Cora's Breakfast and Lunch
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
4600 130 Ave SESte 402
Calgary, AB T2Z 0C2
(403) 288-0064
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
12 reviews for Cora's Breakfast and Lunch
12 reviews in English
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Review from Mare B.
Calgary, AB
4/6/2012
I grew up in Montreal (came to Calgary 9 years ago), and just like me ... Cora is from La Belle Province. Back there it's called Chez Cora, but just because it dropped its French, doesn't mean it's any less wonderful. I love it just as much at its new locations here as I loved it back there.
My favourite item on the menu: crepes. They are the super-thin pancakes stuffed with just about anything you can hope for -- fruit and whipped cream, or cheese and ham. Cora knows how to do them right -- this is the only place, in my opinion, to get Crepes west of Montreal. They also have standard egg n' bacon plates, fruit n' toast, or plain oatmeal -- no matter what kind of morning eater you are, they have you covered.
Inside, the restaurant is cheerfully decorated, and cozy. Lots of chickens and kitschy kinds of items strewn about; chairs and cushionly benches packed a little tight together. Only problem is: the food is so scrumptious, that the lines to get a seat are RIDICULOUS. Seriously ... I think Calgary has a major breakfast-joint shortage, because all the best places, Cora included, are always packed and lined up. If you're going to come: come early ... before 9:30am. Any later, and you'll be waiting. -
Review from Terrence L.
Calgary, AB
5/13/2012
As a former Montrealer, I've eaten at the original St-Laurent location of Cora's before, not to mention some of the other outlets. Basically, my friends find it the be all and end all of breakfast places, and in all honesty, I just don't find the appeal.
I've found the breakfast usually made competantly, but no more than say, a Denny's or a Phil's. Having a fruit allergy, I find the moutains of fruit decorations to be not only excessive, but a trendy attempt to be fancy.... and fails at that.
Still, the Construction breakfast is decent, and I do admit that the crepes are better than the norm. I also find it to be a bit pricey, but then, I guess if you're a big fruit eater, it's worth it. -
Review from Tiffany N.
Calgary, AB
3/31/2012
I've read all of my friends' glowing reviews of this place, and, seriously, I feel like I'm taking crazy pills. Bland bland bland. Just because it is all smothered in melted cheese and butter, I feel like you've all boarded the Cult of Cora train singing, "Nananananana Cora!" There is always a reason a restaurant will smother their food with creamy fat: to mask a lack of depth and flavor. I say this with L-O-V-E. Cora's is not worth the 20 minute wait to get in.
Is it the worst place for breakfast? Hardly. But it is underwhelming. Looking at the menu, I was already bracing myself for mediocrity when I saw that the only vegan option on Cora's are their fruit plate options. Their lunch menu has no vegetable sandwiches, which I found strange, since their menu and website seem to really want to hammer in how fresh everything is here. I got the Samira Platter minus the cheese, and it came to the table looking like a sad, day-old Edible Arrangement that had been sitting in the back of a van. Everyone else remarked that their food was bland, the fruits mushy and sour, and you know what else was sour? The coffee.
I probably would've rated this place a 3 if my expectations hadn't been set higher. The rave reviews and the packed restaurant had me expecting some cozy Grandma food, but instead I felt like I paid for a bunch of overpriced fruit. And while some may chalk up the bland experience to the fact that 90% of the menu is out of my reach, have a look at my veg-friendly list for Calgary. Not a single one of those places is vegan specific. There are no vegan specific places in Calgary. In fact, some of those places are downright meatoriums. But they at least do their vegetable offerings well, and I find that a place that has that right can get the rest of it right. Sad, pseudo-Edible Arrangement doesn't qualify. -
Review from Steve H.
Calgary, AB
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Food was great, although there were a couple of moldy grapes. Sat on a piece of gum which sucked, but the manager took some money off the bill. Would go again despite a bad first experience.
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Review from Angelo T.
1/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is busy and its forgivable. No matter what time you'll find yourself having to stand in line but the line does crawl to a pace and you'll be seated in no time!
In my first visit I ordered their skillet which was packed with fresh juicy veggies, potatoes, spinach, tomato, and cheese. They asked how I would like my eggs on it and I asked for raw poached. AMAZING, never had such tasty and healthy meal to start my weekend day. They had a decent helping of toast and fruit on the side as well.
The service was attentive and quick. Prices are fair and competitive with chain breakfast joints like Denny's and Ricki's. But what I liked best about Cora's was that finally a great breakfast spot down south! Seriously, I'm sick of having to rack up the miles on my leased civic and burning non renewable energy and adding to the many first world problems that burden my life. -
Review from Melanie J.
2/12/2012
What a delicious breakfast. Ordered a panini-crepe....yum! Gotta mention the abundant fresh, fruit on the side fabulously presented! Highly recommend! If going on a weekend, must make reservations, otherwise during the week, not so bad. Waitstaff was wonderful and attentive. Willing to go back again and again to try the various breakfast items!
