Around the world without leaving city limits. Grouped by cuisine, so you can follow your cravings.
If you know the Himalayan, you already know it keeps you coming back. One of my favourite spots, especially on cooler days. Rich, flavourful Nepalese cooking with vegetarian and meat options and your choice of spice level, so it's a hit with anyone you bring.
Must try: The Momos, the Himalayan Curry, Mango Curry, Coconut Naan.
Erin's tip: Share plates to avoid food FOMO.
Pro tip: Dinner only, Wednesday to Sunday.
3218 17 Ave SW · Map for The Himalayan
A big, elegant room serving the dishes most Calgary Indian menus skip: Vijayawada biryani, dosas and ghee roasts. One of Avenue's best new restaurants of 2026.
Must try: Vijayawada Biryani, Spicy Schezwan Dosa, Chicken Tikka.
1006 1 St SE · Map for Kondattam
A long-standing Calgary favourite with staying power of more than a quarter century. Traditional Indian cooking, from the classics to house specialties. Come hungry.
Must try: The Moti Platter, Garlic Naan.
Pro tip: It fills up fast in the evening, so reserve ahead.
1805 14 St SW · Map for Moti Mahal
One of Calgary's most prolific Chinese restaurants since 1966, and a family affair for staff and regulars alike. Big brunches, family dinners and takeout nights, with rolling-cart dim sum every day.
Must try: Egg Tarts, Custard Lava Buns, Ginger Beef.
Pro tip: The dim sum carts stop around 2 pm, so go early.
106 3 Ave SE · Map for Silver Dragon
Korean cooking built around sot bap, rice cooked to order in a stone pot. Polished room, elevated cocktails and one of Avenue's best new restaurants of 2025.
Must try: SOT Rice, Grilled Beef Bulgogi, Squid Salad.
Pro tip: The beef bulgogi is halal.
1216 9 Ave SE · Map for SOT
Chef Roy Oh has been a Calgary favourite for years. Perhaps you know his first restaurant, Anju. His Mission spot has closed, but the family-style Korean cooking lives on at Heritage Square and The District food hall.
Pro tip: Bring friends so you can sample more of the menu.
Heritage Square, 8500 Macleod Tr SW, plus The District at Beltline · Map for Roy's Korean Kitchen
From the owners of Pho Dau Bo, a fun, cozy room with a focused menu of Vietnamese snacks and coffees you won't find at your usual pho spot.
Must try: Banh Khot, Pho Grilled Cheese, Fish Sauce Wings, Egg Coffee.
201 10 Ave SE · Map for Lai Rai
Vietnamese is modern comfort food, and why not? Warm soups for cold Canadian winters or rough mornings, salty noodle bowls for lunch, and giant subs for a quick bite.
Must try: Satay Beef Noodle Soup, a Satay Beef sub, and a bubble tea.
A pretty room on 10th Avenue with a real cocktail list and dishes that look as good as they taste. Bring a group so you can order more.
Must try: Pandan Chicken, Money Bags, the Crab and Shrimp Omelette, Drunken Noodles.
Erin's tip: A Calgary staple.
Pro tip: Dinner only on weekends. There's a parkade right across the street.
351 10 Ave SW · Map for Thai Sa-On
Avenue's pick for the best Thai in the city, tucked into a north-side industrial park beside a brewery. Rich, balanced flavours and a dining room that's full most nights.
Must try: The Crispy Fish, Sai Ua sausage, Duck Larb, Coconut Ice Cream with Pandan Sticky Rice.
Pro tip: Reserve on weekends, when tables have a two-hour limit.
4127 6 St NE · Map for Thai Siam
A friendly, owner-run spot on the west end of 17th with a front patio and some of the best pad Thai in the city.
Must try: Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Green Curry, Papaya Salad, the dumplings.
Pro tip: Dinner Tuesday to Friday, lunch and dinner on weekends. Closed Mondays.
1314 17 Ave SW · Map for Khao San Thai Kitchen
A long-time favourite on 16th Avenue, known for beautiful presentation right down to the carved vegetables, and easy parking.
Must try: Hot and Sour Prawn Soup, the Flower Dumplings, Pad Thai, dessert served in a pineapple.
Pro tip: Closed Tuesdays.
2055 16 Ave NW · Map for Juree's Thai Place
A small neighbourhood room with big, fresh flavours and service that goes out of its way for allergies.
Must try: Tom Yum, Coconut Shrimp, Pork Jowl, Crying Tiger.
Pro tip: It's tiny, so book ahead.
2523 5 Ave NW · Map for Brass Wok
A cozy, dimly lit spot for Thai with real heat. They'll ask how spicy you want it, so be honest.
