Calgary Dining

827rotax · #1 01-26-2011, 01:25 PM

So the wife and I have to come to Calgary Sat to pick up some things, I would like to take her out for a nice eveniing of dining. How about some advice as to where to go? we are staying at the Hotel Arts on 12th ave downtown, something near by would be best. Thanks all!!

Scott N · #2 01-26-2011, 01:33 PM

I haven't eaten here myself, but Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is supposed to be very good.

http://www.ruthschris.com/Steak-House/15469/Calgary

Pricey, of course.

Okotokian · #3 01-26-2011, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott N

I haven't eaten here myself, but Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is supposed to be very good.

http://www.ruthschris.com/Steak-House/15469/Calgary

Pricey, of course.

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

827rotax · #4 01-26-2011, 01:42 PM

Been to Ruths, I guess we are looking for something more Calgary specific. Local dining. In the Hotel there is Raw, has anyone tried that? Thanks for all the thoughts though!!

devo11 · #5 01-26-2011, 01:47 PM

Vintage I believe its on 11 ave near hotel arts, awesome place.

landowner · #6 01-27-2011, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott N

I haven't eaten here myself, but Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is supposed to be very good.

http://www.ruthschris.com/Steak-House/15469/Calgary

Pricey, of course.

Plus they push the USDA american beef , in the heart of canadian cattle country.

SushiUnagi · #7 01-27-2011, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott N

I haven't eaten here myself, but Ruth's Chris Steakhouse is supposed to be very good.

http://www.ruthschris.com/Steak-House/15469/Calgary

Pricey, of course.

Never actually been there but one Christmas we were thinking of going there with all our friends. I was told that Ruths ship their steaks from the US and do not use the nice AB Steak we have here? Anybody heard the same? Just all I've heard...as I said I never been there so I can't compare.

Saltlik was awesome the first time we went...then 2nd and 3rd time it went downhill and haven't been back since. Maybe because we went on Christmas Eve and the head chefs had the days off?

If you're a member of eservus, they are selling gift cards in advance for a reduced price at various steakhouses. Like $40 for a $50 gift card. I remember there were several steak houses that offers this...so check it out. One of them I know for sure is Parkerhouse. I really liked it the first time there, but 2nd time (on New Years Eve) it wasn't that great. Maybe just like my experience with Saltlik...picked the wrong day to go.

Milestones across from Saltlik 'tries' to be upscale but not all their servers are properly trained. Food is OK. Definitely a place I would NOT recommend if you're looking for a nice night out.

Red Waters is actually very nice. Been there several times and very impressed every time. Haven't been there on a special holiday yet so not sure if they fail just like Saltlik and Parkerhouse would. But I'd recommend it based on my experiences thus far.

I've heard the "Sky 360" at the Calgary Tower is actually pretty good. Free ride up the tower if you dine there.

Believe it or not but Joey Tomatoes (yes a chain) is pretty good over by Eau Claire. Usually really packed as well.

Hope this helps!
Sushi

freejoe · #8 01-26-2011, 01:35 PM

I am a huge fan of Saltlik Steakhouse downtown
101 8 Avenue Southwest

Okotokian · #9 01-26-2011, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freejoe

I am a huge fan of Saltlik Steakhouse downtown
101 8 Avenue Southwest

Good one. There are a number of good restaurants in the 8th (Stephen) avenue area. To get there from Arts you just take 1st street SW and walk north 4 blocks. The restaurant at the Hyatt is pretty darn good too. Also Murrietta's. All within a block of each other.

There ARE restaurants right by Arts but not sure there are any good ones. Area is being redeveloped though, so..... Careful at night there. Area is sort of "borderline" (but getting better).

grunger · #10 01-26-2011, 01:49 PM

Catch on 1st St 8 Ave.

http://www.catchrestaurant.ca/

Chet · #11 01-26-2011, 02:02 PM

My favorite restaurant in Calgary is Il Sogno. It is not too far from Hotel Arts but you will want to take a cab. Great high end Italian (nothing like Olive Garden) great wine. Plan on 2-3 hours for dinner. It is a smaller, classy place with great atmosphere especially for a couple.

http://www.ilsogno.org/

222rem · #12 01-26-2011, 02:06 PM

Google fine dining Calgary.

rhuntley12 · #13 01-26-2011, 02:16 PM

Way out of your way, but the best place I've been to since being in Calgary, it's very $$$ though. Go there for every special occasion, amazing chateuabriand, get it every time.

http://www.bears-den.ca/

Okotokian · #14 01-26-2011, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grunger

Catch on 1st St 8 Ave.

http://www.catchrestaurant.ca/

Yes, that's the restuarant in the Hyatt I was talking about. Very good.

Albertadiver · #15 01-26-2011, 02:52 PM

Alpha House.

It's right next door!

On a serious note: Ed's is quite nice, famous for wings if you're wanting an afternoon pint.

The restaraunts on stephen avenue are decent enough, but overpriced for what you get. Don't like the Keg too much either.

One place I've wanted to try is Redwater Grille south on McLeod Trail. Smuggler's is fairly nice as well.

reelhooker · #16 01-26-2011, 02:58 PM

It's not downtown but look up Bolero. It's a brazillian bbq. Or Bookers Crab Shack. oh yaa.

pogo · #17 01-26-2011, 03:12 PM

Thai-Sah-On is on the corner of 10th Ave. and 4th St. Amazing authentic Thai. Great service. Super wine selection. Very reasonably priced. Quiet, quaint, well kept secret. Make reservations.

dmac · #18 01-26-2011, 03:27 PM

Charcut - its close and it was ranked top 10 in Canada under the new restaurants category. Meat lovers kind of place.

827rotax · #19 01-26-2011, 03:42 PM

Charcut looks great, wife said no Ed's, Its a sad day.

FCLightning · #20 01-26-2011, 03:47 PM

check out www.calgaryfoodies.com - a board member runs it. he might have some idea.

Albertadiver · #21 01-26-2011, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 827rotax

Charcut looks great, wife said no Ed's, Its a sad day.

aww.... too bad!

http://www.edsrestaurant.com/eds/eds.htm

The Fisherman Guy · #22 01-26-2011, 04:32 PM

Sugo, Capo or Rouge all in Inglewood is sure to please the lady.

A few notable mentions:

Aida's - Lebanese on 4th st

Mango Shiva - East Indian with a contemporary touch

Brava Bistro - Fusion, but awesome. Across from Melrose on 17th

nick0danger · #23 01-27-2011, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmac

Charcut - its close and it was ranked top 10 in Canada under the new restaurants category. Meat lovers kind of place.

John makes some good meat, we do a whole hog with Him and he likes to cook up my deer as well, won't be disappointed.

827rotax · #24 01-27-2011, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick0danger

John makes some good meat, we do a whole hog with Him and he likes to cook up my deer as well, won't be disappointed.

We have a reservation for Saturday Night, seems like a place for us both. Thanks to all that replied!! I will let you know on Sunday night

nick0danger · #25 01-27-2011, 08:12 PM

they cut there own meat in-house from beef sides and whole pigs, should be a nice night for you

Hunter Trav · #26 01-27-2011, 01:05 PM

If you and the wife are garlic lovers, there a little place called the Garlic Clove which is really good, but you must like garlic cause its in everything, even the dessert. Can't remember the addy though, but its close to downtown...

bigdaddy37 · #27 01-27-2011, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunter Trav

If you and the wife are garlic lovers, there a little place called the Garlic Clove which is really good, but you must like garlic cause its in everything, even the dessert. Can't remember the addy though, but its close to downtown...

Antonio's Garlic Clove is 22ave and 4th st SE. A great little place.