Calgary is killing it on OpenTable’s Top 100 list
SO every year, OpenTable drops their “Top 100 Restaurants in Canada” list, but I especially love this list because it’s all based on real people leaving real reviews. Not critics or mystery judges, just people going out, eating good food, and telling the internet about it.
And this year: Calgary absolutely ate. (ha ha get it?)
We snagged 14 spots on the list (!!) which is kind of wild, but also not shocking. The food scene here keeps getting better and better every year.
Here’s a quick lil breakdown of the Calgary spots that made the cut, why you should go and what you gotta eat there.
The Calgary winners
Bar Gigi
A chic neighbourhood spot with really thoughtful food and that effortlessly-cool vibe. Perfect for date night or a treat-yourself moment.
I have yet to go because getting a reso requires an attention span longer than 6.7 seconds, but I’ve only heard incredible things about their pasta. @Gigi, plz let me in.
Bar Rocca
This one gives “cozy wine bar but make it euro stylish.” Great energy, great menu, and a spot people clearly love lingering in.
Sit down with a friend or two, a bottle of wine and whatever devilled egg they’re currently got cooking up back there; relax as if there’s no where to be. You know, like you’re SUPPOSED to do.
Blue Rock Swim Club
Cocktails, cool people, and a super trippy, immersive inviting atmosphere — it’s one of those places where the night just feels easy.
The cocktails are great but the FOOD omg: super juicy popcorn chicken with Kewpie mayo, crispy potato patties being a vehicle for beef tartare, and the fluuuuuffiest milk buns. Go for the vibe, stay for the snacks. Don’t. leave. without. the buns.
Bolero
A Calgary classic with Brazilian barbecue energy and big-night-out vibes. If you leave hungry… that’s a you-problem.
If anyone says ‘What’s the best steakhouse in Calgary?’ Bolero is ALWAYS going to be brought up. You get your steak, yes. But add 12 other meats brought TO your face. Enjoy!
Bridgette Bar
Probably the most consistently recommended spot in the city, for good reason. Elevated classic sharables, great drinks, and a ‘sit down and stay a while, you’re family!’ energy.
Fun Millions Fact: I have a tattoo dedicated to the beet salad from Bridgette Bar (I am not kidding). MUST ORDER: Garlic Bread, Beet Salad, Ricotta Dumplings, Grilled Farm Chicken, Banana Pie. BUT IF YOU CAN: Eggplant Fries, Hummus, Rainbow Trout, Rigatoni.
Carino
Carino is the sleeper hit of Calgary. Funky Japanese-Italian fusion that one really talks about it, but everyone knows. If you want some killer food that tastes cozier than a hot chocolated wrapped up in a blanket beside a fireplace, Carino is your guy.
Agedashi Mozzarella, Spicy “Wagyu Bolognese” Miso Ramen, and if they have the Katsu Curry Carbonara as a dinner special, oh boy you are in for a treat!
Cassis Bistro
A charming French bistro that somehow feels both elevated and homey. Definitely one of Calgary’s most reliable “special night out” picks.
AH I’m realizing how many Calgary staples I’ve never been to! Any place that that serves multiple types of pate is good place for me.
Chairman’s Steakhouse
If you want classic steakhouse elegance, this is it. Big steaks, big wine list, big energy.
I’m personally surprised this beat out Vintage, but it’s the same company so WHATEVER. My steak advice: Get the porterhouse. Always.
DOPO
Everyone screamed DOP! DOP! DOP! And now they’re yelling DOPO! DOPO! DOPO! Warm, modern, and delicious; DOPO nails that “we’re fancy but the kind of fancy that’s accessibly delicious!”
Again, gonna be honest, I have yet to go. BUT when it was DOP, the Raviolo was a showstopper.
MAJOR TOM
The views, the cocktails, appies – it’s an experience. Your ears pop on the way up, and your eyes pop when you walk in! Anyone who says Major Tom is overrated; Don’t listen, but order wisely.
Ok here’s what you do: sit down, get a cocktail (Tom Collins, Pisco Sour, All The Way Up and Hanami are my fave). Order the Major Tots (if you’re me, 2 orders), Potato Donuts, Cheese Toast and Hokkaido Scallops. If you’re doing mains- the prime rib or the bone in ribeye if they have it.
Mercato – Mission
Italian done right with giant portions, beautiful flavours, and a room that just feels elegant but also kind of like your nonna’s kitchen.
Pat and Betty
The place you take anyone to impress! Polished, stylish, but with cozy comfort in both flavours and vibe. It’s warm, it’s lively, it’s very “let’s stay for dessert… and 5 glasses of wine”.
One time I bought an entire carrot cake for a friends birthday.. and then went back the next day for another slice. The tartare has flavours reminiscent of a Big Mac (in the best way), the rigatoni will stay in your mind for years, and honestly? The chicken liver mousse is worth stepping into the building for alone.
SHOKUNIN
Bold flavours, Japanese bar vibes, and one of the most consistent spots in the city. Always a fun night, run by some of the best in the biz (seriously, check out Chef Darren MacLean’s accolades).
Put your adventure pants on and go for the Yakitori menu.
Ten Foot Henry
Fresh, modern, vegetable-forward dishes that somehow make everyone happy (Including your meat and potato’s Dad). It’s one of the #1 talked about restaurants for a reason, go find out why.
Tomatoes and whipped feta. How is something so simple SO good?! All the pastas are a home run, and if you can go for brunch, make sure you get the sourdough pancakes.
SO YEAH- YOU SHOULD GO THERE!
When you eat local, you’re supporting not only the business but the community as a whole. And with choices so good your local radio hosts have them tattooed on their body, why wouldn’t ya!?
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