Before opening the space, the owners and collaborators of Model Milk sought to create a menu and a restaurant that would combine both innovation and comfort. They support local farmers by sourcing ingredients produced around the region, and seek to use every last inch of whatever produce and meat they can get their hands on. What has resulted is a restaurant and bar that feels both homey and elegant. Modern Milk is located within in an old creamery, so diners are seated at wood tables nestled against authentic brick walls that give the space mix of contemporary and rustic appeal. The menu focuses on simple, elegantly crafted dishes, while the beverage list is an artisanal cocktail-lover's dream. The restaurant also hosts a communal dinner every Sunday, during which guests share a family-style meal that includes a first and second course, as well as dessert.
Open kitchen, trendy decor and classy presentation defines the dining experience at NOtaBLE. The stylish vibe is reflective of an indisputable culinary passion which they proudly bask in. With monthly additions on the menu, great signature dishes, and a charming wine list, NOtaBLE distinguishes itself quite well in the locality. Another NOtaBLE feature is the dynamic private dining space, which is a preferred spot for corporate gatherings and family receptions. A meal at NOtaBLE is definitely going to be a remarkable affair, end it with their Stilton Cheesecake.
Situated on the outer rim of downtown, this chophouse is removed from most of the bustle of downtown, and has a reputation for a great selection of steaks and burgers, and a laid-back yet sophisticated atmosphere. Buchanan's offers a good business or after-work setting, with upscale wood and brass finishing at booths and open tables. There is also a lot of top-grade Alberta beef on the menu, including a 10-ounce, hot-rubbed rib eye steak in wild mushroom sauce. The award-winning whisky bar has its own loyal following and a reputation for one of the best Scotch collections in the city.
Añejo is an inspired Mexican restaurant that boasts an impressive collection of over 200 tequilas, though most guests tend to sample the restaurant's house-made margaritas, which have been called the best in Calgary. The restaurant is housed in a multi-level industrial-chic building lit by a gigantic skylight. Sample Jalisco-inspired delights like guacamole prepared in a traditional lava rock mortar, or tuck into a variety of Mexican dishes all crafted with the freshest of ingredients. Be sure to bring along some friends to share a ceviche tasting alongside a variety of other Mexican tapas.
The Living Room Restaurant, located along Calgary's trendy 17th Avenue Southwest area, opened for business in 2000. It is credited with coining the term, "contemporary interactive cuisine", a twist on classic French and Italian specialties with a Canadian touch. The diner offers a distinct range of meats and seafood entrees, with tapas and fondues for sharing. Its open patio and expansive wine list, that can be had by the bottle or glass, make it one of the Calgary's premier restaurants. It also has the distinction of receiving the numerous honors and awards.
There is no shortage of Italian restaurants in this city, but most are rather nondescript. Bonterra Trattoria is an elegant exception. The interior is beautiful with huge iron chandeliers, stonework, fresh flowers, a romantic courtyard and a charming Wine Room for private parties. The menu features fine Italian classics such as antipasti, thin-crust pizzas, pasta, risotto and entrees like osso buco, beef tenderloin and halibut. Each menu item includes wine suggestions and the wine list itself is a joy: extensive, eclectic and full of tasting notes. Bonterra is cellular-free which is another good aspect.
A quaint bar and restaurant nestled amid the exciting environs of Beltline, LuLu is imbued with a sense of nostalgia which stems from its laid-back aura and atmosphere. The interior, which features wooden plank-like walls and comfortable seating, and the subtle and attractive decor accentuate the warmth the space is perpetually suffused in. Lounge out on the patio as you sip tasteful drinks or unwind within the confines of the establishment while you dig into delightful and savory bites like steamed lobster dumplings, Thai sausage, slow roasted lamb, oyster mushroom and chicken satay among others. Munch on flavorsome food as you relish the sophisticated taste of the ingenious beverages in a pleasant and friendly space.
A fashionable and modern coffee house, Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar is usually bustling with young people from the office spaces nearby. While rich, smooth and nuanced coffees, delicious baked goods and cheese plates seem to be the specialty here, distinctive craft beers and fragrant wines are also served in its warm and inviting space. Impressive live music acts featuring local talented musicians further add to the charm of the place. Gravity Espresso & Wine Bar is a great place to hang out with friends or enjoy a cup of coffee while you work.
A trendy and upscale bar located in downtown Calgary, Bridgette Bar is a lively bar that serves delectable bites along with tasteful drinks from an extensive cocktail, beer, wine and sake list. Featuring an interior complete with exposed brickwork, quirky decor and colorful and plush couches, the establishment is known for its friendliness and passion. Grab a drink from the full bar and pair them with snacks like roasted olives, fritters, french fries, lamb sausage, and a variety of pastas and pizzas among other dishes like grilled farm chicken and Wagyu beef. Drop by with friends and family, and unwind in the pleasant atmosphere as you indulge in some tasteful drinks and food.
Head to Native Tongue Taqueria for some authentic Mexican delights in Downtown, Calgary. They are best known for their variety of Tacos for which they make the corn wrap from scratch. The restaurant looks aesthetically Mexican with long wooden communal tables. They have a no reservation policy which means you may have to wait for your turn, but their delightful service and appetizing food will make up for all your efforts!
A bevy of restaurants dot the streets of Kensington, a bustling neighborhood in Calgary, among which Vero Bistro Moderne is one of the crowning glories. Featuring walls padded with read leather, quaint lights which cast subtle hues over the gleaming interior and an ambiance which will put you to ease the minute you step in, this establishment has gained widespread acclaim for its organic food. The menu is decked with an assortment of delectable dishes packed with Italian, Spanish and French flavors, traditional recipes that are tweaked to present something unique and innovative. Placing emphasis on procuring fresh ingredients locally, Chef Jenny pours all her passion into whipping up delights like mushroom fricassee skillet, sweet potato gnocchi, baby calamari and artichoke fritti, house-made foccacia, and ravioli frito among others. These will tantalize your taste-buds and leave you craving for more. Armed with a friendly staff and a drive to provide guests with an experience to cherish, Vero Bistro Moderne certainly deserves a spot on your itinerary.