Dining Out - Avenue Calgary https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/dining-out/ Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:07:00 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://www.avenuecalgary.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cropped-AvenueA-32x32.jpg Dining Out - Avenue Calgary https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/dining-out/ 32 32 The New Café Théâtre Brings French Fare to the Theatre https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/dining-out/cafe-theatre-cite-des-rocheuses/ Thu, 27 Nov 2025 17:02:08 +0000 https://www.avenuecalgary.com/?p=119822 Located within the Cité des Rocheuses’ community centre, Café Théâtre offers a place to try classic French food before or after a show.

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A Francophone community centre in Calgary’s Lincoln Park neighbourhood, Cité des Rocheuses is home to a French language school, a theatre, and now, a new restaurant.

Open since September, Café Théâtre brings a new French dining experience to the centre. The restaurant is focused on classic French cuisine, with dishes like blanquette de veau (a veal dish), confit lamb shoulder, salmon clam chowder, burgers, onion soup and more. The restaurant also serves brunch on Saturdays, with all the usual fare including crepes.

Café Théâtre offers a place to gather before and after watching a show or performance at the community centre’s Rocky Mountain City Theatre, where Cité des Rocheuses hosts larger plays, movie nights and more. However, there’s also a small stage in the restaurant for musicians, comedians and other small-scale performances. The restaurant is decked out to look like a retro theatre, creating a link between it and the Rocky Mountain City Theatre.

A crepe sits on a plate.
One of the crepes from the brunch menu. Photo courtesy of Café Théâtre.
A bowl of salmon clam chowder
The salmon clam chowder at Café Théâtre. Photo courtesy of Café Théâtre.

And while the restaurant and theatre are within a French community centre, the experiences aren’t just for French speakers. Café Théâtre’s menu comes in both French and English, and the community centre events have accommodations for those who don’t speak French, such as English subtitles at movie nights.

“The purpose [of opening Café Théâtre] is to get more Anglophones in and get them more interested in the Francophone culture,” says Cité des Rocheuses CEO Hervé Stéclebout.

4800 Richard Rd. S.W., 587-392-3062, cafetheatre.ca

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Holiday Pop-Up Bars in Calgary https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/holiday-pop-up-cocktail-bars-calgary/ Tue, 25 Nov 2025 13:23:13 +0000 https://www.avenuecalgary.com/?p=53494 What to expect at local holiday pop-up bars this year, from a Home Alone-inspired experience at a brewery to the return of Miracle on First Street at Proof.

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The holiday spirit will be alive and well at several Calgary restaurants, bars and breweries this year as they transform their spaces and drink lists to create special holiday pop-up bar experiences.

Here’s a look at what you can expect at these holiday pop-ups.

 

Fa La La La La Lounge at Tops Pizza South

Tops Pizza’s south location has been completely decked out in holiday decorations for the launch of its Fa La La La La Lounge. It’s all complemented by themed drinks like the Merry & Bright Margarita and Mistletoe Martini, as well as bites like Santa’s Tater-tini and the Ho Ho Holiday Dunking Dip.

Where: Tops Pizza South, 9919 Fairmount Dr. S.E., 403-278-1511

When: November 13 to December 23, 2025

topspizzasouth.com, @topspizzasouth

 

Miracle on First Street at Proof

Calgary’s Miracle pop-up, known as Miracle on First Street, has been taking place at Proof since 2018. The experience is part of the Miracle holiday pop-up bar program, which first launched in New York City and now has pop-ups around the world. Now, Proof is back with another year of Christmas decor and drinks like the Christmapolitan, Dancing Sugarplums and the Blitzen Barrel.

Where: Proof, 1302 1 St. S.W., 403-246-2414

When: November 14 to December 24, 2025

proofyyc.com, @proofyyc

 

Sippin’ Santa at Ricardo’s Hideaway

While the North American Sippin’ Santa holiday pop-up program has a similar concept to Miracle, you can expect a few key differences. Not only is there a different festive cocktail menu, but the Sippin’ Santa pop-ups incorporate tropical-inspired elements as well. Try drinks like the Wreck the Halls or Jingle Bird this year while snacking on bites like cheese empanadas. This is the only Sippin’ Santa pop-up in the city.

