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Restaurants

Best Restaurants in Calgary

The best restaurants in Calgary, from Alberta steakhouses and chef-driven tasting menus to ginger beef, the original Caesar, rooftop views, and buzzy new openings by neighbourhood.

Finding the best restaurants in Calgary means embracing a city that pairs world-class Alberta beef with an ambitious, fast-rising dining scene.

In a single day you can graze a river-view patio for brunch, sear into a dry-aged ribeye at a proper chophouse, and finish with a Caesar, the vodka-and-clamato cocktail invented right here in 1969.

Calgary's food identity is built on ranching country, a deep prairie pantry, waves of immigration that gave the city its own ginger beef, and a new generation of chefs turning the Beltline and Inglewood into genuine destinations.

At a glance

The top pick in each category, at a glance.

CategoryOur pick
Best overallRiver CaféReserve
By CuisineNative Tongues TaqueriaReserve
Fine Dining RestaurantsRiver CaféReserve
Most Romantic RestaurantsModern SteakReserve
Rooftop & View RestaurantsSky 360Reserve
Vegetarian & Vegan RestaurantsThe CoupReserve
Alberta Beef & Iconic Calgary EatsCaesar's Steak HouseReserve
New & Trendy Restaurant OpeningsMajor TomReserve

Top Picks

🍽️GetYourGuide food & wine tours, taste the best of Calgary on a food tour. Affiliate slot (stub).

📍 Prince's Island Park

River Café

Canadian$$$$· Special occasion

Set on a car-free island in the middle of the Bow River, River Café is the benchmark for Canadian fine dining in Calgary. The kitchen cooks over wood fire and leans hard into regional ingredients: Alberta game, foraged mushrooms, prairie grains, and lake fish. Reached by footbridge and surrounded by parkland, the log-cabin room feels remote yet sits minutes from downtown. If you want to understand how Calgary defines a sense of place on the plate, this is the essential pilgrimage.

What to order: Wood-fired Alberta tasting

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Inglewood

Rouge

Fine dining$$$$· Refined & historic

Housed in the historic 1891 Cross House with a large kitchen garden out back, Rouge pairs heritage surroundings with polished, seasonal cooking. The menu roams across refined Canadian dishes built on Alberta producers, and the wine list is one of the deepest in the city. Service is gracious and unhurried, and the leafy patio is a summer highlight. For a milestone dinner rooted in Calgary history rather than spectacle, Rouge is among the very best tables.

What to order: Seasonal Alberta tasting

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Inglewood

Deane House

New Canadian$$$· Historic & seasonal

A lovingly restored 1906 heritage home overlooking the Elbow River, Deane House delivers thoughtful, produce-driven cooking with a strong sense of place. Brunch is a local ritual, and the dinner menu shifts with the seasons and the on-site garden. The creaky, sunlit rooms and riverside patio make it feel like dining in a piece of the city's past. It is a must for anyone exploring Inglewood, Calgary's oldest and most characterful neighbourhood.

What to order: Weekend brunch classics

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Beltline

Model Milk

New American$$$· Lively & handmade

Set in a converted mid-century dairy, Model Milk helped define modern Calgary dining with its share-friendly, ingredient-driven menu and buzzing bi-level room. The kitchen roams confidently from house pastas to whole roasted fish and hearty proteins, all delivered with bold flavour and zero pretension. The energy is loud and joyful and the bar program keeps pace. Its Sunday Supper prix fixe is a beloved institution and reservations are worth the effort.

What to order: Sunday supper prix fixe

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Beltline

Pigeonhole

Small plates$$$· Intimate wine bar

A narrow, candlelit wine bar on 17th Avenue, Pigeonhole is a small-plates favourite for its adventurous, produce-forward cooking and a natural wine list that draws devotees. Dishes are precise and shareable, moving from delicate crudo to charred vegetables and rich pastas. The intimate room and low lighting make it a top date-night pick, if a tight one. For serious food and thrilling wine without a tasting-menu commitment, it is one of the Beltline's defining tables.

What to order: Seasonal small plates

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Beltline

Ten Foot Henry

Vegetable-forward$$· Casual & lively

A bright, airy room devoted to vegetables, Ten Foot Henry made produce the star long before it was fashionable in Calgary. The share-friendly menu treats cauliflower, cabbage, and beans with the same care most kitchens reserve for meat, though there is plenty of protein for the skeptical. Casual, buzzy, and genuinely creative, it is the kind of place that defines the city's independent restaurant culture. Come with a group and order broadly across the menu.

What to order: Charred cabbage

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Beltline

Anju

Korean$$$· Modern Korean

Chef Roy Oh's modern Korean restaurant is a perennial favourite for cooking that balances tradition with playful reinvention. The bacon-wrapped rice cakes and Korean fried chicken are standouts, and the banchan and soju cocktails reward grazing. The dark, stylish room strikes a mood that is lively but comfortable, ideal for both special occasions and casual splurges. It consistently ranks among the best restaurants in Calgary for anyone who loves bold, layered flavour.

What to order: Bacon-wrapped rice cakes

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Mission

Shokunin

Japanese izakaya$$$· Casual izakaya

Chef Darren MacLean's izakaya brings serious Japanese cooking to a compact, energetic room on 4th Street. Charcoal-grilled yakitori, silky house ramen, and inventive small plates showcase Alberta ingredients through a Japanese lens. The open kitchen is a show and the pace is fast and communal. MacLean's national profile has made this a destination, but it remains unpretentious and deeply satisfying. Sit at the counter, order widely, and lean into the yakitori.

