6 Best Places to Dine Alone

6 Best Places to Dine Alone Sometimes, there’s no sweeter company than your own. By Jennifer Hamilton February 10, 2015 Sandstone Lounge. Photography by Jared Sych We celebrate these top spots where you can relish being alone, but not lonely. Brava Bistro Solo or not, I always like sitting at…

6 Best Places to Dine Alone

Sometimes, there’s no sweeter company than your own.

Sandstone Lounge.

Photography by Jared Sych

We celebrate these top spots where you can relish being alone, but not lonely.

Brava Bistro

Solo or not, I always like sitting at the bar and Brava’s is one of the best. Expect attentive, but not overbearing service from behind the bar, a good playlist, purse hooks (bonus!) and warmly dim lighting to complement the upscale comfort-food menu.

733 17 Ave. S.W., 403-228-1854, bravabistro.com

Cassis Bistro

The French would never rush a meal or tarnish the experience by fiddling incessantly with their smartphones, and neither should you. This lovely, intimate restaurant serves classic bistro food alongside a well-curated wine list, and there’s a small bar with seating if you prefer that to a table.

2505 17 Ave. S.W., 403-262-0036, thecassisbistro.ca

Cleaver

Serving modern Irish cuisine from its industrial-style space on 17th Avenue S.W., Cleaver has quickly established a loyal following, thanks, no doubt, to its inventive menu and some of the best cocktails in the city. There are plenty of interesting design details to scope out from your perch at the bar, and there’s a vibe about the place that is busy, without being frenetic.

524 17 Ave. S.W., 403-452-1211, cleavercalgary.com

Mercato

With its wide-open kitchen, usually packed seating and adjacent market, this Italian gourmet staple in Mission has a decidedly urban feel, with some of the best people-watching in the city. Sit at the counter that wraps around the kitchen and let your senses delight in the sights, sounds and wonderful smells that fill the air.

2224 4 St. S.W., 403-263-5535, mercatogourmet.com

Sandstone Lounge

Chain-hotel restaurant dining is notoriously underwhelming, but not so at the Hyatt, where the food is modern, upscale and emphasizes local producers and ingredients. The lounge lighting is fairly dim for stealth solo dining, and the plush leather seats at the long bar are made for comfort.

700 Centre St. S.E., 403-717-1234, calgary.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/sandstonelounge.html

Vin Room

Tapas might be intended for group dining, but it works equally well for dining sans companions, especially at Vin Room, where you can sample a variety of dishes with a variety of wines from the expansive by-the-glass menu. Sit at the counter looking out on the street and watch the people scurry along, and order a big, bold glass of red to take the chill off.

2310 4 St. S.W., 403-457-5522, vinroom.com

Get a weekly serving of suggestions for how to experience Calgary's restaurants, bars and markets by signing up for Avenue’s Food & Drink Newsletter.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Privacy Policy

Privacy & Cookies Policy
Avenue Calgary