Every Calgarian foodie will agree – we don’t just stick to one restaurant. I’ve lost count of the hours I’ve spent doomscrolling through reviews, checking menus on delivery apps, and trying to figure out where to eat next.
Whether it’s sitting down for a meal or just grabbing something quick to go, the right restaurant will never let you down.
But with endless choices in the city, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The only real way we’ve found to cut through the noise is by trying them ourselves. And after plenty of dine-ins and takeout runs, some clear favorites emerged.
These are the best Calgary restaurants for dine-in and take-out we found truly worthy of everyone’s attention.
How much does it cost to dine in or take out food in Calgary?
The cost of dining in or taking out food in Calgary ranges from $10 to $60 per person, depending on the type of meal and volume. Additional charges may apply depending on the packaging necessary.
Table of Contents
1. Global Fusion Bistro
Location: 320 W Creek Dr #203, Chestermere, AB T1X 1K7
Contact: +1 403-455-3515
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Global Fusion Bistro offers a wide range of comfort dishes ideal for families or small groups. Some popular options include rib platters and their signature pizza. They also offer dining specials to keep the menu exciting for returning customers.
We find their takeout service reliable, and we liked that there are take-out specials too, which combine meals at fair prices. The portions are generous. The dishes remained warm and well-presented when we tried them, thanks to the solid packaging.
As for the dine-in experience, everything met our standards. For starters, service was warm, with staff immediately accommodating requests for dietary restrictions. Parking is pretty convenient as well, with many accessible spots close to the door.
The atmosphere was inviting and versatile for various settings. For casual family dinners or special celebrations, it’s a great choice. Plus, the staff were good with children, which is a nice touch we totally appreciate.
As with most restaurants, there were reports of inconsistent food tastes – some dishes may taste bland or overcooked. These are occasional off-days, though, and customers can still expect a positive experience.
Very impressive service
“Food was amazing, seasoning was perfect, and huge portion sizes. Even my dad mentioned the calamari was delicious. Very impressed with the service, I will definitely go again soon!”
– Ruby B, Google Reviews
Amazing place to dine in
“Amazing place to dine in or take out! Friendly service and tasty food! Couldn’t resist eating half the pizza before taking a photo!”
– Brett Thompson, Google Reviews
2. Pizzeria GAGA
Location: 1236 12 Ave SW
Contact: +1 403-264-2421
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Gaga Pizzeria is a famous spot in the city for some of the most delicious pizza options. They specialize in authentic Italian-style thin-crust pizzas, often complemented by Balkan-inspired dishes.
We liked that the dishes are reasonably priced, with pizzas starting at $15 or a 10-inch pizza. Customers will also find great value in their combo items, including calzones, pasta, and salads. The prices are affordable for mid-size portions.
As for takeout, we find them fast and efficient. During all of our tests, pizzas were prepared quickly. The packaging was simple, nothing fancy, but enough to keep the food warm. It’s rare for customers to receive a poorly made pizza.
Customer service is also personable, so dining in person is a good experience. The menu is limited but curated, and their staff is always ready to offer recommendations. There are times when they offer free cookies, too.
The only downside to the dine-in experience was that parking is hard to find, especially during evenings when the restaurant is busy. It’s also a relatively small restaurant, which may not be the most comfortable for large groups.
Truly passionate
“I have been to Italy multiple times and tried multiple different pizzas and I honestly prefer pizza from Gaga, not only is the pizza great you are supporting a local family that has been doing it for years and is truly passionate about what they do, guy on the phone might be a bit “to the point” on the phone but he is one of the nicest people I’ve met.”
– Fernando Arenas, Google Reviews
Delicious pizzas
“I used to work across the street and I would order pizza every few weeks. It’s delicious and the owners are fabulous. I was so excited to try again after a few years”
– Courtney Taylor, Google Reviews
3. The Himalayan
Location: 3218 17 Ave SW
Contact: +1 403-984-3384
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Sunday: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM
The Himalayan specializes in Nepalese cuisine, which is a nice alternative to the typical Indian fare while still maintaining familiar elements. There’s naan and curry, as well as other classic options like momo, lamb, and thali.
Both dine-in and take-out experiences were smooth and dependable at almost any time of the day. Their takeout, in particular, is faster than most – orders are ready in as little as 15 minutes, ideal for those quick, post-work meals.
