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 Downtown Calgary.
Winner
Major Tom
Reservations book up months in advance for this downtown restaurant, and it’s not hard to see why. At 40 floors above Stephen Avenue, Major Tom offers spectacular views of the city during the day and evening. Have your pick of hors d’oeuvres like the potato doughnuts or the crab and shrimp roll before trying the restaurant’s beef program, which features Benchmark Angus, Alberta Prime and Wagyu beef.
700 2 St. S.W. (40th Floor), 403-990-3954, (text only), majortombar.ca, @themajortombar
Runners-up
River Café
River Café has been a Calgary staple for more than three decades. While the restaurant’s dining room offers a cozy dining option year-round, the patio overlooking Prince’s Island Park provides a beautiful dining experience in the spring and summer. No matter when you visit, beautifully plated seasonal dishes made with local ingredients await.
Prince’s Island Park, 403-261-7670, river-cafe.com, @rivercafeyyc
Cafe Alchemist
This downtown coffee shop and café offers an inviting, modern space to relax with a cup of coffee and a snack. Pair a caramel latte or Americano with a croissant or heartier dishes like egg wraps or a bourbon pork belly bowl.
850 2 St. S.W., 403-261-0938, cafealchemist.com, @cafe.alchemist
Modern Steak
With its sophisticated atmosphere and steak-forward menu, Modern Steak’s Stephen Avenue location has become a popular dining destination. Whether you opt for a locally produced Modern Benchmark Black Angus ribeye or a filet of wagyu beef from Japan, you’re in for a memorable dining experience. In the summer, try to snag a seat on the rooftop patio to add some stunning city views to your night.
100 8 Ave. S.W., 403-244-3600, modernsteak.ca, @modernsteakca
Teatro
Teatro’s team of passionate chefs are masters at bringing the flavours of Italy to your plate. The serving staff are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and the team is ready to recommend perfect pairings from the award-winning wine cellar. For the full Teatro experience, try the chef’s tasting menu for an indulgent, five-course meal to experience with your whole table.
200 8 Ave. S.E., 403-290-1012, teatro.ca, @teatrorestaurant
Fonda Fora
Located within The Westley Hotel, this restaurant showcases Mexican cuisine through its seasonal menus that are available during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Grab a seat in the dining room, designed by Frank Architecture, to enjoy a salsa tasting, tuna tostadas, ceviche de camarón or the pollo frito con mole coloradito.
630 4 Ave. S.W. (Westley Hotel), 403-764-6260, fondafora.com, @fondafora
Caesar’s Steak House
A Calgary staple for more than 50 years, Caesar’s offers a classic steakhouse dining experience at both its downtown and Willow Park locations. Treat yourself to a prime bone-in rib eye or filet mignon, which you can pair with the restaurant’s classic Caesar salad, shrimp cocktail, lobster tail and more to complete the experience.
512 4 Ave. S.W., 403-264-1222, caesarssteakhouse.com, @caesarssteak
Klein/Harris
Led by executive chef James Waters, the Klein/Harris menu celebrates Canadian cuisine, from the West Coast to the Maritimes. The restaurant’s relaxing atmosphere is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Stephen Avenue, whether it’s for a plate of braised Alberta lamb shoulder or a delicious cocktail like the K/H Caesar.
110 8 Ave. S.W., 403-262-8100, kleinharris.com, @klnharris
Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
Offering an authentic steakhouse experience since 1955, Hy’s is equally as great for business lunches as it is for a romantic date night. Share the restaurant’s famous cheese toast for two before tucking into a Caesar salad prepared tableside, a Prime Grade steak or other entrees like beef Wellington. Finish off your meal with an order of bananas Foster, which is also prepared tableside and offers a memorable finish to the night.
8 Avenue at 3 Street S.W., 403-663-3363, hyssteakhouse.com, @hyssteakhouse
One18 Empire
Offering breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner, this popular whisky bar and restaurant has something for everyone. Dine on roasted bone marrow, Alberta beef tartare or hickory smoked pork belly while sipping on one of the 11 whisky flights that are available.
820 Centre St. S., 403-269-0299, one18empire.com, @one18empire