Where: Ricardo’s Hideaway, 1530 5 St. S.W., 403-880-8924 (texts only)

When: November 19 to December 31, 2025

ricardoshideaway.ca, @ricardosyyc

 

The Green Door Bistro

Yellow Door Bistro (inside Hotel Arts) is behind one of Calgary’s newest holiday pop-up experiences. For one month, a section of the restaurant will become The Green Door Bistro from Fridays to Sundays from 8 p.m. to midnight. Guests can expect green dishes (a nod to the Grinch’s green fur) and special cocktails.

When: Yellow Door Bistro, 119 12 Ave. S.W., 403-206-9585

When: November 21 to December 21, 2025 (Fridays to Sundays)

yellowdoorbistro.ca, @yellowdooryyc

 

Home Alone at Eighty-Eight Brewing Company

For a fifth year, the Eighty-Eight Brewing Company taproom will pay homage to the popular holiday film Home Alone (and a few other classic films). Expect Harry and Marv feature flights, a scavenger hunt, a Home Alone-inspired drag show, holiday trivia nights and more.

Where: Eighty-Eight Brewing Company, 1070, 2600 Portland St. S.E., 403-452-5880

When: November 25 to December 29, 2025

eightyeightbrewing.ca, @eightyeightbrewco

 

The Elf Bar at Limericks Traditional Public House

A new holiday pop-up this year, Elf Bar is all about — you guessed it — elves. The elf-themed experience will see Limericks Traditional Public House filled with Christmas music, festive decor featuring lots of elves, interactive games and elf-themed food. Tickets are available online.

Where: Limericks Traditional Public House, 7304 Macleod Trail South, 403-252-9190

When: December 4 to 24, 2025

calgarysbestpubs.com/limericks/, @limericksyyc

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YYC Noodle Festival Returns in November https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/dining-out/yyc-noodle-festival/ Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:46:31 +0000 https://www.avenuecalgary.com/?p=103458 Running from November 6 to 16, YYC Noodle Festival highlights noodle dishes from more than 20 local restaurants in support of the Leftovers Foundation.

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If you love noodles, don’t miss the return of YYC Noodle Festival this month.

Back for a third year, YYC Noodle Festival casts a spotlight on some of the best noodle dishes and restaurants around Calgary. The event is a partnership between Hung’s Noodle Factory, Mach Media and Roots Collective that runs from November 6 to 16 in support of the Leftovers Foundation, a Calgary-based organization whose mission is to reduce food waste.

This year, there are more than 20 participating businesses offering featured noodle dishes during the festival. Between them, there’s a noodle dish for everyone, with options ranging from Stone Bowl Carbonara Udon at Ajito to Okkusu Teru Ramen at Fuji Ramen & Sushi. The Leftovers Foundation will receive part of the proceeds from each featured dish that is purchased during the festival.

Once you’ve tried some of the dishes, you can rate your favourites online to help determine awards like “Most Creative Noodle” and “People’s Choice.” There will also be a “Power Fundraiser” award.

Multiple locations, yycnoodlefestival.com

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Spruce Meadows Has a New Restaurant Overlooking the Show Jumping Arena https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/dining-out/spruce-meadows-foxtrot-restaurant-cafe/ Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:15:05 +0000 https://www.avenuecalgary.com/?p=118960 Foxtrot at Spruce Meadows serves up worldly wood-fired cuisine and treats guests to a panoramic view of the facility’s world-famous International Ring.

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Spruce Meadows is known for many things — it’s the site of many international equestrian show jumping tournaments, a widely attended annual Christmas market and the home of the Cavalry FC. And now, the sports and entertainment hub is also Calgary’s newest dining destination with a new restaurant and café to experience while you’re there.

