I get it – going to the same brunch spot on the 17th can get really boring. And while it’s fun when the servers immediately recognize you before you even enter the door, dining in a new food spot is just a different vibe.
So, for myself and my fellow foodies, I decided to find some of the best new restaurants in Calgary.
Some of the spots here have opened new branches in the city, while the others were born straight out of SW Avenue. Whatever they are—new locations or established favorites—they’re sure to satisfy!
Table of Contents
- 1. Cold Beer & Pizza
- 2. Raw Japanese Hand Roll Bar
- 3. Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
- 4. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
- 5. Eggholic Indian Veg & Egg Street food
- 6. Scozzafava’s Deli
- 7. Hanyang Korean Restaurant Calgary
- 8. SOT
- 9. La Ciel On 17th
- 10. Prosperity Bar
- 11. Bonjour Sandwich Shop
- 12. The Sweatered Hen
- 13. ChengDu Hot pot
- 14. Lotus Fine Indian Cuisine – Charleswood
1. Cold Beer & Pizza
— Media credit coldbeerandpizza
Website: https://www.coldbeerpizza.com/
Address: 1019 17th Avenue SW
Contact details: +1 825 540 1434
Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM | Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
Price: $$
The chill vibe at Cold Beer & Pizza is perfect for grabbing a beer with friends. Complementing this relaxed atmosphere, the vintage feel adds a fun touch to the overall experience.
Their pizza selection is fantastic. They’re offered by the slice or by the meter, which makes it easy to try different flavors. I’ve had it both fresh and reheated after taking a piece home, and honestly, the reheated one has that perfect crunch we all love.
Besides the pizza, the sandwiches here are next-level good. Plus, they’ve got table tennis and a photo booth for extra fun while you hang out.
Moreover, the service is top-notch, and you can tell the staff genuinely wants you to have a great time. Just plan ahead if you’re driving because parking can be a bit tricky on a busy day!
2. Raw Japanese Hand Roll Bar
— Media credit rawhandrollbar
Website: https://rawyyc.ca/
Address: #150, 615 6 ave SE
Contact details: +1 825-747-5354
Operating hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Thursday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Saturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $$
Raw Japanese Hand Roll Bar clearly takes pride in their ingredients, as each dish reflects a thoughtful approach to flavor and presentation.
The hand rolls are truly something to rave about, with the truffle lobster roll stealing the show. Every bite was filling and there was no shortage of flavor.
The yuzu salmon roll was also a treat, bursting with a refreshing flavor that was a nice surprise.
While the portions are on the lighter side, I left feeling perfectly satisfied and happy.
Just make sure to save room for dessert! The yuzu ice cream is a must-try for a satisfying finish to a fantastic meal.
3. Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
— Media credit brooklyndumplingshopcanada
Website: https://www.brooklyndumplingshop.com/
Address: 1113 9 Ave SE #6
Contact details: +1 825-540-1650
Operating hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Sunday – Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop is one of the quirkiest and most fun places I’ve tried in Calgary. With a fully automated ordering process, picking up your food from a little cubby adds a really cool touch to the experience.
The variety of dumplings is impressive; I couldn’t resist trying the bacon cheeseburger dumplings, which were surprisingly delicious. I also had the lamb gyro dumplings and creamy peanut waffle fries, which were a fun twist, but probably a one-time treat for me.
What really stood out was how well everything was cooked.
The crispy dumplings had the perfect crunch, while the seared ones offered a satisfying bite.
Plus, the creamy peanut sauce paired with them was smooth and flavorful without being too strong.
While it’s a bit pricier for dumplings, it’s totally worth it for the unique flavors and experience.
4. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
— Media credit dickeysbarbecuepitcalgary
Website:https://www.dickeys.com/ca/en-ca
Address: 140 11 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403-225-8599
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$
If you’re on the hunt for some authentic barbecue in Calgary, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is a must-try. While exploring near our Airbnb, my friends and I stumbled upon it and couldn’t resist the mouth-watering aroma wafting from the kitchen.
We ordered the beef rib and brisket sandwich, paired with mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and sweet corn. The rib meat was so tender that we could eat it with our hands – definitely a sign of great BBQ!
With generous portions and tasty flavors, Dickey’s is worth every penny, and I can’t wait to go back for more!
