Where Chefs Eat in Calgary

"Coming back home and having a meal of this quality with a surprising focus on vegetables, gives me hope for the restaurant scene in Calgary today." – Matt Abergel

"River Café has created a beautiful place in an extraordinary setting and have tended to the details that make you feel at home– staff who care, chefs who are passionate about quality, and regional, seasonal ingredients that bring to your palate a sense of place." – John Jackson & Connie DeSousa

"The culinary influence of Argentina is evident throughout the menu, with the personalized touch of tableside preparation for dishes like ceviche mixto. The extensive raw bar pays homage to the fresh, sustainable, West Coast seafood that is readily available here. Vegetarian cuisine is celebrated too – almost half of the options are vegetarian, particularly the small plates meant to share, such as the pistachio and avocado bruschetta, grilled provoleta and sourdough fugazza with Roman broccoli." – John Jackson & Connie DeSousa

Recommended by Chefs John Jackson & Connie DeSousa from CHARCUT Roast House

Recommended by Chefs John Jackson & Connie DeSousa from CHARCUT Roast House

Justin Leboe is a chef with an established haute pedigree, his CV including The French Laundry, Daniel and, closer to home, Accolade in Toronto. But in 2011 when he opened Model Milk, housed in a converted art deco dairy in uptown Calgary, he switched to serving up southern fried chicken, waffles and gravy, and "Sunday suppers" of BBQ ribs. On his menu, which does sharing plates and traditional mains, easy comforts sit alongside the more grown-up likes of handmade cavatelli, wagyu beef tartare and little gem lettuce with Asturian aioli. A fine modern wine list and an extensive list of cocktails encourage lingering into the early hours.

Recommended by Chefs John Jackson & Connie DeSousa from CHARCUT Roast House

Recommended by Chefs John Jackson & Connie DeSousa from CHARCUT Roast House

Recommended by Chefs John Jackson & Connie DeSousa from CHARCUT Roast House