20 Best Calgary Restaurants

<p>Alberta’s largest city, also known as Cowtown (for its central role in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/north-america/canada"><u>Canada</u></a>’s beef production, not to mention its status as the home of the Calgary Stampede, an annual rodeo and exhibition), Calgary is the international gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Set upon the confluence of the Bow and the Elbow Rivers, it hosted the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, and has consistently ranked among the top ten most liveable cities in the world by <i>The Economist</i>. A far cry from its standard meat-and-potatoes fare of decades past, the city has exploded with many diverse and delicious restaurants — here are some of our recent favourites!</p><h2><strong>Fine Dining</strong></h2><h3><a href="http://www.teatro.ca/"><strong>Teatro</strong></a></h3><p><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);">Located in a historic building downtown, this staple of the Calgary culinary scene has been serving up Mediterranean fare for 25 years. The secret to their success perhaps lies in their extra virgin olive oil, which makes an appearance in most of their dishes. Rich and fruity in flavour, the oil is made from olives grown by the owner’s family in Italy.</span></p>

<h3><a href="http://www.river-cafe.com/"><strong>River Café</strong></a></h3><p>The River Café rests aside a lagoon in the heart of Prince’s Island Park, affording sweeping views of the park and city skyline. Inside, the atmosphere is inspired by the natural features of the Bow River Valley, with seasonal Canadian cuisine and an open-hearth fieldstone fireplace providing the feel of dining in an old Rocky Mountain fishing lodge.</p><h3><a href="https://rougecalgary.com/"><strong>Rouge</strong></a></h3><p>Find Rouge in Calgary’s hip Inglewood neighbourhood. A large, on-site garden serves as the basis for Rouge’s homegrown menu, with Chef Paul Rogalski drawing inspiration from the season to showcase local food at its most flavourful.</p><h2><strong>Underground Bars &amp; Speakeasies</strong></h2><h3><a href="https://www.bettylouslibrary.com/"><strong>Betty Lou’s Library</strong></a></h3><p><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);">Follow the sound of smooth jazz through the hallways of the Devenish Apartments to Betty Lou’s Library. Be sure to have your password handy, received upon reservation! Inside, swanky 1920s velvet chesterfields and Tiffany-style light fixtures set the tone to sip on one of their fabulous cocktails, all named after famous women of the early 20th century.</span></p><h3><strong>Cannibale</strong></h3><p>Tucked away behind a one-seat barbershop, Cannibale is a stylish gathering spot serving post-prohibition style cocktails, craft beers and dishes using locally sourced food. The cozy retro interior sees exposed brick and leather bank seating, while a small patio allows you to take your drink outside on a sunny day.</p><h3><a href="http://www.frenchieyyc.com/"><strong>Frenchie Wine Bar</strong></a></h3><p>Navigate past the facade of a takeout pizza joint to find Frenchie Wine Bar hidden in the back. Settle into an intimate atmosphere as you nosh on their snack menu of locally made charcuterie from Empire Provisions, house-made ricotta and cheese fondue. The bar’s moniker comes from co-owner Jayme McFadden’s deep and equal appreciation of French wines and her French bulldog, Penny.</p><h2><strong>Beverages and Cocktails</strong></h2><h3><a href="https://www.proofyyc.com/"><strong>Proof</strong></a></h3><p><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);">Proof (stylized as “Pr%f”) was recently ranked the </span>fourth-best bar<span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);"> in Canada by Canada’s 100 Best; an unsurprising feat considering the level of talent found on their team. Boasting a list of over 300 bottled beers, and whipping up inventive tapas from their open-air kitchen, Proof has rightfully earned their reputation as a hotspot for exceptional libations and snacks in downtown Calgary.</span></p><h3><a href="http://pigeonholeyyc.ca/"><strong>Pigeonhole</strong></a></h3><p>Located in an old teahouse, Pigeonhole is the brainchild of Justin Leboe, who was voted Canada’s <a href="https://canadas100best.com/2016-innovative-chef-justin-leboe/">most innovative chef</a> in 2016 on Canada’s 100 Best list. The decor maintains elements of the former tenant, combining chandeliers and vintage fixtures with modern design. Dishes are an effortless fusion of European and Asian flavours, paired with a selection of natural wines.</p><h2><strong>Brunch</strong></h2><h3><a href="https://www.eatoeb.com/"><strong>OEB Breakfast Co.</strong></a></h3><p><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);">The traditional breakfast is elevated at OEB with menu items such as a breakfast bowl featuring ahi tuna, and savoury crepes served with lobster and caviar pearls. Purists can still enjoy the classics like two eggs any style or a traditional eggs benny. Ingredients are locally sourced, with the chefs whipping up potatoes from nearby farmers and harvesting honey from hives in Calgary’s Bridgeland neighbourhood.</span></p>

