Calgary’s food scene is ever-changing, and over the course of 2025, there were some pretty huge restaurant openings in the city.
From massive international chains to local eateries which have quickly become fan favourites, it was a good year to eat in YYC.
Here are some of the most exciting restaurant openings we saw in Calgary over the last year.
From the family behind popular spots, including Pho Dau Bo and Mot To, Lai Rai offers a taste of Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of the city from its location on 10th Avenue SE.
Open for both lunch and dinner, fans will be pleased to see plenty of familiar favourites, including pho, vermicelli, banh mi, and pho grilled cheese.
Address: #110 201 10th Ave. SE, Calgary
Hailing from Toronto, Craig’s Cookies has finally opened its first Calgary location, where Calgarians will be able to get their hands on sweet treats aplenty.
The cookie purveyor is well-known for its super-sized, chunky sweet treats that come in over 100 flavours and are packed with everything from chocolate chips to Kinder Bueno and Snickers.
Address: 835 17th Ave. SW, Calgary
After years of waiting, Krispy Kreme made its grand return to Calgary this year.
At its Macleod Trail outpost, Calgarians are not only able to buy some of the chain’s most iconic donuts, but guests are also treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the donut-making process with its donut theatre.
Address: 9629 Macleod Tr., Calgary
Super Variety, a project from the team behind Business & Pleasure and Our Daily Brett, is a one-stop shop for sandwiches, wine, and cocktails in the heart of Inglewood.
The standouts from the menu include the crowd-pleasing Turkey Bacon Club and the Buckin’ Brocc with charred broccolini, fried halloumi, honey harissa and sundried tomatoes.
Address: 1327a 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
IBU has been brought to life by father and son duo Jeff and Joel Matthews, the team behind Avenida’s Expat Asia, inspired by their experiences of cooking across Asia.
The spot offers Asian-inspired contemporary dishes in a relaxed and comfortable restaurant. Dishes we’d recommend include the Tiger Cauliflower, beets, the grilled tenderloin, and the spaghetti.
Address: 2915 14th St. SW, Calgary
Brioche, a new project from the team behind the popular French wine bar Avitus, opened in Marda Loop.
Founded by a group of friends originating from the South of France with fond memories of enjoying meals with family and friends at their restaurants, Brioche aims to encapsulate that same feeling.
Taking inspiration from the South of France, Brioche serves up timeless French classics such as Boeuf bourguignon and sandwiches such as Croques Monsieur and lobster rolls.
Address: 1512 29th Ave. SW, Calgary
From the team behind some of Calgary’s biggest restaurants, including DOPO and Bar Rocca, Penny Crown is a New York-style tavern.
With dishes such as baked scallops, mussels, and a hefty-looking burger, we think this is going to be a crowd-pleaser.
Address: 1926 34th Ave. SW Unit 102, Calgary
For those looking for intimate bistro vibes, Le Charme brings European flair to Edmonton Trail.
Its concise menu features everything from shareables, such as truffle fries, shrimp toast, and confit chicken thigh, to larger plates, including pork schnitzel and Alberta rainbow trout.
Date night, here we come!
Address: 804 Edmonton Tr., Calgary
Foxtrot has opened its doors, right in the heart of the Spruce Meadows grounds.
“At Foxtrot, we offer a refined, day-to-night dining experience that reflects the world-class standards of Spruce Meadows while remaining rooted in warmth, approachability, and nature’s quiet beauty,” the restaurant’s website reads.
The spot offers a large menu of charcoal-grilled dishes, hand-crafted cocktails and a curated wine list, all within a cozy and welcoming environment.
Address: 1200 Foxtrot Way W., Calgary
In addition to being Calgary’s newest offering for coffee and sandwiches, Uncommon Drip is also a must-visit for music lovers.
With a unique menu featuring coffee, dirty sodas, and wood-fired sandwiches, the spot will also have in-house DJs on Saturdays.
Address: 802 Edmonton Tr., Calgary
Lasa by Cara, a new brunch spot, has opened its doors in Inglewood, offering Filipino fusion comfort food.
Taking over the space previously occupied by JusBubble at 1117 9th Ave. SE, Lasa by Cara is serving up Filipino-inspired brunch and dinner favourites.
Address: 1117 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
Poésie, a new pastry shop concept in Kensington, has been brought to life by the team behind Yann Haute Patisserie.
Crossandwiches are one of the specialties here, with both sweet and savoury varieties to enjoy. Among the choices are chicken pesto with bechamel, Comte, truffle Gouda, oyster mushroom and candied salmon and shiitake.
For those with a sweet tooth, its crossandwiches are available stuffed with gelato or sorbet.
Address: 1119 Kensington Rd. NW, Calgary
Mille, a new restaurant and cafe concept, has just opened its doors, with a menu that draws inspiration from the rich and diverse regional culinary offerings of Italy.
Operating day and night, Mille is a one-stop shop for everything from a morning shot of espresso to late-night cocktails, all served alongside delicious bites.
