There’s a new addition to Calgary’s dining scene that’s already catching attention. IBU Restaurant & Bar is now open on 14th Street SW, just across from Our Daily Brett, offering contemporary Asian-inspired cuisine with a creative twist.
The name IBU means “mother” in Indonesian, symbolizing warmth, connection, and shared experience. Behind the concept are Calgary father-and-son chefs Jeff and Joel Matthews, whose combined experience spans decades and continents. Jeff cooked for King Hussein of Jordan before spending 30 years leading kitchens in Southeast Asia, while Joel trained in Bali and Melbourne before returning home to Calgary. Together, they’ve created a menu that blends refined technique with the heart of home cooking.
From the Menu
Expect a lineup of shareable plates and rich, flavour-packed mains that mix Southeast Asian ingredients with contemporary style. Highlights include:
Malaysian Laksa – coconut cream broth, noodles, herbs, and spice
Roasted Crispy Pork – perfectly golden with pickled daikon and mint
Braised Beef Rendang with Sumatran spices, coconut milk, and toasted garlic
Ayam Pelalah Lettuce Wraps with shredded Balinese chicken, crispy garlic, and lime leaf
12-Hour Sous Vide Pork Belly with Hokkaido Scallops – the showstopper
WTF Mushrooms with yuzu-cilantro butter and crispy enoki
Brunch runs on weekends with inventive dishes like Truffle Bonito Tots, Thai Basil Avocado Toast, and The Expat Choice, featuring deep-fried pork belly, sunny eggs, and tiger mayo over rice or tots.
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The Experience
Inside, IBU offers an open kitchen and a welcoming space that feels modern and relaxed. The sunny patio out front makes it an easy pick for weekend lunches or happy hour cocktails. The drink list includes sake, local craft beer, and signature cocktails like the Spiced Mango Margarita and Tokyo Smoke, a cedar-smoked bourbon classic.
A Chef’s Table experience is also in the works for early 2026, designed as an intimate multi-course tasting beside the open kitchen.
IBU Restaurant & Bar
2915 14th Street SW, Calgary
Now open Tuesday to Sunday
Menu and reservations: ibuyyc.com