Calgary\u2019s food scene just keeps getting better, and I love rotating between new openings and tried-and-true favourites that never disappoint. Whether you\u2019re looking for a cozy date night spot, a buzzy cocktail bar, or a fresh take on Italian comfort food, these are the places I\u2019ve been loving lately. While most of these are new, I\u2019ve included one spot that\u2019s topped my list time and time again. Read on for the best spots!<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re craving a good dose of fluffy bread, handmade pasta and Italian wine, DOPO is one of Calgary\u2019s best spots. Trust me, their bread with whipped ricotta and green tomatoes are unmatched. The vibe is warm, intimate, and effortlessly cool, making you feel as if you\u2019re at a special, underground restaurant in the heart of Siena or Florence. The service is also some of the best in the entire city\u2014I\u2019m always impressed with how fun and knowledgeable the servers are and how well they take care of you.<\/p>\n
Best for:<\/em> Date nights, wine lovers, cozy dinners<\/p>\n Situated in the city\u2019s former Halibut Hut location, this restaurant and wine bar is for those who love small plates, new flavour combinations, and a well-curated wine list. It has that European wine bar feel\u2014intimate, stylish, with a touch of character. Expect seasonal ingredients, creative dishes, and a relaxed but refined atmosphere. It\u2019s the kind of place where you can pop in for a quick glass or settle in for an unplanned dinner (that is, if you\u2019re able to get a spot\u2014Gigi books up quickly).<\/p>\n Best for:<\/em> Wine nights and intimate dinners<\/p>\n One of Calgary\u2019s newest \u201crestaurant openings,\u201d Pineapple Hall is making waves with its approach to the traditional food hall. The newest Concorde property, Pineapple Hall features menus from local faves like Surfy Surfy, Clive Burger, Lonely Mouth, and Pigeonhole. They even have a cute coffee shop called Needs Must!<\/p>\n I stopped in here recently with a bunch of girlfriends and we loved the cocktails and wide array of snacks.\u00a0 Whether you\u2019re looking for a place to grab a quick snack over your lunch hour or dive into a full meal, this one is worth checking out.<\/p>\n Best for:<\/em> Post work cocktails, weekend dinners, quick coffee runs<\/p>\n If you\u2019re in the mood for something fun and different, Blue Rock Swim Club delivers. Inspired by Palm Springs swim clubs, this restaurant is moody, fun, and offers the bit of vacation energy that you\u2019re looking for when it\u2019s -20 outside. The menu leans toward fresh, light flavours that pair perfectly with their large cocktail list. Blue Rock reminds me a lot of Prickett Richard when it comes to their location and cocktails\u2014both are speakeasies designed to transport you to another time and place.<\/p>\nBar Gigi<\/a> \u2013 A Highly Sought After Wine Bar<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Pineapple Hall<\/a> \u2013 A Take on the Traditional Food Hall<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Blue Rock Swim Club<\/a> \u2013 Retro Vibes & a Laid-Back Energy<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n