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Review from Clara A.
5/16/2011
A friend and I were planning to grab lunch and it was up to me where to go. I was in the mood for some Vietnamese food but thought that might be too heavy for lunch, then I remembered my brother always telling me about Cora's so I thought it would be worth checking out. Boy am I happy we chose to have lunch there!
For 11 am on a Monday, the place was quite packed, so I can't even imagine what it would be like on a weekend! The service was wonderful and friendly, and the food was fast. There was so much on that menu that looked delicious, and in the end I chose the Seventh of July which turned out to be an excellent choice!
Cora's isn't very visible for someone trying to find it for the first time. The parking seemed a little scarce as well, and that area in generally is fairly high traffic. But I am definitely waiting for my next visit there and can not wait to try some more of that wonder menu! -
Review from Carrie P.
Cora's fruit displays always make me smile..... :)
I first discovered "Chez Cora" in Montreal on a business trip, back in 1998. I remember at that time thinking that the concept was so unique, that all I needed was $250,000 unencumbered cash, to bring this business to Calgary. Yes... sadly.... I looked into it. But, I was a bit short in dough, and further, I am not a restauranteur. I eat in restaurants. That's what I do.
I was delighted when Cora's made it to Calgary. I wouldn't say I am regular there by any stretch, but it is the breakfast place I choose when I am looking for a plate with more fruit, and less bacon. :) You can get the bacon there too, but you will be challenged to find that much fruit anywhere else.
The "breakfast" food itself is comparable to any other family restaurant. A poached egg tastes like a poached egg, no matter where I go. However, the large fruit portions in a lovely display are what keep me going back there.
Another consideration on whether I choose Cora over any other place is how I am "feeling". There are a lot of kids in this family restaurant, so be advised of that. This may not be your first choice on Saturday morning, after a wicked Friday. On most days for me, it is just what the doctor ordered!Listed in: Favorite Breakfast Places in…
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Review from Gabe A.
4/22/2011
On any list of K&G's favorite places to eat, Cora's would be quite high-ranking (especially thanks to K's constant raves and craves for it). I first experienced Cora's in Ottawa on a group trip back in 2004 (in itself a story for another day), and tried the Rosemary's Sunday: eggs, bacon, and two blueberry pancakes. I've had it since then and it is just as good as memory serves.
I went through a phrase where I would get the Bobby Button, an enormous omelete in a crepe platter that never leaves you hungry. Recently, I think the best meal there - certainly our mutual favorite - is the Eggs Ben & Dictine. Kat prefers the ham, I like the brie and mushroom variety. It is always a savory and satisfying meal: the roast potatoes, the generous dollop of hollandaise, and of course the fresh fruit. I usually get a double dose of fruit thanks to Kat, and it goes a long way to help digest. Washed down with a cup of coffee, and you're set for the day!
Cora's does pride itself in their sweet crepes. There is a wide variety of fruit and spread combinations, but I tend to steer away from them: for me, they are much too big for dessert, and not fulfilling enough to be a meal. Add in the fact that Cora's is closed for business at 3 pm, and it eliminates the option of a late-night snack. The location itself is a bit of a hassle: the shopping complex is a notorious traffic trap, and is a considerable drive away. But still, you can either go to Denny's, or get some real food here.Listed in: Gat Top 10
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Review from Chris S.
Calgary, AB
8/30/2011
Best Franchise Breakfast in Calgary! This place beat's Denny's! The breakfasts are great - lots of fruit and decent portions. The staff and owners are really nice and you will not be disappointed.
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Review from Tracy H.
Calgary, AB
7/25/2011
I first went to this SE (McKenzie Towne/McKenzie Lake) Cora's in the first month that it had opened and go there about once a month ever since....sometimes more! For $11-$14 you get a plate full of pancake, waffle or crêpe filled or piled up with a lot of fruit...and custard!
Another bonus is those that go to Gold's Gym can get a free fruit cocktail (a handful of different fruits thrown in a blender, soooo good!) when they show their Gold's key tag when paying. Note: if there's more than one of you taking advantage of this at your table, get separate bills to make paying at the end a wee bit easier!
I love this place - the staff are great and the owners are very hands-on and awesome to deal with.
If you go on a weekend and see a long line out the door, don't just leave! The wait whenever I've gone - even at 10:30/11:00am on a Saturday or Sunday - has not been over 30 minutes!
Try it - you'll love it!
P.S. - the NW location is disappointing after this one! -
Review from Heidi D.
Calgary, AB
7/18/2010
Our Saturday morning ritual involves breakfast out, usually at Humpty's, but this time, on a friends recommendation, we ventured out to try Cora's. I can't believe we have never heard of it before. The restaurant was warm, welcoming and friendly, a great place for families. The service was fast and fun and the place appeared clean and hygienic. The menu selection is phenomenal including eggs, fruit, smoked salmon and much more. The only downside is that everyone wants to eat there so the line-up was long, but worth the wait.
Well done Cora!
