Dining
Calgary is famous for BEEF but there is a lot more on this city’s menu! Dining in cowtown is changing as the global table of international cuisine pops up all over! Below are some of our must-trys while you are in this great Canadian city.
Caesar’s Steakhouse
You know a restaurant is great when it’s been around for over 50 years. Caesar’s has two locations and both offer remarkable experiences. These are old school steakhouses. The décor drips of opulence and the food is indulgent.
Address: 512 4th Ave SW and 10816 Macleod Trail #110
Known For: Being a go-to spot for milestones and special occasions.
Teatro
Teatro is the flagship restaurant of Calgary’s well-known Teatro Group. It opened in 1993 in the historic Dominion Bank building, right across from Arts Commons. The Italian menu is so authentic that the olive oil comes from the owner’s family’s olive groves.
Address: 200 8th Ave SE
Known For: It’s 10,000 bottle wine cellar.
Paper Lantern
You’ll have to do a bit of searching to find this Vietnamese hotspot. Paper Lantern sits in a Chinatown basement and is named as one of Canada’s Top 100 restaurants! . Go down the stairs and look for an unmarked door. Your reward is refreshing cocktails and tasty Vietnamese street food.
Address: 115 2nd Ave SE (basement)
Known For: Their authentic Bánh Mì (Vietnamese subs). The chicken roti is a must-try.
Rain Dog
Like the atmosphere of a wine bar, but prefer to drink beer? That’s the concept of Rain Dog. Craft beer fans will rejoice at the extensive menu. Many of the beers come from breweries down the street. The Northern European-inspired food pairs perfectly with an IPA, porter, or stout.
Address: 1214 9th Ave SE.
Known For: Promoting Calgary’s best craft breweries.
Major Tom
Canada’s 100 Best named Major Tom ‘Canada’s Best New Restaurant’ in 2022. It’s easy to see why. The restaurant is on the 40th floor of a downtown skyscaper. The Benchmark Angus steaks get broiled at 1800° to ensure a caramelized crust. And the décor is a throwback to 70’s glam.
Address: 40th Floor – Stephen Avenue Place – 700-2 St SW
Known For: Its stunning views of downtown Calgary during Golden Hour – 3-5 p.m.
Deane House
The Deane House sits at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. This site has been an important meeting place for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The house and the grounds are beautiful and the views of the rivers are even better. Enjoy incredible Canadian regional cuisine in a historic setting.
Address: 806 9th Ave SE
Known For: Its support of local farms, gardens, and ranches.
Fine Print
Dine in the original home of The Calgary Herald. The brink and sandstone building dates back to 1893. The whole experience at Fine Print, from the menu to the decor, pays tribute to the newspaper’s history.
Address: 113 8th Ave SW
Known For: Their ‘Main Stories’ including the ‘wood fire grilled Alberta ribeye’.
Rouge
Rouge has been a fixture in Calgary’s fine dining scene since it opened in 2001. Diners can expect French-inspired meals in a historic setting. The Cross House sits next to the Bow River and features a beautiful backyard garden. Dishes often include ingredients pulled from the garden earlier that day.
Address: 1240 8th Ave SE
Known For: Continually appearing on Best Restaurant in Calgary lists.