Each year, we ask Avenue readers to vote for their favourite restaurants in Calgary in our Best Restaurants readers’ choice ballot. These are some of their favourite places in the city.
Winner
Cafe Alchemist
This downtown café tops the list with a philosophy of sourcing unique and unusual flavours in its coffee beans. Along with a menu of espresso-based drinks, teas and various lattes, Cafe Alchemist has sandwiches, pastries, breakfast wraps (made with egg wraps instead of tortillas), and hearty lunchtime bowls made with locally-sourced produce and meats.
850 2 St. S.W., 403-261-0938, cafealchemist.com, @cafe.alchemist
Runners-up
Monogram Coffee
Monogram started as a small coffee cart and has since grown to four locations. Monogram works directly with farmers and roasts its coffee in Calgary, offering a huge variety of beans specialized for espresso, filter and instant options. You’re sure to get a great cup, as Monogram baristas have taken multiple placements at national and international barista competitions.
Multiple locations, monogramcoffee.com, @monogramco
Analog Coffee
With 10 Calgary locations to choose from (and more to come), Analog Coffee works with and supports farmers to source the highest quality coffee for its cafés. Paying attention to every detail from farm to cup means an amazing cup of coffee. Analog also has a great selection of pastries like muffins, scones and croissants.
Multiple locations, analogcoffee.ca, @analogcoffee.ca
Alforno Bakery & Cafe
Al forno means “oven,” and the name hints at one of the most notable things about Alforno Bakery & Cafe, which is the centre of the baking program for all of Teatro Group’s six brands. So naturally, the baked goods are not to be missed at Alforno’s five locations, where you can pair a coffee with a freshly baked croissant or scone, grab a loaf of artisan bread to take home, or try sweeter items like mousse cakes, cheesecakes and more. The Eau Claire location also offers lunch and dinner service with pizza, pasta and other items on the menu.
Multiple locations, , alforno.ca, @alfornoyyc
Element Cafe
Element Cafe is a cozy spot to sip on a cup of coffee with a friend. Those looking for something special will appreciate the monthly featured coffees or a creative latte drink flight featuring four themed drinks. Past flight themes have included Shrek and Disney-themed drink creations.
331 17 Ave. S.W., 587-352-7338, elementcafe.ca, @elementcafe