Get cozy at these intimate eateries in Calgary
Some restaurants are cavernous, giving patrons room to spread out and feel anonymous. Sometimes, though, it’s nice to get seriously cozy and settle into an intimate dining experience. These restaurants may be small on space, but they’re big on atmosphere. [Image credit: iStock.com/Predrag Vuckovic]
Monki Breakfast Club & Bistro
1301 10 Ave SW, Calgary AB T3C 0J4With only a couple dozen seats, Monki is miniscule. That (along with the fact that they make a delicious brunch and don’t take reservations) accounts for a consistent lineup for seats. But it’s worth the wait. The exposed brick walls and hipster charm create a friendly feel, and the food – bennies, frittatas, paninis and other mid-day fare – is fresh and always tasty.
Pigeonhole
304 17 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2S 0A8Be sure to reserve early – not only is Pigeonhole one of Calgary’s most celebrated restaurants, it’s also small. With mismatched vintage plates and an open kitchen, the room feels both luxurious and relaxed, despite the fact that it’s serving some of the most upscale and innovative small plates in the city.
Sidewalk Citizen Bakery
618 Confluence Way SE, Calgary AB T2G 0G1Separated from the Simmons Building’s other eatery, Charbar, by glass walls, Sidewalk Citizen bakery’s seating area is both close to the action and tucked away, which gives it a sense of warmth. Plus the food – sandwiches, Israeli-inspired dips and baked goods all made in-house – is made with care and always full of flavour.
White Elephant The
B-1808 19 St NE, Calgary AB T2E 4Y3A tiny restaurant nestled within The Pointe Inn in Motel Village, White Elephant makes what is arguably the city’s best Thai food. It’s cozy and feels a little like a secret hideaway. You’ll be grateful you’re in on this secret as you tuck into plates of papaya salad and authentic pad Thai.
Una Pizza & Wine
618 17 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2S 0B4With bar seating and only a handful of tables, it’s no wonder that Una has a lineup every night of the week – but it’s an experience that’s worth the wait. Comfortable, rather than crowded, staff never rush guests as they nosh on thin-crust pizzas, fresh salads (the kale Caesar is the go-to) and charcuterie while sipping on carefully chosen wines.
Vero Bistro Moderne
209 10 St NW, Calgary AB T2N 1V5Vero is a small room, and the tables are placed quite closely together, but the tight squeeze gives the room a friendly and energized vibe. And the food – inspired by French and Italian cuisine – is high-end, expertly prepared and made all the more intimate if you visit for “no-menu Tuesday” when the meal is chef’s choice.
Nainas Kitchen
121 17 Ave Se, Calgary AB T2G 1H3Naina’s isn’t fancy, but this little place certainly has a homespun vibe, and if the inviting atmosphere isn’t enough, its home-style food will have you coming back. Stuffed burgers are the house specialty – go easy with a patty stuffed with cheese or veggies, or go full on glutton with a poutine or pulled pork stuffed burger.
Dairy Lane Cafe
319 19 St NW, Calgary AB T2N 2J2With just a handful of tables, this tight but comfy little diner is much more than a mom ‘n’ pop hole in the wall. Serving fresh food prepared with locally sourced ingredients, Dairy Lane’s brunches, burgers and salads are delicious and wholesome and taste all the better for being served in such an intimate little room.
Menyatai Japanese Noodles
24 12 St NW, Calgary AB T2N 1Y3This tiny spot is reminiscent of miniscule restaurants in Japan, which makes Menyatai’s ramen and other noodle dishes taste even more authentic. In addition to what is probably the city’s biggest variety of Japanese noodle soups, Menyatai offers traditional Japanese appetizers, tempura and rice bowls.
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