What to order: Charcoal yakitori & ramen

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Beltline

Foreign Concept

Vietnamese-French$$$· Refined & warm

Chef Duncan Ly's restaurant blends Vietnamese flavours with French technique in refined, personal cooking that feels quietly ambitious. The tasting menu moves from delicate to deeply savoury with an intuitive rhythm, and the à la carte plates are just as thoughtful. The calm, elegant dining room is a counterpoint to the Beltline's louder rooms. For fine dining that feels intimate rather than theatrical, Foreign Concept is among the city's most rewarding tables.

What to order: Chef's tasting menu

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Downtown

Charcut Roast House

Steakhouse$$$· Bustling & carnivorous

Connie DeSousa and John Jackson's downtown roast house is a temple to meat, celebrating Alberta's ranching heritage with rotisserie proteins, house charcuterie, and famously good poutine. Hearty, generous, and unfussy, it draws a buzzing crowd of downtown diners and visitors alike. The open kitchen and lively bar set a convivial mood. It is a reliable, deeply Calgary choice for groups who want serious cooking without any tasting-menu formality.

What to order: Rotisserie & charcuterie

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 East Village

Charbar

Argentine$$$· Wood-fired & scenic

Set in the historic Simmons Building beside the Bow River, Charbar cooks Argentine-inspired fare over a wood-fired grill and boasts one of Calgary's best rooftop patios. Grilled steaks, empanadas, and vibrant small plates pair with a strong cocktail program and river views. The industrial-chic room and buzzing summer terrace make it a top choice for a scenic, celebratory meal. Book the rooftop ahead on warm evenings for the full East Village experience.

What to order: Wood-grilled steak

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Beltline

Native Tongues Taqueria

Mexican$$· Casual & bustling

A lively, no-reservations taqueria turning out some of the most authentic Mexican food in the city, Native Tongues centres on a trompo of al pastor and fresh masa tortillas pressed to order. The tacos, guacamole, and mezcal list draw a steady crowd to the buzzing, colourful room. Bustling and welcoming, it is one of the best casual options for travellers who want serious food on a budget. Expect a wait and lean into the al pastor.

What to order: Tacos al pastor

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Centre Street North

Silver Inn Restaurant

Chinese$$· Family institution

For many locals, Silver Inn is Calgary food history on a plate: this is the restaurant that invented ginger beef in the 1970s, and the crispy, sweet-savoury dish remains its signature. A modest family institution near Chinatown, it is dependable, generous, and deeply tied to the city's identity. The room is unassuming and the service brisk. Order the Northern-style ginger beef, the dish this city sent across the country, and share broadly.

What to order: The original ginger beef

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Bridgeland

Peters' Drive-In

Burgers$· Retro drive-in

No Calgary food tour is complete without Peters' Drive-In, a gloriously preserved 1962 drive-in famous for hand-dipped milkshakes and griddled burgers. The long line of cars, the paper bags, and the dozens of shake flavours are essential rites of passage. The retro signage and efficient service make it a fun, affordable stop off 16th Avenue. It is more experience than meal, a mid-century time capsule and one of the city's most charming food traditions.

What to order: Milkshakes & burgers

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Beltline

Una Pizza + Wine

Pizza$$· Casual & lively

A perpetually packed 17th Avenue favourite, Una turns out blistered, thin-crust pizzas alongside a smart, approachable wine list. The signature pies, from potato-and-rosemary to classic margherita, come out of a hot oven with charred, chewy edges, and the shared-plate format encourages grazing. Loud, communal, and no-reservations, it captures the neighbourhood energy that makes Calgary dining fun. Put your name down, grab a glass of wine, and settle in for the wait.

What to order: Blistered thin-crust pizza

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Downtown

Major Tom

Steakhouse$$$$· Sultry & glamorous

Perched on the 40th floor of Stephen Avenue Place, Major Tom pairs sweeping city views with a dark, sultry, retro-glam dining room. Dry-aged steaks, a killer burger, and classic cocktails anchor a menu of polished American comfort, while the mid-century styling makes any dinner feel like an occasion. It is clubby without being stuffy, a top date-night and celebration pick. Reservations go fast, so plan ahead for a window table at sunset.

What to order: Dry-aged steak

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Beltline

Bridgette Bar

New American$$$· Buzzy & stylish

A stylish, buzzy Beltline room, Bridgette Bar delivers wood-fired share plates and a strong cocktail program to a fashionable weekend crowd. The seasonal menu is contemporary and produce-conscious, moving from charred vegetables to grilled proteins and house pastas. Warm service and a lively-but-comfortable space make it ideal for groups and date nights alike. It is a reliable, energetic pick for anyone who wants serious food inside one of the city's most social dining rooms.

What to order: Wood-fired share plates

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

📍 Downtown

Teatro

Italian$$$· Elegant & classic

Set in a grand former bank building across from Olympic Plaza, Teatro brings vintage elegance and market-driven Italian cooking to the heart of downtown. Handmade pastas, wood-fired mains, and an extensive wine list anchor a menu that has aged gracefully over decades. The soaring columns and white-tablecloth room make it a classic special-occasion and pre-theatre choice. Its enduring quality has made Teatro a Calgary institution and a dependable top-tier recommendation.

What to order: Handmade pasta

📍 View on Google Maps →Reserve

Best Restaurants in Calgary by Cuisine

Calgary's steady waves of immigration have turned it into one of Canada's quietly great eating cities, where a short drive can carry you from Vietnamese pho on International Avenue in Forest Lawn to dim sum in one of the country's most established Chinatowns and Ethiopian injera platters a few blocks apart.

The best restaurants in Calgary by cuisine reward exploration beyond the downtown core: neighbourhood specialists in the northeast, the Beltline, and Kensington often outshine flashier destinations.

