Kensington and Area
Kensington Road and 10th Street are the original walking neighbourhood, and the corners have never been better. A Neapolitan pizzeria, two cocktail rooms under one roof, a new wine bar and the city's oldest restaurant, all a short stroll from the river. This page covers Kensington plus Hillhurst, West Hillhurst and Sunnyside.
- Main streets
- Kensington Rd and 10th St NW
- In this edit
- 21 places
- Includes
- Hillhurst, West Hillhurst, Sunnyside
- Updated
- October 2026
A Saturday in Kensington
- Morning: Brunch at Dairy Lane in West Hillhurst. Put your name down and expect a short wait.
- Late morning: A matcha at CeCe's, then wander Kensington Road: Metro Element for a plant, Peacock for consignment, Peasant Cheese for the board.
- Lunch: Birria tacos at Tu Taco.
- Afternoon: Walk the river path, then a glass at Tipsie when it opens at 4.
- Evening: Cocktails at Stable Palms or its sister bar Pali Room, then pizza at Pulcinella a few doors down, or the chili crab cappelletti at Acme in Sunnyside.
Eat
| Spot | Why go | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Pulcinella | True Neapolitan pizza, watch the pizzaiolos work | Pizza |
| Acme Pizza & Pasta | Date-night Italian in Vendome's old Sunnyside corner | Pizza |
| Vero Bistro | Italian fusion small plates and a fancy brunch | Fine(ish) Dining |
| Dairy Lane Café | Calgary's oldest restaurant, very celiac friendly | Brunch |
| Tu Taco | Fast, colourful tacos, open from 11 | Taco Nights |
| Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey | Texas BBQ and a huge whiskey list, half-price meats after 10 | Foodie Friendly |
| Red's Diner | The best-loved Red's location, on 10th Street | Diners |
| Brass Wok | Tiny West Hillhurst Thai room, book ahead | International |
| iyycburg | Halal smash burgers, open late | Handheld Bites |
Drink
- Stable Palms Club New: the old Molly Malone's, transformed. Exceptional cocktails and food.
- Pali Room: Stable Palms' Hawaiian-chic sister bar, with a glass ceiling and pupus.
- Tipsie New: Kensington's newest wine bar, in the old Winebar Kensington space.
- Kensington Wine Market: the bottle shop for the walk home.
Coffee
- CeCe's Coffee (Hillhurst): from the Crave team, with pastries that sell out fast.
- Good Trade Coffee, The Roasterie and Higher Ground: three Kensington standbys.
Shop and Pantry
- Metro Element: furniture, flowers and plants, with custom-sized sofas.
- Peacock Boutique: the Kensington location of the consignment favourite.
- Peasant Cheese: ask for a taste and trust them.
- MarshaSophia (Sunnyside): a 100% gluten-free bakery with custom cakes.
- Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers' Market: summer Wednesdays at the community centre.
Move
- Club Pilates (West Hillhurst): the easy entry point.