When visiting Calgary, be sure to try the city's unique blend of Canadian and Western cuisine, featuring popular dishes such as bison burgers, beef on a bun, and Alberta-style BBQ.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Calgary's cuisine is defined by its Western Canadian roots, with a strong emphasis on beef and bison. The city's proximity to ranching country and its history as a major cattle-shipping point have made it a hub for high-quality meat. Calgary's food culture is also influenced by its cultural diversity, with many restaurants serving international cuisine, including Chinese, Indian, and Italian. The city hosts several food festivals throughout the year, including the Calgary Stampede, which showcases Western Canadian cuisine and rodeo culture. Regional variations in Calgary's cuisine include the use of local ingredients, such as Alberta-grown wheat and canola, and the incorporation of traditional Indigenous ingredients, such as bannock and wild game.
Calgary's food scene is also characterized by its casual, laid-back atmosphere, with many restaurants and cafes serving comfort food and pub-style fare. The city has a thriving food truck scene, with many vendors offering unique and creative dishes, from gourmet grilled cheese to Korean BBQ. Calgary's culinary scene is also supported by a number of local food blogs and social media groups, which help to promote the city's best restaurants and dishes.
In recent years, Calgary has experienced a surge in the popularity of farm-to-table cuisine, with many restaurants emphasizing the use of local, sustainable ingredients. This trend has helped to support the city's agricultural community and has contributed to the development of a more diverse and vibrant food scene. From traditional Canadian dishes to international cuisine and modern fusion fare, Calgary's food culture has something to offer every palate and preference.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beef on a Bun | Canadian | Slow-cooked beef in a rich broth, served on a bun | The Nash and Off Cut Bar |
| Bison Burger | Canadian | Juicy bison patty topped with cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions | Charbar |
| Alberta-Style BBQ | BBQ | Slow-cooked meats, such as beef and pork, smoked to perfection | Home and Away |
| Poutine | Canadian | French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy | La Taqueria |
| Bannock | Indigenous | Traditional fried bread, often served with soups or stews | The Nash and Off Cut Bar |
| Saskatoon Berry Pie | Dessert | Sweet and tangy pie made with saskatoon berries, a type of blueberry native to the Canadian prairies | The Lake House |
| Tourtière | Canadian | Traditional Quebecois meat pie, made with pork, beef, and vegetables | The Beltliner |
| Calgary-Style Fried Chicken | American | Crispy fried chicken, often served with mashed potatoes and gravy | Cluck 'n' Cleaver |
| Wild Game Sausages | Canadian | Sausages made with wild game, such as elk and deer, often served with peppers and onions | The Oak Tree Lounge |
| Butter Tarts | Dessert | Flaky pastry tarts filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs | The Sweet Spot |
Street Food & Snacks
- Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, made with local cheeses and artisanal breads, $8-$12
- Korean BBQ tacos, featuring marinated beef and spicy slaw, $10-$15
- Crispy fried pickles, served with a side of ranch dressing, $6-$8
- Freshly made bannock, often topped with cheese, bacon, or jam, $5-$7
- Ice cream sandwiches, made with unique flavors like maple bacon and strawberry balsamic, $6-$8
- Mini donuts, topped with creative glazes like maple syrup and chocolate, $5-$7
- Chicken wings, tossed in a variety of sauces, from buffalo to honey garlic, $10-$15
- Poutine, topped with cheese curds and gravy, $8-$12
Drinks
- Craft beer, featuring local brews like Village Brewery and Wild Rose Brewery, $6-$8
- Alberta whiskey, made from local grains and aged to perfection, $10-$15
- Coffee, roasted locally and served in a variety of unique blends, $2-$5
- Saskatoon berry lemonade, a sweet and tangy drink made with local berries, $5-$7
- Maple syrup lattes, made with pure Canadian maple syrup and steamed milk, $4-$6
- Fresh-squeezed juice, featuring local fruits like apples and berries, $5-$7
Dining Customs
- Tipping is expected at restaurants, with 15% to 20% of the total bill being standard
- Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Dress codes vary, but casual attire is generally acceptable, with some upscale restaurants requiring more formal dress
- Eating etiquette is informal, with an emphasis on enjoying good food and company
- Food sharing is common, with many dishes designed to be shared among groups
- Local ingredients are highly valued, with many restaurants emphasizing the use of local and sustainable ingredients
Where to Eat
- The Nash and Off Cut Bar, a contemporary Canadian restaurant with a focus on local ingredients
- Charbar, a modern Argentine-inspired steakhouse with a trendy atmosphere
- Home and Away, a casual BBQ joint with a wide variety of meats and sides
- La Taqueria, a vibrant Mexican restaurant with a wide selection of tacos and other dishes
- The Lake House, a lakeside restaurant with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- The Calgary Farmers' Market, a bustling market featuring local produce, meats, and artisanal goods, located at 510 77th Avenue SE
- The Crossroads Market, a vibrant market with a wide variety of vendors, including food trucks and local artisans, located at 1235 26th Avenue SE
- The Avenida Food Hall, a modern food hall featuring a variety of local vendors and restaurants, located at 12445 Lake Fraser Drive SE
- The Calgary Food Tour, a guided tour of the city's best restaurants and food vendors, departing from various locations throughout the city
- The Alberta Food Festival, a annual festival celebrating the province's local food and drink, held at the Calgary Stampede grounds