Whether you crave nixtamalized tacos, tandoori butter chicken, Filipino sisig, or charcoal-grilled yakitori, the city delivers depth and value across price points.

This roundup highlights standout picks spanning the culinary map, from long-running institutions to modern reinventions, so you can build a week of eating that circles the globe without leaving the city limits.

  • Native Tongues Taqueria

    Mexican $$

    This Beltline favourite nixtamalizes its own corn and presses fresh masa tortillas daily, building tacos around a wood-fired al pastor trompo. The mezcal and agave list is one of the deepest in the city, and the room stays lively and loud. It helped teach Calgary to take regional Mexican cooking seriously.

    What to order: Tacos al pastor; house masa

    Reserve

  • Trung Nguyen

    Vietnamese $

    A no-frills stop on International Avenue in Forest Lawn for steaming bowls of pho and vermicelli plates at gentle prices. The broth is fragrant, the portions generous, and the surrounding strip offers banh mi, bubble tea, and grocery exploration. It anchors one of Calgary's best corridors for Southeast Asian eating.

    What to order: Pho tai; vermicelli bowls

    Reserve

  • Clay Oven

    North Indian $$

    A northeast institution near Sunridge, Clay Oven has drawn crowds for decades with its rich butter chicken and blistered tandoori breads. The lunch buffet is a rite of passage for many Calgarians, and the kitchen handles North Indian classics with real consistency. It remains a benchmark for the city's South Asian dining.

    What to order: Butter chicken; naan; lunch buffet

    Reserve

  • Shokunin

    Japanese $$$

    Chef Darren MacLean's Mission izakaya centres on a binchotan charcoal grill turning out yakitori and robata with precision. The ramen and small plates balance Japanese technique with local Alberta ingredients, and the counter seats put the fire on full display. It is a modern standout that raised the bar for Japanese cooking here.

    What to order: Charcoal yakitori; ramen

    Reserve

  • Silver Dragon

    Cantonese $$

    A Chinatown mainstay since the 1960s, Silver Dragon is beloved for its cart-and-menu dim sum and generous Cantonese banquet dishes. The room is convivial and built for groups, with steamer baskets arriving in a steady rhythm. It is a reliable celebration spot and a cornerstone of one of Canada's most established Chinatowns.

    What to order: Dim sum; Cantonese banquet dishes

    Reserve

  • Kanto 98 Street Eatery

    Filipino $$

    This family-run Filipino kitchen has become a local favourite for crackling sisig, kare-kare, and communal kamayan feasts eaten by hand. The cooking is unfussy, generous, and deeply personal, reflecting Calgary's large and growing Filipino community. It is destination eating for anyone curious about the depth of Filipino home flavours.

    What to order: Sisig; kamayan feast

    Reserve

  • Habesha Restaurant

    Ethiopian $$

    A welcoming Ethiopian spot serving spongy injera piled with spiced stews, lentils, and slow-cooked meats meant for sharing. The vegetarian combinations are especially strong, and the pace encourages lingering over coffee. It brings warmth and authenticity to Calgary's diverse International Avenue food scene.

    What to order: Injera with doro wat and vegetarian combos

    Reserve

  • Cassis Bistro

    French $$$

    Tucked into Kensington, this intimate French bistro turns out classic bouillabaisse, duck confit, and steak frites with quiet confidence. The wine list leans French and the mood stays warm and unhurried, ideal for a special occasion. It is a dependable pick for traditional Provençal-leaning cooking done with care.

    What to order: Bouillabaisse; duck confit

    Reserve

  • Anpojung

    Korean $$

    A lively Korean pojangmacha-style spot on Centre Street famous for its crackling double-fried chicken and soju-friendly small plates. The banchan, stews, and late-night energy make it a favourite for groups. It captures the fun, communal spirit of Korean street-and-pub eating in Calgary.

    What to order: Korean fried chicken; banchan

    Reserve

  • Cedars Deli

    Lebanese $

    A Beltline fixture since the late 1970s, Cedars serves generous shawarma, falafel, and garlicky Lebanese plates to a devoted lunch crowd. It is fast, affordable, and consistently satisfying, with plenty of vegetarian options. This is comfort eating that has fed downtown Calgary for generations.

    What to order: Shawarma; falafel; garlic potatoes

    Reserve

  • Bonterra Trattoria

    Italian $$$

    A polished Mission-area Italian room known for handmade pastas, wood-fired dishes, and a leafy patio that fills all summer. The cooking is refined without being fussy, and the wine program is thoughtful. It is a strong choice for a relaxed, generous meal of Italian classics done well.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; wood-fired mains

    Reserve

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Calgary

Calgary's fine-dining scene has matured into one of the most exciting in Western Canada, powered by Alberta's world-class beef, a strong farm-to-table ethos, and a wave of ambitious chefs who have chosen to build here rather than leave.

The best fine dining restaurants in Calgary range from wood-fired regional Canadian cooking to refined tasting menus and polished modern rooms, many housed in restored heritage buildings or perched high above Stephen Avenue.

Expect seasonal, locally sourced menus, thoughtful wine and non-alcoholic pairings, and warm prairie hospitality. These are the tables for anniversaries, milestone dinners, and special-occasion splurges.

Book ahead for weekend seatings, arrive curious, and let the kitchen lead; Calgary's top rooms reward diners who lean into the experience.

  • River Café

    Regional Canadian $$$$

    Tucked onto Prince's Island Park and reached on foot across a footbridge, this is Calgary's benchmark special-occasion room. The kitchen cooks over a wood fire with a fierce commitment to regional Canadian and foraged ingredients. The park setting, seasonal menu, and deep wine list make it a true destination.

