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.
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.
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.
Charcut Roast House is a modern eatery in Calgary sporting rustic decor and a delightful ambiance. A haven of meat-lovers, Charcut has a stunning variety of beef, lamb, pork and chicken in their ever-changing menu. Try an assortment of salads and rotisseries for lunch, and pig head mortadella and brassica mustard, or the Spring Creek butcher steak for dinner. A tempting dessert menu and a vintage wine stock completes the experience at this inviting spot. Also accommodating small groups, Charcut proves to be among the best steakhouses in Calgary.
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.
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.
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.
For those with episodic subconscious wishes for pizza, this family owned 17th Avenue pizza place has 26 different pizza blends accompanied by homemade sauces and herb-blended cheeses, made right from scratch. They offer an abundant selection for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike, as well as specialty pizza for those who want even more toppings. It's a little place, but Jeanne's Pizza Pantry attracts a heavy lunch hour crowd. The big genie by the window is an ode to the genie in the bottle, but Jeanne's pizza alone is enough to make pizza dreams come true.
Fulfilling a childhood calling, Billy became an ice cream maker and set up Village Ice Cream. The aim was simple; to create divine flavors from local ingredients that created a kaleidoscope of memories with each lick. The mixes are tampered with regularly highlighting seasonal produce and includes Toasted Coconut, Maple Pecan and the popular Salted Caramel among others. Those lactose intolerant needn't fear as their selection of sorbets in flavors such as Cranberry Ginger does just the trick. So there's no better way to spend a sunny afternoon, than in Village Ice Cream.
This intimate restaurant in the heart of the city delights the palate with authentic specialties, as the name suggests, from the mountain kingdom of the Himalayas. Nepalese specialties dominate the menu, offering a fair amount of variety in each course. Start off with the Momos which come in a choice of vegetable, chicken or pork, or perhaps try the elaborate Lamb Choyla. Main course offers such delights as Himalayan Grill, Maccha ka Jhol and Nepalese Tarkari. Dessert selection is restrained and offers specialties like Mango Rice Pudding. Restaurant interiors are done up in warm hues, with the woodwork providing contrast. Light filters in through the wooden latticework on the ceiling, creating a subtle and elegant ambiance. Paintings and photographs of the great mountains adorn the walls. Check website for more.