Dining out is an enjoyable treat, but sometimes it’s hard to find the kinds of healthy foods you can make at home. We’ve rounded up seven wonderful healthy Calgary restaurants that offer a variety of fresh choices to take the guilt from dining out.
These restaurants offer a snapshot of some of the best vegetarian, vegan and clean eating choices in the area.
Please note: due to pandemic circumstances, it’s recommended that you contact these locations before heading out to find out their specific COVID-19 protocols.
Broxburn Vegetables & Café
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5 90008 Range Road 210, Lethbridge County
Even the name of this restaurant – Broxburn Vegetables & Café – gives away the healthy nature of the cuisine there! It’s a produce store with a dining area, but trust us, the café is NOT an afterthought. Paul & Hilda de Jonge grow the veggies on their 80-acre farm. The market and restaurant are next to it, and the café showcases farm-fresh vegetables, homemade fruit pies and bakery specials. They also have an online shop you can check out, full of baking and frozen meals you can stock at home.
The Coup
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924 17 Avenue SW
This modern restaurant strives to be ethical in both cuisine and business practices. Their selections are sourced locally and made in-house, with a focus on fresh, whole, and organic. This mindset extends to their bar as well, with a quality selection of vegan and organic wines. They also work with local brewers and distillers to create their cocktail menu. From starters to salad, all the way to dessert, you’ll enjoy a flavourful vegetarian meal in a beautiful and intimate setting.
Copper Branch
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201 16 Avenue NE Marquee
Copper Branch is spread throughout Canada, and Calgary has its own restaurant on 16th Avenue. This vegan restaurant is 100% plant-based and their menu will not disappoint. From power bowls to delicious desserts, you’re super to leave satisfied. The sriracha coleslaw is delightful or try one of their many all-day breakfast options!
Goro+Gun
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#245, 225 7 Avenue SW
Located in the Scotia Center, Goro+Gun is a first-class sushi restaurant. Delicious broths simmer all day for an out-of-this-world ramen and vegetarian and gluten-free options are all over the menu. Focusing on wild fish rather than farmed and the freshest ingredients, your palate will be delighted at the tastes Chef Tomo Mitsuno can offer. Top off your meal with your voice of 30 different sakes.
Heaven Restaurant
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#119, 1013 17 Avenue SW
If you’re looking for gluten-free fare, Heaven Restaurant restaurant is an excellent choice. With Latin flavours and influences throughout the entire menu, you’re sure to find something delightful! The dairy-free chocolate cake is sinful and the roasted chicken quesadillas are a fan favourite. You can also get a 6-pack of their mini empanadas to take home! Keep in mind that if you want a famous Pataconwich, they’re only available on Mondays and Tuesdays.
River Café
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25 Prince’s Island Park
A wonderful farm-to-table dining option in the Calgary area is the River Café at Prince’s Island Park. The dishes there are sourced from seasonal local vegetables and meats, grown and raised naturally without using harmful chemicals and fertilizers. The weekend brunch is a favourite of locals; check out the pastry trio baked fresh in their bakery every morning. You can also order a picnic lunch and plan a day with that special someone.
Veg-In YYC
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215 6 Avenue SE
Veg-In YYC is a complete plant-based dining experience. This cafe is dedicated to providing Calgarians with fresh homemade vegan and vegetarian cuisine. You have plenty of options: deconstructed samosa bowls, rice bowls, hand-pressed burgers (made with Beyond Meat), and more. The Veg-in YYS Cafe offers you fresh, simple, affordable and healthy dining choices.
Healthy Eating is Going Mainstream
As you can see by the variety of organic and farm-to-table restaurants we’ve listed here, healthy eating isn’t just a fad. More vegetarian, gluten-free, organic and scratch-made choices are cropping up every day. Try one (or all!) of these great healthy Calgary restaurants today! You can also take a look at our 8 Calgary Restaurants You Should Check Out article for some other great ideas.
Did we miss your favourite? Let us know in the comments – who knows? They could be featured in a future article 😉
Originally published Jan 30, 2018; updated May 23, 2023
Photo credits: People eating outside
Author: Casey C.
I enjoy long walks on the beach...just kidding. Diehard Oilers Fan (#SorryNotSorry). Old Man Millennial.
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