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
True Wild Distilling
True Wild Distilling is located in a stunning industrial landmark built in 1911. The restored building features the original cast-iron spiral staircase, raw concrete, aged steel and wooden beams, all of which create a showstopping setting for your next special night. And luckily, True Wild’s drinks and food are as delicious as the space is beautiful, with a menu featuring bone marrow toast, raw oysters and dry-aged prime striploin. Pair your meal with one of True Wild’s spirits to complete the experience.
3115 11 St. S.E., 403-245-8269, truewilddistilling.com, @truewilddistilling
Runners-up
Major Tom
Major Tom’s spectacular view of Calgary from 40 floors up is just part of the reason to celebrate a special occasion here. The memorable menu includes dishes like steak tartare, roasted duck and a classic Alberta roasted prime rib. The restaurant is also known for its innovative cocktails.
700 2 St. S.W. (40th floor), majortombar.ca, @themajortombar
Big Fish & Open Range
Big Fish & Open Range offers a comfortable and elevated experience at its two locations in Marda Loop and Renfrew. If you love fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood and meats like Alberta beef, this may just be the spot for you. The restaurant boasts a large menu of dishes like ahi tuna and avocado ceviche, saffron glazed scallops with cold pressed canola, seared Canadian duck breast and elk sirloin with red pepper jelly.
2018 33 Ave. S.W, 403-454-0014 and 1112 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-277-3403, bigfishopenrange.ca, @bigfishopenrange
DOPO
DOPO is a small Italian restaurant making traditional dishes inspired by family recipes in the heart of Marda Loop. A cozy spot with gingham table cloths and family portraits on the walls, DOPO carries on the legacy of its beloved predecessor, the now-closed D.O.P., while also launching a new chapter with a full menu of Southern Italian dishes like squash and prosciutto, casarecce and mussels in a sambuca pomodoro sauce.
1907 34 Ave. S.W., 403-826-6594, dopoyyc.com, @dopo.yyc
Chairman’s Steakhouse
Chairman’s Steakhouse offers a sophisticated setting for any special occasion. Steak options ranging from tenderloin to Australian wagyu tomahawk can be taken to the next level with one of the “over the top” add-ons, which allow you to dress up your meal with garnishes like ruby port jus, seared scallops or cowboy steak butter. But while the signature cuts are hard to pass up, Chairman’s is also more than just a steakhouse with additional options like chicken supreme and black truffle gnocchi.
2251 Mahogany Blvd. S.E., 587-291-9898, chairmans.ca, @chairmansyyc
Bar Gigi
Serving flavourful share plates and curated wine pairings, this 20-seat restaurant is located in the Halibut Hut’s former space — it even still features the Halibut Hut sign on the exterior of the building. This tiny gem is an intimate space to share a meal, with delicious weekly specials and established favourites like the prawn toast or scallop crudo.
336 9 Ave. N.E., 403-612-4487, @_bargigiyyc
River Café
The natural landscape of Prince’s Island Park makes this restaurant a special dining destination. Surrounded by picnic areas, flower gardens and trails, River Café has been a key player in Calgary’s dining scene since 1995. Enjoy dishes like fresh shucked oysters or wood-fire grilled Manitoba walleye with wines handpicked by the restaurant’s proprietor and sommelier.
25 Prince’s Island, 403-261-7670, river-cafe.com, @rivercafeyyc
Luca Restaurant
Located in the heart of Calgary, Luca is an upscale restaurant that serves premium Italian fare. The restaurant uses authentic, Italian-imported ingredients for its menu, featuring dishes like fresh burrata and vodka gnocchi, seared albacore tuna crudo and lobster risotto. For your next special night out, try the seafood platter for an extra memorable experience.
524 10 Ave. S.W., 587-332-4926, lucayyc.com, @lucayyc
