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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated on August 23, 2024
Calgary’s breakfast scene is a testament to the city’s vibrant food scene. With some of the best restaurants in Canada, it’s no wonder that the city knows how to cook a mean breakfast. There are plenty of options to choose from, from traditional Canadian diners to more fancy options; surely, there is a breakfast spot for you. The tough part is agreeing on which of the top Calgary breakfast spots you’ll eat at! Here’s our list of our favourite spots to help narrow down your decision.
Where to Go for the Best Calgary Breakfast
Blue Star Diner
Location: 809 1 Ave NE
Open from 8 am every day of the week, Blue Star Diner is one of the most popular spots for breakfast in Calgary. With a menu that almost exclusively features locally sourced ingredients, suppliers include Broek Acres Pork, Fratello Coffee, Broxburn Farms, Good Bread Bakery, and numerous other Alberta businesses. This means you not only get the freshest local ingredients on your plate, but it also means you can feel great about eating at a place with such responsibly sourced meals!
With an excellent early morning menu, Blue Star Diner prides itself on ensuring every meal is made with love. Choose from breakfast poutine, fried chicken and pancakes, brioche French toast, breakfast bowls, and tons of delicious dishes that’ll quickly make you become a regular.
Namo Cafe Bistro
Location: 824 Edmonton Trl and 396 11 Ave SW
With two locations in downtown Calgary, Namo Cafe Bistro is open daily from 8 a.m. Billing itself as “the home of breakfast dreams,” Namo Cafe Bistro is known for its warm, friendly atmosphere and fantastic food. As one of the best breakfast restaurants in Calgary, it’s heartwarming to know that it’s also family-owned.
As for the menu, you’ll find plenty of familiar flavours but with a unique, elevated twist. Led by a team of passionate, innovative chefs, you can expect meals that infuse global inspiration with a local flair; you can see that in dishes such as the Lobster Rangoon Benny or the Far East Duck Bowl. Some of our favourite dishes include the Masala Scrambled Eggs on Toast (with Mumbai-style eggs on buttered brioche with peppers, onion masala, cheddar, herb pesto, and tandoori mayo) or the build-your-own breakfast poutine. There are also a few vegan, vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free options.
Queens Breakfast Cocktails
Location: 3927 Edmonton Trail
Located in the Edmonton Trail Plaza, Queens Breakfast Cocktails is open daily from 8 a.m. Reimagining childhood memories to create new and exciting drinks, the owners have ensured that you can expect an explosion of flavours whenever you order one of their amazing breakfast cocktails. We love the Raspberry Mimosa, the Autumn Breeze (made with in-house apple cider, Vecchia Romagna brandy, and lemon), or the Wakey Wakey Eggs and Bakey (with Buffalo bourbon, lemon, egg foam, maple syrup, and a bacon slice).
Not to be outdone, the food is exquisite as well, taking its cues from classic European menus with a modern twist. Try the Cr’Q Nduja with Calabrese pork spread, buffalo mozzarella, and garlic aioli, the Mushroom Fricassee with crispy potatoes, poached eggs, house-made hollandaise, and pea shoots, or one of the incredible Croissant Benedicts (the Montreal Smoked Brisket is our fave). Simply put, Queen Breakfast Cocktails is an excellent choice if you’re after breakfast in Calgary.
Galaxie Diner
Location: 1413 11 St SW
One of the best breakfast joints in Calgary, Galaxie Diner is where you go when you’re craving an old-fashioned diner that serves all-day breakfast. With a delightful retro flair, the atmosphere will transport you back to simpler times; think red vinyl booths, jukebox hits, and the cooks grilling and plating your food in an open kitchen. Using only real butter and pure maple syrup, the flavours are also sure to keep bringing you back to this classic diner again and again.
With an amazing array of breakfast food to choose from, it’s hard to pick a favourite… but the Galaxie French toast is legendary, as is the breakfast burrito. We also love the smoked salmon Eggs Benedict as well as the diner’s breakfast sandwiches. Even better? Galaxie Diner has bottomless hashbrowns, toast, and coffee! It’s easy to see why this place is such a favourite in Calgary.
OEB Breakfast Co.
