Where Locals Rank What Matters Most

Food was great! Though the seat is minimal, I guess that contributes to the long wait list as well.

Tried Monki for brunch and was impressed. The hot chocolate was smooth and not too sweet—plus, they’ve got non-dairy options like oat milk, which is a win. The menu's pretty flexible, which I appreciated since I wanted to mix things up. Hashbrowns were crispy, sourdough was perfectly toasted. Great place if you’re into casual brunch spots that get the details right.

I tried the kimchi hash and London fog last time.

Kimchi hash is really flavorful and the amount is definitely enough for me. London fog is good as well.

The broth is rich and flavorful, the noodles have a pleasantly chewy texture, and the beef chashu is cooked to perfection—tender and melts in your mouth.

Stopped by Izumi Kitchen & Bar for a quick bite and was pleasantly surprised by the variety on the menu. It’s a nice mix of Korean and Japanese comfort food—good for when you’re in the mood for something flavorful but not too fancy.

I tried the ramen and pork belly. The ramen was decent—warm and filling, though nothing particularly memorable. It gets the job done if you’re craving noodles.

The pork belly, on the other hand, was great. Tender, well-seasoned, and had just the right amount of fat. Definitely something I’d come back for.

Service was friendly and fast, and the space felt laid-back—perfect for a casual meal. If you’re in the area and want a solid, no-frills Korean-Japanese option, Izumi is worth checking out.

Food was great! Though the seat is minimal, I guess that contributes to the long wait list as well.

Tried Monki for brunch and was impressed. The hot chocolate was smooth and not too sweet—plus, they’ve got non-dairy options like oat milk, which is a win. The menu's pretty flexible, which I appreciated since I wanted to mix things up. Hashbrowns were crispy, sourdough was perfectly toasted. Great place if you’re into casual brunch spots that get the details right.

I tried the kimchi hash and London fog last time.

Kimchi hash is really flavorful and the amount is definitely enough for me. London fog is good as well.

The broth is rich and flavorful, the noodles have a pleasantly chewy texture, and the beef chashu is cooked to perfection—tender and melts in your mouth.

Stopped by Izumi Kitchen & Bar for a quick bite and was pleasantly surprised by the variety on the menu. It’s a nice mix of Korean and Japanese comfort food—good for when you’re in the mood for something flavorful but not too fancy.

I tried the ramen and pork belly. The ramen was decent—warm and filling, though nothing particularly memorable. It gets the job done if you’re craving noodles.

The pork belly, on the other hand, was great. Tender, well-seasoned, and had just the right amount of fat. Definitely something I’d come back for.

Service was friendly and fast, and the space felt laid-back—perfect for a casual meal. If you’re in the area and want a solid, no-frills Korean-Japanese option, Izumi is worth checking out.

Had brunch at Maven and overall enjoyed the experience. The space is on the smaller side and can get a bit crowded, especially during peak hours, but the atmosphere is bright and refreshing. Lots of natural light and greenery give it a calm, airy feel, even when it’s busy.

The menu has some flexible options, which is great if you have dietary preferences or want to customize. Portions were generous—definitely come hungry!

If you don’t mind a bit of a wait or a tighter space, it’s a solid spot for a laid-back brunch with good food and a fresh vibe.

Food was so good and clean!

The Apron is a true gem in downtown Calgary. The food is consistently delicious, with a menu that caters to everyone—including vegetarians and families. The ambiance is both modern and cozy, making each visit enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for great food!

Balcony Grill offers Chinese-style skewers with a great variety of lamb options. The jellyfish salad is light and refreshing, clams are well-seasoned, and the staff are friendly and helpful.

I loved the variety at Bombay Tiger—especially the vegetarian options, way more than just the usual token dishes.

It’s in a great walkable spot. Food was a bit slow to come out, and with hardly any drinks available, the wait felt a little longer.

Had brunch at Maven and overall enjoyed the experience. The space is on the smaller side and can get a bit crowded, especially during peak hours, but the atmosphere is bright and refreshing. Lots of natural light and greenery give it a calm, airy feel, even when it’s busy.

The menu has some flexible options, which is great if you have dietary preferences or want to customize. Portions were generous—definitely come hungry!

If you don’t mind a bit of a wait or a tighter space, it’s a solid spot for a laid-back brunch with good food and a fresh vibe.

Food was so good and clean!

The Apron is a true gem in downtown Calgary. The food is consistently delicious, with a menu that caters to everyone—including vegetarians and families. The ambiance is both modern and cozy, making each visit enjoyable. Highly recommend for anyone looking for great food!

Balcony Grill offers Chinese-style skewers with a great variety of lamb options. The jellyfish salad is light and refreshing, clams are well-seasoned, and the staff are friendly and helpful.

I loved the variety at Bombay Tiger—especially the vegetarian options, way more than just the usual token dishes.

It’s in a great walkable spot. Food was a bit slow to come out, and with hardly any drinks available, the wait felt a little longer.