The restaurant’s name, Foxtrot at Spruce Meadows, carries a few meanings. Firstly, it’s a type of gait a horse will perform (fitting for the restaurant’s equestrian surroundings). It’s also a nod to the two foxes who occupy the Spruce Meadows grounds, who can often be seen running through the fields.

“It comes with a lot of different meanings. It kind of explains who we are,” says restaurant director David Singleton. “We take our job and our craft seriously, but not ourselves, and I think the idea of the fox supports that whole brand message.”

A cozy dining room with a fireplace hanging from the roof surrounded by cozy seating.
Inside the dining room of Foxtrot at Spruce Meadows. Photo by Krystin Korzenowski, courtesy of Foxtrot at Spruce Meadows.

Situated on the Spruce Meadows grounds inside a new building purpose-built for the restaurant, Foxtrot leans towards a casual atmosphere with a menu of global flavours, while still offering a refined and serene dining experience that will make you feel like you’re much farther out of the city centre than you really are.

The restaurant is designed to feel like a cozy chalet, with soft seating placed around fireplaces hanging from the ceiling and pops of colour sprinkled throughout elements like the glassware and wallpaper. With expansive windows and a patio overlooking the International Ring where show jumping is held, the restaurant is the place to be for viewing tournaments or just enjoying the scenery.

A variety of dishes sit on a table.
Some of the dishes available at Foxtrot at Spruce Meadows. Photo courtesy of Foxtrot at Spruce Meadows.

On the menu, the restaurant follows the same chalet-style theme, offering a variety of global-inspired dishes cooked using wood-fired ovens and grills that contribute to the atmosphere. From wood-grilled calamari with a charred pineapple and shishito salad to the restaurant’s signature rotisserie chicken cooked with a soy-butter glaze, Foxtrot offers comforting dishes with enough refinement to keep things interesting.

Along with the main restaurant, Spruce Meadows has also opened Café Foxtrot at Spruce Meadows, a new café in the same space that serves locally roasted coffee, pastries and sandwiches.

Both the restaurant and café are full-service establishments that operate beyond Spruce Meadows’ events, drawing diners to enjoy the facility’s gorgeous scenery year-round.

1200 Foxtrot Way W., 403-974-4292 (Foxtrot); 403-974-4295 (Café Foxtrot), foxtrotyyc.com

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This New Calgary Restaurant is Inspired by Nikkei Cuisine https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/dining-out/orijins-nikkei-cuisine-calgary/ Mon, 20 Oct 2025 23:08:51 +0000 https://www.avenuecalgary.com/?p=118902 Orijins brings its own flair to Nikkei cuisine with a mix of Japanese techniques and Latin American flavours.

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A variety of dishes available at Orijins, with a chef's hand placing one of the plates down.
Clockwise from top left: Matcha tres leches cake, hamachi tostada, pork belly and Hokkaido scallop ceviche. Photo by Chris Landry.

Nowadays, food is rarely just one thing — cultures cross boundaries and constantly influence each other, becoming something entirely brand new. And that cross-cultural reference is on full display at one of Calgary’s newest restaurants, Orijins.

Started by Eduardo Sosa and helmed by chef Francis Martinez, Orijins is inspired by a specific type of fusion cuisine called Nikkei. Originating in Peru, Nikkei cuisine was created by Japanese immigrants using traditional Japanese cooking methods fused with Peruvian ingredients to create a very distinct cuisine. Orijins expands on this idea by drawing inspiration from flavours found across Latin America to create an exciting menu of tapas-style dishes.

Coming from Bolivia, Sosa was familiar with Nikkei cuisine, but he wanted to do something a little different. “We’re not traditional Nikkei,” says Sosa. “We’re influenced by it, but we’re doing our own version. We don’t want to be boxed into a category.” And not being boxed in means plenty of opportunity for unique new flavours.

The interior of Orijins restaurant.
Inside Orijins. Photo by Chris Landry
Two men stand inside a small kitchen with dishes of food on the table in front of them.
Francis Martinez (left) and Eduardo Sosa. Photo by Chris Landry.

