Culinary corridor

Sampling the 17th Avenue restaurant scene

Crossing the city from east to west, 17th Avenue is both thoroughfare and destination. Cleaved by the Elbow and Bow rivers, it's not a direct route, but the two halves are sides of the same coin, bonded by street name and a string of restaurants worth seeking out. Whether east or west, expect to find restaurants that celebrate and reflect Calgary's well-crafted and culturally diverse culinary scene.

17TH AVENUE S.W.

Anju
344 17 Ave SW
All the traditional flavours of Korea – soy, sesame and spicy gochugaru – get a modern makeover at Anju. The restaurant serves up small plates of crave-worthy food, from crispy tofu on a bed of kimchi and pork belly to playful fusion dishes, such as a Korean take on southern U.S. staple fried chicken and waffles.

Calcutta Cricket Club
340 17 Ave SW
A tribute to Indian street food and family feasts, Calcutta Cricket Club marries the food and flavours of India's Bengal region with the aesthetic of gentlemen's clubs from the Raj era. Start with kati rolls and chili chicken, and finish with a large-format dish like the beef short rib biryani. Or, start the weekend off right with a brunch menu that includes dishes like spiced scrambled eggs and puri chole – a spicy chickpea curry with deep-fried flatbread.

Pigeonhole
306 17 Ave SW
The dishes at this spot, which has taken up residence in the former Victoria's Restaurant, defy categorization. From mismatched dinnerware to dishes that reflect cuisines from all spots on the globe, this is a restaurant that, well, can't be pigeonholed. It's worth stopping in often, as both the wine list and menu change regularly.

Una Pizza & Wine
618 17 Ave SW
From lunch to late night, there's never a bad time to stop by Una. Feast on the California-style pizzas with their thin and chewy crusts, while ordering up meatballs and the signature Kale Caesar on the side for a full meal. Go for a classic Margherita or indulge in the "4-maggi," topped with four cheeses and a drizzle of honey.

17TH AVENUE S.E.

Jane Bond BBQ
2014 36 St SE
Formerly a food truck, Jane Bond BBQ put down roots just off International Avenue, offering southern barbecue classics – ribs, brisket, pulled pork and fried catfish – with some unexpected flair, such as the coconut cornbread or bourbon peach burger, topped with grilled peaches and Brie.

Pho Dau Bo
4909 17 Ave SE
The secret is out. A hidden gem for many years, this Vietnamese restaurant fills quickly at lunch with diners seeking steaming bowls of hot pho or flavourful rice vermicelli dishes. Opt for the spicy sate for a kick of heat, or standard rare beef for a milder touch. Don't forget to add in lots of basil and lime.

Ramen Tekkotsu Ya
1704 61 St SE
The newest kid on the block, this ramen joint has only been open since January, bringing more Japanese noodles to a city that can't seem to slurp enough. Choose from classic shio (salt) or shoyu (soy sauce) broths with either pork or chicken, or go for the spice-spiked Jigoku ramen, which borrows its name from the Japanese word for hell.