Hello dear
Welcome To Marko's Kitchen
At Marko's Kitchen, we offer a delightful escape into the heart of Balkan cuisine right in Calgary. Our story is rooted in homestyle cooking and a commitment to quality, with every dish prepared from scratch. Known for our generous portions and warm atmosphere, we cater to diverse dietary preferences, providing gluten-free and dairy-free options. Signature dishes like Marko's Cordon Bleu, Chevapi, and stuffed peppers highlight our dedication to authentic flavors. With attentive service and the owner's personal touch, dining here feels like family. Don't miss our unique desserts and authentic Turkish coffee—where every meal is a heartfelt celebration of tradition and taste.
About
Marko's Kitchen
If you’re in Calgary and yearning for authentic Balkan cuisine, look no further than Marko's Kitchen, a culinary gem located at 5708 1st St SE #1. This charming restaurant, helmed by the warm-hearted Marko, not only offers a delightful dining experience but also embraces the rich flavors and traditions of Balkan gastronomy.
At Marko's Kitchen, every dish is crafted with passion and dedication, ensuring that each plate showcases the vibrant tastes of the region. The menu features a tempting array of mains, including delectable Cabbage Rolls and Shish Chevap, with prices starting around CA$17. For those seeking a gourmet experience, the Marko's Gourmet Hamburger at CA$20 offers a flavor-packed bite that will keep you coming back for more. Don’t miss the BBQ Platter, a feast fit for sharing at CA$59.
- Highlights of the Menu:
- Vegan Cabbage Rolls: Perfect for plant-based diners at CA$19.50.
- Homemade White Bean Soup: A comforting delight at CA$14.00.
- Generous Portions: Enjoy hearty servings ideal for family gatherings.
With an emphasis on healthy choices, the kitchen also caters to various dietary preferences, offering alternatives like Spaghetti Squash and Keto and GF Buns. This thoughtful attention to inclusivity is echoed in reviews from satisfied customers who rave about the restaurant’s ability to serve gluten-free and dairy-free options without compromising flavor.
The welcoming atmosphere, infused with lively Croatian music, complements the dining experience. Many diners, including Rafael Olivares, have noted the familial vibe that Marko cultivates, making each visit feel special. Customers frequently highlight the exceptional service, often delivered with a personal touch from Marko himself, fostering a sense of community and warmth.
Pair your meal with one of the carefully curated wines—like a robust Malbec for just CA$9—or indulge in a cup of their renowned Turkish coffee to round off your experience. Dessert lovers will appreciate the craft desserts, unique to Marko's Kitchen, and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
In summary, Marko's Kitchen offers more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of Balkan food culture. Whether you're a local or just visiting Calgary, this establishment promises a dining experience filled with heartfelt service, generous portions, and delectable flavors. With stellar reviews confirming its status as a must-visit, Marko's Kitchen is poised to become your favorite spot for good eats and great company.
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“ This fantastic little place serves some of the best Slovenian food I've had in a long time. The food was very affordable and the taste was on point, I will definitely be brining my friends and family here. ”
“ Marko's Kitchen is an absolute gem in Calgary! Our work lunch experience was exceptional from start to finish. The Balkan cuisine here is unparalleled in Alberta, with each dish prepared from scratch and offering healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. The owner's warm welcome added to the inviting atmosphere, and the attentive staff ensured we had everything we needed. Portions were generous, and the food arrived promptly without sacrificing quality. Don't miss out on the Turkish coffee—it's a must-try! Overall, an immaculate dining experience that I highly recommend to anyone seeking delicious Balkan cuisine in Calgary ”
“ This charming Balkan-style restaurant offers a unique experience with exceptional service, homestyle cooking, and craft desserts you won't find anywhere else. I believe that its success lies in the owner's ability to cater to a wide range of tastes, dietary preferences and restrictions. While the 'cevapi' and 'pleskavica' are delightful, I’d love to see them made with a half-and-half mix of ground pork and beef. The roasted suckling pig and lamb are absolute feasts, though availability can be hit or miss—they are available on weekends only and might not be on the menu at all the weekend you visit. The coleslaw stands out as the best salad, and portion sizes are generous for the price range of 20–30. That said, individual portions of the lamb roast is knocking at the doors of steak-price territory. The imported bottles of small-batch fruit brandies are exceptional—highly recommend the Quince Brandy. Overall, this is a one-of-a-kind spot that’s sure to leave you satisfied, especially after a chat with Zika, the warmest and friendliest owner you’ll meet in this corner of the world! ”
“ It is a family restaurant in SE Calgary. The atmosphere is great because the owner attends you as his family. The Croatian live music was spectacularly good. Croacian larger beer was so good . The food was a big challenge and soecial. I WILL BE BACK ”
“ We had read a lot about Marko's kitchen on review sites, and seeing as we were in the mood for a celebratory family dinner, we decided to give them a try, and it didn't disappoint! The amount of dietary options is hugely welcome as I am mostly whole foods ketogenic these days. I had a plan to carb cycle today and indulge a bit (fries) and it was all fantastic. We ordered the broccoli cheese balls and the almond crackers, both excellent starters. They make their own almond flour for the batter and crackers base. Best I've ever had! Next came the mains and the portion sizes are very large for the quality and price. We ordered 1 x pork Cordon Bleu and 1 X chicken and 2 X gourmet hamburgers. All were the very definition of comfort food on a chilly winter evening. The flavors were all on point with the beef in the burger obviously fresh and flame broiled, and the chicken cordon bleu oozing with creamy cheese and a crunchy almond flour crumble batter . The atmosphere was incredibly friendly with a special table touch from Marko himself, who clearly loves his calling to cooking! The restaurant is long and narrow, giving each table a nice degree of privacy. Will we be back? In a heartbeat! Marko's Kitchen gets a very high recommendation from the entire family! We can't wait for our next visit! ”
“ Marko’s Kitchen is a hidden gem. We have been searching for Serbian food in Calgary, and this place is the answer. The schnitzel was very good but we really enjoyed the grilled platter of sausages (cevapi), chicken and burgers with the side of pita - all made in house with all natural ingredients according to the owner. The owner was even kind enough to give our son a tour of the kitchen, with tips on how to cook the cevapi (available for purchase). We are very happy with our experience and would highly recommend Marko’s to our friends. ”
“ Visited the restaurant for the first time and when we stepped inside, it felt so homey and cosy. We were really looking forward to trying Balkan food and we had a delicious meal. Two dishes I would get again are Burek and Chevapi, they were really good. Will be back! ”
“ Hey, as a fellow Croatian, I adore this place! The food's incredible, the staff are super friendly and helpful, and it feels so cozy. The souvenirs, photos, and cool stuff decorating the walls – showcasing Croatia and Serbia – really add to the charm. The owner's a hard worker, always greeting everyone with a smile and a joke. And if you're curious about the Balkans, he'll happily share amazing stories. Plus, the food is authentic and delicious. You'll love it! ”