Calgary's dining scene shifts as 9 restaurants close or shutter soon
From a beloved Kensington Malaysian spot to longtime Edmonton Trail favourite Franca's, the restaurant landscape keeps changing.
Calgary's restaurant scene is in flux. Nearly a dozen spots have closed or are closing in recent weeks, a reminder that even established names can't guarantee survival in one of Canada's most competitive food markets.
Makan Malaysian Cuisine in Kensington shut down after just over a year, despite acclaim for its nasi lemak, laksa, and Sabah-style Butter Chicken. The owners posted: "After much consideration, we've made the difficult decision to permanently close our Kensington location."
Japanese bakery Pablo Cheese Tart closed its Calgary location in Bridgeland after opening in 2021. Auntie's Chinese Burger, known for Jian Bing (Chinese crepes) and Roujiamo (Chinese-style burgers), is now gone from Inglewood. Ramen Taka on the Red Mile wrapped its final service on May 24 without explanation after five years.
Love Damian, Chef Kyle Opel's Northern Italian project at downtown's Meat & Bread, served its last plates on May 29 after 18 months. Pimlico Bar on 17 Avenue SW, open just a year, also shut. Jin Bar in Bridgeland closes today after five years of bold Asian-inspired cooking.
Franca's, a fixture on Edmonton Trail for over 20 years, serves its final dinner tonight. But there's a silver lining: new restaurant Petalo will open in the same space soon.
Murrieta's Calgary also appears on the closure list, though details remain sparse.
The restaurant industry is notoriously unforgiving — high rent, thin margins, staffing challenges, and shifting tastes all chip away. Some spots thrive for decades; others disappear despite passionate followings. For Calgary diners, it's a reminder to visit the places you love while they're still here.