For some an ideal brunch in Calgary must be an elevated luxury experience, yet for others a greasy spoon hangover cure is enough. Now, any Best Brunch list can tell you about the Usual Calgary Suspects in Calgary, such Reds, OEB, Maven, and Brokin’ Yolk. While these places are all excellent choices, each with multiple locations who serve highly rated brunch, this list is for the Brunch Adventurer, looking to discover something new!
1. Turca Breakfast House
Location: 2604 4 St NW
Hours: 8am to 5pm, Tue – Sun,
Website: turca.ca
Everyone knows that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – including people in other countries! At Turca Breakfast House, you’ll find the best underrated brunch in Calgary, which can also make you feel like a world traveler! Turca serves up a variety of fresh, authentic Turkish dishes, everything from gözleme (savory pastries) to menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers) to simit (a sesame-crusted bread ring). Guests can choose from 6 different breakfast platters which include oriental-style breakfast accompaniments such as cucumbers, cheese, and fruit & nuts, along with a pot of Turkish-style tea. Items are also available à la carte, with portion sizes that are a reflection of that famous Middle Eastern hospitality. They also serve a wide selection of fresh juices, coffee, and tea. If it’s your first time, their friendly staff is always happy to chat and make recommendations.
2. Queens Breakfast Cocktails
Location: 3927 Edmonton Tr
Hours: 8am to 2pm, 7 days a week
Website: queensyyc.ca
Located a bit off the beaten path, Queens Breakfast Cocktails can be found on Edmonton Trail in the NE. Note that it’s Queens plural, not Queen’s, possessive. That’s because this charming establishment is filled with Renaissance paintings of various Queens from throughout history. A French inspired breakfast restaurant, you’ll find Croque Monsieurs and Eggs Benedict served on delicious flaky croissants here, along with a wide selection of breakfast cocktails! Don’t let its location in the industrial community of Greenview fool you – this is one of the best underrated brunch restaurants in Calgary for those seeking a rich and decadent brunch experience!
3. Blackfoot Truckstop Diner
Location: 1840 9 Ave SE
Hours: 7am to 9pm, 7 days a week
Website: theblackfootdiner.com
No list of best brunch in Calgary, underrated or not, is complete without the Blackfoot Truckstop Diner. This legendary Calgary institution is approaching seven decades of service. Opened in June 1956 by Edna Taylor, it was the first truck stop within the city limits. Located in Inglewood, it has a full menu available all day – meaning you can satiate your brunch cravings on a weeknight if need be! The menu serves up standard diner fare (if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!) in an atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re starring on your own off-beat road trip film. While its founder, Edna Taylor passed away in 2011 at age 78, her legacy lives on – Blackfoot Truckstop diner is a devoted “people place”. Every customer is treated the same, whether they’re a lawyer, a truck driver, a winning rodeo athlete; young or old, or in a suit or sweats.
4.Galaxie Diner
Location: 1413 11th St SW
Hours: 7am to 3pm, Mon to Fri, 8am to 3pm Sat & Sun
Website: galaxiediner.ca
Those who prefer a down-home diner experience over an upscale luxury brunch will also want to check out Galaxie Diner. This is a place where the coffee never stops flowing, the toast and hash browns are bottomless, and real butter and pure maple syrup are guaranteed. This 1940’s style diner is open 7 days a week but is only open until 3pm and doesn’t take reservations. With everything from breakfast burritos to French Toast to Calgary’s only One Price Unlimited Choice Omelette, it’s certainly worth a mention on our list!
5. Namo Cafe Bistro
Location: Edmonton Trail, Beltline, Southside
Hours: varies by location
Website: namocafebistro.com
Namo Cafe Bistro isn’t *just* a brunch restaurant, but it’s steadily becoming known in brunch circles due to its friendliness to dietary restrictions. Vegan, dairy free, vegetarian, gluten free, halal – all of these options are plainly marked on the menu, which includes a wide range of breakfast options, from crepes to bowls to benedicts. With everything from Masala scrambled eggs, to breakfast Donburi, to a Harissa Lamb brunch bowl, Namo is an underrated Calgary brunch restaurant which will take you around the world – without ever having to leave your seat!
6. ZCREW
Location: 401 11 AVE SE
Hours: 8am to 3pm
Website: zcrewcafe.com
This East Village hot spot is worth visiting for the drink menu alone! While it doesn’t have cocktails, this Calgary brunch spot serves up every latte under the sun – Spanish, turmeric, even beetroot! It also has smoothies, milkshakes and an amazing selection of teas. The food menu has vegan, gluten friendly, vegetarian, and keto options, all made with ingredients which are locally sourced, handcrafted, free-range, and naturally smoked. With everything from bowls & bennys, to sandwiches & wraps, to granola & sweets, ZCREW is definitely one of the best underrated brunch restaurants in Calgary!
7. Shijo Cafe
Location: 2 Royal Vista Link NW #3115|
Hours: 10am to 4pm (Brunch), closed Tue
Website: hinstagram.com/shijocafe.yyc
A sushi restaurant might not be your first choice for brunch, but a research trip to Japan gave the folks at Shijo Cafe some ideas! Inspired by the trend of infusing Japanese sushi ingredients into breakfast, Owners Wendy Wu and Sam Lu decided to bring this idea to Calgary. At Shijo you can find brunch dishes such as soft-shell crab served with tempura kale, scrambled eggs, and hollandaise, or a Japanese okonomiyaki pancake with mushrooms, shrimp, and cabbage. All this is on offer alongside their standard house-made baked goods such as croissants and muffins. Don’t forget the on-tap kombucha! This unique combination of East and West definitely makes Shijo one of the best underrated brunch restaurants in Calgary.
8. The Sweatered Hen
Location: 819 17 Ave SW
Hours: Sun, Mon, Wed – 8am to 4pm, Thu, Fri, Sat – 8am to 8pm, closed Tuedsays
Website: thesweateredhen.com
At the Sweatered Hen, Calgary Chef Andrea Harling believes every detail tells a story – and the menu here pulls from her family’s favourite recipes! The menu, while smaller than some brunch restaurants, hits all the right notes. From her Ganny’s cheese biscuits to the Harling family maple sausage, Chef Harling has crafted a menu which includes breakfast classics such as eggs benedict, shakshuka, and huevos rancheros. Coffee and cocktails are also available. The attention to detail and fresh local ingredients make this one of Calgary’s top underrated brunch spots!
