Calgary’s food scene delivered plenty to talk about in 2025, from standout dishes to memorable dining moments.
We pulled together the favourites that defined our year of eating.
Calgary’s food scene made 2025 a year worth savouring. We found ourselves at chef’s dinners that pushed boundaries, neighbourhood spots that felt like instant classics and bakeries, markets and bars that reminded us why this city loves to eat. Every month brought something new to taste, and our team was happily along for the ride.
Here are the favourites that rose to the top.
CLUCK & CLEAVER BUTTERMILK CHICKEN
Available only at the Waldon location, this chicken takes 20 minutes to prepare and is well worth the wait. Whether it’s a leg or two for you or a whole chicken’s worth, this piece of poultry perfection from chefs and sisters Nicole and Francine Gomez is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and hits just right. Don’t miss out on the extraordinary potato salad (seriously, don’t) and the delicious biscuits to round out your meal.
LA BOULANGERIE KOUIGN-AMANN
You generally have us at just butter and caramelized sugar, but Le Boulangerie’s classic Breton Viennoiserie-style kouign-amann takes it to another level. It’s truly indulgent. This buttery, sweet, flaky, salty, sticky, tender ‘queen’ of pastries may not be for everyday but when you need that gooey pastry hit, it’s the ultimate treat
RUSTIC PLATE CHICKEN KARAAGE
Trying to categorize Chef Diyan Weerapura’s Rustic Plate: Tempura on the Prairies isn’t easy. Japanese, Swiss, French, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, breakfast, lunch dinner … you get the picture. There’s something freshly made for everyone. Our faves include the tempura shrimp and tempura fish and chips, the chicken karaage and Rustic’s short ribs and the best home cut fries around. The portions are large and can be shared by two easily.
YYC FOOD & DRINK EXPERIENCE INDIGENOUS DINNER EXPERIENCE
The 2025 YYC Food & Drink Experience was incredible and we enjoyed so much of Calgary’s culinary bounty. At the top of our list was the Progressive Indigenous Dinner Experience at Deane House. Featuring Deane House’s John Beddoes, Zack Keeshig, chef and owner of Naagan in Owen Sound, Ont. and Alberta’s own Chef Shane Chartrand, the event was steeped in tradition, education and humour emceed by Blackfoot speaker, filmmaker and advocate Cowboy Smithx.
RYUKO CORN RIBS
Who knew corn had ribs? Clever and delicious, the Miso Corn Ribs from Ryuko were some of the best things we ate this year. Deep fried corn ‘ribs’ with miso powder, shichimi chili flakes and grated parmigiana. Already more-ish, their seasonality (available only during corn season) makes them even more desirable!
BODEGA TAPAS BAR BY SABOR CROQUETTES BODEGA
Crispy on the outside, with a delicious filling of jamón serrano and manchego. The mustard-honey mayo brings a little tang and sweetness that compliments them perfectly.
SUCRE PATISSERIE AND CAFÉ OCCASION BOXES
Variety is the spice of life … and the sweetness of every occasion. That’s why we love these special occasion boxes by Sucre Cafe and Patisserie. Loaded with four of Sucre’s legendary pastries, these boxes encourage sharing and comparing while celebrating your special occasion. Watch for these especially on Mothers’ and Fathers’ Days.
SENSEI BAR POP UP
Sometimes the simplest things make the biggest impression. That was the case with the guacamole at the latest Sensei Bar pop-up: Los Taqueros. On until mid-February, Los Taqueros is a vibrant homage to Mexico’s street taquero culture. Try the delicious mezcal cocktails while you’re enjoying your fresh guac and crispy tortilla chips!
THE WEDNESDAY ROOM SMASHED CUCUMBER
The Smashed Cucumber is a revelation in freshness. It’s cool, crisp ribbons of cucumber meet the char of grilled rice, complemented by a carrot-miso dressing. Scattered herbs and shards of peanut brittle bring the crunch.
THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS COOKIE SALE
Every year dozens of Calgary’s top chefs come together to show their stuff and sell cookies, all for a great cause. Benefitting the Magic of Christmas, sales from these cookies go to delivering Christmas spirit into the homes and hearts of those who need it most and invite everyone to believe (again!) in the spirit of Christmas.
This year’s event is December 3, 7-9 a.m. at the ATCO Blue Flame Kitchen (BFK).
Get the recipe for the ATCO BFK’s Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookie!
MODERN STEAK HAPPY HOUR
You can’t beat the value, quality, taste (of course), or the service. We indulge in the Happy Hour steak frites menu that offers a choice of flat iron, striploin or filet. The 12 oz. NY striploin is our fave, with addons of a side salad each and an order of prawns and their new onion ring tower to share. Cocktails and spirits are 50 per cent off with 25-50 per cent discount on bottles of wine.
ACME PIZZA & PASTA CO. MOZZA STICKS
At Acme Pizza & Pasta Co. these mozza sticks come coated in a crisp panko and parmigiano crust with warm, gooey mozzarella inside. They’re served with a tomato agrodolce for dipping and finished with a touch of chive. They are so good you don’t even know they’re gluten-free.
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