5. Eggholic Indian Veg & Egg Street food
— Media credit sum_of_calories
Website: https://theeggholic.com/
Address: 4150 109 Ave NE
Contact details: +1 587-625-0334
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Price: $$
Stepping into Eggholic Indian Veg & Egg Street Food feels like entering a market full of mouth-watering aromas. Since it opened in January 2024, I’ve been eager to try its unique offerings, and I was delighted by what I found!
I kicked things off with a delightful trio of masala papad, surti gotala, and paneer gotala – all served with warm, fluffy rotis. The masala chaas and chai I ordered added the perfect touch with their delightful fragrance.
One of the highlights was the egg kofta, which was simply fantastic! With a variety of vegetarian options on the menu too, I highly recommend this spot to anyone craving flavorful Indian street food – it’s a real treat!
6. Scozzafava’s Deli
— Media credit scozzafavasdeli
Website: https://www.scozzafavasdeli.com/
Address: 1004 17 Ave SW
Operating hours: Wednesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: $$
Scozzafava’s Deli, famous for its massive hoagies, finally opened its first Calgary location on 17th Avenue in September 2024.
Since their first pop-up in 2022, this sandwich spot has gained a loyal following. It’s no surprise that they frequently sell out their delicious signature creations!
Stepping into their store feels like finding a little slice of Italy right in Calgary. The moment I walked in, the warm atmosphere and inviting decor made me excited to dig into their menu.
The upbeat vibe and lively music only add to the excitement of this place.
I ordered the pesto turkey sandwich, and wow, it’s definitely a filling portion. Each bite was packed with fresh flavors, complemented by the meat’s slightly smoky taste and perfect tenderness.
If you’re looking for a light meal, this is a great spot to stop by.
7. Hanyang Korean Restaurant Calgary
— Media credit hanyang.restaurant.yyc
Website:https://hanyangcanada.com/
Address: 7400 Macleod Trail SE #17
Contact details: +1 403-383-8553
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Price: $$
If you’re searching for a standout Korean dining experience, Hanyang should be at the top of your list.
From the moment I arrived, I couldn’t resist starting with the gamjatang, which did not disappoint. This rich pork bone stew, loaded with tender potatoes and vegetables, offered an authentic taste of Korea.
Plus, it provided a generous portion that was equally satisfying.
I tried the corn cheese too, which quickly became one of my favorites. The creamy, gooey cheese combined with pieces of fried potatoes reminded me a lot of the beloved Korean corn dog.
For my main course, I dove into the budae jjigae — a spicy broth filled with mixed proteins, veggies, and noodles. To round out the meal, the soondae gukbab served as the ultimate comfort food, while the sweet sikhye was a perfect drink to balance the heat of the spicy dishes.
8. SOT
— Media credit sot_yyc
Website: https://sotyyc.com/
Address: 1216 9 Ave SE
Operating hours: Monday: Closed | Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Wednesday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$
SOT is an exceptional spot that truly ticked all the boxes for me. With a fantastic selection of seafood, meats, and vegetarian options, the menu caters to every palate.
I couldn’t resist trying their take on the classic red bean bingsu. This dessert is elevated with whipped cheese cream and Korean multigrain powder, offering a perfect balance of creamy, nutty flavors with just the right amount of sweetness.
I also went for the bulgogi, and let me tell you, it was melt-in-your-mouth good! The tender, juicy, certified AAA-grade Angus beef had a rich, savory flavor that was complemented by a subtle touch of sweetness.
I also loved how they incorporated local fruits like strawberries and peaches into their dishes. The peaches were even infused with ginger, adding a lovely hint of spice that made the whole meal feel special and unique.
9. La Ciel On 17th
— Media credit foodiieadventures_
Website: https://www.lacielon17th.ca/
Address: 1428 17 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 587-885-7777
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday, Sunday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Price: $$$
At La Ciel On 17th, I indulged in the prawn Thai curry, and it was exceptional! The juicy prawns simmered in a luscious coconut sauce infused with herbs and green curry paste.
Together, these elements created a perfect balance of creamy and spicy flavors.
Next, I dug into the chicken fettuccine Alfredo, which featured crispy chicken served over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. The dish was generously tossed in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.
I loved that it was paired with a wonderfully warm garlic bread that was hard to resist.