<h3><a href="https://www.empireprovisions.com/"><strong>Empire Provisions</strong></a></h3><p><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);">This cafe and deli sits just south of the downtown core though the owners, Dave Sturies and Karen Kho,&nbsp;who specialize in whole animal butchery and curing, initially started running the business from their home. Thanks to local support and collaboration, they now run a full-service operation, offering a daily brunch that features house-cured meats and supplying charcuterie for local restaurants.</span></p><h2><strong>Family Dining</strong></h2><h3><a href="http://www.starbelly.ca/"><strong>Starbelly</strong></a></h3><p>In the southeastern suburbs of Calgary, the farm-to-table initiative of Starbelly sees a healthy and sustainable menu using in-season ingredients perfected by expert cooking. Don’t miss their Waffle Station on Sundays, a sure hit with kids.</p><h3><strong>Cibo</strong></h3><p>A brightly-lit space housed in a beautiful brick building, enjoy old-fashioned Italian food served family-style at Cibo. Keeping things local and fresh, dishes are enhanced by ingredients such as greenhouse-grown micro basil and boar bacon from nearby producers.</p><h2><strong>Cafes &amp; Desserts</strong></h2><h3><a href="https://www.maribakeshop.ca/"><strong>Mari Bakeshop</strong></a></h3><p>The inspiration for Mari Bakeshop came on a dreary weekend in 2016, when Chef Douglas Gregory (formerly from The French Laundry in California) saw past the winter drudge and fell in love with the fervour of Calgary’s East Village. He and his partner/pastry chef, Lauren Ahn, decided to open their bright and minimal-modern shop in this rising part of town, specializing in rolled cakes, choux cream puffs and Parisian-style bread.</p><h3><a href="http://sidewalkcitizenbakery.com/"><strong>Sidewalk Citizen</strong></a></h3><p><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);">Once upon a time, this 106-year old building housed a mattress factory. Now, it’s the home of Sidewalk Citizen. Specializing in fresh bread, like organic sourdough, as well as flaky pastries, this bakery-café is a great spot to grab a sandwich or pizza for a quality, quick and tasty lunch.</span></p><h3><a href="http://www.byollia.com/"><strong>Ollia</strong></a></h3><p><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);">Ollia combines traditional culinary practices with modern techniques to concoct some of the most delectable (and intricate) pastries in the city, especially the beloved macaron. Either pick up some of the delicate French cookie to go, or sample the gamut of flavours from the shop paired with a tea from their wide selection.</span></p><h3><a href="https://www.madebymarcus.ca/"><strong>Made by Marcus</strong></a></h3><p>Made by Marcus began when owner Marcus Purtzki found himself with excess egg yolk after making macarons (his original passion) and turned them into mouth-watering ice cream. Shortly thereafter, he superseded his macaron-making reputation, with people flocking to his micro-creamy opened in the summer of 2016. Try one of his unique flavours like matcha white chocolate, or stick to a classic with an updated spin like Tahitian vanilla bean.</p><h2><strong>Hot Spots</strong></h2><h3><a href="https://www.calcuttacricketclub.com/"><strong>Calcutta Cricket Club</strong></a></h3><p>It won’t take long for you to notice that Calcutta Cricket Club is not your average Indian restaurant. Looking like a scene out of a Wes Anderson film, vibrant hues of pink, green and orange combine with wickered walls and a tiled bar and floor of clashing patterns. Head here for a Bengalese-inspired menu featuring flavourful curries, Indian-style pub food and exotic fruity cocktails.</p><h3><a href="http://www.twopenny.ca/"><strong>Two Penny</strong></a></h3><p>Serving classic Chinese food with a modern twist, this restaurant and bar mixes traditional Shanghai and Cantonese-inspired dishes with Albertan ingredients. A tea room hidden in the basement showcases another side Two Penny as a speakeasy-style cocktail bar with a menu of small plates and bao sandwiches.</p><h3><a href="http://shokuninyyc.ca/"><strong>Shokunin</strong></a></h3><p><span style="color:rgb(58,58,60);">With five younger siblings and a single-parent household, Albertan chef, Darren MacLean, honed his cooking skills from a young age. Following a culinary tour through Japan, he returned home inspired to open Shokunin. Aiming for authenticity in all he does, at Shokunin MacLean uses fresh ingredients and house-made sauces in flavourful small plates of Japanese fare.</span></p><h3><a href="http://www.unapizzeria.com/"><strong>Una</strong></a></h3><p>A great spot for a late-night snack, Una is famed for their California-style thin crust pizza adorned with locally sourced toppings, such as their rich and creamy <i>formaggi</i> (cheese) pizza drizzled with honey from the owner’s beehives.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i>Starting and ending in Calgary, our </i><a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/self-guided/rockies-self-guided-multi-active"><i><u>Rockies Self-Guided Multi-Active</u></i></a><i> trip gives you plenty of time to check out some of these spots, with some epic hiking, biking, and glacial swimming in between.</i></p>

