Restaurants in Calgary

The boom in Calgary's economy in recent years has been reflected by a rapid increase in the number of restaurants springing up around the city. Although the quality of Calgary's dining establishments still does not quite compare to Vancouver or Toronto, expats will find that restaurants in Calgary are wonderfully eclectic, encompassing nearly every worldwide cuisine.  The city's speciality is Alberta beef, which is generally acknowledged to be some of the best in the world – but expect to see more exotic meat, like elk or bison, on the menu as well.

The best Calgary restaurants are generally located within easy travelling distance of the city centre, and are concentrated in three main areas: the Eau Claire district on Prince's Island; the chic 4th Street and 17th Avenue Mission district; and the downtown area, that includes Chinatown, International Avenue and the Stephen Avenue pedestrian mall.

Expats should note that all restaurants in Calgary are smoke-free – even outdoor dining areas. Nearly all restaurants will accept major credit cards. A service gratuity of 10-15 percent is expected, and usually not included in the bill.

Recommended restaurants in Calgary

Joey Eau Claire
Joey Eau Claire offers a uniquely Calgarian take on Italian/Asian fusion, with a selection of pizzas, pastas, steaks and burgers. It's located in the trendy Eau Claire district near Prince's Island Park. The atmosphere is always bustling, with both indoor seating and an outdoor patio.
www.joeyrestaurants.com
Tel: (403) 263 6336

1886 Buffalo Café
Calgary's 1886 Buffalo Café specialises in one thing: breakfast. Locals know it as the place to go for hearty meals to start the day – pile your plate with hashbrowns, vegetarian chilli omelettes, and breakfast burritos. It's housed in the former site of the Eau Claire and Bow River Lumber Company's offices, built in 1911, and overlooking the trendy Eau Claire downtown district.
Tel: (403) 269 9255

Vin Room
The elegant and upmarket Vin Room is a restaurant where everything is designed to complement the wine – from the menu right down to the décor. The dinner selection might be described as 'fusion tapas', with options ranging from meat and cheese platters, to bison short ribs, fish tacos, and oysters. Lunch entrées include salads, pastas and steak. There is a huge array of interesting international wines available, with the option to taste before committing to buying a bottle. The Vin Room is located in the chic Mission District and is renowned for being a great 'date venue' – so call ahead and book a table to avoid disappointment.
www.vinroom.com
Tel: (403) 457 5522