I’m always up for trying new food—it’s kind of my thing. But when you do it all the time, it can start to feel a bit dull. That’s when I know it’s time to level things up.
It’s not just about what’s on the plate, though that’s a big part of it. It’s the whole experience—the atmosphere, the service, and that feeling you get when everything just clicks.
So when I hit that food burnout phase, I treat myself and usually invite a few friends to join me for a night out at one of Calgary’s fine dining spots. Sure, it can be a little pricey, but it’s worth it when you’re craving something special.
If you’re in the same boat, here are some of the best fine dining gems in Calgary to check out.
Table of Contents
1. The Lake House
– Media credits: thelakehouseyyc
Address: 747 Lake Bonavista Dr SE
Contact details: +1 403-225-3939
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Walking into The Lake House, the first thing we noticed was how warm and inviting it felt. The antler chandeliers, the big stone fireplace, and those huge windows looking out over Lake Bonavista made us feel like we were somewhere special but still relaxed.
We started with a round of cocktails, and each one was well-balanced and not too sweet. Then came the daily soup, which happened to be roasted butternut squash with a touch of curry spice. It was smooth, creamy, and had a subtle kick that our team liked.
For mains, their ribeye steak was a popular choice, so that’s what we tried. Ours was cooked medium rare, and we loved how juicy and full of beefy flavor it was. It even came with a peppercorn sauce that added some depth.
Pro tip:
If you’re visiting in the cooler months, ask for a table near the stone fireplace. It’ll add an extra layer of warmth and will make your whole dining experience feel extra cozy and intimate.
2. Vintage Chophouse and Tavern
– Media credits: vintagechopyyc
Address: 320 11 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403-262-7262
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 9 PM
Vintage Chophouse and Tavern feels like a classy mix between a speakeasy and a steakhouse. They have dim lighting, exposed brick, and deep booths that make you want to settle in for the night.
We went with the Certified Angus Beef prime rib, and it was tender with a perfectly charred crust. The coolest part was the meat presentation. Our server brought out the cuts before we ordered and explained each one.
The sides didn’t disappoint either. The Brussels sprouts came out crispy with deep-fried edges. They seemed to be tossed in some kind of glaze, maybe a balsamic reduction or maple-based sauce, that added a sweet-savory layer to them.
Pro tip:
For a quieter, more intimate experience, request seating in the main dining room. If you’re in the mood for something livelier, the tavern side has live jazz and blues on the weekends.
3. Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant
– Media credits: bowvalleyrancherestaurant
Address: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE
Contact details: +1 403-476-1310
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 11 PM
Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant’s interior preserves the character of the original ranch house with its vintage architecture. We were lucky enough to grab a table on the veranda because of the surrounding park’s greenery.
The Ranche House Platter stole the show for us. The steak was tender, and the roasted bone marrow had a buttery interior that we all loved. Everything came together with perfectly roasted vegetables and signature sauces.
They also have a brunch menu, which was more limited but still offered some delicious options. The portions were huge, though. The steak and eggs could be shared.
Pro tip:
Make the most of your visit by exploring Fish Creek Provincial Park before or after your meal. The trails are perfect for walking, biking, and even rollerblading.
4. Ten Foot Henry
– Media credits: tenfoothenry
Address: 1209 1 St SW
Contact details: +1 403-475-5537
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Ten Foot Henry has a warm, garden vibe with their hanging plants and natural wood tones. If you love the sun, you can even grab a seat on their patio.
Most of the food on the menu is vegetable-anchored, but they still have some for meat and seafood lovers. We tried the Yellow Fin Crudo, and it was super fresh. It has a zingy chimichurri and a subtle heat from the chili oil.
For dessert, we ordered the butterscotch pudding with salted caramel and sponge toffee. The first spoonful of it is rich and silky, like a custard with deeper warmth. The butterscotch itself leans into a slow-cooked brown sugar taste, but not overly sweet.
Pro tip:
If you’re into food theatre, ask for a seat at the chef’s counter. You’ll get a front-row view of the kitchen in action. Just keep in mind it can get a bit warm near the stoves.
5. Salt & Brick
– Media credits: saltandbrickyyc
Address: 211 10 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403-371-3429
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 11 PM
Salt & Brick is so big, and the space is set up in a way that never feels crowded, even when it’s full. There are small tables for date nights, big tables for groups, and even a chef’s bar where you can watch the kitchen team work together.
The menu here is always changing. They use local Canadian ingredients and create a new lineup of dishes every week. We were really excited, not knowing exactly what to expect.
Their Bison Tartare blew us away, and every bite was balanced and well thought out. It came with allium, coffee sourdough, and a fluffy layer of shaved foie gras on top.
Pro tip:
There’s a hidden speakeasy behind the restaurant, which is perfect for a post-dinner drink. You can book ahead or just ask for “Charlie” when you get there.
6. Pat and Betty
– Media credits: patandbettys
Address: 1217 1 St SW
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 3 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 3 PM – 10 PM
Pat & Betty has great lighting and a bit of old-school charm, thanks to the checkered floors. The place has a relaxed but classy vibe. We also loved sitting upstairs where you can look out onto 1st Street.
We like that their menu is built for sharing, which worked great for us. Their Seared Foie gras looked beautiful when it arrived, and the maple syrup drizzle was such a clever twist. It balanced the buttery foie gras so well, and it tasted really fancy.
Their oysters were fresh but not super cold. Still, with a glass of crisp Pinot Gris, they weren’t bad to start off with. Their wine list is great with lots of options like Riesling and French rosé that actually go well with their food.