To top it off, I ordered the prawn gassi. It had crispy, battered prawns marinated in a blend of spices. It’s definitely a meal I won’t easily forget!
10. Prosperity Bar
— Media credit prosperitybar
Website: https://prosperitybar.ca/
Address: 107 2 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 825-540-1232
Operating hours: Wednesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Sunday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$
Prosperity Bar is an exciting addition to Calgary’s nightlife scene. The darkened windows create an air of mystery, making you wonder what kind of adventure awaits inside.
Once you step in, the lively atmosphere and playful rainforest sounds make it a truly unique experience.
I loved the random thunderstorm effects that added a fun twist while I enjoyed my drinks. Who doesn’t love a little surprise?
We decided to order some food while we were there, starting with the big mac egg rolls and shrimp salt chicken wings.
The egg rolls were spot-on, tasting just like a big mac. Meanwhile, the wings were perfectly cooked and crispy, though a tad salty for my taste.
Still, it’s an amazing place for a quick bit and a fun vibe — definitely perfect for friends!
11. Bonjour Sandwich Shop
— Media credit bonjoursandwich.yyc
Website: https://www.instagram.com/bonjoursandwich.yyc/
Address: 1909 34 Ave SW #101, Calgary, AB T2T 2C2, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-816-6969
Operating hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Price: $$
If you’re craving a top-notch sandwich experience in Calgary, look no further than Bonjour. I’ve often felt that Canada’s sandwich scene falls short, but this place has completely changed my mind.
The sandwiches are truly something special. They feature fresh, French baguettes that are so soft they’re irresistible. I loved how every ingredient tasted high-quality, making each bite feel like a treat.
I tried the le classic sandwich — the combination of Genoa salami, cornichons, and rich cultured butter was outstanding. The flavors blended beautifully, and the bread had just the right firmness that made it easy to enjoy without being too chewy.
The restaurant is cozy, with just a handful of seats at the counter. However, there’s a lovely courtyard area that adds to the charm.
I can’t wait to come back and try more of their delicious sandwiches!
12. The Sweatered Hen
— Media credit thesweateredhen
Website: https://www.thesweateredhen.com/
Address: 819 17 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 587-387-7272
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday – Thursday, and Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Price: $$
If you’re looking for a brunch spot with great flavors and a welcoming vibe, this place is definitely worth a visit.
I couldn’t resist trying the Turkish eggs. They were perfectly runny and served on a bed of garlicky yogurt, drizzled with chili oil and topped with crunchy garlic.
To complement this delicious dish, it came with rooster potatoes and toasted sourdough on the side.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the other standout — the rooster BLT!
This sandwich featured lightly toasted multigrain bread spread with garlic aioli. Layered with star ingredients like crispy double-smoked bacon and fresh lettuce, it made for quite the meal!
13. ChengDu Hot pot
— Media credit chengduhotpotcalgar
Address: 5220 4 St NE #14
Contact details: +1 587-619-1666
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Tuesday: 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$
My first visit to ChengDu HotPot was nothing short of amazing! They took spice to a whole new level with their incredibly mouth-watering Chengdu special extra spicy broth.
The highlights of the meal were definitely the succulent squid tentacles and the flavorful enoki mushrooms. We were also impressed by the broth options; the mushroom and the spicy pickled broth were absolute standouts.
Adding to the overall experience was one of the best surprises: the generous portion sizes at such reasonable prices.
The impressive meat dishes were also a highlight, especially the massive beef balls, which grew even bigger as they cooked right out of the bowl.
14. Lotus Fine Indian Cuisine – Charleswood
— Media credit chimmyeats
Website: https://lotusindianrestaurant.ca/
Address: 3843 19 St NW
Contact details: +1 403-284-9111
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$
At Lotus Fine Indian Cuisine in Charleswood, the vibrant decor makes every meal worth savoring.
I started with the chicken tikka and was impressed by the bold flavors. Each tender piece paired perfectly with the warm naan, which was enough to fill me up for lunch.
The butter chicken was just the right amount creamy, coating juicy chicken in a rich sauce. While the Afghani malai kabob was equally impressive, I would definitely recommend the former dish if I had to choose just one.
To finish off my meal, I tried the lamb bhuna, which hit all the right notes with its balanced spices. Although the lamb seekh kebab could use a bit more seasoning, the generous portions made for a wonderful dining adventure!
