Navigating the local culinary scene in Calgary can lead to plenty of disappointing endeavors. It’s like playing a nerve wracking game of culinary roulette – sometimes you win and sometimes you end up in a place that’s as more suited for Instagram than your taste buds.
Fear not because today, we’re your culinary sidekicks, here to provide you a shortcut through a curated list of the coolest restaurants in Calgary! Say goodbye to a game of eeny, meeny, miny, moe as we give you a foolproof guide to nothing but the best!
Table of Contents
1. River Café
Website: https://www.river-cafe.com
Address: 25 Prince’s Island Park, SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-261-7670
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
River Café is a charming spot offering picturesque views of the nearby river. It’s best enjoyed by indulging in a seat in their patio surrounded by lush greenery, akin to a Monet masterpiece.
The food is served very nicely too – expect an artful display that adds to the delightful experience. Our top choice, the rangeland bison striploin, is perfect for those who prefer a combination of lean meat and juicy textures.
2. Major Tom
Website: https://www.majortombar.ca
Address: 700 2 St SW #4000, Calgary, AB T2P 2W3, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 3 PM to 11 PM
Major Tom offers one of most unbeatable views of the Calgary skyline. Sip one of their original concoctions, the sweetberry wine, while immersing yourself in this breathtaking panorama to enjoy your visit best.
Of course, the views aren’t the only cool thing about this restaurant. The interior is sleek and regal, with a sophisticated feel sure to make your dining experience anything but ordinary.
3. Pigeonhole
Website: https://www.pigeonholeyyc.ca
Address: 306 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0A8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-452-4694
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 5 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
Pigeonhole is a rustic haven, offering a welcoming vibe that effortlessly encourages customers to stay for hours. The temptation to extend one’s visit increases because of the delectable offerings they have on the menu, like wagyu beef tartare and northern divine caviar.
As soon as the sun sets, Pigeonhole becomes an even cooler hangout spot. The bright and airy ambiance transforms into a subdued low light haven, making it an ideal environment for intimate conversations.
4. Sky 360
Website: https://www.sky360.ca
Address: 101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1J9, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-532-7966
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
Located in one of the most popular attractions downtown, the Calgary Tower, Sky 360 is a gateway to unparalleled views of Calgary. It gives a whole new meaning to taking your culinary adventures into new heights.
For the best experience, order yourself a grilled Sungold Farm lamb sirloin, a perfect and flavorful dish that we always get when there!
5. The Casbah Restaurant
Website: http://www.casbahrestaurant.ca
Address: 720 11 Ave SW Lower Level, Calgary, AB T2R 0E4, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-265-9800
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday & Thursday – 5:30 PM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 5:30 PM to 11 PM
The Casbah Restaurant offers an authentic Moroccan dining experience for those looking for something more unique. Before you get a bite of their delectable cuisine, you’ll be asked to wash your hands in rosewater, which is true to the Moroccan fashion.
As you begin to settle in, you’ll get a chance to enjoy the enchanting ambiance brought by Moroccan carvings, paintings, and other art pieces that would transport you outside Calgary limits.
If you’re new to the world of Moroccan cuisine, we suggest ordering one of their couscous, which is a quintessential Moroccan delight.
6. Model Milk
Website: https://www.modelmilk.ca
Address: 308 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0A8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-265-7343
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, & Sunday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Model Milk offers delectable locally sourced delights, ensuring a menu filled with nothing but the freshest meals. The ambiance is unassuming and casual with a dashing touch of stylish allure.
What makes this place extremely cool are their famous cocktails. Don’t leave without trying at least one of their 11 tasty alcoholic beverages to get the best experience!
7. Calcutta Cricket Club
Website: https://www.calcuttacricketclub.com
Address: 340 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0A8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-719-1555
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 4 PM to 12 AM
Offering an array of delicious Indian delights, Calcutta Cricket Club has managed to seamlessly integrate the vivacity and maximalism of Indian culture, demonstrated through their breathtaking interior.
