Calgary has truly blossomed into a city that wholeheartedly embraces its independent restaurants. Numerous establishments embody the essence of Calgary, becoming must-try destinations for any visitor. When tourists ask for restaurant recommendations, I consider not only the deliciousness of my favorite spots but also their uniqueness, the innovative culinary creations of the chefs, and their representation of Calgary’s broader food culture. This list could easily be expanded, but these 14 restaurants offer a glimpse into the quintessential Calgary dining experience.
Historic Charm and Modern Delights
Nestled at the heart of Calgary, where the Bow and Elbow rivers converge, sits Deane House. This historic gem, originally built in 1908 as the private residence of NWMP Superintendent Captain Richard Deane, has been lovingly restored, offering a relaxed modern ambiance. The back patio provides stunning views of the river confluence, creating a picturesque setting. The cuisine mirrors the location, showcasing high-level Canadian fare with a modern fine-dining twist, honoring the historic local flavors.
CHARCUT Roast House has been a driving force behind the growth of Calgary’s independent restaurant industry. Owned and operated by co-chefs John Jackson and Connie DeSousa, CHARCUT has shown Calgarians that top-notch restaurants can be casual and inviting. Renowned for its house-made charcuterie, particularly the pig’s head mortadella, the menu boasts a diverse selection, including pastas and fish dishes that complement the cured meats and the iconic duck fat poutine. For a quick lunch downtown, the “Lunch All At Once” is highly recommended.
Fine Dining in Historic Homes
Another fine dining gem nestled in a historic home in Inglewood is Rouge. It sets the standard for fine dining in Calgary, offering the perfect setting for special occasions or a luxurious treat. With elegant surroundings and highly professional service, Rouge delivers a memorable experience. The menu is French-inspired with a strong Canadian influence, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s location on the river near the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo adds to its charm, boasting a spacious yard with a private garden.
While many restaurants emphasize local ingredients, River Café takes it to a whole new level. Situated on Calgary’s picturesque Prince’s Island Park, a beautiful island park in the heart of the city, River Café is dedicated to regional food. With the exception of a few items like coffee and chocolate, everything is sourced in Canada, ensuring freshness, exquisite plating, and exceptional taste. The patio overlooking the river and the summer picnic basket option add to the allure of this fine dining establishment, which has been a leader in Calgary for over two decades.
Steaks and Local Flavor
Caesar’s Steakhouse may not be Calgary’s newest establishment, but its old-school charm and taste of the city’s history make it a classic choice. Established in 1972, the downtown location transports you back in time, capturing the era when Calgary’s business deals were made over plates of perfectly cooked steaks, loaded baked potatoes, and martinis. Caesar’s even maintains “traditional service,” with Caesar salads prepared tableside. While not the birthplace of the Caesar cocktail, it’s worth trying here!
Calgary is renowned for its steakhouses, and while there are many excellent options, Modern Steak stands out for its commitment to serving beef from local ranches. The restaurant offers cuts from various Alberta ranches, but the highlight is the Modern Benchmark Black Angus, sourced from offspring of a bull owned by the restaurant itself. With modern décor, yet deeply rooted in Alberta’s cattle culture, Modern Steak embodies both Calgary’s history and its future.
Casual Charm and Calgary Beer
National is a local success story, with four distinct locations, each catering to its specific neighborhood. All share a relaxed atmosphere, communal tables, excellent food, and a fantastic selection of beer. Calgary has embraced its status as a beer town in recent years, and National does a great job of showcasing some of Calgary’s best breweries alongside international favorites.
Calgarians love their brunch spots, and OEB Breakfast Co. is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With four locations across the city, this Calgary-based chain specializes in luxurious, chef-driven breakfast creations made with the freshest farm eggs and other local ingredients.
Modern Calgary Cuisine and Culinary Delights
Pigeonhole, a small plates restaurant, epitomizes modern Calgary cuisine. Billed as a “wine and snack bar,” the menu changes regularly based on seasonality and the kitchen’s creativity. However, you can always expect inventive flavor combinations, beautifully presented vegetables, and some form of tartar. For a heartier meal, their sister restaurant, Model Milk, is located next door, making this block of 17th Avenue SW a favorite among Calgary food enthusiasts.
No trip to Calgary is complete without a visit to the Simmons Building, a hub in the East Village that houses Phil & Sebastian, Charbar, and Sidewalk Citizen Bakery. Founded by Aviv Fried, an artisanal sourdough baker who started his business by delivering bread via bicycle, Sidewalk Citizen still sells those delectable loaves. The Simmons location now offers a full lunch menu, with flavors inspired by Fried’s Israeli heritage. Don’t miss the sticky buns, they’re truly divine!
Elevated Views and Culinary Treasures
There’s no better way to experience Calgary than from the top of the Calgary Tower. Even long-time residents often discover new perspectives from this bird’s-eye view. The rotating Sky 360 restaurant allows you to savor the panoramic vista from a plush seat as you rotate around the tower. While the view is the main draw, the food is equally impressive, featuring regional favorites made with bison, Canadian beef, local cheese, and other Calgary-specific ingredients.
Teatro, a grand fine dining restaurant, is located in a former bank building just off Olympic Plaza, adding to its charm. The refined Italian-inspired fare is consistently delicious and comes with special touches like olive oil from the owner’s family grove in Italy. Teatro is a particular treat for wine enthusiasts. The old bank vault serves as the wine cellar, housing an impressive collection of wines amassed over the restaurant’s 25-year history.
Pizza Perfection and Ice Cream Delights
UNA Pizza + Wine, a pioneer of Calgary’s modern restaurant scene, was instrumental in starting the city’s thin-crust pizza craze and continues to produce some of the best pizza in the city. With a no-reservations policy, there’s often a queue, but the classic prosciutto pizza, the kale Caesar salad, and bar snacks like the walnut-stuffed medjool dates are worth the wait. For a quick pizza fix, there’s a takeaway shop next door with a hidden wine bar in the back.
As long as the sun is shining, it’s ice cream season in Calgary. Village Ice Cream is one of the city’s best local scoop shops. It’s community-focused, and the ice cream itself is handcrafted and incredibly creamy. There’s often a lineup on warm days, providing an opportunity to chat with fellow ice cream enthusiasts and contemplate your flavor choice.