Service is attentive and unpretentious. We love that they easily adjust meals based on customers’ requests, too. For reference, they can accommodate preferences for spice levels or ingredient changes for dietary alternatives.
As for the prices, we find the costs reasonable for the quality of the food and portion sizes. Though there are instances where the lamb feels tough and overcooked, the general experience remained great in most of our visits.
Parking may be the most trouble you’ll encounter here – it’s also become partially paid recently. Fortunately, with a classy yet relaxed atmosphere, you’ll likely immediately forget all your initial woes.
Authentic Nepali food
“Wonderful atmosphere, amazing service, delicious food and reasonable price. My wife and I went here for dinner and were impressed with appetizers, entrees and wine. Great place to experience authentic Nepali food! James was a wonderful server. Can’t wait to come back with some friends”
– Gene Blundon, Google Reviews
Amazing and flavorful food
“Absolutely loved this place. While the food is amazing and flavourful, the service really stands out in this one. Everyone greets you so nicely. The servers are friendly and caring. The monos are so good.”
– Paola Hinojosa, Google Reviews
4. Cactus Club Cafe Stephen Ave
Location: Stephen Ave +, 178 – 317 7th Avenue Southwest, 3 St SW
Contact: +1 403-454-9399
Opening Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM, Sunday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Cactus Club Cafe is the place to go for flavorful and beautifully presented food. They have plenty of signature food, including their famous blackened Creole chicken, butternut squash ravioli, truffle fries, and fish tacos.
If we have to highlight a meal, though, it has to be their Med Bowls. This comes with roasted cauliflower, falafel, greens, and hummus – perfect for health-conscious diners.
Alongside their sushi and teriyaki chicken bowls, these med bowls are popular for takeout as well. We love how well packaged the bowls are, and thanks to proper handling, the food bowls retained their flavor and quality well.
Their prices are slightly above average, so it may not be the best place to splurge for a big group. The good side is that the quality of food does feel premium – even desserts like the coco lava cake and NY cheesecake were decadent and perfectly portioned.
Another nice touch is that alcohol delivery was available with food orders.
Across our visits, however, we noticed that noise levels can be high during busy nights, which made talks a bit hard to do. And when we tried takeouts, certain dishes, like the tacos, were lacking in taste.
Lovely and attentive
“Such a cute spot! I’m a big fan of their drinks! Especially in the summer or for a little night out with your girls:) recommend their peach Bellini and expresso martinis are always delicious! It’s usually not crazy busy that you can’t get a spot especially for downtown! And the staff are always lovely and attentive:)”
– Emily Harris, Google Reviews
Amazing service
“My server Drew was amazing!!! She let me sample the slush before ordering and was very helpful with recommendations!! She dealt with my mother’s allergy very well and knew off the top of her head which dishes she could and couldn’t have! Will be back soon!”
– Jaylynn Stonechild, Google Reviews
5. Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey
Location: 1136 Kensington Rd NW
Contact: +1 403-283-3021
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Hayden Block is one of Calgary’s top spots when it comes to the most tender, juiciest, best melt-in-your-mouth brisket. Everything else is just as good – the pulled pork, smoked wings, and beef ribs stand out for their smoky flavor.
The dine-in experience is strong, and across the multiple visits we did, our team had a genuinely good time. The place is pretty laid-back, so we easily relaxed into our seats.
The staff made the experience so much better as well. They’re quick to make recommendations, often checking in regularly just to check up on guests. We never felt annoyed even once, as they’re very friendly.
The takeout isn’t the most mind-blowing experience, but it is reliable for what it is. The packaging they use is perfect to keep briskets or smoked dishes warm. No juices seep out of the packaging, too.
Prices are definitely on the higher side, but you can enjoy their half-price brisket after 10:00 PM. The only downside is that the quality of the meat is quite inconsistent for these late-night deals.
Good BBQ food
“Great whiskey selection, good BBQ style food, live music regularly, but only half of the
upper bar flloor can see the stage, so choose a seat wisely if you’re there for the music.”
– Tom Bremner, Google Reviews
Absolutely fantastic
“Holy wow, what a feed! Absolutely fantastic and well priced. Thanks to Rob and Emaleen for your hospitality. If we didn’t live in Australia we’d come back often. You’re on our list if we come back to Calgary.”
– Darren, Google Reviews