    What to order: Wood-fired seasonal menu; game and foraged plates

    Reserve

  • Deane House

    Contemporary Canadian $$$

    Set in a restored 1906 house above the Bow River in Inglewood, sister restaurant to River Café. The cooking is seasonal, produce-driven Canadian fare served in gracious, historic rooms. Its riverside patio and heritage charm make it a favorite for celebrations.

    What to order: Seasonal Canadian tasting; house charcuterie

    Reserve

  • Rouge

    Canadian; Continental $$$$

    Housed in the historic 1891 Cross House in Inglewood, one of Calgary's oldest buildings. The refined Canadian and continental cooking leans on the restaurant's own garden, and the leafy back terrace is among the city's prettiest. It is a long-running choice for elegant, unhurried dinners.

    What to order: Garden-driven tasting menu

    Reserve

  • Teatro

    Italian $$$

    A downtown institution in a grand former bank building across from Olympic Plaza. The kitchen serves polished Italian market cuisine, with house pasta and Alberta produce at its heart. Consistent and handsome, it is ideal for pre-theater dinners and business celebrations.

    What to order: House-made pasta; wood-oven mains

    Reserve

  • Major Tom

    Steakhouse; Modern American $$$$

    Perched on the 40th floor of a Stephen Avenue tower with sweeping skyline views. Retro-glam interiors set the stage for prime Alberta steaks, seafood towers, and classic cocktails. It is the room for a glamorous, high-altitude night out.

    What to order: Dry-aged Alberta steak; seafood tower

    Reserve

  • Foreign Concept

    Contemporary Asian $$$

    Chef Duncan Ly's contemporary room blends French technique with the flavors of Southeast Asia. The plating is precise and the flavors bold, moving between delicate and deeply savory. It offers one of the city's most refined and personal fine-dining experiences.

    What to order: Chef's tasting menu; Vietnamese-inspired plates

    Reserve

  • Klein/Harris

    Regional Canadian $$$

    A downtown room named for two figures from Calgary's early history, championing regional Canadian cooking coast to coast. The menu spotlights Alberta bison, prairie grains, and Maritime seafood with quiet confidence. Elegant and distinctly Canadian, it suits refined dinners without spectacle.

    What to order: Bison; regional Canadian tasting

    Reserve

  • Pigeonhole

    Contemporary $$$

    An intimate, wine-forward spot on 17th Avenue serving inventive contemporary small plates. The cooking is playful and precise, and the natural-leaning wine list is a draw in itself. It delivers a modern, share-driven take on fine dining with real energy.

    What to order: Seasonal small plates; natural wine pairings

    Reserve

  • Bar Von Der Fels

    Wine bar; European $$$

    A candlelit natural-wine bar on 17th Avenue pairing thoughtful, low-intervention bottles with refined seasonal small plates. Quietly sophisticated and expertly run, it rewards diners who trust the room. A refined counterpoint to the city's louder dining rooms.

    What to order: Seasonal small plates; natural wine flight

    Reserve

  • Anju

    Modern Korean $$$

    Chef Roy Oh's modern Korean restaurant plates elevated, deeply flavored cooking rooted in heritage and technique. Dishes like the pork belly bao and Korean fried chicken have a devoted following. It marries neighborhood warmth with serious ambition.

    What to order: Pork belly bao; Korean fried chicken

    Reserve

  • Ten Foot Henry

    Vegetable-forward; Contemporary $$

    A bright, vegetable-forward restaurant on 1st Street SW that has become a local touchstone. The cooking is approachable yet polished, with produce at the center and excellent proteins alongside. It is ideal for celebrations without a full tasting-menu commitment.

    What to order: Seasonal vegetable plates; charred cabbage

    Reserve

Most Romantic Restaurants in Calgary

For date nights, anniversaries, and proposals, the most romantic restaurants in Calgary pair intimate lighting and gracious service with food worth lingering over.

The city offers everything from candlelit French bistros and clubby Alberta-beef steakhouses to cozy neighbourhood rooms with fireplaces and tucked-away patios.

Romance here is less about stiff formality and more about atmosphere: a moody bar, a shared bottle of wine, and a room that makes time slow down. Whether you want Stephen Avenue polish or a quiet corner in a converted heritage building, these picks set the mood.

Reserve ahead, request a quiet table if you can, and plan a leisurely, unhurried evening.

  • Modern Steak

    Steakhouse $$$$

    Handsome, warmly lit, and focused on Alberta beef, Modern Steak is a top date-night steakhouse in Kensington. Contemporary styling, low lighting, and a strong cocktail and wine program make dinner feel like an occasion. Dry-aged cuts and rich sides seal the romantic deal.

    What to order: Alberta dry-aged steaks; bone marrow

    Reserve

  • Model Milk

    New Canadian $$$

    Set in a former dairy on 17th Avenue, this intimate, warmly lit room is ideal for lingering over wine and seasonal shared plates. Attentive service and a relaxed-but-refined mood make it a comfortable choice for couples who want good food without pretension.

    What to order: Seasonal shared plates; wine pairings

    Reserve

  • Cassis Bistro

    French $$$

    A polished French bistro in Marda Loop, ideal for a special-occasion dinner. Classic Provençal cooking, an excellent wine list, and a snug, candlelit setting make it a reliably romantic choice away from the downtown bustle.

    What to order: Provençal classics; wine list

    Reserve

  • Teatro

    Italian $$$$

    For a refined Italian date, Teatro occupies a grand former bank building across from Olympic Plaza, with soaring ceilings, plush seating, and handmade pastas. Elegant service and a deep wine list make for a classic, unhurried romantic evening downtown.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; heritage setting

    Reserve

  • Bonterra Trattoria

    Italian $$$

    Combining a warm Italian dining room with a lush courtyard patio and fireplace, this Mission spot offers a cozy date option. Share antipasti and pasta, uncork something from the extensive cellar, and settle in by the fire for a relaxed evening together.

