Winner
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
Runners-up
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 beef carpaccio, thin-crust pizzas and wood grilled beef strip steak promise to make it memorable.
739 10 Ave. S.W., 403-700-0191 (text), bridgettebar.com, @thebridgettebar
Pat & Betty
This European-inspired restaurant is also inspired by the mothers of Pat & Betty 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, Atlantic octopus, wild mushroom pappardelle 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
Kama
Led by chef Kenny Kaechele, Kama serves up modern-rustic Mediterranean cuisine in a vibrant, eye-catching dining room in the Beltline. Start the meal off with snacks like the popcorn octopus and merguez croquetas before digging into plates of lamb kofta, Turkish street prawns and seared scallops. The restaurant also offers a special late-night dining experience called Nighthawk on Fridays and Saturdays starting at 10 p.m.
211 11 Ave. S.W., 403-266-7062, kamacalgary.com, @kamayyc
Lulu Bar
Lulu Bar has become one of the most popular destinations on 17th Avenue S.W. thanks to its stylish mid-century-style design and heated patio that operates 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), lulubar.ca, @thelulubar
Donna Mac
This neighbourhood staple offers approachable and delicious fare inside a spacious and warm dining room designed by Sarah Ward Interiors. Donna Mac’s dinner menu offers something for everyone, with options ranging from perogies to bone-in pork chops. And on Saturdays and Sundays, treat yourself to dishes like brioche French toast or a croque madame for brunch.
1002 9 Ave S.W., 403-719-3622, donnamacyyc.ca, @donnamacyyc
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 honey 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
Lonely Mouth Bar
Since opening in late 2021, this Concorde Entertainment Group restaurant has become a go-to spot for memorable date-night experiences and delicious meals amongst family and friends. The stylish and intimate dining room is an ideal spot to enjoy eye-catching cocktails, a wide selection of sake and delicious bites like hand rolls and fresh udon.
528 17 Ave. S.W., 403-990-5094 (text), lonelymouthbar.com, @lonelymouthbar
Park By Sidewalk Citizen
With its dining room situated inside a bright solarium with a beautiful wooden lattice, Park by Sidewalk Citizen makes a memorable impression before you’ve even taken your seat. Things only get better as you dig into the menu, which showcases Mediterranean flavours through plates of falafel, mussels and shrimp, capellini pasta, a lamb doughnut and more.
340 13 Ave. S.W., 403-263-2999, parkbysidewalk.com, @parkbysidewalk
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 agnello, Bonterra delivers on memorable and delicious dining experiences.
1016 8 St. S.W., 403-262-8480, bonterra.ca, @bonterracalgary