Locations: Multiple
A well-known chain with locations all across Canada, OEB Breakfast Co. has four locations in the city, including in the University District and downtown (so you’re never too far from all the best things to do in Calgary). Reliable, delicious, and always serving something innovative, OEB Breakfast Co. is a fun place to grab breakfast in Calgary. Aiming to serve familiar classics balanced with unique flavours you simply won’t find anywhere else, the restaurant chain is chef-driven and always aspires to be as inventive with its menus as possible.
With that in mind, try dishes such as the Moroccan Waterfowl Eggs Benedict (with smoked Ras el Hanout spiced duck breast, porcini mushroom-truffle ragù, and pomegranate), the Tuna Crudo Breakfast Poutine (with sesame soy Ahi tuna, Hass avocado, pommes gaufrettes fried in beef tallow, and cilantro crema), or the Gnocchi Breakfast Carbonara (with gluten-free gnocchi, double smoked bacon, brown butter hollandaise, grana padano, raw yolk, and petite watercress). If you want a breakfast that’s unlike any you’ve ever had, head to OEB Breakfast Co.
The Bro’Kin Yolk
Locations: 12580 Symons Valley Rd NW #130 (Creekside Shopping Centre), 5691 Signal Hill Centre SW, 7 Mahogany Plaza SE #1410 (Mahogany Village Market)
One of the best breakfast restaurants in Calgary is The Bro’Kin Yolk. With three locations spread across the city, this family-run restaurant chain was opened by brothers Gil and Jeff Carlos in 2015 and has since exploded in popularity. With an aim to make you feel at home as soon as you walk through the door, The Bro’Kin Yolk only uses organic, free-range eggs in all of their meals. You’ll also find a lot of Filipino dishes on the menu, so it’s a great chance to taste a few new dishes if you’re unfamiliar with Filipino cuisine.
With a fabulous range of classic breakfasts, try mouthwatering comfort food like the Lemon Berry French Toast, the Short Rib Hash, or, one of our favourites, the Fili Breakfast Bowl with Longansia sausage, two sunny-side up eggs, jasmine rice, house-made salsa, and chili soy sauce. It’s easy to see why The Bro’Kin Yolk is regarded as one of the best places for breakfast in Calgary.
Diner Deluxe
Locations: 106 Mahogany Centre SE, 804 Edmonton Trl, 2252 33 Ave SW
With three locations around Calgary, Diner Deluxe is open from 8 a.m. every day. Sourcing as much as possible from local businesses—including the diner’s coffee beans, eggs, meat, and real butter—Diner Deluxe is one of the most popular breakfast places in Calgary. Operating on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s best to get here early, especially on weekends!
As for the food, there’s a fantastic range that is sure to please every type of palate at Diner Deluxe. From simple starts like oatmeal and cinnamon buns, there’s also a good range of plant-based breakfasts (including the delicious vegan scramble). The fried chicken and waffles, French toast, huevos rancheros, and breakfast bowls are fan favourites, while we always go for the West Coast Toast (with two soft poached eggs, smoked salmon, smashed avocado, fried capers, red onion, arugula, “everything” bagel spice, and olive oil grilled sourdough bread). Make sure to try one of their breakfast cocktails as well; the Brunch Martini made with Cointreau, gin, marmalade, and a prosecco float goes down a treat.
Yellow Door Bistro
Location: 119 12 Ave SW
Located in the Hotel Arts in downtown Calgary, Yellow Door Bistro is home to a delicious breakfast. Open from 6:30 a.m. every morning, this contemporary eatery serves simple yet inventive dishes that are often inspired by French cooking. On the a la carte menu, you’ll find omelettes, egg dishes, and French toast; one of the most unique meals has to be the Korean Fried Chicken and Waffle Eggs Benedict, which is served with Korean fried chicken, kimchi tomato jam, green onion curls, Belgian waffle, two farm fresh poached eggs, and hollandaise. The restaurant itself has an air of whimsy to it, with quirky details that are sure to leave an impression.
Don’t miss the extravagant weekend brunch buffet at Yellow Door Bistro. It’s a chance to try classic recipes and new-age kitchen adventures, many of which are new and notable for that week.
