Best Downtown Calgary Quick-Lunches and Take-Out Spots

Delicious Quick Lunches On-the-Go in Downtown Calgary!

Hungry and pressed for time or don't necessarily feel like sitting down in a restaurant to eat?

If this is you, I know exactly how you feel and how challenging it can be sometimes to find quality food that's quick-to-order and to-go.

Here is a list of Calgaryism's top quick-lunch spots in the downtown area and a few additional ones in the surrounding districts... because there's nothing better than eating something delicious and healthy when you're in a rush or pressed for time!

These places are great for TAKEOUT, DINE IN, PICNIC or to IMPRESS your friends and co-workers!

Holy Grill

If you love delicious burgers, breakfast food and panini's, this is the place for you. I suggest the pacific with salmon, capers, cream cheese and artichokes, a ingredient combo that will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds!

In the mood for a quick burger instead? Try the Calgaryism, avocado, bacon and banana peppers on top of a juicy burger and bun.... don't forget to try the sweet potato chips! Learn more at our Holy Grill Restaurant Review.

• Address - 827 10th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-269-4659

Cafe Mauro

For a city full of amazing and well know Italian deli’s, Cafe Mauro sure deserves to be ranked among the best.

This little know deli is located on the main floor of a office building from Mountain Equipment Co. and across the street from Holy Grill.

Let's just say that I am one of the biggest sandwich fans around and Cafe Mauro's gourmet selection never disappoints! Also see these Best Calgary Foods Under $10.00 today.

• Address - 999 8th Street SW, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-277-7572

Boxwood

Located in Central Memorial Park and sister to the well known River Café, Boxwood is a great place for a local sandwich.

This cafe has dine in as well as take out options and features a great patio that backs out onto the park - great for spring and summer dining.

This patio is so great, we've included in our list of Best Calgary Patios... check them out!

• Address - 340 13th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-265-4006

Grumans

Grumans is quickly becoming popular among foodies in the Calgary beltline.

Grumans specializes in Montreal smoked meat and other meat dishes, perfect for those looking to spice things up every once in a while... or every day! Visit this fairly new food establishment in Victoria Park today!

Also make sure you don't miss our list of Top 10 Restaurants in Victoria Park, Calgary!

• Address - 230 11th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-261-9003

Giuseppe's Market

This newer Italian market is located downtown on the reinvigorated 1st street. I suggest trying their pizza, my favorite is the "Giuseppe" or the "Sicilian".

Their thin crust pizza is freshly made with the finest ingredients in their forno oven. I also recommend trying the zesty calabrese & meatball sandwiches... they are to die for! See more of Calgary's Best Italian Deli's here.

• Address - 1207 1st Street SW, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-232-6230

La Boulangerie

If you like pastries and other delectable delights, you will be pleased to know that La Boulangerie has one of the best line-ups of scrumptious French baked goods in town!

I highly recommend any of their crepes, or, for take home, croissants and breads.

Unfortunately as with all good food and drink establishments around YYC, La Boulangerie has limited space for food-savvy customers, so going at a non-peak eating time is recommended.

• Address - 2435 4th Street SW, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-984-9294

Mercato Market

Located on 4th street in the Mission area, Mercato consists of two parts, a restaurant and grocery store. While the restaurant is renowned for having amazing food and a vibrant atmosphere, the grocery area is known for its fresh produce.

The deli consists of sandwiches, to go foods, pastas, meats, cheeses and many fine Italian specialties imported from Italy.

My favorite at the Mercato deli would be the pear and gorgonzola pizza, the dominico panini and the roast beef sub with some extra cheese on it.

On the way out grab a bottle of San Benedetto Iced Tea; I swear this iced tea was made in heaven! Also see our list of Best Calgary Pasta Restaurants today.

• Address - 2224 4th Street SW, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-263-5535

Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarines

In China town sits my absolute favorite Vietnamese submarine destination in all of Calgary!

Hidden away from sight, usually behind a pile of cars, this hiddem gem will not disappoint your stomach or your wallet.

My favorite is the sate chicken, although the sate beef and other sandwiches are just as delicious!

• Address - 209 1st Street SE, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-265-5452

Spolumbo's Fine Foods

Located in Inglewood, Spolumbo's Deli will knock your socks off with its absolutely delightful and rather large Italian submarine sandwiches, not to mention free pickles and an assortment of salads to go with.

Spolumbo's is open till 5pm daily and closed on Sunday's. I recommend the "mini"calabrese sandwich, tomato salad and sausage on a bun, or for a more reserved taste try the Italian turkey.

• Address - 1308 9th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-264-6452

Peppino's

Located in the trendy Kensington Business Revitalization Zone, my favorite Peppino's sandwich is "The Vesuvios" - a fiery mixture of Calabrese salami, Capicollo and banana peppers, served on a baguette.

I also recommend trying the meatball sub, it's one of the best in Calgary! Peppino's also has gelato and a great selection of lunch time and take home foods.

See our full Peppino's Calgary Restaurant Review today.

• Address - 240 Kensington Road NW, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-283-5360

Le Epicerie

Founded by former Teatro head chef, Dominique Moussu, the team at Le Epicerie have personally selected only the best quality of French imports and fine goods for the crafting of their French delicacies.

I highly recommend giving Le Epicerie a visit when in need of a quick-lunch on a busy work day!!

• Address - 1325 1st Street SE, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-514-0555

Sunterra Market Bar

Sunterra Market Bar is one of the most affordable quick lunch spots there is in Calgary, and the great thing is that they don't cheap out on food quality!

Every time I have visited Sunterra Market Bar the food has been delicious. They offer typical lunch menu items that are prepared quickly and brought out to you.

They also have a daily "crock pot" at the front of the open kitchen area, which is always a good bet for a quick lunch! Last time it was chicken vegetable stew on top of rice or potatoes for only $5! See our Sunterra Market Bar Restaurant Review today.

• Address - 200 12th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-261-6772

Cucina

Cucina has a great selection of locally sourced menu items and freshly baked goods to choose from.

Find Cucina off of Stephen Avenue (8th Avenue SW) in Eighth Avenue Place and grab a quick-to-go, freshly made sandwich while on break!

Cucina also serves up a great brunch on weekends... see our list of Best Calgary Breakfast Spots today.

• Address - 515 8th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 587-353-6565

FARM

FARM makes some of the best sandwiches in town. No jokes!

Every year they bust out the turkey and cranberry sandwich around Christmas time and I am ashamed to admit that it was better than my Grandma's version!

Combine one of their delicious sandwiches with the house special soup for full enjoyment. See our FARM Calgary Restaurant Review Part 2 today for more information!

• Address - 1006 17th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB
• Phone Number - 403-245-2276

Best Quick Lunches in Calgary...

These are a few of my personal favorites and I hope you too can call them yours.

If you know of any places that are delicious and quick, please let me know and I will add them to the list! Until next time, be sure to check out some more of the best in Calgary today!