In Calgary’s settler days, this road led north to Alberta’s capital. Today Hwy 2 fills that role, and Edmonton Tr has reinvented itself as a corridor between downtown and 16 Ave N—and home to some of Calgary’s best markets and restaurants.

Gourmet breakfast fare from Diner Deluxe. Photographer: Jason Dziver.

BRUNCH SPOT

On Sunday morning, the line at Diner Deluxe can be formidable—a testament to the quality of their playful, upscale diner fare. The “famous” eggs Benedict are a reliable go-to, or you could opt for something sweeter like chocolate sourdough French toast served with grilled bananas. The interior is decorated with furniture and trinkets that evoke the ’50s, and while you wait there’s free coffee and retro Sunday morning cartoons. Their sister business, Urban Baker, is next door and offers delectable desserts, breads and baked goods.

FOOD TO GO

Foodies have two nationalities to choose from: Italian and Lebanese. Cedars Mediterranean Deli serves shawarma, falafel, hummus, baba ganoush, tabouli and sinfully sweet baklava, and is a perfect stop for a quick bite. Like its name suggests, the Italian Super Market is a mecca for Italian imports, freshly made sausages and pasta. Hungry shoppers should stop by at midday for their hot lunches, or on Saturday before 4 pm for a wood-fired pizza. Cheese lovers, take note: we have found Parmigiano-Reggiano here at a good price.

The new parlour at Open Range.

SURF ‘N’ TURF

High quality seafood isn’t ubiquitous in Calgary, but it is plentiful at Big Fish. Here you can find local picks such as trout and walleye, B.C. salmon, East Coast lobsters and an oyster bar. The atmosphere is cozy and casual, and the menu makes allowances for those who don’t love the delights of the sea. Next door, Open Range is for lovers of red meat, with elk, bison, lamb, steak, ribs and venison. We recommend their buffalo short ribs braised with ancho chili barbecue sauce and Spanish onion.

WINE HAVEN

AKA Wine Bar is the newest venture from the people who run Winebar Kensington and Muse. Located in a historic brick building, this spot has a first-class wine list and a food menu with tapas-style dishes, many made with local ingredients. But, it’s their Sunday brunch that had our food critic talking, especially about the eggs Benedict on homemade brioche with bacon, sausage or house-cured pork belly.

Gnocchi from Il Sogno.

CUCINA ITALIANA

Bridgeland, a community to the east of Edmonton Tr, was Calgary’s original Little Italy. This history is evident at the area’s many Italian restaurants, such as Capriccio. This family-owned, homestyle eatery serves Italian classics, and you can get a generous plate of pasta for $15. Il Sogno is a more upscale Italian experience. The dishes are painstakingly constructed, and often have a twist; their handmade gnocchi is made with Brussel sprout leaves, foraged mushrooms, butter fondue and white truffle essence.

VINTAGE FINDS

What’s In Store is hard to miss: its exterior is painted like a milk cow, and is visible from high-traffic 16 Ave N. This isn’t your typical consignment store: costumes dominate the ground level, while retro clothing in the basement goes all the way back to the ’40s and is conveniently organized by decade. Prices range from $10 to $100, though there are more pieces on the cheaper end of the spectrum.

Edmonton Trail runs north-south between Memorial Dr and McKnight Blvd. You can access it from 16 Ave NW, Memorial Dr, and 4 Ave S (take the flyover).

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