When Eduardo pitched his idea for a Nikkei restaurant, he knew he would need the right chef for the job. Eventually, he found Martinez, who, coming from FinePrint, knew his way around a kitchen and already had experience fusing flavours from his Filipino heritage into FinePrint’s food.

The restaurant’s kitchen is small but mighty. Much of the food is cooked on two charcoal grills, including dishes like pork belly with ají-som (a cross between chimichurri and Vietnamese nước chấm), a whole grilled sea bass with coconut cream and ginger scallion salsa, and anticucho, a variety of grilled skewers that change weekly.

Other dishes include raw preparations like red prawn ceviche with cantaloupe, guajillo chiles tobiko and ponzu or Hokkaido scallop ceviche made with coconut leche de tigre, pickled daikon and shiso oil. For dessert, more mashups like matcha tres leches cake and miso chocolate mousse are on the menu.

A matcha cake soaked in milk sits in a bowl.
Matcha tres leches cake. Photo by Chris Landry.
Two chefs work in a kitchen.
The kitchen at Orijins. Photo by Chris Landry.

Orijins plans to eventually launch a chef’s tasting menu at the kitchen bar so you can get a full taste of the breadth of flavours here. The tasting menu will include a variety of anticucho and ceviche.

Despite the high level of cooking, Orijins maintains a casual atmosphere. “Our aim is not to try to be fine dining at all,” says Sosa. “It’s just simple food that looks and tastes really good. We want our doors to be open to everyone.”

1A, 8330 Macleod Tr. S.E., 403-255-1222, orijinsyyc.com

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This New Beltline Restaurant Offers Authentic Indian Flavours With Modern Flair https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/dining-out/kondattam-authentic-indian-flavours-modern-flair/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:31:58 +0000 https://www.avenuecalgary.com/?p=118186 Kondattam puts incredible care into the authenticity of its ingredients while pushing the boundaries of Indian food.

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Kondattam owner Sudha Thangavel, and her husband and chef Saravanan Senniappan, are no strangers to Calgary’s food scene — Senniappan is the owner and executive chef behind Calgary’s Big Fish & Open Range restaurants. With one foot in the restaurant world already, Thangavel dreamt of owning her own restaurant that highlighted her love of Indian cuisine.

The couple, who are originally from India, held onto that dream for a while, and after Senniappan hosted a wine dinner last year at Big Fish & Open Range with Indian winemaker Sula (the winery’s first foray into the Western Canada market), they realized they would be able to pull off their vision for a contemporary restaurant that celebrates India’s food and drinks. And so, Kondattam was born.

The sun shines on the interior of a restaurant.
The interior of Kondattam. Photo by Chris Landry.

Kondattam means “celebration” in Tamil, and the restaurant is exactly that — a celebration of India’s vibrance. The menu feels like an authentic road trip across the country — the restaurant cuts no corners in showcasing all the flavours. Almost everything has been sourced and imported directly from India, from the spices to the decor.

For example, Kondattam sources its cardamom from Kerala. “If the cardamom you buy is from South Africa, it’s not gonna have the same flavour,” says Senniappan.

“[The menu] covers from north to south, and you’ll find very traditional, flavourful popular foods. The Calcutta [Man Chow] is from the east, the Edappally [Beef Ularthiyathhu] comes from the south. So it’s almost everywhere from India,” says Thangavel.

A particular standout is Kondattam’s signature curry, a masterful blend of 16 spices from the southern Tamil Nadu region, creating an incredibly rich and complex flavour. Other menu items include idli, dosa, biryani, tandoori salmon and more.

The bar inside of Kondattam.
The bar at Kondattam. Photo by Chris Landry.
Artwork hangs on a wall inside Kondattam.
Some of the art imported from India for Kondattam. Photo by Chris Landry.

