Whenever I land in Calgary—whether stepping out of the airport into crisp prairie air or driving into town with the Rockies looming in the distance—my first thought is always food. Yes, this city is known for the Stampede, its proximity to Banff, and its growing skyline, but what surprises visitors most isn’t the cowboy hats or the mountains. It’s the food.
Calgary’s culinary scene is an evolving story. While some travelers stick to downtown steakhouses or chain restaurants, locals know there’s a deeper layer—a world of cozy spots, family-run kitchens, and hole-in-the-wall joints that don’t appear on glossy brochures. These are the places where you really get to taste the city’s spirit.
Over the years, I’ve followed local recommendations, wandered side streets, and slipped into unassuming doors. What I’ve discovered are hidden gems that Calgarians themselves swear by. They’re not always fancy. They’re not always polished. But they’re authentic, delicious, and unforgettable.
In this guide, I’ll share more than 10 local favorites—the kind of spots you’d miss if you only followed tourist maps. If you’re visiting Calgary for the first time, bring an appetite. These are the bites and flavors that will make you feel like you belong here.
1. Tubby Dog – The Wild Side of Hot Dogs
Location: 1022 17 Ave SW
The first time I heard about Tubby Dog, a friend told me: “It’s a hot dog place, but you have to trust me—it’s not what you think.” He was right. Tubby Dog is legendary among locals for turning something as ordinary as a hot dog into a canvas for creativity.
When I walked in, the place felt like a mix of diner and punk-rock venue. Loud colors, pinball machines, and a menu that made me laugh out loud. I ordered their A-Bomb: a hot dog loaded with bacon, mayo, cheese, and potato chips. It was outrageous, messy, and one of the most satisfying things I’ve ever eaten at 11 pm on 17th Ave.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s not on every visitor’s radar, but locals have loved it for years. It’s cheap, filling, and playful.
Cost: Around \$8–\$12 CAD for a specialty hot dog.
2. Native Tongues Taqueria – Mexican Magic in Beltline
Location: 235 12 Ave SW
This is one of those restaurants that looks like an unassuming taqueria from the outside, but once you step in, the warm glow, wood accents, and sizzling smells pull you in.
I tried the al pastor tacos here on a friend’s recommendation. They arrived fresh, with pork carved from the trompo, topped with pineapple, cilantro, and onion. The first bite transported me straight to Mexico City. Pair it with their mezcal cocktails, and you’ll understand why locals rave about it.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It feels like a secret fiesta tucked into Calgary’s urban core. Many tourists miss it while focusing on steakhouses.
Cost: Tacos start around \$5 CAD each, cocktails ~\$12 CAD.
3. Shiki Menya – Ramen Worth the Wait
Location: 827 1 Ave NE
In Bridgeland, there’s a small ramen shop that only serves until they sell out for the day. That’s Shiki Menya. Locals know the drill: line up early, and hope you’re lucky enough to snag a bowl.
I remember waiting in line on a chilly morning, thinking, Is this worth it? By the time my bowl of spicy garlic ramen arrived—rich broth, chewy noodles, a soft egg melting into the soup—I knew it was.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: The scarcity, the anticipation, the flavor. It’s a cult experience, not just a meal.
Cost: ~\$14–\$18 CAD per bowl.
4. Big T’s BBQ & Smokehouse – Southern Comfort in Calgary
Location: Multiple locations (16 Ave NW is my go-to)
If you want barbecue that makes you feel like you’re in Texas, this is the spot. I ordered a brisket platter with mac and cheese, and the smoky tenderness floored me. The portions are massive, the sauces bold, and the atmosphere casual and welcoming.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s not in the flashy downtown core, so visitors often miss it. But locals head here when they crave smoky, slow-cooked comfort.
Cost: Platters range \$18–\$25 CAD, and you’ll likely leave with leftovers.
5. Cannibale – Barbershop + Cocktail Lounge
Location: 813 1 Ave NE
This one might be Calgary’s coolest secret: a place that’s both a functioning barbershop and a cocktail lounge. Tucked into Bridgeland, Cannibale has old-world charm with a twist.
I sat down for a cocktail called The Cannibale, with bourbon, bitters, and orange zest. The bar was dark and intimate, filled with people who clearly knew they’d found a hidden treasure.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s quirky, stylish, and one of those places you’ll brag about discovering.
Cost: Cocktails ~\$12–\$15 CAD.
