The 9 Best Dessert Places in Calgary That’ll Satisfy Your Sugar Cravings
Years ago, my roommates and I got into a heated debate over what the superior dessert was. If I remember correctly, chocolates and ice cream were toe to toe, but cheesecake and pie were also still in the running.
It was only recently that I realized we were asking the wrong questions. Instead of trying to find what the best dessert is, we should’ve been asking where we could get it.
As it turns out, it’s not that easy to answer that as well. However, researching for it was very fun and delicious.
Because it’s impossible for someone with a sweet tooth like me to pick just one, I’ve settled on a couple. These are the best places in Calgary where you can get exquisite desserts.
1. Village Ice Cream
– Media credit: villageicecream
Address: 431 10 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403 261 7950
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Must-order: Two Hills Earl Grey Ice Cream
If you’re a Calgary local, there’s a huge chance you’re already familiar with Village Ice Cream. Just in case you’re not, this might jog your memory: it’s that ice cream spot that always has a huge line in front of it.
Despite this, they actually only have very limited flavors. This allows them to constantly refresh their seasonal menu with flavors like ‘Peach Tea’ and ‘Grahamtellow’ (a combination of graham, Nutella, and marshmallow).
But if you ask any of their regulars (myself included), they’re likely going to say that the Two Hills Earl Grey is the best flavor. When it was introduced, it got so popular that it was promoted from being a seasonal flavor to an ‘always’ flavor.
It has a strong tea taste balanced with honey and vanilla. You can enjoy it as a pint or a sundae, but we think it tastes best in a waffle cone.
| Pro tip: Those who fall in love with Village Ice Cream can now have it on their special day. Village Ice Cream accommodates bulk orders for parties and other large functions. |
2. D Spot Dessert Cafe
– Media credit: curiocitycalgary
Address: 933 17 Ave SW #100
Contact details: +1 403 284 4649
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 1:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 1:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Must-order: Chocolate Lava Cake
The only way we can describe D Spot Dessert Cafe is that they’ve made all of our childhood dessert dreams come true. It’s the kind of place that’ll give you an intense sugar rush.
Most of the desserts here come in tower form — ice cream scoops piled high on top of a pastry, with lots of sweet syrup drizzled on top.
Seriously, it’s like they just let their imaginations run wild in that kitchen. Where else are you going to find a brownie, crepe, chocolate syrup, and vanilla ice cream all on one plate?
However, it’s one of their simplest dishes that stole our hearts. The moist exterior of their chocolate lava cake and the warm, gooey center that comes flowing out is the closest thing to heaven on earth.
| Pro tip: Make sure to bring a phone or a camera when you go to D Spot Dessert Cafe. Their desserts don’t just taste good, they look amazing as well! |
3. Made By Marcus
– Media credit: madebymarcus
Address: 1013 17 Ave SW #121
Contact details: +1 403 452 1692
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Must-order: Sea Salt & Goat Milk Caramel
The people behind Made By Marcus aren’t just confectioners, they’re also artists and innovators. They consistently push the limit to introduce something new to the world of ice cream.
They don’t shy away from unconventional flavors at all. Expect to taste something beyond sweet in this ice cream shop; some are salty, some are bitter, some are sour, and some even have that distinct umami taste.
And yet somehow, it works! Everything still tastes good because they only use premium ingredients, such as dairy from grass-fed cows and produce from local artisans.
Our personal favorite has to be the Sea Salt & Goat Milk Caramel. The caramel is there to satisfy your sweet tooth, but the sea salt keeps it from being too much. It’s so well-balanced that you won’t even notice how much you’ve eaten.
| Pro tip: Fans of Made By Marcus can now enjoy their favorite desserts in the comfort of their own homes. They have a ‘Build Your Own Box’ delivery option where you can mix and match their cakes, ice cream pints, and ice cream bars. |
4. Yann Haute Patisserie
– Media credit: yannhautepatisserie
Address: 329 23 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 244 8091
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Must-order: Macarons
You might get confused the first time you arrive at this location, but we assure you that you’re at the right place. Yann Haute Patisserie is right inside the quaint yellow house with bright blue doors.
The moment you step through those doors, you’ll be welcomed by the delicious scent of freshly baked pastries. They have it all — cakes, croissants, sausage rolls, and more.
But the real star of the show has to be their macarons. They’re soft and delicate, and they melt in your mouth as soon as you take a bite.
They come in a variety of flavors, including lemon, pistachio, and hazelnut, and we highly recommend trying as many as you can. Their colors are not as vibrant as other macarons you may see online, but that’s because they only use natural ingredients.
| Pro tip: If you want to enjoy their pastries at a later time, you can buy them frozen from Yann Haute Patisserie. They come with baking instructions and can last up to 3 months in the freezer. |
5. Amato Gelato Kensington
– Media credit: amatogelatocafe
Address: 7-2104 Kensington Rd NW
Contact details: +1 403 270 9733
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Must-order: Bomboloni Gelato Panino
For the longest time, ice cream reigned supreme in the streets of Calgary. But when Amato Gelato came into the scene, they shook up the status quo.
