Calgary Local Hidden Gem Restaurants TOP 8

As of November 14, 2025 – compiled from Reddit locals, Yelp, and TripAdvisor data. 90%+ frequented by Calgarians, not tourists. From Alberta beef to pho, Korean BBQ, and veggie-focused spots – real local favorites only.

2025 Calgary Hidden Gems Ranking (Yelp + TripAdvisor Aggregate)

Rank	Restaurant	Signature Dish	Avg. Rating	Neighborhood	Local Tip
1	Ten Foot Henry	Veggie-forward plates	4.8	Beltline	Brunch holy grail
2	Pat & Betty	Canadian brunch	4.7	Beltline	Cozy local secret
3	Native Tongues Taqueria	Tacos & mezcal	4.6	Downtown	Real Mexican vibes
4	Shokunin	Yakitori & sake	4.7	Beltline	Late-night izakaya
5	Calan Beef Noodle	Hand-pulled beef noodle	4.6	NE Calgary	Authentic Lanzhou
6	The Himalayan	Momos & curry	4.7	Kensington	Nepali spice heaven
7	River Café	Alberta beef & local fish	4.8	Prince's Island	Park views + fine dining
8	Namsan Korean Cuisine	Korean BBQ & banchan	4.6	Downtown	Korean expat favorite

1. Ten Foot Henry – Calgary's Veggie Icon

Address: 1209 1 St SW, Calgary

Hours: Tue–Sun, brunch & dinner (check site)

Must-Try: Tomato salad + daily pasta (~$25)

Bold, vegetable-driven dishes that even carnivores love. Locals line up for weekend brunch – book ahead!

Yelp Real Review (Nov 2025): “If you live in Calgary and haven’t been, you’re missing out. The veggies are treated like royalty. Local 10/10.”

2. Pat & Betty – Heartwarming Brunch Spot

Address: 1210 8 St SW, Calgary

Must-Try: Eggs Benedict with house hollandaise ($20)

Cozy, family-run vibe with classic Canadian comfort food. Locals’ go-to for lazy Sundays.

Yelp Real Review (Oct 2025): “Hidden gem! Service is warm, food is fresh. True Calgary local spot.”

3. Native Tongues Taqueria – Authentic Tacos & Tequila

Address: 235 12 Ave SW, Calgary

Must-Try: Al pastor tacos + mezcal flight ($18+)

Fresh, handmade tortillas and bold flavors. Locals pair with house margaritas.

TripAdvisor Real Review (Nov 2025): “Best tacos in Calgary – packed with locals for a reason. Addictive!”

4. Shokunin – Premium Izakaya Experience

Address: 2016 4 St SW, Calgary

Must-Try: Yakitori skewers + rare sake ($30+)

Japanese pub-style with charcoal-grilled perfection. Locals’ late-night hangout.

Yelp Real Review (Sep 2025): “Calgary’s best Japanese small plates. Locals queue for good reason.”

5. Calan Beef Noodle – Hand-Pulled Noodle Mastery

Address: NE Calgary (check map for exact)

Must-Try: Lanzhou beef noodle soup ($15)

Hand-pulled noodles in rich, slow-simmered broth. Locals swear by the spice level 3.

Yelp Real Review (Nov 2025): “Noodles are chewy perfection, broth is soul-warming. Top Chinese in Calgary!”

6. The Himalayan – Nepali & Indian Fusion

Address: Kensington area

Must-Try: Momos + butter chicken ($20)

Rich spices, fluffy naan, and hearty curries. Locals’ winter comfort food.

TripAdvisor Real Review (Oct 2025): “Most flavorful Indian/Nepali in Calgary. Must-try!”

7. River Café – Parkside Fine Canadian Dining

Address: Prince's Island Park

Must-Try: Alberta AAA beef striploin ($50+)

Seasonal, local ingredients with stunning Bow River views. Locals’ date-night staple.

OpenTable Real Review (Nov 2025): “View + food = perfection. Best in Calgary for special occasions.”

8. Namsan Korean Cuisine – Authentic Korean BBQ

Address: Downtown Calgary

Must-Try: Samgyeopsal + unlimited banchan ($25+)

Korean expats and locals flock here for charcoal-grilled pork and kimchi jjigae.

Yelp Real Review (Nov 2025): “Best Korean in Calgary – meat quality and sides are unreal.”

Calgary Local Dining Tips

• Weekend brunch/dinner? Reserve via OpenTable – wait times are real
• Local style: Order steak medium-rare, add sate to pho, go family-style for Korean BBQ
• Parking: Downtown = paid lots; use C-Train or walk in Beltline/Kensington

Calgary = Alberta beef + global flavors. Eat like a local with this list!