Calgary may not seem like an obvious culinary destination, but innovative local chefs are making the city a veritable foodie paradise. Here are our top picks for a night out in Cowtown.
Black Pig Bistro
Stop by Black Pig Bistro to see why this Bridgeland eatery is one of Calgary’s hottest new spots. Offering up an innovative, Spanish-inspired menu with a focus on (of course) pork, Black Pig Bistro is both comfortable and modern, a real neighbourhood gem. Don’t miss the restaurant’s most popular dish, the pork and beans: savoury porchetta topped with green beans, broad beans, and edemame.
Workshop Kitchen + Culture
Housed in The Grand, a historic entertainment building also home to contemporary performance company Theatre Junction, is Workshop, a restaurant with a menu as creative as its theatrical counterpart. Taste true innovation in dishes such as gin and juniper-cured trout or roasted duck breast with a coriander and espresso glaze. Workshop also makes its own sodas, offering flavours such as vanilla maple cream and blackberry cardamom. Select the three, five, or seven course “improv” tasting menu for the complete culinary adventure.
Scopa Neighbourhood Italian
For a fresh take on classic Italian, check out Scopa, a lively eatery with an inviting modern interior plus a bright outdoor patio. Scopa’s specialty is showcasing seasonal, local ingredients in upscale Italian dishes. Make sure to try their seriously addictive polenta bread with smoked pancetta and honey.
Rouge Restaurant
A longtime Calgary favourite, Rouge resides in the historic Cross House in Inglewood, nested on the banks of the Bow River. The menu focuses on local, seasonal ingredients — many of which are grown in a lush garden just steps from the kitchen. Dining on the patio amidst the garden responsible for the produce on your plate is a unique way to get in touch with regional flavours.
NOtaBLE
True to its name, NOtaBLE is a highlight of the Calgary fine dining scene. Innovative surf ’n’ turf dishes are served alongside a sophisticated drinks selection in the cozy-chic dining room. Top the evening off with a slice of their signature Stilton cheesecake.