Here it is, the belly of the city, where Calgary is most alive and kicking. In the midst of the fantastic array of activities it has to offer, our hunger-inducing topic for today unfolds – the crème de la crème of the restaurants downtown!
How did we choose, you ask? Simple – if we found ourselves reaching for our phone to book another table in the near future before even leaving the restaurant, that’s when we know it made the cut!
Table of Contents
- 1. OEB Breakfast Co
- 2. Fortuna’s Row
- 3. Silver Dragon Restaurant
- 4. Yemeni Village Restaurant
- 5. King Eddy
- 6. Milestones
- 7. Saltlik Calgary
- 8. Local Public Eatery
- 9. Barcelona Tavern
- 10. Caesar’s Steak House & Lounge
- 11. Great Taste Chinese Restaurant
- 12. Earls Kitchen + Bar
- 13. Cucina Market Bistro
- 14. Namsan Authentic Korean Cuisine
1. OEB Breakfast Co
Website: https://eatoeb.com
Address: 222 5 Ave SW #110, Calgary, AB T2P 4K3, Canada
Contact details: +1 587-352-3447
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 6:30 AM to 2 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 2:45 PM
Earning the title of the most-raved-about brunch spot in Downtown Calgary is OEB Breakfast Co. Their cozy yet playful interior is sure to brighten your day.
However, it’s their scrambled crepe that’s the real star of the show. We don’t know about you, but we prefer savory crepes over sweet ones any day, and theirs is perfect.
Their crepe is made with eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, spinach, roasted vegetable Ajvar, American Asiago cheese, and brown butter hollandaise. Delicious!
2. Fortuna’s Row
Website: https://fortunasrow.com
Address: 421 Riverfront Ave, Calgary, AB T2G 0C2, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-243-0069
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Friday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 11 PM
Fortuna’s Row is a Latin American restaurant offering contemporary culinary delights that you’ll want to savor in each bite. Their interior not only exudes sophistication, but also echoes our statement – they look like they know what they’re doing in the kitchen.
Their grilled ribeye, which is called res on the menu, certainly didn’t disappoint. Other than the delectable beef, it’s also made with duck fat and enchilada with mashed potatoes on the side.
3. Silver Dragon Restaurant
Website: https://www.silverdragoncalgary.com
Address: 106 3 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0B6, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-264-5326
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 9:30 PM
Silver Dragon Restaurant is a Chinese restaurant in Downtown Calgary that takes us back in time with their classic Cantonese and Sichuan dishes. Fans of Asian cuisine should certainly book their next culinary adventure here.
Be warned, though: their honey garlic chicken wings & drumettes paired with their special fried rice will surely make you want to lick the whole plate clean.
4. Yemeni Village Restaurant
Website: https://yemenivillage.ca
Address: 402 8 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1Z9, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-452-8595
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, & Sunday – 1 PM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 1 PM to 10 PM
Yemeni Village Restaurant is a humble dinery specializing in Yemeni cuisine that’s often left unexplored in the local food scene.
They offer a wide variety of food items in their menu, but the beef kabsah is the ultimate standout dish and the wisest option if you want to taste Yemen’s best.
In this dish, the beef is prepared with a pressure cooker that makes its texture much softer, as if it melts in your mouth. It also comes with rice full of flavor. The reason? The exciting blend of special spices!
5. King Eddy
Website: https://kingeddy.ca
Address: 438 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0R9, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-829-6016
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – closed
- Thursday & Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
King Eddy provides an exciting dining experience by combining delicious plates and fantastic entertainment through live music. Because of this exciting touch to one of Downtown Calgary’s best restaurants, you’re assured a fun time every visit.
Their sandwiches are definitely unbeatable. We can recommend all 4 of them, but if you were to ask us which one is our favorite, it would surely be the King Eddy smashed burger.
Made with two juicy 3-oz patties, it also comes with smoked gouda, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and burger sauce.