For beverages, there’s a little bit of everything. Kondattam has a menu of cocktails created with India flavours, like the Faithful Ginger made with turmeric-infused gin and St-Germain elderflower liqueur. There’s also a mix of local craft and Indian beers, Indian spirits and a wine list that includes some of the Sula wines that helped inspire it all.

With a menu this large and varied, coming with friends is a must if you want to try even a fraction of the flavours of Kondattam (which you absolutely do).

1006 1 St. S.E., 403-453-0078, kondattam.ca

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Sandwiches: The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/calgary-sandwich-shops/ Mon, 01 Sep 2025 15:43:42 +0000 https://www.avenuecalgary.com/?p=117828 Calgary’s newest sandwich shops turn the lunchtime staple into hand-held showstoppers worthy of any table (or picnic blanket).

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A gloved hand sprinkles cheese on top of a sandwich sitting on a tray.
A sandwich being made at Scozzafava’s Deli. Photo by Jared Sych.

Few people have properly paid homage to sandwiches like Canadian musician and children’s entertainer Fred Penner did in his popular children’s song, “Sandwiches” like so:

Sandwiches are beautiful,
sandwiches are fine; I like sandwiches, I eat them
all the time; I eat them for my supper and
I eat them for my lunch; If I had a hundred sandwiches,
I’d eat them all at once.

That may seem extreme, but really, what other dish brings together the best of all worlds quite like a sandwich? There’s the chewy, crusty crunch of bread, the tender bites of protein and an endless amount of refreshing fillings and tangy sauces to bring it all together. Penner knew what he was talking about.

Calgary staples like Alumni and Spolumbo’s will never go out of style. But, when it comes to great sandwich shops, the more the merrier. The days of boring bologna are long gone — sandwiches are having a moment right now. Check out some of the new sandwich shops in town that deliver on style and flavour.

 

Bonjour Sandwich Shop

A man sits outside on a large bench that looks like a sandwich and eats a sandwich.
Bonjour Sandwich Shop owner François Mion enjoys a Mama Mia! sandwich. Photo by Jared Sych.

Most popular sandwich:
The Turkey Move on the French menu and the Hot & Cheeky on the Italian menu

Most underrated sandwich:
The Mama Mia!

After moving from Paris to Calgary, François Mion had difficulty finding the European-style sandwiches he used to enjoy back home. So, he decided to bring a taste of Europe to Calgary with Bonjour Sandwich Shop.

“From … my experience in France and Europe in general, I’ve had some of the best sandwiches that I’ve ever had [there]. And it doesn’t need to have a whole load of sauce or a whole load of ingredients for it to be really tasty. Just simple, great ingredients are the key for a good sandwich, and this is really what I’ve tried to do here,” says Mion.

Decked out in cheerful red-and-white checkered decor, Bonjour’s menu is split into French-inspired sandwiches served on baguettes and Italian-inspired sandwiches served on schiacciata, a Tuscan flatbread. There’s also a “build-your-own” sandwich option.

An overhead view of two sets of hands holding sandwiches cut in half.
Sandwiches: Bonjour (top left), Turkey Move (bottom left and top centre), Mama Mia! (centre), Green & Groovy (top right), Hot & Cheeky (right). Photo by Jared Sych.
Knick knacks and a piece of decor that looks like a baguette sit on a shelf
Photo by Jared Sych.

Mion says many of the sandwiches embody classic European flavours, from the Parisian sandwich with cultured butter and Paris ham to the Green & Groovy, Bonjour’s take on a popular Italian sandwich filled with burrata, mortadella, honey, roasted pistachios and handmade basil pesto.

While the breads and some meats are sourced locally, many ingredients like the cheeses and other meats are imported from Europe to make the experience more authentic. The result is a sandwich that will have you saying “merci” from the very first bite.

1909 34 Ave. S.W., @bonjoursandwich.yyc

 

Super Variety

Two hands hold a plate with a sandwich.
The Buckin’ Brocc sandwich. Photo by Jared Sych.

