Barley Mill Frank’s Chili Lime Mussels ($15)
Cool off after a stroll in Prince’s Island Park inside this popular pub in Eau Claire. A huge bowl of mussels comes out steaming hot, with a sweet, tangy broth. Ask for extra bread to soak it all up. (201 Barclay Parade S.W., 403-290-1500, barleymill.net, @thebarleymill)
Big Fish Pan Roasted Manitoba Walleye ($27)
It’s hard to go wrong with this fresh walleye, served with pine nuts, pancetta and wilted spinach. Big Fish is the perfect place for a cozy summer seafood date. (1112 Edmonton Tr. N.E., 403-403-277-3403, big-fish.ca)
Catch Wild B.C. Octopus Terrine ($15)
Although fresh oysters are a no-fail here, try out this chilled octopus dish, accented by chorizo, new potatoes and mizuna (tangy Japanese mustard greens). (100 8 Ave. S.E., 403-206-0000)
downtownfood Ceviche ($14)
A bowl full of diver scallops and mussels in a lemongrass-based cure makes for a refreshing bite at Stephen Avenue’s newest restaurant. (628 8 Ave. S.W., 403-587-353-3474)
Ki Modern Marinated Swordfish Kushiyaki ($16)
Chunks of swordfish are marinated and skewered alongside shishito peppers and topped off with a charred tomato ginger salsa. (308 4 Ave. S.W., 403-264-1133)
Ox & Angela Scallops ($21)
Seared scallops with crushed peas, cherry tomatoes and Serrano ham, finished with mint. It’s like summer on a plate, and then in your mouth. (528 17 Ave. S.W., 403-457-1432, oxandangela..com)
Rouge Poached Wild B.C. Salmon ($20)
I won’t lie, this salmon filet doesn’t look like much on the plate – it’s plain, quite reddish and looks almost raw. Bite into it though and you’re in for a treat. The filet is cured briefly and then cooked sous vide, and the result is the most tender, moist and flavourful piece of salmon I’ve ever tasted. – Jennifer Hamilton (1240 8 Ave. S.E., 403-531-2767, rougecalgary.com, @rougecalgary)
Taste Prawn Ceviche ($11)
Taste’s take on ceviche features prawn, tomato, lime juice and sunflower seeds, with some jalapeos for a nice amount of heat. Topped with crispy popiah. Note: That is not “papaya” spelled wrong, it is Fujian rice roll paper. (1210 1 St. S.W., 403-233-7730)
Teatro Pacific Halibut ($35)
This fresh cut of fish sits atop a rich cauliflower puree, with crispy potatoes, chopped pepperonata and, last but not least, lemon air to heighten the whole dining experience. (200 8 Ave. S.E., 403-290-1012, teatro.ca, @TeatroCalgary)
Vero Bistro Baby Calamari Frisco ($13)
This crispy calamari appetizer is served with a bright almond-based romesco sauce and lemon saffron aioli for dipping. Great for sharing. (209 10 St. N.W., 403-283-8988, verobistro.ca, @verobistro)
This story was part of Avenue‘s free weekly Food & Drink Newsletter. Sign up now and get fresh dining news in your inbox every Tuesday.