Each year, we ask Avenue readers to vote for their favourite restaurants in Calgary in our Best Restaurants readers’ choice ballot. These are some of their favourite places in the city.
Winner
Major Tom
Major Tom’s spectacular view of Calgary from 40 floors up is just part of the reason to celebrate a special occasion here. The memorable menu includes dishes like steak tartare, cavatelli with elm oyster mushrooms and a classic Alberta roasted prime rib. The restaurant is also known for its innovative cocktails.
700 2 St. S.W. (40th floor), majortombar.ca, @themajortombar
Runners-up
River Café
The natural landscape of Prince’s Island Park makes this restaurant a special dining destination. Surrounded by picnic areas, flower gardens and trails, River Café has been a key player in Calgary’s dining scene since 1995. Enjoy dishes like hand-cut linguine with springbank bison bolognese or the hog wild boar belly with wines handpicked by the restaurant’s proprietor and sommelier.
25 Prince’s Island, 403-261-7670, river-cafe.com, @rivercafeyyc
Primary Colours
Primarily Colours offers a modern, cozy atmosphere to dine and socialize in Britannia. With a menu of hearty dishes made with Asian-Canadian techniques, guests can choose from options like mushroom and kabocha squash ravioli, Peking duck croquette and more. Pair your meal with classic cocktails, local beers, Canadian wine or freshly roasted coffee.
802 49 Ave. S.W., 403-764-2607, primarycoloursyyc.com, @primarycoloursyyc
Moonlight & Eli
Tucked in a charming pink house in Bridgeland, Moonlight & Eli is a fondue haven where you can pair your meal with a flight or glass of bubbly (there are more than 20 Champagne varieties to choose from). The lovely, relaxed ambience is equally suited for a cozy get together with a friend or group celebration.
627 1 Ave. N.E., 825-437-9202, msha.ke/moonlightandeli, @moonlight.and.eli
FinePrint
FinePrint delivers exceptional service with impeccable attention to detail. Located on the lively Stephen Avenue, the restaurant offers an elevated atmosphere that works for any occasion. Try the whipped brie and honey toast or the crispy Brussels sprouts to start, then tuck into delicious mains like the steak frites for lunch or lobster risotto for dinner.
113 8 Ave. S.W., 403-475-5655, fineprintyyc.com, @fineprintyyc
Deane House
Much like its sister restaurant River Café, this restaurant comes with a historic location and incredible views. Deane House’s menu is designed around the seasons, using locally sourced products from ecologically responsible producers. It even has its own garden, where it grows herbs, berries and greens that are used in its dishes.
806 9 Ave. S.E., 403-264-0595, deanehouse.com, @deanehouseyyc
Chairman’s Steakhouse
Chairman’s Steakhouse offers a sophisticated setting for any special occasion. Steak options ranging from tenderloin to Australian wagyu tomahawk can be taken to the next level with one of the “over the top” add-ons, which allow you to dress up your meal with garnishes like ruby port jus, seared scallops or cowboy steak butter. But while the signature cuts are hard to pass up, Chairman’s is also more than just a steakhouse with additional options like chicken supreme, black truffle gnocchi and baked lobster.
2251 Mahogany Blvd. S.E., 587-291-9898, chairmans.ca, @chairmansyyc
Alloy
Alloy offers a contemporary fine-dining experience that blends Mediterranean, Latin and Asian influences and flavours. Choose from a variety of starters like the beef tataki or tuna crudo before delving into mains like the seafood risotto or lamb sirloin. The restaurant’s bright atmosphere and mid-century inspired interior, thoughtful customer service and curated wine selection makes it an ideal setting for any special occasion.
220 42 Ave. S.E., 403-287-9255, alloydining.com, @alloydining
Salt & Brick
Salt & Brick offers a fresh and exciting dining experience with a menu that changes daily. No matter what the restaurant is serving that day, guests can expect beautifully plated and innovative dishes. Salt & Brick is also home to Charlie’s Watch Repair, a cocktail bar hidden inside the restaurant.
211 10 Ave. S.W., 403-371-3429, saltandbrick.com, @saltandbrickyyc
Teatro
Teatro is a Calgary staple known for its contemporary cuisine and elevated dining room. A big part of its success and popularity stems from the restaurant’s philosophy of sourcing local ingredients, hiring passionate chefs and providing attentive service that’s focused on the details. Of course, it could also be partially thanks to the restaurant’s award-winning wine cellar, which holds up to 10,000 bottles.
200 8 Ave. S.E., 403-290-1012, teatro.ca, @teatrorestaurant
The Wilde on 27
Located on the 27th floor of The Dorian hotel, The Wilde provides some of the best views in the city with your dining experience. Another notable feature of this spot is that like the hotel, the restaurant’s setting is lightly inspired by Oscar Wilde and the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. The food is equally memorable, whether you opt for the chef’s tasting menu or the decadent Wildest Sunday Brunch featuring a seafood bar and dessert station.
27th floor, 525 5 Ave. S.W., 403-300-6633, thewilderooftop.com, @thewilderooftop