5 Best Restaurants in Calgary, Alberta

The Tin Palace has been the signature location of this upscale chain for years and with a large and varied menu that ranges from sushi to BBQ ribs, almost anyone can find something they prefer. Portions are large, but the food is quite good, and a generous happy hour inspires the locals to head to the bar or patio, depending on the season, for drinks.

If you’re looking for authentic Neapolitan pizza, look no further than Pulcinella, one of only a few Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani-certified pizzerias in North America. Chef Domenic Tudda, whose parents owned an Italian restaurant in the same location for decades, trained in Naples, and locals rave about the pizza, as well as the fabulous wine list, calamari fritti, and caprese salad.

An izakaya is the Japanese version of a British pub or a Spanish tapas bar, and this one is extraordinary. The vibe is Tokyo underground and though it’s authentic Japanese fare, the specialty here is grilled meats and vegetables, particularly yakitori (skewered chicken). Creative cocktails and a nice selection of sake and Japanese whiskey round out the experience. 

Named after a ten-foot replica of the 1930s comic character, which you’ll meet on the way to the washroom, this fresh veggie-centric eatery offers family-style dining in an airy space enhanced by lush green plants. This is not your average salad shop as Chef Steve Smee’s talents in the kitchen have earned Ten Foot Henry’s a spot as one of the top 50 restaurants in Canada. Sit in front of the open kitchen and try the warmed tomatoes and herbs on sourdough toast and the vegetarian cacio e pepe pasta. Meat eaters can rest easy, as the menu includes numerous seafood options and, yes, a steak. A weekend brunch is served from 11 am to 2 pm.

Fine artwork adorns the brick walls of this bright and charming French-style café perfectly blending old and new; there's a great Euro-vibed patio for summer dining. Menu items range from the Vendome Caprese to delicious shared plates like truffle puffs or sauteed pea shoots to steamed mussels. There are also plenty of delicious vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free items.