Kensington food guide: cafés, brunch and dinner in Calgary's village by the river

Kensington is the small, walkable neighbourhood just across the Bow River from downtown Calgary, in the communities of Hillhurst and Sunnyside. Its main streets are lined with independent coffee shops, bakeries, brunch places, pubs and restaurants, all within a few blocks. Add the riverside pathways and Riley Park nearby, and it is one of the best places in the city to spend a slow afternoon eating and walking.

Where is Kensington in Calgary?

Kensington's centre is the intersection of 10th Street NW and Kensington Road NW, just north of the Bow River. Sunnyside CTrain station, on the Red Line, is a short walk away, and you can walk from downtown across the Peace Bridge or the Louise Bridge in around 15 to 20 minutes. Parking is limited, especially on weekends, so the train or a walk is easier.

What is Kensington known for?

Kensington feels like a village inside the city. It is known for:

• Coffee. Several independent cafés and roasters, some long-standing, make it one of Calgary's best coffee neighbourhoods.
• Brunch. Weekend brunch spots with lines out the door.
• Small restaurants. More than two dozen restaurants within walking distance, from Italian and steak to Asian and pub food.
• Independent shops, which make it easy to wander between meals.

What should you eat in Kensington?

Time	What to look for
Morning	Coffee from an independent roaster, a pastry or a classic diner breakfast
Brunch	Pancakes, stuffed French toast, eggs Benedict
Lunch	Sandwiches, noodles, pub food
Dinner	Italian, steak, sushi and small neighbourhood restaurants
Late	Pubs and cocktail bars on 10th Street and Kensington Road

Kensington's food scene changes often, so look for the busiest places at the time you visit, and check that a restaurant is still open before you set out.

Is Kensington good for brunch?

It is one of Calgary's favourite brunch neighbourhoods. The best-known places have long lines on Saturday and Sunday mornings and usually do not take reservations for small groups. Arrive before opening, go on a weekday, or put your name down and wander the shops while you wait. If you are a big group, look for a place that takes bookings.

What can you do in Kensington besides eat?

Kensington is close to some of the nicest outdoor spaces in central Calgary:

• The Bow River pathway, for a walk or bike ride along the water.
• The Peace Bridge, the red pedestrian bridge connecting Kensington to downtown.
• Prince's Island Park, across the river, for a picnic.
• Riley Park, a few blocks away, with a cricket pitch and gardens.
• McHugh Bluff, for views of the downtown skyline.

A good plan is to pick up coffee and pastries, walk the river, and come back for lunch.

Is Kensington good for a date night?

Yes. It has smaller, cozier rooms than downtown or 17th Avenue, and an evening walk along the river or across the Peace Bridge is a natural add-on. Book ahead on weekends; many of the best restaurants are small.

How much does eating in Kensington cost?

Kensington is mid-range for Calgary. Coffee, bakeries and diners are affordable, and dinner ranges from casual to special occasion. Alberta has no provincial sales tax, so only the 5 percent GST is added to your bill. Tip 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax amount at table service; tipping at coffee counters is optional.

When is the best time to visit Kensington?

Weekend mornings are the busiest and liveliest. Weekday afternoons are quieter and good for café-hopping. In summer, patios and the river pathways make it a full-day destination; in winter, the cafés and pubs are a warm refuge, and a chinook can bring a surprise mild day for a walk.

Can you picnic by the river near Kensington?

Yes, and on a sunny day it is one of the best things to do with food from the neighbourhood. Kensington sits just north of the Bow River, and the river pathway runs along the water within a few minutes' walk.

A simple plan:

1. Pick up food in Kensington: sandwiches, pastries, coffee or takeout from one of the small restaurants.
2. Walk down to the river and along the pathway.
3. Cross the Peace Bridge to Prince's Island Park, an island park in the Bow with lawns, shade and views of the downtown towers.

Prince's Island hosts big summer events such as the Calgary Folk Music Festival, so check what is on before you go. Pack out what you bring in, and keep an eye on the weather, which can change fast in Calgary.

How to plan a day in Kensington

1. Take the CTrain to Sunnyside, or walk over the Peace Bridge from downtown.
2. Coffee and a pastry at an independent café.
3. Walk the river pathway to Prince's Island Park.
4. Brunch or lunch back on 10th Street.
5. Browse the shops, then stay for dinner.

On Mosey you can rate the places you ate at in Kensington and the dishes you ordered, with photos, follow friends to see where they went, and keep a list of cafés and restaurants to try on your next visit.

More guides to read next:

• A food day trip from Calgary to Canmore and Banff
• Late-night food in Calgary: where to eat after the bars close
• Marda Loop food guide: cafés, brunch and Marda Gras in southwest Calgary

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