This is hands-down the best Mexican restaurant I’ve visited in Calgary. Their food is delicious, their portions are generous, and their prices are more than reasonable. I’ve taken almost every out-of-town friend who’s come to visit here. They are very busy though, and they don’t take reservations, so avoid peak times to get a seat.
Hearts Choices Cafe Market — $$
Location: 4127 6 St NE
The Hearts Choice Cafe is located just off Edmonton Trail south of McKnight, but they also have market options for prepared take-home food in both Calgary Farmers’ Markets. They specialize in all things vegan, but I bet even a meat-lover would find a dish or two they like here (my brother did, and his idea of a well-rounded meal is a steak with a side of more steak).
They offer a diverse menu with options ranging from Pad Thai or Drunken Noodles to a Chick’un Caesar Wrap and Philly Cheeze Steak.
Pulcinella — $$-$$$
Location: 1147 Kensington Crescent NW
Pulcinella is an upscale Italian restaurant in Kensington offering Napoletana style pizza and pasta, as well as meat-centred entrees. It can get more expensive, but the pizzas are reasonably priced and delicious.
I ordered the bruschetta and margherita pizza, which my friend and I shared. It was plenty of food as the bruschetta is served on pizza dough as well.
South Calgary
Padmanadi — $$
Location: 8835 Macleod Trail SW
Originating in Edmonton, this Indonesian restaurant serves a fully vegan menu, adapting their traditional dishes to fit a plant-based diet. Their Calgary location is off Macleod Trail at Heritage Drive, and is definitely worth a visit. Bring a group and plan to share so you can taste as much as possible!
Dosirak — $-$$
Location: 9737 Macleod Trail SW
Dosirak is one of my favourite finds of 2024-2025. It’s a “hole-in-the-wall” type place with space for only a couple tables. You can dine in or take out, but either way you’re guaranteed to receive delicious food and excellent service.
The staff are so friendly and the food is tasty, customizable, and there are clearly-marked, vegetarian options. Think of it as a Korean Subway, except with tastier food and better choices!
Aida’s Bistro — $$-$$$
Location: 2208 4 St SW
Aida’s Bistro is a delicious Lebanese restaurant in Mission. I’ve only been once, but I’ve tried a number of times since (it’s notoriously hard to get into so I recommend making a reservation.
The restaurant offers Mediterranean favourites like baba ghannouj, grape leaves, fried halloumi, and falafel, with both meat and vegetarian mains.
Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. –$$
Location: 1070 – 2600 Portland St SE
Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. is a staple local brewery. Beside craft beers, you can enjoy Portland Street Pizza (every day but Mondays), which is a thick, focaccia-style dough topped with artisan style toppings. Popular amongst cyclists, Eighty-Eight Brewing is definitely a (physically) hidden gem tucked in the industrial section of Alyth/Bonnybrook, across from the Crossroads Market.
Calgary Food Markets
Avenida Food Hall and Fresh Market — $-$$
Location: 12445 Lake Fraser Dr SE
Avenida Food Hall is unassuming from the outside, but bustling on the inside. It holds more than 30 different food vendors offering everything from tacos to ramen and shawarma to arepas. It is definitely worth a visit; they’re open Thursday to Sunday.
Calgary Farmers’ Market — $-$$
Locations: Calgary West and Calgary South
The Calgary Farmers’ Market is the go-to spot to support local small businesses. With fresh produce, meat, dairy, and eggs, artisan-made products, and hot food vendors, the Calgary Farmers’ Market is a great spot to do your grocery shopping, find gifts, and stop for lunch.
The south location can be found off Heritage Drive near Blackfoot Trail, while the west location is found in the new community of Greenwood off 16 Avenue before you reach Stoney Trail.
First Street Market — $-$$
Location: 1327 1 St SW
First Street Market brings a different vibe than the markets above. This market primarily serves business professionals working in the Downtown/Beltline areas. It is located on 1st Street between 13th and 14th Avenues. The spot offers a variety of options from breakfast bowls to noodles to curry to pasta. The market is open from morning ’til night, but individual vendor hours vary. I’d absolutely recommend stopping if you’re in the area.
