Calgary’s Italian food scene just scored national attention. DOPO and its upstairs neighbour Bar Rocca have been named finalists on Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants 2025 list, putting them in the running for a spot in Canada’s top ten later this fall.
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The Story Behind DOPO
When beloved 1st Street spot D.O.P. closed last year, owner Tony Migliarese knew it wasn’t the end. Dopo means “after” in Italian, and the new restaurant reflects exactly that — a next chapter that keeps the warmth and authenticity of his family recipes while adding a fresh perspective.
With Chef David Leeder at the helm, the menu leans into Southern Italian tradition with a modern edge. Hand-rolled pasta, seasonal ingredients, and bold flavours have already earned DOPO a devoted following in Marda Loop and recognition on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list earlier this year.
Bar Rocca Upstairs
Just above DOPO sits Bar Rocca, a cozy spot for wine, cocktails, and snacks. It’s the kind of intimate place you’ll want to tuck into for an aperitivo or a nightcap, with oysters and olives that pair perfectly with a glass of Italian red.
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National Recognition
Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants program has been highlighting Canada’s top dining talent since 2002. Finalists are selected for the quality of their food, level of service, and commitment to culture and culinary creativity. To ensure authenticity, an anonymous culinary expert visits each restaurant as any guest would before the list is finalized.
This year’s top ten will be announced on November 17 in Toronto, hosted by chef Chuck Hughes. Win or not, DOPO + Bar Rocca’s place on the finalist list signals what Calgarians already know — these two spaces are setting the bar for how the rest of the country sees our city’s food culture.
If You Go
DOPO + Bar Rocca
1907 34th Ave SW, Calgary
Reservations recommended
✨ A glass of wine upstairs, a bowl of pasta downstairs, and now a finalist spot on one of the biggest food lists in the country. Not a bad year for Marda Loop’s Italian destination.