What Food To Try in Calgary and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Calgary for 2024.
National currency: Canadian Dollar, symbol — C$ (international currency code CAD).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Calgary cafes and restaurants
$16.6
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $12.07
$75.5
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $49.05
$9.1
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.94
What to Try in Calgary
Must-try Dishes
Full Breakfast - Alberta Breakfast (hearty morning meal) - This plate features eggs, crispy bacon or sausage, hash browns, and toast, all cooked to perfection. Locals often indulge in this classic on weekends, fueling up for a day of outdoor adventures in the Rockies. Poutine - Quebec Poutine (comfort street food) - Crispy fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy create a satisfying dish. You’ll find food trucks and casual diners serving this late-night favorite after a fun night out.
Bison Burger - Bison Burger (local twist on a classic) - Juicy bison meat served on a fresh bun, often topped with Alberta gouda and house-made pickles. It's common to spot locals grabbing these at pub-style restaurants during lunch breaks, enjoying the rich, gamey flavor.
Bannock - Bannock (Indigenous specialty) - This fluffy, fry-bread-style bread is crispy on the outside and soft inside, often served with honey butter or as a side to stews. Traditionally, it’s eaten during gatherings and community feasts, symbolizing hospitality and warmth.
Kimchi Fried Rice - 볶음밥 (spicy Korean short-cut) - Stir-fried rice with savory kimchi, vegetables, and often topped with a fried egg delivers a kick. A favorite among students, it's a quick, filling option anyone can whip up at home after a long day.
Beef Brisket Chili - Chili con Carne (robust and flavorful) - A hearty dish packed with tender brisket, beans, and rich spices, simmered to perfection. Perfect for a chilly evening, locals often gather around for bowls at neighborhood diners during the colder months.
Grilled Vegetable Sandwich - Veggie Panini (seasonal delight) - Layered with seasonal local veggies and gooey cheese, pressed until crispy and warm. Perfect for lunch during summer farmer's market outings when fresh produce is abundant.
By the way, don't forget to ask for extra gravy on your fries if you opt for poutine—locals swear it makes all the difference!
Desserts & Drinks
Hot Chocolate - Chocolat Chaud (rich chocolate drink) - This thick, creamy drink is made from real melted chocolate mixed with steamed milk, served warm. Locals love to grab one from cafes after a chilly day on the slopes or walking through downtown, especially in winter. Caesar - Bloody Caesar (spicy cocktail) - A savory mix of vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, often garnished with celery, pickles, or even shrimp. It's a brunch staple in Calgary, often enjoyed on weekends with hearty breakfasts, and you might be surprised how spicy it can get!
Strudel - Strudel (layered pastry dessert) - This flaky pastry filled with tart apples or sweet cherries is a nod to Calgary’s European influences. Served warm with a dusting of powdered sugar, it's often enjoyed at local bakeries during Harvest season when apples are in abundance and is truly a comforting treat.
Ice Cream - Screamers (soft-serve ice cream) - This delicious, creamy soft-serve is swirled high and offered with a range of toppings, perfect for cooling off during Calgary's summer festivals. You may see locals lining up at food trucks during events, and if you order it with gummy worms, be prepared for curious looks!
Butter Tart - Tarte au Beurre (sweet pastry tart) - A buttery crust filled with a gooey mix of sugar, butter, and eggs; sometimes featuring raisins or pecans. These little tarts make their rounds during local festivals and family gatherings; be sure to get one homemade for that authentic taste!
By the way, don't be surprised if a local insists that the best butter tarts have raisins—it's a heated topic of local debate!
Food and Groceries in Calgary
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $2.37 |
| Bananas | $1.44 |
| Oranges | $3.7 |
| Potatoes | $2.38 |
| Apples | $3.95 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.67 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.63 |
| Imported Beer | $3.12 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $12.83 |
| Milk 1L | $1.95 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $14.89 |
| Chicken | $11.56 |
| Cigarettes | $13.58 |
| Rice | $3.08 |
| Local Cheese | $11.64 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
The first thing that hits you about Calgary's food prices is how surprisingly reasonable they can be, especially when you wander into areas like Kensington or Inglewood. For instance, I recently paid just 15 CAD for a hearty lunch at a small cafe—terrific value compared to certain downtown spots where the same meal might set you back closer to 25 CAD. (Trust me, keep your eyes open for those cafes tucked away from the tourist hustle; they often deliver big flavor without breaking the bank.)
Forget everything you know about lunch hours here, too. Many locals tend to grab a quick bite around noon, but that's also when restaurants can be packed tight. If you're looking for a laid-back experience, consider showing up a tad later, around 1:30 PM. You’ll find lines down to a minimum, and the vibe is much more relaxed. (Oh, and before I forget, always assume a 15% tip on your bill unless the service was exceptional—this is something that tends to throw out-of-towners for a loop.)
Kensington is a particularly vibrant dining district with its eclectic mix of bistros and food shops. What I love most is how folks seem to treat dining as a social experience rather than just fuel. I've spotted many locals settling in for lengthy coffee breaks, often drawing out their conversations over a single drink. It’s a refreshing change from cities where meals are shuttled in and out.
One typical local habit? Food trucks are pretty popular during the summer months. You'll often find a rotating lineup around downtown parks, with prices ranging from 10 CAD to 15 CAD for delicious street eats—perfect for a casual lunch or a late afternoon snack while soaking in the sun.
A common mistake visitors make is assuming dinner is always a 6 PM affair. Calgary's dining scene really kicks up a notch later in the evening, so don’t be surprised by bustling sidewalks at 8 PM. If you plan on dining at any of those trendy restaurants, a reservation is a smart move, especially on weekends when places can fill up quickly.
As the seasons change, you’ll find dining experiences shifting, too. With winter coming, more locals will be seeking the comfort of cozy, trendy spots, often indulging in hearty stews or warming dishes. As you explore Calgary's culinary landscape, you’ll discover that the rhythm of Calgary's dining scene flows against the usual patterns.
Forget everything you know about lunch hours here, too. Many locals tend to grab a quick bite around noon, but that's also when restaurants can be packed tight. If you're looking for a laid-back experience, consider showing up a tad later, around 1:30 PM. You’ll find lines down to a minimum, and the vibe is much more relaxed. (Oh, and before I forget, always assume a 15% tip on your bill unless the service was exceptional—this is something that tends to throw out-of-towners for a loop.)
Kensington is a particularly vibrant dining district with its eclectic mix of bistros and food shops. What I love most is how folks seem to treat dining as a social experience rather than just fuel. I've spotted many locals settling in for lengthy coffee breaks, often drawing out their conversations over a single drink. It’s a refreshing change from cities where meals are shuttled in and out.
One typical local habit? Food trucks are pretty popular during the summer months. You'll often find a rotating lineup around downtown parks, with prices ranging from 10 CAD to 15 CAD for delicious street eats—perfect for a casual lunch or a late afternoon snack while soaking in the sun.
A common mistake visitors make is assuming dinner is always a 6 PM affair. Calgary's dining scene really kicks up a notch later in the evening, so don’t be surprised by bustling sidewalks at 8 PM. If you plan on dining at any of those trendy restaurants, a reservation is a smart move, especially on weekends when places can fill up quickly.
As the seasons change, you’ll find dining experiences shifting, too. With winter coming, more locals will be seeking the comfort of cozy, trendy spots, often indulging in hearty stews or warming dishes. As you explore Calgary's culinary landscape, you’ll discover that the rhythm of Calgary's dining scene flows against the usual patterns.