    What to order: Fresh pasta; fireside patio

    Reserve

  • Añejo

    Mexican $$$

    This upscale Mexican room on 17th Avenue offers a more refined, flavour-rich experience with regional dishes and one of the city's largest tequila selections. Warm lighting and lively-yet-intimate energy make it a sophisticated date destination.

    What to order: Refined regional plates; tequila flights

    Reserve

  • Foreign Concept

    Vietnamese $$$

    Chef Duncan Ly's contemporary, Vietnamese-inspired room in the Beltline is atmospheric and elegant, with moody lighting and thoughtful plating. The refined pan-Asian cooking and intimate setting make it a longtime favourite for romantic special occasions.

    What to order: Modern Vietnamese-inspired plates; spring rolls

    Reserve

  • Il Sogno

    Italian $$$

    A warm, elegant Italian room in Bridgeland with a relaxed-romantic vibe. House-made pastas and Southern Italian plates paired with candlelight and a serious wine list make it a comfortable, dressed-up date-night pick just off downtown.

    What to order: House-made pasta; Southern Italian plates

    Reserve

  • Caesar's Steak House

    Steakhouse $$$

    A classic Calgary steakhouse open since 1972, with clubby energy, generous portions, and old-school charm. The timeless downtown setting suits couples who want a celebratory, no-fuss steak dinner with a great martini and plenty of nostalgia.

    What to order: Signature aged steaks; big cuts

    Reserve

  • Klein/Harris

    Canadian Tavern $$$

    An elegant Stephen Avenue room with a handsome bar and a regional Canadian menu, well suited to a downtown date. Comfortable, stylish, and central, it works for a pre-show dinner or a relaxed evening out together.

    What to order: Elevated regional fare; bison

    Reserve

Best Rooftop & View Restaurants in Calgary

Few Canadian cities reward dining with a view like Calgary, where the downtown skyline, the winding Bow River, and the distant Rocky Mountains create striking backdrops from late spring through early fall.

The best rooftop and view restaurants in Calgary range from a revolving room high atop the Calgary Tower to riverside patios on Prince's Island and rooftop terraces along 17th Avenue.

Warm-weather months are peak season, when patios fill quickly and reservations or an early arrival become essential. Some spots focus as much on the setting and cocktails as the food, so calibrate expectations accordingly.

Whether you want a signature cocktail high above Stephen Avenue or a laid-back terrace by the river, these venues deliver Calgary's most memorable dining views.

  • Sky 360

    Canadian $$$

    Perched atop the Calgary Tower, this slowly revolving dining room offers a full 360-degree panorama of downtown, the prairies, and the Rockies on a clear day. Come for the once-around view and a regionally focused menu that leans on Alberta ingredients.

    What to order: Prairie-focused mains; panoramic views

    Reserve

  • Major Tom

    Steakhouse $$$

    On the 40th floor of Stephen Avenue Place, Major Tom pairs retro-glam interiors with sweeping views over the downtown core. It is a stylish spot for cocktails and a proper steak, with one of the highest dining rooms in the city.

    What to order: Dry-aged steak; cocktails with skyline views

    Reserve

  • Rooftop at Charbar

    Argentine $$$

    Atop the historic Simmons Building in East Village, this rooftop patio looks out over the Bow River, the Peace Bridge, and the skyline. The Argentine-inspired kitchen and negroni program make it a top all-around warm-weather pick.

    What to order: Wood-fired asado; negronis; river views

    Reserve

  • River Café

    Canadian $$$

    Tucked into Prince's Island Park on the Bow River, this farm-to-table institution feels like a lodge in the woods a short walk from downtown. The riverside patio and wood-fired regional cooking make it a scenic, memorable meal.

    What to order: Wood-fired regional Canadian; riverside patio

    Reserve

  • Deane House

    Canadian $$$

    Set in a restored 1906 house on the Bow River in Inglewood, Deane House offers a leafy riverside patio and thoughtful seasonal cooking. The historic setting and water views make it one of the city's most atmospheric spots.

    What to order: Seasonal Canadian; riverside patio

    Reserve

  • The Lake House

    Canadian $$$

    Overlooking Lake Bonavista in the city's south, this longtime favourite serves refined Canadian fare from a lakeside dining room and patio. The water-facing perch is a relaxed, scenic choice, especially at sunset.

    What to order: Seasonal Canadian; lakeside patio

    Reserve

  • National on 17th

    Pub $$

    A lively beer hall on 17th Avenue with a rooftop patio that draws crowds all summer. It is a solid choice for craft beer, pub favourites, and an easygoing rooftop evening in the heart of the Beltline.

    What to order: Burgers; craft beer; rooftop patio

    Reserve

  • Trolley 5 Restaurant & Brewery

    Brewpub $$

    This 17th Avenue brewpub tops off with a rooftop patio popular for house-brewed beers and hearty comfort food. The elevated deck and buzzy scene make it a reliable pick for laid-back drinks above the strip.

    What to order: House beers; brewpub fare; rooftop patio

    Reserve

  • Alforno Bakery & Café

    Italian $$

    At the foot of the Peace Bridge in Eau Claire, Alforno's riverfront patio looks out over the Bow River and the pathway system. It is a breezy, casual spot for wood-fired pizza, pastries, and coffee with a water view.

    What to order: Wood-fired pizza; pastries; riverfront patio

    Reserve

Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Calgary

Calgary's plant-based scene has grown from a niche into a genuine strength, with dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants alongside omnivore kitchens that treat vegetables as headliners.

