Each year, we ask our readers to weigh in on the best restaurants in Calgary with an online voting ballot. Here are the winners and runners-up for Best Restaurants in Calgary’s Beltline Neighbourhood.
Winner
Bridgette Bar
Bridgette Bar’s cozy and inviting mid-century modern space is equally suited for a date night, drinks with a friend or a relaxing meal alone at the bar. Whatever your night out looks like here, dishes like the cheese curd garlic bread, Wagyu beer carpaccio, thin-crust pizzas and wood grilled beef strip steak promise to make it memorable.
739 10 Ave. S.W., 403-700-0191 (text only), bridgettebar.com, @thebridgettebar
Runners-up
Ten Foot Henry
The charming comic strip character mascot and refreshing vegetable-forward menu are just some of the reasons why Calgarians keep coming back to Ten Foot Henry. Dishes like tomatoes with whipped feta and sourdough toast and the Henry salad are complemented by a smattering of shareable pasta, fish and meat plates. The popular butterscotch pudding with sponge toffee will end your visit on just the right note.
1209 1 St. S.W., 403-475-5537, tenfoothenry.com, @tenfoothenry
Pat & Betty
This European-inspired restaurant is also inspired by the mothers of managing partner James Martin and managing partner and executive chef Mike Pigot, respectively. Grab a seat in the inviting dining room to enjoy oysters and caviar, arancini, seafood lasagna or the popular pork belly and scallops dish. And make sure to try Nan’s lemon pudding for dessert.
1217 1 St. S.W., 403-453-7690, patandbetty.com, @patandbettys
Lulu Bar
Lulu Bar has become one of the most popular destinations on 17 Ave. S.W. thanks to its stylish mid-century-style design and heated patio that’s open year-round. But it’s not just the space that draws people in — the menu is full of tempting dishes like the fried coconut squid, grilled skewers and steamed lobster dumplings, as well as eye-catching cocktails like the coconut cooler.
510 17 Ave. S.W., 403-519-0444 (text only), lulubar.ca, @thelulubar
Model Milk
Year after year, Model Milk continues to offer dependably delicious dining experiences. From its memorable dining room that nods to the space’s 1930s dairy past, to menu staples like its hot fried chicken with buttermilk biscuits or the apple pie with cheddar crust and house-made ice cream, this restaurant knows how to make an impression.
308 17 Ave. S.W., 403-265-7343, modelmilk.ca, @modelmilk
Native Tongues Taqueria
The tacos de guisado and al carbon have become Native Tongues’ calling card over the years, and it just takes one taste to see why. Don’t sleep on the drink menu, which features enticing cocktails and plenty of mezcal and tequila options. End your meal with one of the restaurant’s signature glazed doughnuts.
235 12 Ave. S.W., 403-263-9444, nativetongues.ca, @nativetonguesyyc
Bonterra Trattoria
This beloved trattoria invites guests in with its menu of contemporary Italian fare and warm, rustic dining room. From the house-made focaccia with cultured butter to plates of spaghetti alla carbonara and gnocchi di pesto, Bonterra delivers on memorable and delicious dining experiences.
1016 8 St. S.W., 403-262-8480, bonterra.ca, @bonterracalgary
Calcutta Cricket Club
Dine on delicious kati rolls, chili chicken and dal makhani inside Calcutta Cricket Club’s colourful dining room designed by local artist Maya Gohill. If you can’t decide what to order, the restaurant’s three-course tasting menu promises a memorable evening for your table.
340 17 Ave. S.W., 403-719-1555, calcuttacricketclub.com, @calcuttacricket
Foreign Concept
Led by chef Duncan Ly, Foreign Concept’s menu of Pan-Asian cuisine features a mix of flavours and techniques from Vietnamese, Chinese, French and Korean culture. Expect beautifully plated dishes of Mama Ly’s pork and shrimp Imperial rolls, cumin lamb lollipops, lemongrass glazed duck breast and more.
1011 1 St. S.W., 403-719-7288, foreignconcept.ca, @eatforeign
Orchard Restaurant
With its sparkling chandeliers and hanging plants, Orchard makes an impression from the minute you walk in the door. That feeling of approachable elegance extends to the menu, where you’ll find tempting dishes like cheese stuffed garlic bread, lobster and prawn arancini, Rougie duck breast and Alberta beef ribeye.
620 10 Ave. S.W., 403-243-2392 (text only), orchardyyc.com, @orchard.yyc