Most popular sandwich:
Turkey Bacon Club

Most underrated sandwich:
The Buckin’ Brocc

Sister businesses Super Variety, a new sandwich shop facing the main Inglewood strip, and Business & Pleasure (B&P), a small and sophisticated bar and restaurant in the space directly behind it, have a symbiotic relationship.

In February 2025, owner Brett McDermott (who is also behind spots like Our Daily Brett, Neighbour Coffee and Actually Pretty Good) and his team transformed Neighbour’s Inglewood location into Super Variety. “We wanted to do sandwiches that you wouldn’t necessarily make at home — more like chef-driven sandwiches,” says McDermott. When Super Variety closes for the day on weekends and selected weeknights, B&P expands its operations into its dining space.

Two people stand outside the door to Super Variety near an outdoor table set up with two sandwiches and drinks.
Photo by Jared Sych.
Shelves and a fridge filled with packaged food products in Super Variety
Photo by Jared Sych.

As the name indicates, there’s a great variety on Super Variety’s menu, from the prosciutto and fig sandwich to the Sunday Sub with beef meatballs. Many of the sandwiches feature focaccia made in Our Daily Brett’s production kitchen. They can all be paired with one of the many creative cocktails created by B&P’s bartenders, wine, beer or alcohol-free drinks.

And, for those who miss popping into the former coffee shop in the morning, don’t worry — you can still get a breakfast club sandwich and cup of espresso here.

1327A 9 Ave. S.E., 403-300-1566, supervariety.ca

 

My Piknic Sandwich Café

Two plates of cut sandwiches and two beverages sit on a table.
My Piknic’s sparkling ade with the Seoulful Bulgogi (top) and Savoury Sunrise sandwiches. Photo by Jared Sych.

Most popular sandwich:
The Seoulful Bulgogi

Most underrated sandwich:
The Savory Sunrise

Sandwiches are a picnic must-have, so it makes sense that this idea is at the heart of one of Calgary’s newest sandwich shops.

Co-owners Yong Shin and Min Bang started operating Piknic Café out of a shared kitchen in 2023 with catering, delivery and wholesale services. In October 2024, they opened their bright, plant-filled café storefront in Brentwood. “We wanted to have something more like a picnic environment. Especially during the winter in Calgary, it’s hard to go out for a picnic or any outdoor activities, so we just wanted to bring [a] green environment into our place,” says Shin.

A person sitting behind a table holds a sandwich open
Photo by Jared Sych.
Two hands hold a cut sandwich that is full of colourful fillings
Photo by Jared Sych.

The shop specializes in picnic-inspired sandwiches that are bursting with colourful fillings. The convenient wrapping makes them easy to take on the go — like for a picnic in the park.

The team has incorporated Korean ingredients into the offerings with flavours like the Seoulful Bulgogi sandwich made with beef bulgogi. Packed with protein and veggies, additional sandwich options include the spicy Crabby Catch, a BBQ beef galbi and the vegetarian Carrot Crunch. Pair with one of Piknic Cafe’s enticing salads and baked goods and you have all the makings of a satisfying lunch, no matter the weather.

255 Brentwood Pl. N.W., 403-999-5530, mypiknic.ca

 

Scozzafava’s Deli

A person holds a sandwich in each hand as the sun shines behind him.
Nick Scozzafava shows off the Italian Combo sammy. Photo by Jared Sych.

Most popular sandwich:
The Italian Combo

Most underrated sandwich:
The Eggplant Parm

Growing up in Niagara Falls, Nick Scozzafava frequently dined at classic, family-run Italian delis. After moving to Calgary as an adult, the opening of Uncle Paulie’s Deli in Los Angeles caught his eye, and he was drawn to visit the contemporary sandwich shop for himself. “It was just kind of the first modern Italian deli, and ever since then I was just so fascinated with it,” says Scozzafava.

The experience stuck with him, and he eventually started doing sandwich pop-ups before opening Scozzafava’s Deli on 17th Avenue S.W. in September 2024. The result? Calgary’s own modern Italian deli that is still consistently drawing crowds (and often selling out) a year later.

