Pure Contemporary Vietnamese Kitchen + Bar - Calgary, Alberta

Lam Pham knows his flavours. This location and pure street food at the 1st street market are a true delight. So satisfying. Congratulations Lam on your recent propels choice award at great kitchen party!

This is not your typical Vietnamese spot - it is definitely more upscale (which also means it’s a bit pricier) but you get what you pay for! Most of the food here is super delicious and there are a number of interesting fusion style dishes as well. The pho broth here ... is one of the best I’ve have in the city - super rich and flavourful and the large size is huge!! We also got the chili lime wings which were super tasty and fried to perfection. My husband ordered the Tom Yum Seafood linguine which I wasn’t super impressed by however the portion size was generous and the fried soft shell crab on top was a nice touch. The service was ok - not the friendliest or most attentive staff but they get the job done. Overall this is a great spot to check out if you’re looking for some creative Vietnamese inspired food! Read more

Was recommended to try this hidden gem during my business trip. Chef/owner creates tasty dishes using unique flavors that meld very well together. Portions were also generous and menu was simple to navigate and fairly priced. Our server Aileen was pleasant and very attentive. Looking forward to trying more items ... on the menu next time! Read more

Been to this restaurant three times with my boyfriend as we live in the building next door. They’ve got high ceilings and a nice patio out front. We always go mid afternoon so it’s never busy. Service is always fast, of course noting my last comment. I think we’ve had the ... same server all 3 times and she’s always really nice and attentive. The food is why I’m giving this place 5 stars. I’m so use to going to traditional Vietnamese restaurants and stepping into Pure was like a whole next experience for me. They still have some of the traditional dishes, but with a modern twist. And their plating is something else I love about this place. This last time we tried the sate surf and turf fresh rolls (personally my favourite), the pork spring rolls and the braised pork cheek rice bowl. In the past we’ve also tried the pot au pho and a couple other items. The pork cheek was so tender and the balance of the taste was perfect. The pork spring rolls are a nice texture, not mushy in the middle, and the surf and turf rolls were perfectly paired by the sauce it sat on. Overall I can see myself coming here more often, I’m not sure why I don’t when I live so close. If you’re looking for great Vietnamese food with a modern flare, this is the place for you! Read more

I've been here regularly and have tried both the lunch and dinner menu extensively. One word...AMAZING. I heard a review from John Gilchrist on the radio raving about this place and he was there twice in one week, I had to find out what was so special. ... And to my surprise, it is everything John Gilchrist had described as part of his review and more. Thanks John for an accurate review!!! My favs include the open face bahn mi, seafood fried rice, kimchi fried rice, chau su bau appetizer, master stock chicken thigh. But literally on this menu is delicious. The recipes the chef comes up with are not the traditional vietnamese dishes you expect at a $10 pho joint. These are either new creations or a twist to existing dishes. You won't be disappointed with whatever you order, the food is just amazing. Service staff are super friendly and very helpful and courteous. Well mannered and professional and eager to ensure your dining experience is at a new level. The service and food alone can be reviewed at 5 stars each. Atmosphere is modern and calming. Very relaxing although a bit on the dark side with the darker floors and some of the darker tables, but overall a positive atmosphere. I highly recommend this place, you will not be disappointed. Read more