Red’s Diner
Locations: 1101 8 St SE, 324 58 Ave SE, 286 10 St NW
Red’s Diner is a solid choice when it comes to breakfast in Calgary. Serving all-day breakfast, the multiple locations mean you’re never far from a great meal, no matter when you start your day. Enjoy the outdoor seating, friendly service, and simple yet delicious food that takes you back to the basics: eggs, bacon, toast, and a great cup of coffee.
Some of the best meals come “hot off the griddle,” such as buttermilk pancakes and stuffed French toast, while hash plates are always a popular option. For a real “classic diner” feel, sit at the counter seating to enjoy your breakfast!
Dairy Lane Cafe
Location: 319 19 St NW
Open from 8 a.m. every morning, Dairy Lane Cafe prides itself on its strong connections with local farmers and suppliers. Featuring wholesome ingredients and hearty meals, the restaurant is the kind of place where you instantly feel at home as soon as you walk through the front door. As they say, trends change, but good food doesn’t, and at Dairy Lane Cafe, you’ll find simple yet delicious breakfasts made with only the freshest local ingredients.
The menu includes staples such as brioche French toast, a breakfast burrito, baked oatmeal, and tostadas, but our favourite is the Classic Breakfast; served with two eggs any style, red potato hash, toast, and your choice of sausage, naturally cured bacon, or fresh tomato and avocado, we think this dish showcases some of the best of Alberta’s local produce and the farm-to-table feel the restaurant embodies.
CHIX Eggshop
Location: 624 6 Ave SE
One of the earliest places to have a great breakfast in Calgary is the CHIX Eggshop, which opens at 7 a.m. daily. The restaurant is attached to the ALT Hotel in downtown Calgary. Serving a good mix of classic breakfast choices, you’ll find simple yet delicious meals at CHIX Eggshop that almost always feature either eggs or chicken or both.
With a clean, modern aesthetic, the restaurant calls itself a “neighbourhood diner meets country fried chicken joint.” With that in mind, the chicken and waffle, as well as the Hot CHIX sandwich, are fantastic choices, while our favourite dish is the Country Style Benedict, which is served with two poached eggs and crispy pulled chicken on top of gluten-free biscuits, then smothered with hot chicken gravy. There’s also a “Lil CHIX” menu for kids!
Vendome
Location: 940 2 Ave NW
Open daily from 8 a.m., Vendome is found in the heart of the Sunnyside neighbourhood. Supporting the community by working with local businesses, farmers, and artisans, Vendome is a warm and cozy place to connect with friends or family over breakfast. Serving breakfast staples such as omelettes, hash bowls, granola and yogurt, huevos rancheros, and Eggs Benedict, we love the simplicity of meals such as the grilled sourdough sandwiches with your choice of avocado, cured salmon, and more. There’s also an outdoor patio, making it the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast on a warm day in Calgary.
Monki
Locations: 1301 10 Ave SW, 1420 9 AVE SE #4, 50 Greenbriar Dr NW Unit 130
Monki has gained quite a reputation for itself in the city, as the chain is known as one of the best Calgary breakfast spots. With three locations in the city – two in downtown Calgary and one in Calgary’s Farmer’s Market in the North West – the spots are always bustling. With clean, modern spaces, the atmosphere feels trendy yet welcoming.
On the menu, you’ll find many interesting options that blend international flavours for a unique fusion. Classic meals such as Benedicts, breakfast tacos, and stuffed French toast are available, while we love the Monki Perogies (butter-basted, pan-seared perogies with bacon, mushrooms, onions and garlic with sweet chipotle sauce), the Ube Mochi Pancakes (three purple yam ube pancakes topped off with an ube syrup, fresh fruit, and icing sugar), and the Pork Belly Sisig (a sizzling Filipino delight crafted from marinated pork belly and served with white rice, fried egg, and pork rind).
Pete is a co-founder of Road Trip Alberta. Growing up in Edmonton he has an extensive knowledge of Alberta and everything the province has to offer. He loves to eat good food, hike (especially in the winter), play tennis and curl. Apart from running Road Trip Alberta, he is a director with HMI, a digital media agency, half of the Hecktic Travels duo, and a co-creator of the popular card game Trip Chaser.