A sandwich sits on top of a checkered wrapper
Photo by Jared Sych.
A person stands inside a sandwich shop holding a basket filled with a sandwich in each hand.
Photo by Jared Sych.

The small, yet mighty menu boasts only nine sandwiches (plus a rotating special), but each one is memorable.

Hot sandwiches like a fried-to-order chicken parm and cold staples like the hoagie stuffed with meats like salami, mortadella and capicollo all make an appearance alongside veggie-forward sandwiches like the Beltline Veg and eggplant parm.

And it’s not just the menu that’s attracting attention. The deli also regularly hosts weekend DJ nights that keep the space bumpin’ until late. “I’m just trying to keep it fun,” says Scozzafava.

1004 17 Ave. S.W., scozzafavasdeli.com

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3 Delicious New Bakeries to Try in Calgary https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/dining-out/new-bakeries-in-calgary/ Fri, 08 Aug 2025 17:17:49 +0000 https://www.avenuecalgary.com/?p=117352 Satisfy your cravings for creative doughnuts, expertly made choux pastries and more at these new local bakeries.

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Hey Sugar

 

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Operating out of its original Macleod Trail location since 2023, Hey Sugar recently launched a second location in downtown Calgary. The bakery’s new location, which opened in late July, is easy to spot inside Bankers Hall with its pink and floral walls. It has digital kiosks where guests can order their desired pastries and then pick them up at the desk when their order is ready. Dig into treats like strawberry shortcake cupcakes, blueberry cheesecake doughnuts or triple chocolate gold cookies. Hey Sugar also offers custom cakes and cookies.

Bankers Hall, 236, 315 8 Ave. S.W., 403-453-8266, iloveheysugar.com

 

Mari Bakeshop

 

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A local bakery staple since 2017, Mari Bakeshop is known for its incredible spread of rollcakes, choux pastries, freshly baked bread and more. In June, the team opened a sleek second location in downtown Calgary’s Brookfield Place building, making it even easier to get your hands on these creative and beautiful treats. Featuring an elegant design with a neutral colour palette, the new location is a great spot to visit for delicate choux pastries in flavours like matcha or passion fruit, as well as a mix of staple and ever-changing viennoiserie options that have ranged from kimchi musubi pain suisse to summer pudding danishes in the past.

Brookfield Place, 207, 225 6 Ave. S.W., 403-264-8992, maribakeshop.ca

 

Millo Millo

 

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New bakery Millo Millo serves an exciting menu of freshly baked goods and tasty beverages. Grab a seat inside the bakery’s cozy space and enjoy an assortment of artisanal croissants, cakes, cookies, sourdough breads and more. Drinks like the strawberry matcha latte pair well with savoury items like the pretzel bagel with green onion cream cheese. Custom cakes are also available for order in flavours like black forest, lemon and basque cheesecake.

3003 37 St. S.W., 587-353-0777, @millomilloyyc

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Gatsby’s is Calgary’s New Fine-Dining Destination https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/dining-out/gatsbys-calgary-fine-dining/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 22:45:28 +0000 https://www.avenuecalgary.com/?p=117346 Vintage Group’s newest restaurant offers six- and nine-course tasting menus and incredibly rare whiskeys.

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An exciting fine-dining restaurant concept has landed in Calgary’s Beltline neighbourhood.

Offering a luxury dining experience, Gatsby’s is part of Vintage Group, which includes some of Calgary’s highest caliber restaurants like Chairman’s Steakhouse and Luca Restaurant. Located underneath The Oliver apartments, Gatsby’s is a 1920s-inspired restaurant with Art Deco decor, a set-menu experience and an ultra-rare collection of whiskey.

Two people cheers a glass of wine.
Photo by Ruslana Tyshchenko Photography.