This stunning display surely didn’t go unnoticed because they even won best-designed restaurant in all of Canada from a list by Canada’s 100 Best.
Of course, their menu is also quite noteworthy. They serve plenty of famous Indian dishes like butter chicken masala, biryani, and other enticing culinary gems. Aside from being a culinary venture, your visit to Calcutta Cricket Club is also a chance to get a glimpse of India’s rich culture.
8. Oxbow
Website: https://www.oxbowyyc.ca
Address: 1126 Memorial Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3E3, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-670-7387
Operating hours:
- Monday & Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 5 PM to 9 PM
As if plucked from someone’s living room, Oxbow presents a warm and cozy interior that will make you feel right at home. This charm perfectly intertwines with sleek furnishings, which elevates its overall sophistication.
The charm extends to their lovely patio, a dog-friendly spot where patrons can indulge in a delectable meal with their furry friend right beside them.
After your meal, don’t forget to have a bite of their espresso crème brulee, a The Best Calgary-certified must-try.
9. Charcut Roast House
Website: http://www.charcut.com
Address: 899 Centre St S, Calgary, AB T2G 1B8, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-984-2180
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 7:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 7:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 7:30 AM to 11 AM, 4 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 7:30 AM to 11 AM, 4 PM to 10 PM
Offering an undeniable rustic charm, Charcut Roast House boasts of a genuine farm-to-table set-up, guaranteeing only the best for its patrons.
It’s located in Le Germain Hotel Calgary, which means it stands in an unmatched setting in the heart of downtown. They have plenty of delicious offerings, but our favorite is the NY striploin.
10. Porch
Website: https://porchyyc.com
Address: 730 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B7, Canada
Contact details: +1 587-391-8500
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Experience the laid-back feel of a cozy porch at the Porch restaurant. Their gorgeous interior boasts of a spacious setting, while still preserving the same charm of intimate settings.
With their array of small plates and shareable delights, we highly suggest bringing the gang and ordering the wild mushroom pizza. Rest assured, you’re in for a treat!
11. Cleaver
Website: https://www.cleavercalgary.com
Address: 524 17 Ave SW #102, Calgary, AB T2S 0B2, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-452-1211
Operating hours:
- Sunday & Monday – 4 PM to 10 PM
- Tuesday & Wednesday – 4 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 4 PM to 1 AM
Cleaver is known for its homespun vibe and unique spin on the classic bar experience. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere embraced by the rough yet stylish interior.
Make sure to try their delectable masterpieces namely the crab & chili linguine and caesar stack, crafted with a satisfying medley of other delectable delights. Check out the bar too!
12. The Guild
Website: https://www.theguildrestaurant.com
Address: 200 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1B5, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-770-2313
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday & Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 1 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 9 PM
Housed in a historical building, The Guild blends industrial and contemporary elements together in a remarkable setting. However, it’s really their food and outstanding diversity of delicious plates that makes them worth raving about.
Our recommendation? The 24-hour braised pork belly effortlessly steals the spotlight with its soft texture and succulent flavor.
13. Native’s Tongue Taqueria
Website: https://www.nativetongues.ca
Address: 235 12 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1H7, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-263-9444
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 1 PM
Producing a vibe similar to the lively Mexican Fiesta, Native’s Tongue Taqueria stands out as a cool location if you like Mexican style.
Their birria is a delightful punch of sophisticated flavors, taking our taste buds into a world of culinary delights. That said, their carnitas is also a worthy contender that engages in a head-to-head battle with the birria for the coveted crown of culinary supremacy here.
14. Rogue
Website: https://rougecalgary.com
Address: 1240 8 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0M7, Canada
Contact details: +1 403-531-2767
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Rogue is located inside a historic 1890s building. They offer a high-end culinary experience to go with that setting, and it’s worth a try.
The seared steelhead trout, in particular, captured our hearts. It has a delightfully rich taste with hints of butter that, though subtle, can’t be overlooked.