6. The Himalayan – Comforting Nepalese Cuisine
Location: 3218 17 Ave SW
I’ll never forget the night I stumbled into The Himalayan. I was craving something different and ended up with a steaming plate of momos (Nepalese dumplings) and a bowl of butter chicken thali. The spices were warming, the flavors layered, and the service felt genuinely welcoming.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Calgary’s multicultural food scene shines here. It’s family-run, authentic, and beloved by locals who know to look beyond the usual fare.
Cost: \$18–\$25 CAD for mains, \$12 CAD for momos.
7. Spolumbo’s Fine Foods & Deli – Sausage Heaven
Location: 1308 9 Ave SE (Inglewood)
Every Calgarian seems to know about Spolumbo’s. This Italian deli is famous for its sausages and sandwiches. I ordered a Spolumbo’s Special: sausage, peppers, onions, and marinara on a crusty bun. It was hearty, honest, and delicious.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s not flashy—it’s just consistently good, filling, and rooted in community.
Cost: Sandwiches ~\$10–\$14 CAD.
8. Namskar Fine East Indian Restaurant
Location: 202 16 Ave NE
I discovered Namskar by accident while exploring near my hotel. The butter chicken was velvety, the naan fresh and pillowy, and the service incredibly kind.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It’s off the beaten tourist path, but locals come back for consistent, flavorful Indian cuisine.
Cost: ~\$18–\$25 CAD for mains.
9. Una Pizza + Wine – Calgary’s Best Pizza Secret
Location: 618 17 Ave SW
Ask a local where to get pizza, and you’ll likely hear “Una.” Their thin-crust pizzas, like the 4-Maggi with truffle honey, are unforgettable. Pair that with their wine selection, and you’ve got a night to remember.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Tourists often walk right past it, but Calgarians know it’s the spot for pizza perfection.
Cost: Pizzas ~\$18–\$24 CAD.
10. Village Ice Cream – A Sweet Local Addiction
Location: Multiple (my favorite: 431 10 Ave SE)
When locals crave ice cream, they don’t head to chains—they head to Village Ice Cream. The flavors rotate, but staples like salted caramel and huckleberry keep me coming back.
One summer evening, I stood outside with dozens of others, all waiting for a scoop. It wasn’t just dessert; it was a community ritual.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: Locals are fiercely loyal. It’s handmade, rich, and the flavors are unique to Alberta.
Cost: ~\$5–\$7 CAD per scoop.
Beyond the Restaurants: How I Found Them
Many of these places I never would have discovered without local guidance. Conversations with baristas, Uber drivers, and hotel staff often led me to unforgettable meals. That’s why I always recommend booking accommodations that connect you with locals—whether a boutique hotel downtown or an Airbnb in Beltline. Platforms like Booking.com Canada and Airbnb have helped me find those stays.
And when I book flights into Calgary, I usually compare rates on Skyscanner Canada and Expedia.ca. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about arriving with a little extra budget to spend on food. For attractions like the Calgary Tower or brewery tours, I’ve used Viator and GetYourGuide to secure tickets in advance, leaving more room for spontaneous meals.
Tips for Food-Loving Visitors
- Venture Beyond Downtown: Inglewood, Bridgeland, and Beltline are neighborhoods brimming with hidden gems.
- Ask Locals: Calgarians love to share food tips. Bartenders and baristas gave me some of my best leads.
- Go at Odd Hours: Popular spots like Shiki Menya or Una fill up fast. Arrive early or mid-afternoon to avoid long waits.
- Budget Smart: Skip one pricey meal and instead explore three affordable gems—you’ll experience more variety.
- Pair Meals with Experiences: Grab a sandwich at Spolumbo’s, then wander Inglewood’s vintage shops. Or have tacos at Native Tongues before catching a show on Stephen Avenue.
✨ Canadian Travel Platforms I Recommend Along the Way
- Flights: Skyscanner Canada, Expedia.ca
- Hotels/Accommodations: Booking.com Canada, Hotels.com Canada, Airbnb
- Tickets/Attractions: Viator, GetYourGuide
Calgary’s Culinary Soul
Calgary isn’t just a city of cowboys and skyscrapers—it’s a mosaic of flavors. Each hidden gem I’ve shared reflects a different part of the city’s story: immigrant families bringing recipes from home, young chefs experimenting with bold ideas, and locals who embrace both tradition and innovation.
Every bite I’ve had here reminded me why I love exploring food. It’s not about chasing Michelin stars—it’s about finding the heart of a city in the places locals cherish.
So when you come to Calgary, skip at least one chain restaurant. Instead, follow the locals’ lead. Sit down at a deli counter, a ramen shop, or a taqueria tucked into a side street. Let the flavors surprise you.
Because in Calgary, the hidden gems aren’t just meals—they’re memories.