The best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Calgary span comfort-food cafes, refined seasonal menus, and globally inspired spots serving everything from vegan Vietnamese to plant-friendly Ethiopian and Indian.

Many of the city's produce-driven chefs source from Alberta farms, so vegetable dishes here are anything but an afterthought.

Whether you are fully vegan, vegetarian, or simply eating lighter, these picks prove that meat-free dining in Calgary can be creative, satisfying, and celebratory rather than restrictive.

  • The Coup

    Vegetarian $$

    A pioneering vegetarian and largely vegan restaurant on 17th Avenue SW, beloved for its inventive globally inspired plates and cocktails. A Beltline institution since the city's meat-free scene was young, it remains a beloved go-to for plant-based dining with genuine flair.

    What to order: Globally inspired veg plates; cocktails

    Reserve

  • Ten Foot Henry

    Vegetable-forward $$$

    A stylish, vegetable-forward Beltline restaurant that treats produce as the star while still offering meat and seafood. Its refined seasonal plates and lively bar program show how far Calgary's vegetable cookery has come, appealing to vegetarians and omnivores alike.

    What to order: Seasonal vegetable plates; house pasta

    Reserve

  • Boon Vietnamese Kitchen

    Vegan Vietnamese $$

    A fully vegan Vietnamese spot serving fragrant pho, fresh rolls, and rice bowls built on tofu and mushrooms. Casual and welcoming, it is a reliable neighbourhood stop for satisfying plant-based versions of familiar Vietnamese favourites.

    What to order: Vegan pho; fresh rolls

    Reserve

  • Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant

    Ethiopian $$

    A longtime Centre Street Ethiopian restaurant with an excellent range of vegetarian and vegan combination platters served on injera. The spiced lentils, greens, and vegetable stews make it a naturally plant-friendly, communal dining experience.

    What to order: Veggie combo on injera; spiced lentils

    Reserve

  • Care Bakery

    Vegan Bakery $

    A vegan and gluten-free bakery and cafe serving plant-based comfort food, hearty baked goods, and sweets. Casual and unfussy, it is a dependable stop for those seeking allergy-conscious vegan treats and light savoury bites.

    What to order: Gluten-free vegan baked goods; sweets

    Reserve

  • Aida's

    Lebanese $$

    A warm 17th Avenue Lebanese restaurant with a deep bench of vegetarian and vegan mezze, from hummus and falafel to stuffed grape leaves. Its shareable, produce-heavy spreads make it a naturally plant-friendly option for flexitarians dining with meat-eaters.

    What to order: Vegetarian mezze; falafel

    Reserve

  • Clay Oven

    Indian $$

    A long-running southeast Indian restaurant known for its extensive vegetarian curries, dals, and breads. Its flavourful, spice-driven cooking makes it a reliable and satisfying stop for meat-free dining beyond the usual downtown neighbourhoods.

    What to order: Vegetarian curries; dal and naan

    Reserve

  • Sidewalk Citizen Bakery

    Bakery Cafe $$

    A vegetable-leaning bakery and cafe with locations including the Simmons Building, serving sourdough, seasonal salads, and produce-driven plates alongside its famous baked goods. Its inventive brunch and warm vibe make it a strong choice for hearty meat-free meals.

    What to order: Seasonal veg plates; sourdough brunch

    Reserve

  • River Café

    Farm-to-table $$$

    While not exclusively vegetarian, this Prince's Island Park restaurant offers standout vegetable-forward dishes worth seeking out. Its farm-to-table cooking and local Alberta sourcing make it a great option for flexitarians dining with meat-eaters in a scenic setting.

    What to order: Vegetable-forward plates; seasonal produce

    Reserve

Best Alberta Beef & Iconic Calgary Eats

You cannot claim to know the best restaurants in Calgary without diving into the city's iconic hometown foods: Alberta beef, ginger beef, the Caesar cocktail, and hand-mixed milkshakes.

Alberta beef is the headline act, ranch-raised steaks and prime rib that anchor the city's classic steakhouses, while ginger beef, the crispy, sweet-savoury stir-fry actually invented in Calgary, is the dish locals order most from Chinese kitchens.

Beyond beef, the Caesar cocktail was mixed into existence here, and drive-in burgers with thick shakes are an essential rite of passage. These dishes are hearty, unpretentious, and deeply tied to Calgary's cattle-town roots.

Come hungry, embrace the mess, and taste the foods that define the city's culinary identity.

  • Caesar's Steak House

    Steakhouse $$$

    The definitive Calgary steakhouse for many, with charbroiled Alberta beef, garlic-heavy sides, and a clubby, wood-panelled dining room. A family institution downtown since 1972, it is dependable, generous, and quintessentially Calgary.

    What to order: Alberta prime rib; charbroiled steak

    Reserve

  • Silver Inn Restaurant

    Chinese $$

    Beloved by locals as the birthplace of Calgary-style ginger beef, the crispy, sweet-savoury dish created here in the 1970s. The unassuming Centre Street room and generous portions make it a proper hometown institution.

    What to order: Original Calgary ginger beef

    Reserve

  • Peters' Drive-In

    Drive-In $

    Famous for thick, hand-mixed milkshakes and griddled burgers served from a beloved roadside stand. Touristy and always busy, it is a go-to for Calgarians who want the most nostalgic, over-the-top drive-in experience.

    What to order: Burgers; hand-mixed milkshakes

    Reserve

  • Spolumbo's

    Italian Deli $

    An Inglewood legend run by former football players, famous for house-made Italian sausage and hearty sandwiches. A cult favourite with a bustling deli counter, it rewards the line-up with big, deeply flavourful plates.

