CALGARY
The Culinary Traveller's Guide
Neighbourhoods
KENSINGTON One of Calgary's most beloved neighbourhoods also offers up an impressive assortment of culinary gems. Pop by Hayden Block Smoke & Whiskey for some Texas-style BBQ and an impressive assortment of whiskey, or grab a seat at Container Bar and indulge in a plate of Duck Poutine or Crispy Pigs Ears — at the city's most gourmet alleyway getup.
Want takeout? Grab a box of fried chicken, chips, and corn fritters at Chicken on the Way, a city favourite since 1958. If Naples-style pizza is your thing, make sure to stop by Pulcinella for a quick pie, and follow it up with a scoop of frozen goodness at Amato Gelato, just down the street.
DOWNTOWN There's no shortage of restaurants, cafes, and shops in Calgary's downtown, and it's always growing. Stop by Last Best Brewing & Distilling for a housemade brew and a bite to eat, or indulge in some of the city's tastiest plates (and a killer happy hour, to boot) at Bridgette Bar. On n the bustling 17th Avenue, you'll find the colourful Calcutta Cricket Club, their Bengali-inspired street food, and drool-worthy cocktails.
Down the street in Victoria Park, you'll find Proof and their award-winning cocktails, Two Penny (modern Chinese food and a fun teahouse in the basement), and the beloved Ten Foot Henry — along with their attached coffee shop, Little Henry.
The nearby Native Tongues offers up an incredible tequila selection (along with delicious Mexican cuisine), and Thai Sa-on (on 10th Avenue) has some of the best Thai food in the city.
Want to go gourmet? Make a reservation at Pigeonhole, touted as Canada's best restaurant, or grab some goodies to go at Eau Claire's Alforno.
INGLEWOOD One can spend hours upon hours just strolling around Inglewood, without any concern about whether or not they'll go hungry. Keep caffeinated at Gravity, grab a bottle or two of wine at Brick's Wine Co., or pick up some spices to complement dinner at the Silk Road Spice
Merchant. Have a grumbling belly? Satisfy that hunger at some of the city's favourite restaurants: Rouge, the Nash, or (slightly west, in the East Village), Charbar.
4TH STREET Head to Mission for an incredible cultural mish-mash of culinary gems, like Anejo (tequila and Mexican food), Wurst (beer hall and German grub), Shokunin (to-die-for Japanese),
Anju (Korean fusion), and La Boulangerie
(French pastries and more). You simply can't go wrong.
THE `BURBS The trip to the far south's Starbelly is totally worth it, and it's familyfriendly, seven days a week. For a killer menu and a restaurant with a view, be sure to dine at Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts' Lakehouse on Lake Bonavista. While you're in the area, stop by Willow Park Village for some deliciousness at Crave Cupcakes, Urban Butcher, North Sea Fish Market, Made Foods, Willow Park Wines and Spirits, Spiri and Springbank Cheese. What e else could you ask for?
If you're on the west side of the city, check out the Indian food at Nawab Restaurant, grab some tapas at Vin Room West, and pick up a bottle of wine at VR Wine, Vin Room's accompanying bottle shop.
Cooking Classes
Enjoy one of the many different classes at the Cookbook Co., learn from the best at the SAIT-run Culinary Campus, or take in one of the interactive classes at Calgary's Cuisine et Chateau.
Kitchen Stores
Inglewood is easily one of the city's most culinary-focused neighbourhoods, so it's no surprise that two of the best kitchen shops are located there. Check out Savour Fine Foods & Kitchenware for everything cookingrelated, or Knifewear for the finest selection in Japanese knives.
If you're in the downtown area, the Cookbook Co. is your best bet for specialty foods, kitchenware, cookbooks, and so much more.
Markets
The Calgary Farmers' Market and the Crossroads Market are year-round, but some of the markets within and on the outskirts of the city are mustsee events, like the Millarville Farmers' Market, just south of Calgary.