Unforgettable restaurant hotspots in Calgary, Canada

Founded by an Italian immigrant family 46 years ago, Mercato started as a regular grocery store and eventually grew into an iconic urban market and beloved restaurant. Today, the entire family works here to provide the Calgary community with delicious lunches, heat-and-serve meals, fresh pasta with homemade sauces, fresh bread, produce, and specialty items like meats, cheeses, and antipasti every single day.

The most popular dishes on the menu include classic tagliatelle with tomato sauce and Parmigiano Reggiano, Fiorentina-style rib steak Bistecca with wild arugula, and incredible caprese salad – Mozzarella di bufala with tomatoes, roasted squash, and almond pesto. We also recommend charred asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto with lemon and olive oil, and their famous focaccia with balsamic vinegar and basil, prepared by the caring hands of the company's founder, Mamma Cathy.

The Coup is a trendy vegetarian restaurant that stands out for its ethical approach to food and stylish, nature-inspired decor. It's a place where you can enjoy fresh and organic dishes prepared with care, using chemical-free farming methods. They even make their own fermented drinks like ginger or blueberry kombucha, and cold pressed lemonades.

You should try their vegan sushi options like eggplant unagi or bruleed pineapple nigiri. The latter features coconut sugar-bruleed pineapple, miso sauce, a touch of Thai chili, and fresh cilantro. Another must-try is white bean hummus served with charcoal-grilled pita bread and crispy brussels sprouts drizzled with maple gastrique. Don't forget to explore larger plates, such as Mapo ragu with chewy rice cakes, fermented black bean, Szechuan peppercorn, gai lan, crispy shallot, and scallion. And for dessert, indulge in delightful butterblock ube cheesecake with a Japanese purple yam crumb, mascarpone cheese icing, and a sweet coconut dulce de leche topping.

For an authentic taste of Japanese sushi, make your way to the Big Catch Sushi Bar, right in the bustling heart of McLeod market. This extraordinary place offers more than just a chance to savor traditional sushi made from ancient recipes — it's an opportunity to truly experience the culture behind this culinary tradition. Take, for example, their soft red rice for sushi (Shari), which is imported all the way from Japan and carefully prepared with the special aged red vinegar – Akazu, used since the 17th century.

At Big Catch, you'll find classic rolls and oshizushi, the oldest form of pressed sushi, which originated over 400 years ago in Japan. They are made by compressing rice with fish and other ingredients inside a wooden box, and then sliced into smaller pieces to create a delightful burst of flavors with each bite. Also, don't miss the exquisite presentation and tableware — handcrafted utsuwa from Japan, created by skilled ceramic masters, adorn the tables. These award-winning pieces reflect the deep cultural roots and traditions behind each dish, showcasing the love and dedication poured into every lovingly rolled sushi.

In Calgary, there's a one-of-a-kind restaurant called The Himalayan that serves the most delicious dishes from the Nepalese high-mountain region. It's always buzzing with customers, especially on Saturday evenings, which shows how popular it is among locals and tourists.

When you think of Nepalese cuisine, the first thing that comes to mind is momo – mouthwatering steam dumplings filled with either juicy pork or tasty veggies, served with a special homemade sauce. Another must-try is dal bhat bowl, a comforting dish with yellow lentils or saffron rice, creamy spinach curry, and your choice of tender beef, succulent chicken, or flavorful paneer. Don't forget to savor their crispy fried shrimp, chicken, or even vegan-friendly fried eggplant tossed in soy sauce and spicy chili paneer. And for a sweet ending, indulge in their heavenly mango rice pudding or delightful cassava (nutty-flavored root vegetable) and coconut cake topped with creamy condensed milk.

At Marko's Kitchen, a cozy family bistro, you'll find delicious Balkan cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. What sets this place apart is that most of their menu can be tailored to your preferences – whether you're vegan, gluten-free, or watching your carbs. No wonder it's considered one of the best spots in Calgary. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with tasteful wooden accents adding a touch of elegance.

Among the crowd-pleasers are Marco's rolls – a crispy and light pastry filled with freshly seasoned ground beef, spinach, and homemade cheese dip. And if you're looking for a tasty appetizer, go for their cheesy broccoli balls – they're also a hit. For the main course, you can't go wrong with their signature cordon bleu – tender filet stuffed with cheese and deli turkey, then rolled in almond flour for that extra crunch. After enjoying a satisfying and wholesome meal in their beautiful surroundings, you'll want to come back again and again.

Make sure to visit the 200-meter-high observation deck of the Calgary Tower – an iconic landmark and symbol of the city. From there, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the city and the Rocky Mountains. The glass floor section allows you to observe Calgary's bustling life from above, creating an exhilarating bird's-eye illusion.

After soaking in the surrounding panorama, you can head down to the SKY 360 restaurant, situated slightly lower at 150 meters above ground. Its revolving dining room offers another fantastic way to behold Calgary in all its splendor. The city truly shines in the evening when the streets light up, and the downtown buildings are beautifully illuminated.