With over 72 rotating flavors of authentic gelato, customers are spoiled for choice.
We tend to gravitate towards the tiramisu and the cookies and cream flavors. They’re perfectly thick and not that sweet, so you can have as much as you want without feeling guilty.
You can also kick this up a notch by getting the Bomboloni Gelato Panino. This is a fluffy donut stuffed with your choice of gelato, so it’s like getting two desserts in one.
But if you’re not in the mood for gelato, you can also get one of their pastries paired with affogato. These are shipped directly from Milano, so they can satisfy those who are craving authentic Italian flavors.
| Pro tip: Amato Gelato desserts are best enjoyed while relaxing on their patio. It’s cozy and welcoming and has tons of lovely plants. |
6. La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe
– Media credit: laboulangerieyyc
Address: 2435 4 St SW
Contact details: +1 403 984 9294
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Must-order: Breakfast Crepe
Those who want to start their day right should make La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe their first stop of the morning. This place absolutely knows how to hit the mark with breakfast.
Even if you don’t wake up early, there’s no need to worry. They serve these breakfast dishes all day.
Now, there’s a whole bunch of people who’ll try to convince you that the croissants are the best item on the menu. They’re flakey and buttery, and they go well with macchiato.
Although they’re right about the last part, we believe that the crepes are the real standout. The savory crepes, specifically, are phenomenal.
The chicken and the ham crepes are superb, but the smoked salmon one is on another level. The meat is tender and rich, and the cream cheese goes so well with it that we won’t be surprised if you order it again.
| Pro tip: It’s better to go to La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe with a few buddies. They have family-size cookie and tart trays meant for sharing that’ll allow you to try as many flavors as you can. |
7. Alforno Bakery & Cafe
– Media credit: alfornoyyc
Address: 222 7 St SW
Contact details: +1 403 454 0308
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Must-order: Cinnamon Bun w/ Cream Cheese Icing
Alforno Bakery & Cafe has been a Calgary institution since it opened in 1993. Its downtown location makes it especially popular, but it’s never chaotic inside.
This cafe is the kind of place you go to if you want to sit back and relax. It’s common to see other people reading a book while sipping coffee or sharing quiet conversations here.
Our go-to order is their Cinnamon Bun w/ Cream Cheese Icing. It’s sticky and sweet, but pairing it with a Hot Mocha makes it taste just right. We’re not sure why, but we just find this combo so chic and perfect for this cafe’s vibes.
| Pro tip: Alforno Bakery & Cafe is only a few steps away from the beautiful Prince’s Island Park. You can order one of their pastries and coffees to go and enjoy them on one of the benches at the park. |
8. Black Sheep Patisserie
– Media credit: blacksheepyyc
Address: 815 17 Ave SW #140
Contact details:
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
Must-order: Raspberry Croissant
Black Sheep Patisserie is Calgary’s very own shortcut to Paris. Everything they serve is certified French.
Even the final touches they add to each dish are made with only the most premium of ingredients. They exclusively use French chocolate and their award-winning homemade jams.
Based on what we’ve tried, we find that their Raspberry Croissants perfectly showcase their craft. The croissant itself is buttery and has a nice and airy crust. But when you bite into it, you get this burst of Raspberry flavor that’s sweet and just a little bit sour.
Although, we know that some people don’t like fruit flavors that much. In this case, you’re better off with the delectable Kouign Amann Croissant or the classic Almond Croissant.
| Pro tip: Black Sheep Patisserie offers a unique high tea experience that you shouldn’t miss. Unlike the other high tea sessions in Calgary, this one mostly focuses on delightful sweet and savory French pastries. |
9. Pie Junkie Kensington
– Media credit: piejunkieyyc
Address: 1081 2 Ave NW
Contact details: +1 403 287 8544
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Must-order: Flapper Pie
We’re not exaggerating when we say this but Pie Junkie can convert anyone into a pie lover. Each one has been made with such love and care that it’s hard not to go for another slice when you finish one.
The all-butter crust they use is divine. It’s tasty on its own without overpowering the filling inside.
It’s hard to choose what their top pie is, but deep down, we know it’s the Flapper Pie. Just from the way it looks, it’s already visually stunning.
The taste, though, is really special and unique. The meringue is light and bouncy, but the inner cream has this sweet tanginess that you would never expect. It’s the kind of pie that you’d never forget after the first bite.
| Pro tip: Celebrate any occasion with the help of Pie Junkie. They’d be happy to work with you to create a custom pie that’s perfect for your special day. |