Discover the best restaurants in Calgary—from innovative chef-driven dining to local favourites showcasing bold flavours, seasonal ingredients, and Alberta’s vibrant food scene.

20 Best Calgary Restaurants | Top Dining Spots in Alberta

The Great North

<p>As a Canadian travel company, it’s no surprise that<strong> </strong>Canadian trips come naturally to Butterfield &amp; Robinson.&nbsp;Years of exploring&nbsp;the best regions and building relationships with local guides and experts have enabled us to curate experiences that showcase the full breadth of this diverse country.&nbsp;</p><p>From the wild landscapes of British Columbia to the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada offers a melting pot of exploration.&nbsp;Bike, hike and walk through iconic national parks, backcountry and vineyards. Go to the water to see icebergs and whales. Delight your taste buds with local treats and wines while soaking in the architecture, art, and design of sophisticated cities like Vancouver.&nbsp;</p><p>Explore Canada’s natural beauty and experience its heart.</p>

Yours to discover

Cycle Banff and the Icefields Parkway, walk British Columbia on small group or private bespoke trips through Canada, with lodge stays and local access.

Canada Bike & Walking Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

A warm Canadian welcome, fresh Pacific air, and tours along quiet roads and shorelines make this trip truly special. Our Gulf Islands tour features three of the most beautiful islands in the Gulf Island archipelago as well as the Saanich Peninsula of Vancouver Island.  Ferries deliver us to Saltspring, Mayne and Galiano for rides along coastal roads where views of the water are never far away.  Because the trip is fully supported, we are free to stop in small villages along the way to savour the local lifestyle. The world-class cycling is interrupted only by opportunities to hike, sea kayak and observe the local wildlife.

<p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Join us on a massive opportunity to explore the Canadian Arctic with our friends, the Weber family. While we add those special touches and quirky surprises that you know and love us for (your B&amp;R guide, Dane, has been curiously investigating every corner to pull out all the stops), the Weber family bring years of in-depth Arctic experience and knowledge, including 45 Arctic expeditions and running Canada’s most northernly lodge on Somerset Inlet (where we’ll be guests!). Daily walks lead us to ridges, canyons and waterfalls where we’ll witness spectacular wildlife and soak up other-worldly Arctic scenes.</span></p>

<p>How do you improve on the luscious cuisine, cobbled city squares and ethereal cultural charms of Europe? Put it in your own backyard - and sprinkle in a dash of Canadian politeness. Get a little taste of Europe; no trans-Atlantic flight required. Cycle past historic homesteads, brush up on your French, and savour foie gras, cider and local cheeses as you journey through the rural countryside from chic Montreal to 400-year-old Quebec City.</p>

Experience the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Eastern Canada as you cycle from the bustling streets of Montreal to the historic avenues of Quebec City. This journey offers riders breathtaking landscapes, culinary delights, and a unique blend of modern and historical insights along the picturesque St. Lawrence River.