Gatsby’s focuses on Canadian cuisine made with French techniques that highlight seasonality and regional ingredients. The restaurant has three options for menus with a six- and nine-course tasting menu, as well as a six-course vegetarian menu. The dishes are always changing, but you can expect thoughtfully composed dishes created by chef de cuisine Asher Wilson and precise, personalized service.

A selection of whiskeys and glasses on a counter
A selection of the rare whiskeys at Gatsby’s. Photo by Ruslana Tyshchenko Photography.

Gatsby’s also has an incredible whiskey collection as the first House of Hazelwood keyholder location in Canada, with access to the distillery’s incredible whiskeys like Old Confectioner’s 44-year-old malted scotch. You can also try one of two whiskey flights containing rare whiskeys that can’t be found anywhere else in Canada.

524 10 Ave. S.W., 403-387-1335, gatsbysyyc.com

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5 Things We’re Excited to Eat and Drink This August https://www.avenuecalgary.com/restaurants-food/5-things-were-excited-to-eat-and-drink-this-august/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 17:00:18 +0000 https://www.avenuecalgary.com/?p=43020 Treat yourself to rose milk pancakes, a cocktail featuring an ice cube wrapped in 24-karot gold and more.

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OMG from Big T’s BBQ & Smokehouse

One of Calgary’s most popular barbecue spots has added a new location in West Springs to its roster. Swing by to check it out and fill up on succulent barbecued meats, smash burgers, sandwiches and more. We’ve got our eye on the OMG, which combines pulled pork, cheese, beans and barbecue sauce in a deep-fried tortilla.

Multiple locations including 8530 Broadcast Ave. S.W., 587-390-6878, bigtsbbq.com

 

Rose Milk Pancakes from Café Karak

 

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A post shared by Café Karak (@cafekarakyyc)

Café Karak is one of Calgary’s newest brunch destinations (it also serves lunch, dinner and desserts). While savoury options like the masala waffle and tandoori shakshuka might call your name, the sweet brunch options like the rose milk pancakes are just as tempting. A treat for the eyes and the stomach, this dish features rose milk pancakes with a cool interactive element — lift up the container holding pink floral syrup and crushed rose petals served on top and let it flow over the pancakes.

63 Savanna Blvd. N.E., 403-232-6073, cafekarakyyc.com

 

Angie Dickenson Margarita from Chairman’s Steakhouse

A close-up photo of a hand holding a cocktail
Photo courtesy of Vintage Group.

Chairman’s Steakhouse is taking Calgary’s cocktail game to the next level with its Rat Pack Selection Cocktails that are made tableside. Choose from five cocktails, including the Angie Dickenson Margarita, which is made with Patron El Cielo, Grand Marnier 100 Year, acid adjusted lime juice and agave syrup, not to mention garnishes like a black and gold volcanic vanilla salt rim and an ice cube wrapped in 24-karot gold. Between the tableside preparation and the memorable ingredients, it’s safe to say this is a drink you won’t soon forget.

2251 Mahogany Blvd. S.E., 587-291-9898, chairmans.ca

 

Picnic Set from Koko

Koko is making alfresco dining easy this summer with its $45 picnic sets that are perfect for a two-person dining experience. The sets come with a range of sweet and savoury items, including two onigiri, a spam musubi, an egg musubi, a fruit sando, a featured snack, a peach strawberry ade, a yuzu passionfruit ade and a tote bag. It’s the perfect way to make a delicious summer memory in the sun.

620A 17 Ave. S.W., @eatkoko.co

 

M’egg Salad Toast from Mondays Plant Café

Mondays Plant Café recently announced the sad news that it will be closing its doors soon after almost a decade of serving delicious plant-based fare. Thankfully, you can still visit through August, and the café will be serving up features like the M’egg Salad Toast featuring sourdough bread with turmeric tofu scramble, diced apples and chives on top. Don’t miss the chance to say goodbye, grab a tasty bite and maybe even snag a copy of Mondays’ newly released cookbook.

208 4 St. N.E., 825-222-9080, mondaysplantcafe.com

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