Each year, we ask Avenue readers to vote for their favourite restaurants in Calgary in our Best Restaurants readers’ choice ballot. These are some of their favourite places in the city.
Winner
Fuji Ramen and Sushi
Between the colourful decor and varied menu, Fuji Ramen and Sushi offers an inviting place to gather for Japanese cuisine. At this family-owned restaurant, ramen and sushi are the go-to orders, but the restaurant also has dishes like karaage, takoyaki and tempura that are equally noteworthy. At lunchtime, Fuji also offers bento boxes for adults and kids that include a little bit of everything for a reasonable price.
111, 12100 Macleod Tr. S.E., 587-352-5595, fujiramenandsushi.com, @fujiramenandsushi
Runners-up
The Nash Restaurant & Off Cut Bar
Fresh, seasonal cooking and a historic former hotel space come together to create The Nash. Hardwood- and charcoal-grilled steaks, rotisserie chicken and wild boar shoulder are all on the menu. The full restaurant menu is also available at The Nash’s cocktail bar, Off Cut Bar, along with snacks like prosciutto-wrapped dates, pork belly lollipops and steak tartare. Pair them with seasonal and signature cocktails crafted by the bar team.
925 11 St. S.E., 403-984-3365, thenashyyc.com, @thenashyyc; offcutbar.com, @offcutbar
True Wild Distilling
With a historic location inside one of Calgary’s first electric substations, an on-site distillery and an incredible restaurant, True Wild Distilling is a true Calgary gem. From the build-your-own martinis with True Wild’s Breaker Box gin and vodka to the kitchen cranking out delicious live-fire cuisine, this restaurant is one that needs to be experienced.
3115 11 St. S.E., 403-245-8269, truewilddistilling.com, @truewildresto
Chairman’s Steakhouse
Situated on Lake Mahogany, Chairman’s Steakhouse offers beautiful views of the Mahogany neighbourhood and the water — in the summer, the lakeside patio is a particularly great place to dine. The restaurant is inspired by the glitz of the Old Hollywood era and offers its own spin on a classic steakhouse menu with Waldorf salad, steaks like the Australian Wagyu tomahawk chop, seared Hokkaido scallops and more.
2251 Mahogany Blvd. S.E., 587-291-9898, chairmans.ca, @chairmansyyc
Ryuko
While this Japanese restaurant now has three locations throughout Calgary, the southeast one is the original. Ryuko blends Japanese tradition with modern ideas, and is often touted as one of the best Japanese restaurants in the city. If you’re looking for a particularly special experience, opt for one of the omakase seatings at Ryuko’s Sushi Jun (located on the second floor) available evenings from Thursday to Sunday.This dining experience with Ryuko’s chef Jun Young Park highlights sustainable, locally sourced ingredients through a menu that is always changing.
13200 Macleod Tr., 403-815-1849, ryuko.ca, @ryuko.yyc
The Lake House
Perched along the shores of Lake Bonavista, The Lake House’s dining room is surrounded by windows that offer lake views. The elegant menu features appetizers like sugar pumpkin tortellini or locally produced charcuteries, as well as mains like the fried truffle polenta with wild mushroom cream and wilted kale or a slow-roasted lamb sirloin with a lamb sausage and leek tart.
747 Lake Bonavista Dr. S.E., 403-225-3939, lakehousecalgary.com, @thelakehouseyyc