    What to order: House-made sausage sandwich

    Reserve

  • Hy's Steakhouse

    Steakhouse $$$

    The original home of Calgary's cheese toast, a retro steakhouse where the tradition of Alberta beef and tableside indulgence began. A historic stop for steak lovers, it serves the classic cuts in a timeless setting.

    What to order: Alberta steak; famous cheese toast

    Reserve

  • The Owl's Nest

    Fine Dining $$$

    The essential stop for the Caesar, the tomato-and-clam cocktail invented in this Westin dining room in 1969. Pairing Alberta beef with the drink Calgary gave the world, it is an affordable rite of passage in an elegant setting.

    What to order: Alberta beef; the original Caesar

    Reserve

  • Tubby Dog

    Hot Dogs $

    A late-night 17th Avenue hot-dog stand famous for wildly loaded dogs, arcade games, and its rowdy, offbeat charm. It is a scrappy, only-in-Calgary experience best enjoyed after a night out on the strip.

    What to order: Loaded specialty hot dogs

    Reserve

  • Charcut Roast House

    Canadian $$$

    A no-frills-turned-refined institution serving rotisserie meats, house charcuterie, and duck-fat poutine. Standing shoulder to shoulder at the bar with a plate of roasted Alberta meat is a quintessential downtown Calgary meal.

    What to order: Rotisserie meats; duck-fat poutine

    Reserve

  • OEB Breakfast Co.

    Breakfast $$

    A Calgary-born breakfast favourite famous for its Soul in a Bowl, a decadent tangle of duck confit, potatoes, and eggs. Bright, busy, and beloved, it represents the city's modern brunch tradition beyond beef.

    What to order: Soul in a Bowl; poutine benedict

    Reserve

  • Village Ice Cream

    Ice Cream $

    A classic Inglewood scoop shop making small-batch ice cream in flavours like Bourbon Vanilla and Sea Salt Caramel. Enjoyed on the patio after a stroll, it represents Calgary's everyday sweet-tooth tradition.

    What to order: Small-batch scooped ice cream

    Reserve

Best Restaurants in Calgary by Neighborhood

Calgary is a city of distinct neighborhoods, and the best restaurants in Calgary are spread across them rather than clustered in a single dining district.

The Beltline and 17th Avenue SW form the buzziest modern hub, while Inglewood, Bridgeland, and Kensington reward those who wander into the independent, chef-driven pockets on either side of the Bow River.

Mission and East Village offer riverside patios and lively multicultural eating, and the downtown core anchors Stephen Avenue. Using neighborhoods to plan your meals lets you pair dining with sightseeing, walkable strolls, and a genuine sense of local life.

This roundup spotlights a signature restaurant in several key areas to help you eat your way across the city.

  • Beltline, Model Milk

    New Canadian $$$

    Set in a converted 1920s dairy on 17th Avenue SW, this is a defining room for modern Calgary dining, with polished share plates and a lively bar. The Beltline is the city's restaurant epicenter, and its Sunday Supper is a local ritual. Reservations are wise.

    What to order: Seasonal share plates; Sunday Supper

    Reserve

  • Inglewood, Deane House

    Canadian $$$

    A lovingly restored 1906 heritage home overlooking the Elbow River, serving seasonal Canadian cooking and one of the city's best brunches. It is the ideal introduction to Inglewood, Calgary's oldest and most characterful neighborhood.

    What to order: Seasonal tasting; weekend brunch

    Reserve

  • Kensington, Pulcinella

    Neapolitan Pizza $$

    A VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzeria with a blazing wood oven imported from Naples. Kensington is a walkable, boutique-lined district on the north bank of the Bow, and this is the anchor for a leisurely evening of pizza and wine.

    What to order: Wood-fired Neapolitan pizza

    Reserve

  • Mission, Mercato

    Italian $$$

    A bustling Italian trattoria and market on 4th Street SW where the pasta is rolled in-house and the room hums nightly. Mission blends riverside paths with one of Calgary's densest restaurant strips, and this is its convivial heart.

    What to order: Handmade pasta; branzino

    Reserve

  • Chinatown, Silver Dragon

    Cantonese $$

    A long-running Cantonese banquet hall in Calgary's compact downtown Chinatown, famous for cart-style dim sum and ginger beef, a dish the city claims as its own. A dumpling-and-tea outing here is affordable and rewarding.

    What to order: Dim sum; ginger beef

    Reserve

  • Stephen Avenue, Charcut Roast House

    Canadian $$$

    Connie DeSousa and John Jackson's meat-forward flagship inside Hotel Le Germain, off the historic Stephen Avenue pedestrian mall. Rotisserie, house charcuterie, and poutine make it a downtown standard for a celebratory meal.

    What to order: Rotisserie chicken; charcuterie; poutine

    Reserve

  • Bridgeland, Shiki Menya

    Japanese $$

    A tiny, deeply loved ramen counter in the leafy, low-rise streets of Bridgeland, just across the river from downtown. Rich tonkotsu broth and handmade noodles reward the short walk up from the East Village.

    What to order: Tonkotsu ramen

    Reserve

  • East Village, Alforno Bakery & Cafe

    Italian $$

    A sunny Italian bakery and cafe on the RiverWalk, all pastries by morning and wood-fired pizza and pasta by night. Its patio captures the energy of Calgary's revitalized East Village along the Bow.

    What to order: Pastries; wood-fired pizza

    Reserve

  • Marda Loop, Belmont Diner

    Diner $

    A cheerful, no-frills diner turning out enormous breakfasts and thick milkshakes. Marda Loop is a relaxed southwest shopping district, and this beloved counter is the reason to start your morning there.