The West End spot offers a wide selection of antipasti from bruschetta to tuna crudo, alongside pasta dishes and salads, as well as filled-to-order cannoli and tiramisu.
Address: 1000 7th Ave. SW, Calgary
Brought to life by the team behind Big Fish and Open Range, Kondattam Indian Kitchen & Bar is all about showcasing the warmth, authenticity, and vibrancy of Indian gatherings.
The restaurant aims to bring a “festival of authentic Indian cuisine and heritage” to the city, to such an extent that its name even stems from the Tamil word for “celebration.”
Its menu is expansive, offering dozens of dishes from across India, including soups and salads, chaat, dosas, curries, and biryani.
Address: 1006 1st St. SE, Calgary
Dave’s Hot Chicken opened two Calgary locations this year, with locations in East Hills and Beacon Hill.
It’s a concise menu, consisting of just chicken tenders, sliders, and a handful of sides. However, its chicken can be customized to one of seven different heat levels, from zero spice right up to its legendary tear-inducing “Reaper” heat.
Address: 409 East Hills Blvd. #215, Calgary
Address: 11588 Sacree Tr. NW, Unit E301, Calgary
After rapidly expanding across Edmonton over the last few years, Bodega by Sabor opened its doors in YYC for the first time.
Offering Spanish and Portuguese-inspired tapas dishes, paella, and plenty of good wines, the Mission-based restaurant is a must-visit this summer.
Address: 2204 4th St. SW, Calgary
With two locations already under its belt, we were thrilled to hear that Ryuko, one of Calgary’s most prominent Japanese restaurants, would be heading to the Beltline for its latest venture.
With its modern and minimalist design and dishes that are almost too perfect to eat, it’s easy to see why Ryuko has become so popular.
Address: 1004 14th St. SW, Calgary
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Boasting Calgary’s newest rooftop bar, Bow & Bend is one to have on your list for evening cocktails. While it boasts a large outdoor rooftop patio with city and river views, Bow & Bend’s interior is equally impressive, featuring large windows and cozy booths.
Its menu offers a wide selection of hand-crafted cocktails, using spirits from local spots such as Eau Claire Distillery and Bridgeland Distillery. Meanwhile, for food, Bow & Bend offers everything from shareables and salads to housemade burgers and pastas.
Address: Element by Westin Calgary Downtown – 833 4th Ave. SW, Calgary
Since closing its Mission and Beltline locations, we’d been waiting with bated breath to see what was next for Roy’s Korean Kitchen.
We can rejoice in the fact that Roy’s Korean Kitchen has reopened in Heritage Square. From its new location, diners will be able to enjoy menu staples such as the KFC sando, soy maple Brussels sprouts, grilled shortribs, and oxtail tortellini.
Address: Heritage Square – 8500 Macleod Tr. SW, #170N, Calgary
This new Inglewood spot focuses on cicchetti, a Venetian version of Italian small plates or antipasti.
The menu, led by Chef Giuseppe di Gennaro, offers a wide selection of bites, including cicchetti such as crostini, bruschetta, olives and more.
However, diners will be able to enjoy heartier dishes such as pasta, lamb chops, and duck breast, accompanied by sides including polenta and broccolini.
Address: 1023 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
Acme Pizza & Pasta Co., the sister restaurant to Acme Pizza Co., has opened in Calgary’s Sunnyside neighbourhood, taking over the space in the Vendome Block previously occupied by Vendome.
As its first full-service restaurant, Acme Pizza & Pasta Co. also offers a wide range of pizza and pasta dishes, including pappardelle bolognese and linguine limone.
Address: 940 2nd Ave. NW, Calgary
Touting itself as an “ultra fine dining” experience, Gatsby’s aims to transport guests back in time to the roaring 20s, with each element designed to evoke elegance.
Diners will be able to choose from a six- or nine-course experience, with each dish designed to highlight seasonal ingredients and regional specialties. The menu will be regularly evolving along with the chef’s direction.
Address: 524 10th Ave. SW, Calgary
Ervin and Michelle Bushi, the couple behind Broken Plate, have brought Lusi Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria to life.
With decades of restaurant experience, the pair created Lusi to offer classic Italian cuisine in a casual-contemporary style. They serve an array of dishes that celebrate Italy’s rich flavours and traditions.
Expect antipasti, pasta, pizza, and so much more.
Address: 1772 33rd St. SW, Calgary
Taking over the old Jus Fruit space in Sunnyside, Makan Malaysian Cuisine offers a taste of Malay dining from its restaurant.
On the menu are plenty of classic Malaysian dishes such as nasi lemak, laksa, and Sabah-style Butter Chicken.
For those looking for a sweet treat, the spot is also offering some delicious beverages, such as its Mango sago, which combines mango, chewy sago pearls, and coconut milk, or its Milo Dinosaur, made with the nostalgic iced malted chocolate drink topped with even more powder.
Address: 314a 10th St. NW, Calgary
Dining and Cooking