SOT | Calgary’s Best New Restaurants 2025

by avenuecalgary

The sun shines on assorted dishes sitting on a table at SOT. — The sun shines on assorted dishes at SOT. Photo by Jared Sych.

Who’s behind it
Chef-owner Alex Sang-ho Kwon

When it opened
August 2024

The dish to eat
The made-to-order signature SOT Rice

Located on a second-floor unit overlooking Inglewood’s bustling 9th Avenue, SOT serves up authentic Korean cuisine with a refined touch. SOT, which means cauldron or pot in Korean, is the brainchild of chef Alex Sang-ho Kwon. Having built his career in upscale contemporary dining, Kwon wanted a restaurant where he could express himself through elevated versions of the dishes close to his heart that he grew up eating. By incorporating Western techniques and premium local and seasonal ingredients, the menu is fresh and exciting, all while staying true to traditional Korean flavours.

SOT offers a wide range of dishes from an ultra-tender Korean bulgogi, made with certified Angus beef chuck roll, to soy-braised, Alberta pork hock terrine, a dish that retains similar textures and flavours to a traditional jokbal, but that is made here with French techniques. Not to be missed is the signature SOT Rice — this take on the traditional Korean pot rice is made to order and served in a cast iron cocotte, using premium Asian rice with a choice of delicious seasonal toppings like B.C. pine mushrooms, P.E.I. lobster and Atlantic salmon.

Kwon also harbours a deep love of vino. To further enhance the SOT dining experience, check out the carefully curated wine list, designed to perfectly complement the Korean dishes here.

1216 9 Ave. S.E., 403-690-1715, sotyyc.com, @sot_yyc