Calgary’s Newest Restaurants on our Radar!
As a genuine foodie connoisseur, basking in the glory that is gourmet cuisine is a part of my life. In a cosmopolitan city like Calgary, new restaurants have been popping up all year and I’ve had the pleasure at dining at many of them. From comfort food with a modern twist, to spicy and authentic Indian, Calgary’s dynamic food scene is growing by the year and I personally couldn’t be happier! Today on the JD&A blog, we are breaking down the newest restaurants in Calgary and giving you our two-cents on their menus, ambiance and service!
Dine with your girlfriends, guy friends or your significant others, these fabulous hot spots are staying put, and we are so excited. Who would pass up an evening out at one of these fantastic restaurants that highlight local talent, pay homage to well-sourced ingredients and have stand out interior design?
Calcutta Cricket Club in Beltline
I have to admit, the first thing that caught my eye about this stylish and striking restaurant was the interior décor. With blush pink seating, wicker accents, stained glass lamps on the bar, black & white tile flooring and a fantastic 3D leopard behind the bar, this lavish restaurant features a tantalizing Indian menu. Enjoy favourites like delicious naan bread, an assortment of rice sides and savour in the incredible flavours of my personal favourites including eggplant pakoras, chilli chicken, kati rolls, gunpowder broccolini, parsi prawn and pork butter masala. Haven’t convinced you yet? They now offer weekend brunch featuring $5 pineapple mimosas. Yes please!
Image via Avenue Magazine.
Two Penny Chinese in Beltline
I find it tricky to find a good quality and stylish Chinese restaurant in Calgary that doesn’t leave you feeling unwell for days afterward. Two Penny Chinese, with its crispy egg rolls, lobster & shrimp wontons, fried chicken fried rice, spicy sichuan noodles and brussel sprouts with roasted duck, generous portions and stand-out atmosphere, is a fantastic Chinese restaurant that is here to stay, and we couldn’t be happier!
Image via Avenue Magazine.
Image via Two Penny Chinese.
Bread & Circus in Beltline
Tucked in the back of UNA Pizza Takeout is this quaint and chic Italian eatery “inspired by the welcoming, friendly Trattoria’s of Rome where the menus are dictated by custom and comfort, the atmosphere is fun and friendly and the room is bright and warm. {Their} dishes are all inspired by takes on these longstanding recipes from Rome’s expansive empire with a few tweaks for our modern day take”. This isn’t inspiring enough? Enjoy a coupe of prosecco or aperitivo as you await their delicious house-made garlic bread, egg-yolk ravioli with roasted pumpkin, pine nuts, brown butter, sage and pecorino romano, fennel & orange salad, carbonara and top it all off with a delectable chocolate semifreddo. Bread & Circus bangs all the nails right on the head- superb atmosphere, amazing service and astoundingly delicious cuisine. The wining ticket is an elegant distressed version of La Grande Odalisque by Ingres as a feature wall. Bellissimo!
Image via Bread & Circus.
Image via Avenue Magazine.
Image via Bread & Circus.
The Wednesday Room in Downtown
Formerly the location of The Tribune, this charming, cozy and chic new restaurant in the heart of downtown on Stephen Avenue offers a fantastic cocktail menu featuring tantalizing options like the Vesper Martini, Le Magnifique, Rose Coloured Glasses and a multitude of wine and beer options. With diverse menu of sharing plates, retro mid-century modern decor and super friendly staff, the Wednesday Room is the perfect meeting place for a business lunch, girls night out, or double date!
Image via Ania B.
Donna Mac in Beltline
Quaint and lovely, this new trendy new spot in the Beltline is a fun mixture of classic comfort food with a modern twist. With huge floor-to-ceiling windows bathing the entire Sarah Ward designed space in natural light, this fun family-friendly eatery “focuses on thoughtful, simple and seasonal cuisine meant to be shared amongst the table. Named after family and inspired by a philosophy of resourcefulness, Donna Mac embraces the mantra that ‘ever changing’ is the only constant”. The Butternut Squash, Parmesan, Grapefruit Beurre Blanc Ravioli, Short Rib, Tagliatelle with Shimeji Mushrooms and Grilled Romaine with Jalapeno Crema and Garlic are amongst the delicious options on their dynamic and thought-provoking menu.
Image via Avenue Magazine.
The Elbow Room in Britannia
Located in the newest block in Britannia, the Elbow Room pays homage to Canadian cuisine; meaning “it’s a reflection of our country and its diverse groups with unique cultures – [their] menu is cherry-picked from the best of that Canada.” Executive Chef Ryan Blackwell is a SAIT graduate and brings an innovative and delicious menu including Asian-inspired dishes like tiger prawns with gochujang ebi mayo, albacore tataki with wasabi-lime emulsion and bao bun with anise glaze. Their tantalizing lunch menu includes classics like croque madame, chicken & waffles and surf & turf and their brunch menu features favourites like avocado toast, crab benedict, and classic bacon & eggs amongst others. To top it all off, they are on Skip the Dishes. What more could you possibly ask for you say? This pretty dining experience with mint green decor, geometric inspired elements and mid-century modern furnishings is sure to be the go-to for an enjoyable daytime outing and classy evening out.
Image via Avenue Magazine.
Empire Provisions in Haysboro
For the casual lunch date or meal on the go, Empire Provisions is a meat-lovers paradise and specializes in handmade specialties. Empire highlights animals raised in Alberta free from hormones & steroids, and you can buy sausages, build your own charcuterie board, stop by for a casual dinner in, or have a quick lunch of their infamous sandwiches like the classic reuben, porchetta or chicken parmigiana. For a perfect small, intimate brunch, lunch or dinner, be sure to stop by this charming deli on Elbow Drive.
Image via Avenue Magazine.
saVeg Cafe in Beltline
This unassuming and discrete cafe located in the Heaven’s gym along 11th Avenue is Calgary’s newest vegan eatery, and a breath of fresh air, even for a non-vegan. SaVeg’s menu (which is entirely plant-based) is inspired by Korean cuisine and features a vibrant menu including scrambled tofu, sweet quinoa bowl, japchae (Korean glass noodles with vegetables and pan-fried dumplings), bibimbap, hummus wraps, a multitude of smoothies and other snacks. If you’re craving a healthy, vegetarian or vegan lunch that is quick, delicious and leaves you wanting more and more, visit this amazing spot!
Our choices that make up our list of Calgary’s Newest Restaurants just scrapes the surface!
Can you imagine living in one of the communities that features a great new local favourite? You know how the saying goes, location, location, location! We couldn’t agree more, and think you deserve to live in a community that ignites your creativity, takes you out and about to explore new things and meet more amazing people in this incredible city we are so lucky to call home.
Contact Jesse Davies & Associates today to start your dream home search!
