21 recommendations in Restaurants & Cafés
Recommendations in Calgary
Gus's Pizza is a great option for those looking for a similar pizza experience to Ottawa's Colonnade. Located across from Foothills Hospital, Gus's offers Greek-style pizza and has received rave reviews from locals and transplants alike. It's a great place to sit down and enjoy a meal with family, making it an ideal spot for a birthday dinner.
The Park restaurant is located in Quarry Park, a couple exits south on Deerfoot, making it a convenient option for those visiting the Deerfoot Inn & Casino. They have cranberry brie bites.
They have a gluten-free fryer, and the owners have a family member with celiac disease, so they always have gluten-free options. It's located in an unspecified neighborhood, but you can try visiting them for a date night dinner.
Located next to the Calgary Zoo, Inglewood Drive In offers a variety of milkshake options, including the ability to choose from different sizes. This makes it a great option for those who want to indulge in a milkshake but are watching their sugar intake, as you can get a smaller size to satisfy your cravings without overdoing it.
Shaganappi Grocers on 17th Ave SW is a place worth visiting if you're looking for frozen lima beans. Try this store for this specific item.
Shiki Menya offers delicious ramen, although some reviewers have noted a decline in quality compared to its early years. Be prepared for a potentially upcharged meal, as one reviewer was informed that their gluten-free noodles were sold out, despite arriving at the restaurant right at open.
My go-to spot for pasta lovers is Ten Foot Henry. The Cacio e pepe here is a must-try, with its rich, buttery, and cheesy flavors that are sure to satisfy your cravings. It's located in the heart of Calgary, and the service is friendly and attentive. If you love alfredo sauce, you'll be right at home with this dish. Be sure to check out their menu and hours of operation, as they may change seasonally.
High quality chocolate and baking components at Cookbook Company, speciality ingredients at European Market, Linas, Cookbook Company. It's a great place to find specialty ingredients, including high-quality chocolates and baking components.
I think Carino on 4th is awesome. Cool little place with amazing food. It's downtown, so you'll fit right in with your birthday plans.
Reportedly, Ari Sushi in Inglewood offers the best sushi experience in Calgary, with amazing quality. For those looking for a high-quality sushi experience without breaking the bank, Ari Sushi is worth a visit.
At Crossroads Market, you can find several vendors selling jerky, including one who used to make smoked jerky with no nitrates or preservatives. It's a good place to look for your desired type of jerky, and you can also try to find out if the vendor who made the smoked jerky is still selling their product somewhere else.
Go to Pizzeria Gaga for a delicious regular pizza and for the owners' kindness - they give away pizzas to those in need regularly. It's located in Calgary, no specific neighborhood mentioned, and it's a great spot to try their huge variety of pizzas.
I'd highly recommend Taquiera El Charrito on Edmonton Trail, it's a mom & pop place so the ambience isn't best for date night. But the food makes up for it ten times over. Tacos Mexico is good spot too.
European Market in Deerfoot Meadows has lots of atypical candies and chocolates from mostly eastern Europe. As a parent in Calgary, I appreciate that this market offers a unique selection of treats that go beyond the usual Halloween candy.
Can’t go wrong with Pie Junkie, imo. It's a popular choice among locals.
The Deerhead Cafe is a popular spot for breakfast, reportedly mentioned in practically every post on a local forum asking for breakfast recommendations. The cafe is known for its club sandwich and fries, with one reviewer calling it the 'best' they've ever had.
The new collaboration between Kraft Dinner and Solly’s Craft Soda is offering a unique and nostalgic soda that combines the cheesy flavor of Kraft Dinner with the carbonated sweetness of a classic cream soda. This innovative beverage is perfect for those who love a good challenge and a bit of humor in their drinks, as it cleverly references the iconic Kraft Dinner brand in an unexpected way. The sweet and savoury flavor profile is a perfect blend of the two brands, making it a great treat for both longtime fans of Kraft Dinner and newcomers to the Calgary market. For those who are curious about its availability, the new KD x Solly’s Cream Soda will be available starting September 23 on Amazon and at participating retailers like Walmart in early October. This limited-time offer is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the blend of tradition and innovation in their beverages.
Starbucks has given a major upgrade to its Deerfoot Meadows location, featuring cozy seating options like couches and armchairs, and warmer design elements that invite customers to relax and socialize. The redesign emphasizes neighbourhood-inspired art and photography, making it a more welcoming space for Calgary residents and visitors alike. With its focus on customer comfort and a more inviting atmosphere, this Starbucks is definitely worth a visit. You can find it at 5300 Deerfoot Trail NW, just off the Deerfoot Transitway. It’s open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, so you can stop by any time you need a caffeine boost or a place to work on your outdoor adventure plans.

