It is that time of the year when everyone is starting to make summer vacation plans.

But what if you don’t have to actually get out of Calgary to feel the vacation vibes?

See also

Calgary is one of Canada’s fastest growing and most vibrant cities, and it never lacks exotic restaurants and bars.

Here’s a list of restaurants that will make you feel like you’re on vacation. Save some money and head to one of those spots for the ultimate vacation vibe.

A post shared by Ricardos Hideaway (@ricardosyyc) on Nov 30, 2017 at 4:17pm PST

Ricardo’s Hideaway is a tropical bar offering authentic Caribbean food and good vibes. It has a great selection of rum, as well as other delicious drinks like piña coladas and daiquiris. With those thunderstorm forecasts in Calgary, the tropical cocktails, and lively atmosphere at Ricardo’s will definitely make you feel like you’re on vacation.

Address: 1530 5th Street SW

Phone: 587-349-2585

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

A post shared by Calcutta Cricket Club (@calcuttacricket) on Jun 19, 2018 at 4:10pm PDT

Calcutta Cricket Club is a fun Indian restaurant that draws inspiration from the cosmopolitan nature and cuisine of West Bengal, India. Once you walk in, you’ll find some quirky and colourful decor that will brighten up your day. Its large 50-seat veranda has an upscale yet quaint vibe, calling for many cozy nights and mango gin cocktails.

Address: 340 17th Avenue SW

Phone: 403-719-1555

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

A post shared by Two Penny (@twopennychinese) on Apr 25, 2018 at 9:24am PDT

Two Penny is a Chinese inspired, family-style restaurant specializing in foods like dumplings, buns and noodles. The restaurant’s decor is modernized while still giving you a feeling of the traditional Chinese culture. If you’re not feeling like getting food, you should head downstairs to the Tea House and enjoy some creative cocktails.

Address: 1213 1st Street SW

Phone: 403-474-7766

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

A post shared by Los Chilitos (@los_chilitos) on May 3, 2017 at 2:42pm PDT

Chilitos Taberna, or Los Chilitos as it was previously known, is a family-friendly restaurant serving up authentic Mexican classics, top-notch Margaritas, and a wide selection of tequila. The restaurant’s rustic interior design and music will bring your mind to Mexico and make you want to dance. Its colourful two-level split patio seats about 80 people and is also one of the most popular patios on 17th Avenue.

Address: 1309 17th Avenue SW

Phone: 403-228-5528

Instagram

A post shared by The Casbah Restaurant (@thecasbahrestaurant) on Feb 8, 2017 at 9:59pm PST

At The Casbah Restaurant, everything is done in a true Moroccan style. The restaurant is decorated with authentic carvings, tiles, paintings, and crafts, which result from twelve centuries of Moroccan art. Following Moroccan tradition, you will also be treated to a rosewater hand wash ceremony before consuming some delicious dishes. Dining here will give you a full-on experience of the Moroccan culture.

Note: This spot reopens April 12m 2019.

Address: 720 11th Avenue SW

Phone: 403-265-9800

Facebook | Instagram

A post shared by Cassis Bistro (@cassisbistro) on Jun 30, 2018 at 2:51pm PDT

If you want to feel like you’re on vacation in Southern France, Cassis Bistro is where you want to be. It is a quaint restaurant offering South-of-France flavour with a local flair, and it’s got a good selection of drinks. Sip on a glass wine and enjoy some French music and black and white movies playing in the background — you won’t want to leave at the end of your meal.

Address: 2502 17th Avenue SW

Phone: 403-262-0036

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

View this post on Instagram A post shared by In a Split Second Foodie (@inasplitsecondfoodie) on Feb 23, 2019 at 9:01pm PST

Shokunin was voted as one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants, and it is a proper izakaya (casual Japanese pub for after-work drinking) spot serving up Japanese food with a killer sake selection. It features the kind of food traditionally served at an izakaya back in Japan, and all its skewers are grilled on a charcoal grill. Have a bottle of sake here and enjoy a true Japanese dining experience.

Address: 2016 4th Avenue SW

Phone: 403-229-3444

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

A post shared by Pigeonhole Restaurant (@pigeonholeyyc) on May 22, 2018 at 3:47pm PDT

Pigeonhole sits at the end of 17th Avenue and offers wine and bar snacks. Its charming patio is decorated with green plants and flowers, and it will make you feel like you’re sipping rosé on the streets in Paris. Come in for some patio days in the warmer months.

Address: 306 17th Avenue SW

Phone: 403-452-4694

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

A post shared by Shine Vazhappilly (@shinevazhappilly) on Aug 22, 2015 at 3:24pm PDT

Santorini is one of the most established Greek restaurants in Calgary, serving up the traditional warm and fresh Greek cuisine like flaming pan-fried cheese, pristine Moussaka, and chicken Souvlaki. It has the kind of traditional Greek decor that’s clean and refreshing. Try one of its authentic Greek dishes, and you will feel like you are on vacation in Santorini.

Address: 1502 Centre Street NE

Phone: 403-276-8363

Facebook | Twitter

A post shared by WURST (@wurstcalgary) on Nov 14, 2015 at 7:27pm PST

Wurst is a beer hall that is built in a traditional Hofbräuhaus style. It offers some of the most authentic German dishes in town, and it’s got a stellar German beer list including Paulaner, Erdinger, and Schofferhofer. You won’t have to pay for expensive flights to Munich and can still get a taste of Oktoberfest here.

Address: 2437 4th Street SW

Phone: 403-245-2345

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram