If you have been searching for authentic Albertan cuisine and can't find it downtown, Bow Valley Ranche provides a special prairie dining experience. Located on the edge of town near Fish Creek Provincial Park, the charming restaurant is located in a farmhouse restored to its original 1940s condition. Overlooking Fish Creek Valley and surrounding ranch lands, the stunning view is enough to inspire a healthy appetite. It specializes in romantic candlelit dinners, with discreet service and subdued lighting.
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.
River Cafe, the small, tranquil restaurant is located in a refurbished building among the trees, lawns and wildlife of Prince's Island Park. Surrounded by the Bow River, the setting alone is enough to draw you to its charms. But that isn't all this hot spot has to offer; it features one of the best menus in the city, with wood-fired regional cuisine offering specialties such as Noble Farms duck breast and Honeycrisp apple flatbread. Reserve a table at this cafe for weekend brunch and you won't walk away disappointed with the quality of food served. People dining here don't mind paying a little more for this cafe's winning combination of ambiance and seasonal flavor.
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.
A delightful Japanese restaurant located at Dalhousie, Kinjo Sushi & Grill is easily one of the best sushi places in the area. And it's not without reason. A no-nonsense approach and an extensive menu ranging from sushi and sashimi to tempura and teppanyaki has earned them a good following with locals and visitors alike. Chef and owner Peter Kinjo is as much an entertainer as he is a talented chef and makes sure that guests have a good time while they're here. If you're a fan of his cooking, you can sign up for one of his popular sushi making classes. The restaurant is decorated in warm hues with bits of Japanese art strewn across the walls and has a fun vibe. The Dalhousie location is the bigger of the two in Calgary and has good facilities for private events.
Aida's is a Lebanese restaurant that is perfect for a midday falafel sandwich or evening couscous feed. The menu features a large selection of traditional Middle Eastern specialties. There are also Lebanese twists on Western dishes: Aida's Caesar salad is tossed with pita chips and orange blossom water flavors the lemonade. The menu gives detailed descriptions of each dish to assist those unfamiliar with Lebanese cuisine.
One of the most wildly popular restaurants in the city, Minas Brazilian Steakhouse is a casual venue that serves delightful steaks and cuts made by premium quality meat. The restaurant specializes in rodizio, a traditional art of barbecue that results in beautifully grilled meats. Enjoy the Brazilian-style grilled meat and the juicy vegetables that are served on skewers at the table. The staff is competent and service is quick, which when combined with the spacious and well lit interiors, makes it a perfect place for a grand but affordable dinner.
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Ho Won's is a bustling and busy place that radiates with energy and has a reputation for serving quick, delicious food at great prices, so if you come for lunch on weekdays, be prepared to wait. Be sure to ask about their fried shrimp pancakes and deep fried shrimp balls; on the weekends, you can order dim sum. They also have an extensive wine menu.
Voted one of Calgary's “Top Ten” places to eat by "Where" magazine, this smoke-free Italian restaurant is located on the second level of Eau Claire Market. One of the nicest things about Prego Cucina is the view: the patio overlooks Prince's Island Park, and is only a short walk from Downtown. They specialize in traditional Italian cuisine and offer daily pasta specials. You can also choose from other entrées such as seafood, steak and veal. They also have a large selection of beer and wine.
Buried in the heart of Calgary's bustling Chinatown is the Pho Pasteur Saigon, a restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese food. The inside is decorated with Oriental-style hanging lanterns and grass window shades. There are plenty of rice and vermicelli dishes to choose from, with pork as the most popular meat on the menu. Call for additional information.
Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarine is a tiny restaurant across the street from the Government Building that makes delicious Vietnamese food and submarine sandwiches. A pleasant change from the run-of-the-mill sandwich places, Thi Thi has an excellent menu of Vietnamese favorites and has good variety. The submarine sandwiches are their biggest sellers, and you can choose from sate beef, chicken, combo or clubhouse. If you like food with a little bite to it, ask them for a healthy squirt of chili sauce.
This little Vietnamese restaurant is famous among Calgary's locals as well as people who are passing through. The subs and clubhouse sandwiches here are to die for. There is a wide variety of choice available for lovers of sandwiches and the like. You can even order by phone and take it away, which is generally the case. All in all, a perfect place to have a quick and satisfying lunch during a busy work day.