Since the turn of the millennium, Bonterra has been a fixture on the Calgary restaurant scene, known for its beautiful space and consistently well-prepared contemporary-rustic Italian menu. Calgarians go for the impeccable service, elegant, yet casual dining room (or smaller private wine room, which can accommodate up to 30) and the tiny but well-landscaped (and heated) patio, which feels like a sheltered inner-city Italian grotto.
Bonterra is as lively and spirited as the country that inspired it, with a steady menu built on quality local and imported ingredients (think linguine carbonara with wild boar bacon and grana padano) that, while classic and unwavering, is never too predictable with chef Glen Manzer at the helm. Bonterra is as well-suited to a business lunch as a celebratory dinner, and is a solid choice when you want to impress out-of-town guests.
1016 8 St. S.W., 403-262-8480, bonterra.ca, @bonterracalgary