Must try: Papaya Salad, Drunken Noodles, Pad Thai, the Coconut Cream Cake.
Pro tip: Dinner only, and the room is small, so reserve.
1904 36 St SW · Map for Chili Club Thai House
A husband-and-wife restaurant that started as takeout out of the Oakridge community centre. Thai-born cooking, generous portions and a lot of heart.
Must try: Som Tum, the Grilled Pork, Drunken Noodles, Tom Kha soup.
Pro tip: Reserve, and don't come in a rush. Everything is made to order. Closed Mondays.
3109 Palliser Dr SW · Map for Hungry Thaiger
Victoria Park's best hidden gem. Warm, inviting and dimly lit, this little Italian restaurant and cocktail bar is perfect for a late date night, with fresh pasta made in house every day. A short walk to the Saddledome.
Must try: House Focaccia, the Meatballs, the Spaghetti, Beef Cheek Lasagna.
Pro tip: On event nights, book ahead and leave extra time to park.
401 12 Ave SE · Map for Cardinale
On the scene since 1987, this family-run spot has always been about good food, family and love. Every classic Italian dish you want, and a menu that makes choosing hard.
Must try: Bruschetta, Lasagna Bolognese, and save room for Mama Angela's tiramisu.
990 1 Ave NE · Map for La Brezza
A family-owned, traditional Italian restaurant in the heart of Bridgeland, with a wide range of classic pastas and a wine list straight from Italy.
Must try: The Mushroom special, Sea Bass, Veal Tortellini, Lasagna, Mussels with house focaccia.
Pro tip: Ask about the specials. The mushroom and sea bass are the ones regulars come back for.
610 1 Ave NE · Map for Villa Firenze
It takes staying power to last two decades in Calgary's dining scene, and Centini has it. A favourite of the business-lunch crowd and pre-theatre diners alike. Classic steak or a big plate of pasta.
Pro tip: Ask your server for a wine pairing.
Is anything better than a great local hole-in-the-wall? This little Italian spot by Chinook has all the classics, from giant plates of pasta to margherita pizzas. When only mountains of hot carbs and cheese will do, this is the call.
Must try: Any of the pizzas, and don't skip the homemade limoncello.
6036 3 St SW · Map for Il Centro
A 17th Avenue institution for nearly 40 years, now in a new home at 12th Street. Old-school Italian with more than 20 pastas, warm bread rolls to start and servers who've been doing this a long time.
Must try: The Arancini, Cannelloni Fiorentina, Tortellini alla Panna, the Lemon Veal.
Erin's tip: An old classic in a new location.
Pro tip: Grab a patio table for the 17th Avenue view, or sit inside for a quieter dinner.
1201 17 Ave SW · Map for Buon Giorno
A cozy little slice of southern France. A small menu that rotates with the seasons and a wine list to match. There's a reason it keeps showing up on best-restaurant lists.
Must try: The Beef Tartare.
Pro tip: Dinner only, closed Mondays. Book the private dining room for a rehearsal dinner or a big birthday.
2505 17 Ave SW · Map for Cassis Bistro
Still one of the most authentic French meals in the city. Only about eight tables, a chef-owner who cooks with real passion, and generous portions with no pretension. Celebrate a birthday here and watch what happens to the lights.
Must try: The Lamb, the Halibut, whatever seasonal starter is on.
Erin's tip: An old classic.
Pro tip: Lunch Tuesday to Friday, dinner Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
2015 4 St SW · Map for Fleur de Sel
Sabor's Spanish tapas bar on 4th Street. Warm, lively and made for sharing, with a paella worth the wait.
Must try: Spanish Seafood Rice, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, Boar Cheeks, Tarta de Santiago.
Pro tip: Closed Mondays.
2204 4 St SW · Map for Bodega by Sabor
No detail went unnoticed here, from the locally painted art to the Mexican-inspired cocktails. Traditional tacos or something a little different, there's something for everyone, all day from breakfast on.
Must try: Ceviche on Chicharrón, Fried Oaxaca Cheese, the Hot Take Margarita.
Pro tip: Happy hour is the move: guac, pork tacos and strawberry margaritas.
630 4 Ave SW, Westley Hotel · Map for Fonda Fora
Hawaiian plate lunches with big flavour and better presentation than you'd expect. One of Avenue's best new restaurants of 2026.
Must try: Garlic Noodles, Kalbi Ribs, Dirty Fries, Garlic Shrimp.
Pro tip: Closed Mondays.
5920 Macleod Tr SW · Map for Aloha Modern Kitchen