Vegetarians visiting Calgary, AB have many options to eat delicious, meat free meals.

Although Alberta’s best known for its “Alberta Beef,” vegetarians will find many restaurants with meat-free options. Most have a menu item or two that suffices, but the restaurants listed below either have many great dishes or the one they do have is spectacular.

Vegetarian Restaurant Options in Calgary:

Galaxie Diner

1413 11th Street SW

(403) 228-0001

A real trip to retroland parks you at this café. Breakfast is the most popular time to eat here, but it’s worth the wait if a line up forms. Better yet, it’s served all day long if you sleep in. Starting with one of their old fashion milkshakes is the perfect wake up call. From there, all of the breakfast items, like eggs benedict, the breakfast burrito or an omelette with unlimited ingredients, have a vegetarian option.

Avenue Diner

105 8th Avenue SW

(403) 263-2673

Another touch of retro has brushed this pleasing eatery. Breakfast is the highlight here and options like bananas Foster French toast with spiced rum butter and brown sugar or eggs benny without meat, dot the menu. The whole grain pancakes with Canadian maple syrup, though, are the definite winners: three thick, fluffy pancakes fill the plate and adding the fruit compote is a must.

River Café

Prince’s Island Park

(403) 261-7670

Situated in the pedestrian-only Prince’s Island Park, this eatery overlooks the Bow River and patio seating looks right onto a calm walking path and river. The cuisine focuses on local and Canadian ingredients and presentation is delightful. Rave reviews are too numerous to mention, so settle into the unpretentious atmosphere and feel completely removed from the bustle of downtown Calgary.

Thomsons at Hyatt Regency Calgary

700 Centre Street CE

(403) 717-1234

Sourcing produce locally whenever possible, the menu has a great noodle and tofu dish. Soba noodles rest at the bottom of the funky bowl, as slices of grilled tofu criss cross on top. The rest of the dish is complimented with crisp vegetables like mushrooms and peas. An array of salads and vegetarian soups are also available throughout the day, as well as dishes like pumpkin ricotta ravioli, a grilled portabella burger, and vegetable spring rolls.

Buzzards Restaurant & Bar

140 10th Avenue SW

(403) 264-6959

Even this “cowboy cuisine” restaurant has vegetarian options. In order to match the western theme, try the garden burger with large tomatoes, onion sprouts, delicious red pepper coulis, and a heap of tasty fries. You won’t have room for much more, but a full wine and bar list are available in both the restaurant and the adjoining Bottlescrew Bill’s pub. Take a walk around to see all the cowboy objects and the history that makes this a favourite location all year round, especially during the annual Calgary Stampede.

Centini Restaurant and Lounge

160 8th Avenue SE

(403) 269-1600

For “vegetarians” who love seafood, this hip Italian restaurant is a great place for dinner. A wide selection of fish runs throughout the entire menu, from lobster & prosciutto chowder to seafood pasta and pan roasted arctic char. Three or four course meals are the norm, so go hungry and you’ll enjoy every bite.

Recommended Calgary Hotel

Central to city attractions and dining options is the grand Fairmont Palliser hotel. Once the hotel of the CPR (Canadian Pacific Railway) station, the hotel now lavishes guests with deluxe accommodation and superior service. Contact Tourism Calgary (1-800-661-1678) for more information about dining or staying in Calgary.