Top Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Calgary for Allergy-Friendly & Inclusive Dining

By Riley Turgeon
Budget-friendly dining is all about enjoying flavourful meals without overspending. Being frugal shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice great-tasting food, especially food that is inclusive for all dietary restrictions. Good meals and enjoyable company don’t need to come with a price tag. Take advantage of these affordable dining options in Calgary.

Firehouse Subs should be your go-to sandwich spot for the freshest ingredients and lowest prices. The entire menu can be modified to gluten-free alternatives that are sure to accommodate anyone who comes in for a bite. Sink your teeth into the Brisket Hat Trick ($13.59, 8-inch or $18.99, 12-inch) if you’re in the mood for a taste of backyard BBQ. Loaded with brisket, ham, and BBQ slaw, this sub will have you feeling satisfied. Club on a Sub ($13.29, 8-inch or $17.49, 12-inch) is your classic club sandwich but on one of their soft and famous Firehouse rolls. Stacked high on the bread is a combination of premium cold cuts like smoked turkey breast, honey ham, crispy bacon, blanketed with a melted layer of Monterey Jack cheese. With lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, and deli mustard as well. Or go for the classic Veggie ($10.59, 8-inch or $14.39, 12-inch) sub for our non-meat eaters. Caramelized green bell peppers, caramelized onions, savoury mushrooms, provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo, deli mustard, and Italian dressing. With over 15 subs on the menu and a choice to create your own, Firehouse Subs is your one-stop shop for a delicious meal at a discounted price.

Chipotle Mexican Grill has made a commitment to budget-friendly dining as well as making its menu inclusive for anyone with dietary restrictions. With the freshest ingredients, Chipotle is the ideal fuel for your busy life. The choice is yours when you step into Chipotle, with the option of a burrito, burrito bowl, taco or salad as your entree of choice. Next is your choice of meat with chicken ($12.45), barbacoa ($13.15), steak ($13.15), or carnitas ($12.65). If you’d prefer an alternative, there is Sofritas ($12.45), which is their organic plant-based protein or a veggie option ($12.45). Try a salad ($12.45) if you’re wanting to get your leafy green intake up for the day. If you want healthy and cheap, Chipotle should be your go-to for a nutritious meal.

Osmow’s Shawarma delivers its customers with authentic flavours of the Mediterranean and the low prices that are deserved. With a menu that is dedicated to serving anyone, Osmow’s has the right food for everyone. Try the Beyond Steak Shawarma Wrap ($14.29), which contains their Beyond Steak seasoned and cooked to perfection, with your choice of fresh vegetables and one of Osmow’s famous sauces wrapped in a Middle Eastern-style flatbread. Falafel On The ROCKS ($14.39) is Osmow’s way of deconstructing the shawarma and putting it on a bed of rice. On top is a mix of chickpeas, fava beans and Osmow’s secret herbs and spices mashed up into a ball, fried to perfection. The order is topped with Roasted Red Pepper hummus, Light and Vegan Garlic Sauce and tahini. The Greek Salad ($12.03) is the ideal option for “something light”. Lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers mixed with Osmow’s famous house dressing and topped with feta cheese, black olives and spices. This salad is sure to make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to an exotic island in Greece.