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 French Restaurants in Calgary.
Winner
Cassis Bistro
Regularly cited as one of Calgary’s and Canada’s best restaurants, Cassis Bistro delivers exquisite French fare in a modern, charming space. Executive chef Dominique Moussu curates a menu inspired by owner Gilles Brassart’s background in the south of France using local, seasonal produce, and the bistro offers takeaway menus, daily specials and special event menus regularly. Be sure to try dishes like the beef tartare au couteau, featuring Alberta beef striploin and duck fat potato chips.
2505 17 Ave. S.W., 403-262-0036, thecassisbistro.ca, @cassisbistro
Runners-up
La Boulangerie
You could have breakfast (all-day), brunch, lunch or dessert at this family-owned restaurant that literally translates to “the bakery.” With items like the Nutella banana crȇpe (and other sweet and savoury crȇpes), the pepper salami croissant sandwich, the vanilla custard croissant, plus baguette sandwiches, soups and more, there’s something for everyone here.
2435 4 St. S.W., 403-984-9294, la-boulangerie-calgary.com, @laboulangerieyyc
Fleur de Sel Brasserie
Blink and you might miss this gourmet French brasserie nestled in Mission, which is known for its cozy interior (complete with plush leather booths surrounding tables draped in crisp white linens) and welcoming ambience. Expect plenty of French classics on the dinner menu including cassoulet grillé, ratatouille and foie gras.
2015 4 St. S.W., 403-228-9764, fleurdeselbrasserie.com, @fleurdeselbrasserie
Purlieu Bistro
Tucked away in Oakridge, Purlieu has become a notable addition to Calgary’s French culinary scene since opening in 2019. The contemporary interior of Purlieu — white walls, abstract paintings and a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf housing potted plants — complements beautifully arranged dishes, like the duck confit and the Cornish hen.
3109 Palliser Dr. S.W., 403-280-7474, purlieucalgary.ca, @purlieuyyc
Hutch Cafe
At Hutch Cafe in downtown Calgary, the comprehensive menu with dishes like croque madame, duck confit, lobster roll and bisque, or banana foster French toast, makes this an easy choice for a French breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Royal blue booths and modern chandeliers give the space an upscale vibe, while the fresh-baked pastries, sandwiches and coffee make this an ideal place to enjoy a midday work break.
795 1 Ave. S.W., 403-454-8823, hutch-cafe.com, @hutchcafeyyc