    What to order: Big-plate breakfast; milkshakes

    Reserve

  • Montgomery, Notable

    New American $$$

    Chef Michael Noble's warm neighborhood room on Bowness Road, built around a wood-fired rotisserie and grill. It put this quiet northwest community on Calgary's culinary map with refined, unfussy cooking.

    What to order: Rotisserie chicken; wood-grilled fare

    Reserve

Best New & Trendy Restaurant Openings in Calgary

Calgary's dining scene never stands still, and the best new and trendy restaurant openings in Calgary keep the city on the national radar year after year.

Recent momentum has centered on the Beltline's continued expansion, ambitious Bridgeland and Inglewood debuts, and chefs branching out from acclaimed flagships to launch second and third concepts.

New openings tend to book up fast on buzz alone, so flexibility with dates and early or late seatings helps. Because the freshest spots evolve quickly, it is always worth checking current local coverage before you go.

These picks highlight recently opened and buzzy restaurants that capture where Calgary dining is heading right now.

  • Major Tom

    Steakhouse $$$$

    A glamorous restaurant perched high in a downtown tower on Stephen Avenue, pairing sweeping city views with polished steakhouse cooking. Its dramatic room and see-and-be-seen energy made it one of Calgary's most talked-about arrivals.

    What to order: Dry-aged steak; skyline views

    Reserve

  • Lonely Mouth

    Japanese $$$

    An intimate Bridgeland izakaya focused on sushi, sashimi, and Japanese small plates in a tucked-away setting. Its careful sourcing and cult following have kept it firmly in the conversation as a modern favorite.

    What to order: Sushi; izakaya small plates

    Reserve

  • Bridgette Bar

    New Canadian $$$

    A lively Beltline restaurant built around wood-fired cooking and generous shared plates in a stylish, buzzy room. Its energetic atmosphere and vegetable-forward dishes make it emblematic of Calgary's confident new wave.

    What to order: Wood-fired shared plates

    Reserve

  • Shokunin

    Japanese $$$

    Darren MacLean's Mission izakaya blends Japanese technique with local ingredients, from smoky yakitori to ramen. Its distinctive point of view and hard-to-book counter make it a standout of the adventurous scene.

    What to order: Yakitori; ramen

    Reserve

  • Fortuna's Row

    Latin American $$$

    A stylish Latin American restaurant on Stephen Avenue bringing wood-grilled plates and a vibrant multi-level room downtown. Its buzzy energy and shared cooking made it an instant destination for groups.

    What to order: Wood-grilled Latin plates

    Reserve

  • Ten Foot Henry

    Vegetable-Forward $$$

    A vegetable-forward Beltline restaurant that reshaped Calgary dining with produce-driven cooking and an all-day, come-as-you-are feel. Warm, rustic, and reasonably priced, it reflects a move toward lighter, ingredient-led plates.

    What to order: Produce-driven vegetable plates

    Reserve

  • Pigeonhole

    Contemporary $$$

    A wine-focused small-plates spot on 17th Avenue known for creative, ever-changing cooking and a natural-leaning list. Its intimate room and adventurous kitchen keep it a critical darling.

    What to order: Creative small plates; natural wine

    Reserve

  • Anju

    Korean $$$

    Roy Oh's modern Korean restaurant in the Mission area reinvigorated Hellenic... Korean dining with elevated banchan and bold, contemporary plates. Its lively atmosphere and generous shared dishes keep it popular.

    What to order: Modern Korean; kimchi and banchan

    Reserve

  • Calcutta Cricket Club

    Indian $$

    A vibrant modern Indian restaurant on 17th Avenue building on the city's growing appetite for regional South Asian cooking. From street snacks to ambitious mains, it reflects one of Calgary's most exciting current movements.

    What to order: Modern Indian street food

    Reserve

  • Foreign Concept

    Vietnamese-French $$$

    A Beltline restaurant blending Vietnamese flavors with French technique, offering handmade dumplings and refined shared plates. Its polished cooking continues to draw buzz as a modern Calgary favorite.

    What to order: Handmade dumplings; modern Vietnamese

    Reserve

Frequently Asked Questions

What food is Calgary most famous for?

Calgary is most famous for Alberta beef, especially dry-aged steaks at its chophouses. The city also claims two inventions: ginger beef, created at the Silver Inn, and the Caesar cocktail, mixed up at the Calgary Inn in 1969.

Where can I get the best steak in Calgary?

Top steak spots include Modern Steak in Kensington, the classic Caesar's Steak House, Vintage Chophouse downtown, and CHARCUT Roast House for a chef-driven take. Book ahead for weekend tables.

Do I need reservations for top Calgary restaurants?

Yes. Standouts like River Cafe, Deane House, Pigeonhole, Model Milk, and Major Tom release tables well in advance. Ten Foot Henry and Ox and Angela keep some walk-in seats. Book early or sit at the bar.

Which Calgary neighbourhoods are best for dining?

The Beltline and 17th Avenue are the buzziest hub. Inglewood and Bridgeland have chef-driven spots, Kensington is great for casual dining, Mission offers date-night rooms, and Chinatown delivers affordable authentic cuisine.

How expensive is fine dining in Calgary?

Calgary's top tasting menus and dry-aged steaks are a splurge, typically $$$$ per person before wine. Neighbourhood bistros, ramen bars, and diners offer great value. Check current menus.

Are there good vegetarian and vegan options in Calgary?

Yes. The Coup in Kensington is a longtime vegetarian and vegan favourite. Many kitchens accommodate plant-based diners with notice, and Ethiopian spots like Marathon serve generous vegan platters.