No. 1
Cassis Bistro
Cassis Bistro is a little piece of the South of France located in the heart of Calgary. Order one of the restaurant’s signature pasta dishes or the popular steak frites featuring Alberta beef striploin, mixed salad and pommes frites. The Alberta beef cheek á la bourguignonne is another local take on a French favourite.
2505 17 Ave. S.W., 403-262-0036, thecassisbistro.ca, @cassisbistro
Runners-up
Mercato West
Mercato West delivers the ultimate Italian dining experience. Located in West Springs, the restaurant’s open theatre kitchen offers guests an exciting glimpse at the care that goes into the cooking process here. The menu features Italian classics such as the Fiorentina-style steak and tagliatelle pasta paired with fine Italian wine.
873 85 St. S.W., 403-263-6996, mercatowest.com, @mercatowest
Sauce Italian Kitchen & Market
Inspired by family recipes, Sauce Italian Kitchen & Market’s menu is made up of classic Italian dishes such as arancini and risotto carbonara. Pair your meal with a handcrafted drink such as the Sauce Sipper made with raspberry puree, or the Winter Thyme featuring hints of grapefruit and honey. Grab a jar of homemade pasta sauce to take home from the adjoining market before you leave.
3326 17 Ave. S.W., 403-727-7627, sauceitalianmarket.com, @sauceitalianmarket
Purlieu Modern Bistro
This hidden gem located in an Oakridge strip mall features a contemporary French menu made with fresh, local ingredients. Order the baked brie or the arctic char while you sit back and relax with a glass of one of Purlieu’s hand-selected wines.
14, 3109 Palliser Dr. S.W., 403-280-7474, purlieucalgary.ca, @purlieuyyc
National Westhills
National Westhills is the place to be if you’re looking for downtown vibes without being downtown on a Friday night. Come to meet old friends or make new ones over elevated bar fare such as pizza, al pastor lettuce wraps or a crispy chicken sandwich, which can be washed down with a local craft beer.
180 Stewart Green S.W., 403-685-6801, ntnl.ca, @ntnlwesthills