6. Milestones
Website: https://milestonesrestaurants.com
Address: 107 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0K4, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-410-9521
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, & Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
Local foodies flock to Milestones in Downtown Calgary if they’re in the mood for some hearty meals that can be enjoyed under a relaxing ambiance.
They are famous for their bellinis and classics: Mediterranean chicken, spinach & artichoke dip, and baby back ribs.
7. Saltlik Calgary
Website: https://saltlik.com
Address: 101 8 Ave SW #21, Calgary, AB T2P 1B4, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-537-1160
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Saltlik is a deluxe steakhouse, offering a fine-dining experience to enjoy with their premium and exquisite entrees.
The prime New York striploin is definitely the one we most recommend, especially if you want to get the best experience. Served with this delectable plate are mashed potatoes and maple mustard brussel sprouts.
8. Local Public Eatery
Website: https://localpubliceatery.com/neighbourhoods/8th-ave/
Address: 310 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1C1, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-264-7808
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
For a taste of the local nightlife, Local Public Eatery serves as the perfect getaway with its vibrant atmosphere and lively crowd. They’re known for their wide selection of taps, among other alcoholic beverages.
Not sure what to try? The diablo burger is a must-try, especially for those craving something spicy.
9. Barcelona Tavern
Website: https://barcelonatavern.com
Address: 501 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1G1, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-265-6555
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 4 PM to 2 AM
- Sunday- closed
Barcelona Tavern is a go-to spot in Downtown Calgary for anything Mediterranean. Their Alberta short rib definitely tastes inspired with its inclusions of chardonnay cream, double smoked bacon, wild mushrooms, tagliatelle, and chive creme fraiche.
We also recommend trying out their exciting pizza flavors, especially if you’re coming in with a large group.
10. Caesar’s Steak House & Lounge
Website: https://www.caesarssteakhouse.com
Address: 512 4 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0J6, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-264-1222
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – closed
The list of best Downtown Calgary restaurants wouldn’t be complete without another steak house, especially Caesar’s. Having been around for decades, they sure get the work done while elevating everyone’s experience through offering pristine flavors and valued service.
Their interior even makes you feel like royalty. In addition to the ambiance, their desired filet mignon will surely leave you wanting for more.
11. Great Taste Chinese Restaurant
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NewTUbDddR3nzSXUA
Address: 123 2 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0B2, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-265-9880
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Boasting various Chinese culinary delights, Great Taste Chinese Restaurant is certainly true to its name. Their restaurant echoes an authentic vibe, but it’s truly their dishes that have the power to transport you to an otherworldly realm.
We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve recommended the soy sauce fried noodle to our peers and of course, we’re also recommending it to you now, dear reader!
12. Earls Kitchen + Bar
Website: https://www.earls.ca/locations/bankers-hall/
Address: 8 Ave SW #315, Calgary, AB T2P 1C4, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-265-3275
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Earls Kitchen + Bar offers great classics in an upscale ambiance, granting any foodie an unforgettable dining adventure.
One of their newer dishes, truffle parmesan chicken definitely made our taste buds soar in delight. Their BBQ ribs + cajun chicken was also an interesting choice we loved.
13. Cucina Market Bistro
Website: https://eatcucina.com
Address: 515 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3S8, Canada
Contact details: +1 587-353-6565
Operating hours:
- Monday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 7 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 8:30 PM
- Sunday – closed
Cucina Market Bistro has so much good stuff, we wouldn’t have been surprised if a powerful bruja conjured a powerful spell to produce all the food here. It’s just some really good cooks, though.
We’re still raving about the truffle lasagna we tried several months back. On that note, maybe it’s time to schedule another dinner date here!
14. Namsan Authentic Korean Cuisine
Website: https://www.namsancalgary.com/menus
Address: 507 10 St SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-460-1083
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Of course, Calgary isn’t immune to the rise of the popularity of Korean cuisine in recent years – and we’re not complaining!
If it weren’t for that, we probably wouldn’t be able to get a taste of the delicious pork jjigae at Namsan made with house veggie broth, gochujang, sliced pork, and tofu. It’s definitely perfect for cold Calgary winter days.
