Start those holiday plans! And start them off with some of Calgary’s newest eateries, pubs, and restaurants- many of which are accepting reservations well into Christmas and New Year’s.
This holiday season, treat yourself or loved ones to the new flavours of the city’s new bistros, cocktail bars, fine dining experiences, or more casual family restaurants.
Among those locations, you’ll be able to find an array of cuisine styles and types, from new international dining experiences to fusion foods and classic but elevated pub fare.
Blue Rock Swim Club
Calgary’s new Blue Rock Swim Club is a branch of the well-known Prickett Richard pub and is on course to be one of the go-to spots in the city for drinks with friends. The elegant décor and warm atmosphere of Blue Rock Swim Club also makes it a new choice for date nights in Calgary. And while the bar has already created talk around their delicious cocktails, keep their snack menu in mind, too!
Where: 500 25 Ave. SW
Masa Mama
If you have a larger group to feed over the holiday season, consider Calgary’s newest spot for tacos! Masa Mama, now open in the southwest, offer reservable dine-in service as well as catering! Currently, the dine-in service includes dinner and drinks, while a brunch menu is set to launch in early 2025.
Where: 3429 22 St. SW
DOPO
Fans of Calgary’s D.O.P. Italian Joint, which was forced to close its doors last September, have many things to celebrate this holiday season. This includes the reopening of the popular Italian restaurant under the name DOPO, and in a new location. DOPO opened up in the west side of the Mount Royal neighbourhood this November with a new menu and the same great Italian flavours their fans know and love.
Where: 10 1907 34 Ave. SW
Namo Café & Bistro
Calgary’s Namo Café & Bistro recently opened their third location on Edmonton Trail. Namo can provide for a number of holiday outing types from casual drinks and snacks to more formal brunches and dinners. Plus, Namo Café & Bistro accept reservations for private events at all three locations: Edmonton Trail, Beltline, and Southside.
Where: D 290 9737 Macleod Tr. SW
Elephant & Castle
Find friends and family and gather at Calgary’s new Elephant & Castle for a beer or the pub’s traditional English fare. With this, you’ll have the choice between a number of hearty and warming meals, snacks, or brews. Elephant & Castle serve up many other pub food classics like burgers, fries, soups, appetizers, and salads.
Where: 1503 4th St. SW
La Ciel
La Ciel on 17th may offer the most unique holiday dining experience. This all-new restaurant in Calgary offers a picturesque rooftop patio with igloo dining over the winter, as well as the indoor areas. If the rooftop dome/igloo dining isn’t for you, or you have a larger group, the indoor areas of La Ciel include a fine dining area and a separate sports bar to provide tons of space.
Where: 1428 17 Ave. SW
Sot
Sot Korean Restaurant serve up a menu including, of course, Korean dishes. However, the chefs at Sot make it a goal to create their authentic dishes with as many locally sourced ingredients as they can. This all enables Sot Korean Restaurant to serve up the freshest of plates from the starters to the mains and desserts.
Where: 1216 9 Ave. SE
Bira Bar & Kitchen
Bira Bar & Kitchen offer a new and warm space for your holiday dining, delicious food and drink menus, and bookings for larger groups or private events. The Indian fusion menu includes culinary creations that blend classic western pub food with traditional Indian flavours. From this, diners can expect menu items like naan pizza, tandoori specialties, or biryani to name a few.
Where: 1129 17 Ave. SW
Tre Vietnamese Kitchen
The goal from the chefs at Tre Vietnamese Kitchen is to bring the most delicious and authentic flavours of Vietnam right to the heart of Calgary. Tre Vietnamese Kitchen offers menu items than can create a hearty, homestyle and filling holiday dinner. Additionally, Tre’s smaller plates menus are great ways to get to know all the flavours of the restaurant.
Where: #110 1414 8 St. SW
ELYMI
ELYMI (Eat Like You Mean It) invite you and yours for a fine buffet dining experience this holiday season and is accepting reservations. The new buffet restaurant opened last spring in Calgary, offering weekly specials or buffet themes and regular lunch or dinner service. ELYMI is perfect for large groups, with a huge array of delicious options to satisfy any taste or preference.
Where: 3010 23 St. NE
Holiday Pop-up Bars
‘Tis the season for a handful of Calgary’s bars, pubs, or restaurants, to transform their spaces into magical winter wonderlands! These pop-up holiday bars in Calgary provide the festive atmosphere, along with drink and dining specials through December.
- Miracle on First Street (Proof Cocktail Bar, month of December 2024)
- Sippin’ Santa (Ricardo’s Hideaway, November 18-December 31, 2024)
- Home Alone at Eighty-Eight Brewing (December 2024)