Calgary has very stylish and exciting restaurants. The city is going through an unparalleled period of prosperity, and the citizenry's average age is around 30. Put these two factors together and you've got the ingredients for a vibrant bar-and-restaurant scene. The focus for downtown dining has moved to the pedestrian-friendly Stephen Avenue area (that is, 8th Ave. near 1st St. SW), with more casual bistros and restaurants found along 17th Avenue.
Inexpensive -- There are dozens of inexpensive restaurants in Chinatown, not all Chinese; check out Vietnamese and Thai options. Dim sum is widely available and inexpensive. There's also a food court in the TD Square mall at 8th Avenue and 3rd Street SW.
On 17th Avenue -- Roughly between 4th Street SW and 10th Street SW, 17th Avenue is home to many casual restaurants and bistros (and the scene has recently edged south along 4th Street SW). Take a cab or drive over and walk the busy cafe-lined streets, perusing the menus; the restaurants listed are just the beginning.
A good place to get a feel for the avenue is Melrose Place, 730 17th Ave. SW (tel. 403/228-3566), a bar/restaurant that has the best deck seating in the area (sit by the street or by a waterfall).