From Urban Charm to Historic Splendor: A Bicycle Adventure Linking Montreal's Vibrancy to Quebec City's Old-World Beauty

Explore Canada's most European province

Please note the below itinerary is for the Sep 21 - Sep 27 departure. Please be sure to check the itinerary associate with you date of interest for a complete overview of your experience. 

Cycle past historic homesteads and brush up on your French as you journey through the rural countryside from chic Montreal to 400-year-old Quebec City.

Montreal to Quebec City Biking|  Butterfield & Robinson | Luxury Travel

<p><em>B&amp;R’s Women’s Only trips are designed by women, for women to experience new regions, cultures and communities from female perspectives. </em></p><p>Venture to Canada’s west coast and discover the enchanting British Columbia—a haven of breathtaking coastlines, rugged mountain landscapes and lush, emerald forests. Your journey begins in the vibrant city of Vancouver, where you'll savour local flavours at the renowned Granville Market and wander beneath the ancient, towering trees of Stanley Park. A short flight then whisks you to the magical town of Tofino, where you'll ride the Pacific waves in a female-led surf class and stroll along the pristine shores of endless beaches. Glide through the serene waters of Pacific Rim National Park in a kayak, and e-bike past beaches and forests on your way to Ucluelet. End your adventure learning about local traditions in a bead-making workshop led by a First Nations Elder, an experience that will leave you deeply connected to this serene corner of Canada.</p>

Unforgettable Experiences

One-of-a-kind Hotels

Authentic Food

<p>From city buzz to coastal bliss, this women's-only trip blends wild beauty with west coast soul. Savour bites at Granville Market, surf with badass women in Tofino, and kayak through Pacific Rim’s calm waters. E-bike past beach and forest, then bead with a First Nations Elder. It’s a soul-soothing, wave-chasing, memory-making kind of trip.</p>

 A mindful journey through serene lands

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designer

<p>A place where unparalleled beauty, wilderness and adventure come together; explore the gems of Lake Moraine and Lake Louise. Hike your way around Sunshine Meadows and pedal through the valleys in Banff National Park with jagged mountain peaks all around.</p>

Diverse Landscapes

Vibrant Culture

Active Adventure

<p>The Rockies don’t do subtle—think turquoise lakes, jagged peaks, and trails that dare you not to say “wow” every five minutes. Hike flower-filled meadows, bike through Banff’s jaw-dropping valleys, and dip your toes in glacier-fed waters (refreshing is an understatement). It’s self-guided, but Mother Nature handles most of the guiding anyway.</p>

Roaming around the Rocky Mountains

Experience Designers

$7,595 based on two travellers,  $6,795 based on four travellers, $6,495 based on six travellers.

Hike Banff and Canmore on a tailor-made Alberta itinerary. Glacial lake cycling, wildlife trail access and spectacular Rockies scenery, privately guided for

Alberta Private Tours: Banff Hiking, Glacial Lake Cycling & Wildlife Trails

<p><span style="color: rgb(90, 90, 90);">Newfoundland's draw has traditionally been the wide expanses of raw nature, from ranging moose to towering icebergs. This&nbsp;landscape provides endless options to entertain the active explorer. As for the warm and cheery Newfoundlander, that&nbsp;seems to&nbsp;be what keeps visitors coming back. Experience Newfoundland your way on a private, tailor-made adventure inspired by these highlights. </span></p>

Nature’s Wonders

Local Connections

Maritime Magic

<p>Newfoundland is shaped by sea, story and time. Follow in the wake of Vikings and settlers, drawn by cod-rich waters and windswept shores. Sip molasses-tinged Screech, sway to Gaelic rhythms at lively “kitchen parties” and feel centuries of seafaring spirit in every note. Drift past towering icebergs, spot whales breaching in wild blue and stand on some of the oldest stones on Earth. And when the day ends, wind down&nbsp;in places like Fogo Island Inn—part sanctuary, part work of art and fully unforgettable.</p>

Canada's eclectic east coast

Expertly curated with our favourite experiences in each destination, these departures bring together a maximum of 16 like-minded travellers on pre-set dates.

