Matador’s has been serving up hearty food in the northwest neighbourhood of Varsity, Calgary since 1976. It’s clearly a Calgary Classic, having stood the test of time and remaining the go-to dining destination for many who love hearty food in a relaxed environment.

Located in a strip mall near the intersection of Varsity Drive and Shaganappi Trail, the demand for parking is always an indicator of the Matador‘s popularity.

Their reputation is certainly based on their good service, their use of local produce and, of course, their wholesome menu dishes. With dine-in, take-out and delivery menu options, covering lunch, dinner and kids’ offerings, they have something for everyone and at reasonable prices. They also offer great daily specials.

Dining-in offers patrons the option to be seated in the bar or in the restaurant. During a recent revisit to Matadors for an impromptu family dinner we managed to only find place in the bar. Seating was modest and obviously a little noisier, as would be expected from a bar setting.

Between us we ordered a gluten-free pizza, a Greek-style chicken dish, and an “obligatory” oven-baked lasagna.

While the spinach chicken pizza was a little flavourless and unexciting, the Greek-style chicken with a double serving of succulent breasts did not disappoint. As for the infamous oven-baked lasagna, served piping hot in a stainless steel skillet direct from the oven along with garlic toast, this killer dish never disappoints. I’d love to know how many lasagnas this joint serves up in a week.

If you’ve never paid this classic neighbourhood restaurant a visit, we’d recommend you give them a try. We suspect you’ll be glad you did and you’ll be introducing your family and friends to it’s menu soon thereafter!