Big on flavour, not big on your wallet.
Proof that looks can be deceiving. From the outside it reads like a little café, but inside it's a full breakfast and lunch spot with an open kitchen, house sourdough and great coffee.
Must try: Korean Fried Chicken Benny, Avo Mushroom Benny.
401 11 Ave SE · Map for Zcrew Café
Our Daily Brett started with a simple mission, good, honest food, and still delivers. Local ingredients, lots of vegan and gluten-free options, and vegetables front and centre. Breakfast, lunch and now dinner too, plus prepared food to go and local goods for gifting. About once a month, We've Got The Jazz! turns the room into a dinner-and-a-show night, with a live trio playing two sets.
Must try: The Fried Chicken Sandwich (gluten-free on request), the Lobster Roll.
Pro tip: For your next party, order a charcuterie board from Salon, ODB's catering company.
Erin's tip: Leave time to browse the market and stock up on its little treasures, from pantry finds to gifts.
1507 29 Ave SW · Map for Our Daily Brett (ODB)
Our Daily Brett's sister café, built on the same idea of good, honest food and community. Nutritious grab-and-go bites, specialty drinks and a full coffee menu. The perfect place to meet a friend or refuel after a workout.
A café and deli focused on local food, handcrafted cured meats and take-home meals. Come for a quick bite, or order a charcuterie board for your next party.
Pro tip: Foodie friend's birthday coming up? Empire does custom gift boxes of cured meats, cheeses and all the fixings.
8409 Elbow Dr SW · Map for Empire Provisions
Twenty-two years in and still the go-to for Calgary's plant-based crowd. Local, organic and vegetarian, and even the cocktails have vegetables.
Must try: The Sushi Platter, Dragon Bowl, Ube Cheesecake.
924 17 Ave SW · Map for The Coup
Each location has its own personality, but they all share great pastries, sandwiches, coffee and locally sourced food.
Erin's tip: Don't skip the Buttered Toast with Jam Cookie.
A piece of Calgary history. This old truck stop diner is all Route 66 memorabilia, mismatched coffee mugs and a model train running overhead. Big breakfasts from 7 am every day, a full bar, and comfort food the way it used to be.
Must try: The Chili Cheese Fries, and a slice of the sky-high Flapper Pie.
Erin's tip: The chili cheese fries are heaven.
Pro tip: It gets busy, so leave yourself time.
1840B 9 Ave SE · Map for The Blackfoot Diner