The votes have been counted and the results are in. The 2025/26 Calgary Readers' Choice Awards have officially unveiled the city's favourite culinary destinations, offering a definitive guide to the best food and drink experiences in Calgary and the surrounding areas.
A Culinary Celebration
Organized by the Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun, these awards represent the authentic voice of the local community. Thousands of readers cast their votes to determine the gold, silver, and bronze medalists across dozens of categories, from cozy breakfast spots to sophisticated cocktail bars. The winners list, announced in November 2025, showcases the incredible diversity and quality of the region's dining landscape.
The Award-Winning Establishments
In the category of Favourite African Restaurant, Safari Grill took the top prize, followed by Sultan's Tent and Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant. For those with a sweet tooth, the Favourite Bakery award went to the beloved Glamorgan Bakery, with Lina's Italian Market and Lakeview Bakery rounding out the podium.
Local favourites dominated the Favourite Breakfast/Brunch Spot category, where Red's Diner earned the gold medal. Bro'Kin Yolk and Diner Deluxe secured silver and bronze, respectively. When it comes to Favourite Chicken Restaurant, the iconic Chicken on the Way claimed gold, ahead of Cluck N Cleaver and Nando's.
The city's vibrant beverage scene was also well-represented. Favourite Cocktail Bar honours went to Burwood Distillery, with Proof and a tie between Confluence Distilling and Shelter following closely. For your daily caffeine fix, Good Earth Coffeehouse was voted Favourite Coffee Shop, beating out Analog Coffee and Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters.
Beyond the City Limits
The awards also celebrated culinary excellence in nearby mountain towns. In Banff, the legendary Grizzly House was named Favourite Banff Restaurant, while in Canmore, the Grizzly Paw Pub & Brewing Company took home the gold.
Other notable winners include The Keg for Favourite Family Restaurant, Village Brewery for Favourite Craft Brewery, and Perogy Boyz for Favourite Food Truck. The complete list serves as an essential resource for both residents and visitors looking for an exceptional meal in and around Calgary.