Pro tip:
Their menu leans toward seafood and lighter European-style dishes, so this might not be the place if you’re craving a big steak.
7. Teatro Ristorante
– Media credits: teatrorestaurant
Address: 200 8 Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403-290-1012
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 10 PM
Teatro Ristorante’s interior is so impressive. The high ceilings, classical pillars, and beautiful marble details are like something out of a movie. It’s odd, but even though it’s a large restaurant, it still feels intimate.
We decided to go for the chef’s table tasting menu, and we loved how accommodating they were to our dietary needs. We had a pescetarian, a vegetarian, and someone with a nut allergy in our group, and the kitchen handled our table with ease.
The dishes were creative, delicious, and beautifully presented. You could tell they were combining traditional Italian recipes with modern cooking techniques.
If you want some drinks, their wine pairings were fantastic as well. The sommelier was so knowledgeable that each wine was a perfect match for the dish it was paired with.
Pro tip:
If you’re heading to a show at Arts Common or another nearby theatre, let the staff know when you arrive. They’re great at timing the courses so you can savor your meal and still make it to your performance on time.
8. EIGHT
– Media credits: eight_cdn
Address: 631 Confluence Way SE
Contact details: +1 403-457-2153
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday to Friday: 6:30 PM – 12 AM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 6:30 PM – 12 AM
Our team’s experience at EIGHT was like nothing else we’ve tried before. The space is super intimate with only eight seats, which made us feel really special. We weren’t just there for a meal, but it’s like we’re also part of the whole show.
The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs in action, turning each dish into a performance. They serve up an ever-changing 18-course tasting menu that’s all about Canadian ingredients but with influences from around the world.
We liked how the chef explained each dish and the story behind it. One of our favorite dishes was the king salmon, served sashimi-style with crispy skin. It was such a great contrast of textures and flavors.
Pro tip:
Respect the no-photos rule. It might be tempting to sneak a picture but trust us when we say you won’t miss your phone once you’re in the moment. Just soak it all in and enjoy the experience.
9. Orchard Restaurant
– Media credits: orchard.yyc
Address: 620 10 Ave SW #134
Contact details: +1 403-243-2392
Operating hours:
- Monday: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM
The first thing we noticed about Orchard Restaurant was how beautiful the space is. It’s got high ceilings, fancy chandeliers, and so many plants everywhere. It feels like you’re dining in a dreamy greenhouse.
The menu isn’t huge, but every dish feels intentional. Chef Janny Kang blends Mediterranean flavors with Asian touches, like influences from Korea, Japan, and China.
We ordered the fuck breast, and we liked that it’s packed with flavor and not gamey at all. It came with a scalloped-style potato that was thinly sliced and had a buttery inside. It paired so well with the duck.
Pro tip:
We suggest going in the evening. The ambiance really comes alive at night with all their decorations. It’s a great spot for date night or a special dinner with friends.
10. Caesar’s Steak House & Lounge
– Media credits: caesarssteak
Address: 512 4 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403-264-1222
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 5 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Caesar’s Steak House is all about prime Alberta beef, and it shows. We ordered a mix to share, and everyone agreed the bone-in rib-eye was the standout. It was packed with flavor, and perfectly seared and juicy.
The Steak Diane, prepared right at our table, added a bit of a show to our night. Watching the sauce come together was a fun touch, and it tasted just as good as it looked. The sauce is finished with cream and mustard, creating a velvety flavor.
We were also intrigued by the fact that the place has been around since 1972. You can feel history the moment you walk in. With deep burgundy leather chairs and rich wood finishes, it has a classic feel that sets the tone right away.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the tableside Caesar salad. It’s a signature experience where your salad is prepared right in front of you, adding a fun touch to your meal. Just keep in mind, it requires a minimum of two people to order.
11. Bonterra Trattoria
– Media credits: bonterracalgary
Address: 1016 8 St SW
Contact details: +1 403-262-8480
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Since the weather was nice during our visit, we grabbed a spot on the back patio at Bonterra Trattoria. It was very pretty there with all the climbing vines and a wood fire burning nearby.
We went with the chef’s choice family-style dinner, which was a fun way to try a bit of everything. It’s all based on what’s in season and what the chef feels like making, and it did not disappoint.
Their veal carpaccio was incredibly fresh, and for the price, the portion was generous.
But our favorite had to be the mango-braised beef. It came out beautifully plated, with the beef falling apart tender from hours of slow braising. The subtle tropical sweetness of the mango cut through the beef, which balanced out its smoky flavor.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning a celebration, ask about the Wine Room. It’s a cozy, private space that can host up to 30 people. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or small receptions.
12. Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
– Media credits: hyssteakhouse
Address: 8 Avenue at, 3 St SW
Contact details: +1 403-663-3363
Operating hours:
- Monday: 4 PM – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 4 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 9 PM
Hy’s Steakhouse has an upscale feel to it without being too formal or intimidating. I personally loved the black-and-mahogany combo and red leather seating. It’s a good spot for a fancy date night.
Our team ordered different meats, and all of them were very delicious.
The steak Neptune and beef Wellington were both cooked medium rare, and you could literally cut them with a butter knife. The New York strip had an amazing sear on the outside but stayed juicy and tender inside.
We also tried their cheese toast, and it had this satisfying crunch when you bite into it. The cheese blend (which might be a mix of aged cheddar and Parmesan) is rich, sharp, and slightly tangy. It’s layered on thick, so you get that gooey texture with every bite.
Pro tip:
If you’re not up for the full formal dining experience, sit in the lounge. There’s live music some nights, a solid happy hour, and the full menu is available.
