Restaurants You Can Walk to in Kensington Village [2024]

As a pedestrian-friendly part of Calgary, Kensington Village's restaurant scene is booming. Visitors can stroll from their Hillhurst homes in the evening and find world-class dining or just a quick bite for lunch in minutes. From international flavours to down-home Canadian favourites, there's a little something to satisfy every appetite. Here are some of the best restaurants locals can walk to in Kensington Village.

Niko's Bistro

Niko, the owner of Niko's Bistro, came to Calgary after Croatia's War of Independence and learned English while washing dishes, busing tables, and becoming a head chef. He opened this restaurant in 2006, and it's been growing in popularity ever since.

Niko's Bistro is perfect for a quick business lunch or a more formal occasion. Reservations for special events are available for up to 55 guests or cocktail parties for up to 70 friends. The restaurant offers an extensive wine list featuring mainly Italian wines, with a few additional selections from Australia and New Zealand.

This Italian bistro is located at 1241 Kensington Road NW, just a block from Providence at Kensington condos. Niko's serves lunch on Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner Monday through Wednesday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.

Blanco Cantina

Blanco Cantina is a Latin fusion restaurant in Kensington Village with outdoor patio seating available during warmer months and plenty of indoor seating year-round. Tacos and tequila are the main fares, with the restaurant serving a "dangerous" amount of different tequila flavours and margaritas. Blanco's also sells margarita kits of every flavour sold in-house. Take home the ingredients to make five specialty margaritas or two large margaritas.

Blanco's Cantina serves mainly Latin comfort food, with tacos, burritos, churros, and a few salads on their menu. Located at 1140 Kensington Road NW, Blanco's Cantina opens every day at 11 a.m. and closes on Sunday and Monday at 10 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday at 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday at 1 a.m.

Modern Steak Kensington

Modern Steak is located at 107 10A Street NW and is just a 15-minute walk from the Villagio Kensington condos in Kensington Village. Billed as the best steakhouse in Calgary, it owns a prize Black Angus bull in Warner, Alberta, and sources the highest quality beef and other ingredients only from local ranches and farms. This restaurant serves Alberta beef only, and the cattle are pasture-raised with no antibiotics or hormones.

The lower level of Modern Steak features a full bar, cocktail lounge, and dining room, while the upper deck is for dining only. Guests can reserve space for weddings, cocktail receptions, business luncheons, and other events. Hours are from Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m.

Original Joe's

Diners are welcome to bring their leashed dogs for a meal on the patio at Original Joe's. This restaurant first opened in 1997, and the laid-back staff and locals all call it "OJ's."

The food includes burgers, fries, some other comfort foods, and pub fare. They also have a menu for kids and some vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free foods. Wines are half-price on Thursday nights, and it's open every day from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. at 1220 Kensington Road.

Flipp'n Burgers

Anyone in the mood for a retro-style, flame-broiled burger and fries will want to make the walk to Flipp'n Burgers. This award-winning location at 330 10 Street NW has outdoor patio dining, dine-in, and takeout available.

Owners Ilia and Kristag built the joint with a 1950s retro vibe, complete with fresh made-to-order burgers and milkshakes. Visitors can order straight from the menu or choose items to create their burger from an extensive bar of condiments, pickles, peppers, tomatoes, and more. They even serve halal, vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Flipp'n Burgers is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Regal Cat Café

The Regal Cat Café is more than just a quiet place to grab a sandwich and a coffee—this restaurant has a separate room known as "The Kitty Kingdom." Anyone who lives in a home where pets are not allowed can stop in to pet and play with several adoptable cats.

Regal Cat Café is owned by the MEOW Foundation, which helps to adopt homeless, stray, and abandoned cats in Alberta. The restaurant itself serves coffee, tea, and baked treats. They also sell pet food, toys, and other supplies, so it's a one-stop shop for dog and cat owners. Located at 303 10 Street NW, Regal Cat Café is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Menyatai Japanese Noodle House

This traditional noodle house at 24 12 Street NW is just around the corner from the Kensington Court condos. The Menyatai Japanese Noodle House tries to do just one thing, and they do it very well: traditional ramen. The interior is clean and well-lit, and orders come out quickly for patrons.

Lunch hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3:30 p.m. Dinner is available Monday through Saturday from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Kensington Pub

Owners Lynn and Bill first purchased Kensington Pub back in 1993. Just look for the bulldog mascot on the street sign at 207 10A Street NW to find the front entrance to this traditional English-style restaurant. It's a charming, family-owned business that has become a neighbourhood meeting place and hangout.

Beers on tap include everything from Guinness Stout to Tokyo Drift IPA. Wines, spirits, and cocktails are also available. The food is English pub fare, and an English-style brunch on the weekends starts at 10:30 a.m.

Red's in Kensington

Located at 286 10 Street NW, Red's in Kensington is a breakfast and lunch diner, although they serve breakfast all day. Offering dine-in, take-out, and delivery, Red's has a large outdoor patio, and everything is made in-house with farm-fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is rustic, but the interior is well-lit.

Red's has a "Build a Burger" bar and serves several beers on tap. The chefs put together lovely plates of food, so it's well worth stopping in for lunch or breakfast anytime.

Red's is open every day at 7 a.m. except for Sunday. It's open until 2 p.m. from Monday through Thursday and until 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Holiday hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Check Out the Dining Scene in Kensington Village

Believe it or not, this list barely scratches the surface of the number of restaurants in Kensington Village. There are many additional options, and walking around the district is the best way to find them all. There's a little something on the menu for everyone here!

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