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Explore our Scheduled trips

<p>Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.</p>

Walk Newfoundland's iceberg coast, spot whales and puffins from sea cliffs on a custom itinerary. Canada's most surprising destination, privately guided for

Newfoundland Private Tours: Iceberg Coast, Sea Cliffs & Canada's Hidden Gem

<p>The Rockies are a stunning example of nature at her best.&nbsp;These transcendent mountains formed more than 80 million years ago from continental plates shifting beneath North America. Continuing tectonic activity, along with the erosion created by glaciers, resulted&nbsp;in the&nbsp;dramatic combination of jagged peaks and valleys we see today.&nbsp;What better way to experience them than on an adventure-packed private journey, tailor-made by our Experience Designer who calls the Rockies her backyard.</p>

Breathtaking Landscapes

Understated Luxury

In the Wild

<p>From towering peaks and glacier-carved valleys to trails that beg for boots or bike tires, the Rockies are simultaneously rugged and resplendent. Whether you’re hiking alpine ridges, paddling turquoise lakes or spotting elk at sunrise, this is wilderness with wow-factor. Designed by locals who know every switchback, our adventures in the Rockies are anything but ordinary.</p>

Home to some of Canada’s most idyllic scenery

Bespoke travel lets you take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Ready to start planning?

Hike, bike and raft Banff and Canmore on a tailor-made itinerary. Wildlife trails, river canyons and wild Canada far beyond the viewpoints. Built for you.

Canadian Rockies Private Tours: Banff, Canmore & Wild Backcountry

Wilderness with Reach

Spirit of the West

Extraordinary Stays

<p>From the iconic peaks of Banff National Park to the remote wilderness of the Purcell Mountains, discover some of Western Canada's most spectacular alpine landscapes. Hike high above the tree line through wildflower-filled meadows, past glacier-fed lakes and beneath soaring &nbsp;mountain peaks, before retreating each evening to exceptional lodges—including a backcountry retreat accessible only by helicopter. From pristine alpine valleys and turquoise tarns to rugged ridgelines and glacier-carved terrain, this Limited Edition journey reveals a wilder side of one of North America's great mountain ranges.</p>

Heli-hike the remote Purcell Mountains and hike Banff National Park on this Limited Edition Canadian Rockies journey, staying at a backcountry lodge accessible only by helicopter.

Canadian Rockies Hiking & Heli-Hiking – Banff & Purcell Mountains

<p>Sample Canada’s most European province through its cheeses, wine, sparkling lakes and delightful city streets, travelling along roads that wind past old ancestral homes, covered bridges, historic churches and chapels. Rural antique shops abound, full of charming trinkets from the past and crafts by local artisans. Come wintertime, a blanket of snow covers the landscape in a soft, white glitter. Here are a few highlights to inspire your bespoke itinerary.</p>

Worlds both old and new meet in Quebec

Go Bespoke!

<p>British Columbia’s motto is <em>Splendor Sine Occasu</em>, or "splendour without diminishment." In Canada’s most biologically, geographically and climatically diverse province, it may be an understatement. The urge to explore this unbelievable variety of landscapes—from grasslands to soaring mountains, ocean to a modern metropolis—is irresistible. Gaze over Canada’s tallest mountain ranges, ride through cowboy country, fish salmon streams surrounded by coastal rainforest and visit beautiful Vancouver, a sophisticated world-class city.</p>

Nature's Wonders

<p>In British Columbia, the wild and the wonderful go hand in hand. Kayak with orcas, hike rainforest trails, bike past alpine lakes and toast it all with Okanagan wine. From coastal inlets to Rocky Mountain peaks, BC is where rugged beauty meets refined adventure and every trail leads to something unforgettable.</p>

Canada's incredible West Coast

Hike ancient rainforests, kayak among orca pods and bike Tofino's coastal trails on a custom itinerary. Canada's Pacific wilderness, privately guided and

20 Best Calgary Restaurants

By Marianne Abraham

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