• Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn

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Reserve at Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn

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Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn

Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn Details

  • Dining Style: Fine Dining
  • Website: http://www.kensingtonriversideinn.com/
  • Email: werna@kensingtonriversideinn.com
  • Phone: (403) 228-4442
  • Hours of Operation: Breakfast: Monday - Friday: 7:00am - 10:00am
    Weekend Brunch: Saturday/Sunday: 8:00am - 1:00pm
    Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    Friday - Saturday: 5:30 - 10:00pm

  • Payment Options: AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: European, Steak, French
  • Executive Chef: Duncan Ly
  • Dress Code: Smart Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar/Lounge, Chef's Table, Entertainment, Farm to Table, Fireplace, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Catering: Available to book in its entirety, call the Inn to find out more about private functions including weddings, cocktail receptions, Christmas parties and private dinners. Check out www.kensingtonriversideinn.com for further details.
  • Private Party Facilities: Whether it's weddings, executive retreats, private dinners or cocktail parties—our intuitive service anticipates every need. We take the time to make your event memorable, and pursue perfection in service and luxury. We encourage you to view menus, photos, and guest reviews on our website.
  • Private Party Contact: Guillaume Frelot, Food & Beverage Manager (403) 228-4442
  • Entertainment: Primary focus is on our talented kitchen team, and their multi-course Tasting Menu selections. With expertly selected wine pairings for each dish, the combination is sure to deliver a culinary delight. Our open kitchen concept allows diners to witness the careful preparations by our team in their pristine and busy kitchen. Personable and knowledgeable, our service team will assist in providing an experience that is second to none. Voted Best Hotel Dining by Where Magazine for 3 consecutive years, and top 5 spots for a romantic dinner by John Gilchrist, food expert for CBC Radio, Chef's Table is a gem in the Calgary dining scene.

Getting there

  • Cross Street: 10 "A" Street
  • Public Transit: Close to Sunnyside C-train station
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Parking Details: Covered parking is available across the street from the hotel on 10 "A" Street. Also, metered street parking is available on 10 "A" Street. In-house guests receive complimentary heated, underground parking.
A word from Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Chef's Table represents a changing environment in the Calgary Dining scene. Recently attaining the coveted AAA 4-Diamond Rating, it is among only 7 such restaurants in Alberta, and 1 of 3 in Calgary! Voted Best Hotel Dining by Where Magazine for 3 consecutive years, 2009, 2010 and 2011, Chef's… Table also received Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence in 2011 and 2012. Chef's Table features an intimate 40-seat dining room located in the 19-room boutique Kensington Riverside Inn that specializes in preparing fresh regional cuisine prepared using classical European methods. With a constantly changing five-course tasting menu, a la carte dinner, as well as our Fireside Lounge and Patio menu, diners can enjoy a new experience with every visit.
Chef's Table offers a full lounge with beautiful fireplace in the winter, and a sunny patio in the warmer months. Join us for breakfast, brunch or dinner to experience the evolution of Calgary Fine Dining. Continued
Foodspotting photos
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Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Service
  • Diners' Choice WinnerFit for Foodies
Diner Reviews
  • "The server, Ryan, is very knowledgeable of their menu and wines. The host, Natasha, got me underground parking as my wife is in a wheelchair. We were greeted in the parkade and were escorted to the restaurant. What service!!! The menu is not very big and what we had were good. This was our first visit but won't be our last. Great job!!!"
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "Calgary foodie writer John Gilchrist was bang-on with his review of the food -- it was very good. However, the service was a extremely disappointing. I made Saturday brunch reservations for a special occasion with my folks visiting from Vancouver. A table was not ready for us when we arrived even though we made a reservation and there was only one other party in the general dining room. In addition, we had to wait almost 50 minutes to receive our food. Staff seemed overwhelmed with a party at the chef's table to the detriment of other guests with reservations. No accommodation was offered in lieu of poor service. Would have been better to have had brunch at home."
    Dined on 2/8/2014
  • "A wonderful quiet place where you can actually talk with those you are dining with. The plate presentation is outstanding. There is plenty to eat, but you are not stuffed when finished. Unique menu items. Loved it!"
    Dined on 2/17/2014
  • "We went on Saturday Feb 15th for brunch. It was easier that trying to go out the night before for valentine's day. The music was very quiet, the food was excellent. and we weren't elbow to elbow with the table next to us. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quiet place to have an excellent meal."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "Valentine's Day menu featuring 4 courses: roast asparagus and egg, poached salmon in miso, wagyu beef brisket, and chocolate mousse. All plates outstandingly presented with great flavors, in particular the salmon. Staff ensured that each course was explained in great detail, and checked regularly to see if we needed anything. Beautiful dining room, tables sufficiently spaced apart for additional comfort. Best of all the ambient noise was low compared to most newer restaurants, no shouting required during conversation. Gratuity was pre-calculated and automatic which was a bit surprising for a 2 person dinner. Staff earned every dollar of it and more, but I would have preferred if the restaurant trusted diners to do this on their own terms."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "I frequent the Chef's Table when I'm looking for a lovely quiet atmosphere; the food is delightful and service is spectacular."
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "I brought a potential client there for a breakfast meeting. It was quiet, lovely and elegant. We were able to have a very good private confersation about his project. Really enjoyed the calmness."
    Dined on 1/28/2014
  • "I have been at Chef's Table previously and this time the experience continued to not disappoint. Excellent service staff from the very beginning as well as great wine list and great food. Not cheap - the average entree is around $38 but well worth it for a special occasion or a business meeting (as it is quiet enough to chat at the table). Two thumbs up! P.S. I had the hazelnut soup to start and the Wild Boar entree. Both fantastic."
    Dined on 1/30/2014
  • "Chef's Table generated a plenora of enthusiastic reviews, and overall dining experience was positive. Pros: convenient location, interesting menu items (sturgeon, foie gras). Cons: ambiance - too much noise from the open kitchen, tables are too close to each other, decor is minimalistic. Service -friendly, couteous, but laid down (one person was sitting, serving tables and acted as a setter). Cleaning started while all other customers left but me and my partner were still enjoying our "romantic dinner", and since the place is tiny, watching dirty linens and cutlery being moved around you is simply disrespectful. It made me feel as I was asked to leave already. We will not be back. (Muse next door is fantastic time after time!)"
    Dined on 1/27/2014
  • "Recently we dined at the chefs table with our friends and partners in dining out. We were all pressed with the venue, wait staff, wine list and if course. We all ordered different items and a couple bottles of an amazing Cote Roti. The only complaint I have has nothing to do with the presentation or quality of the food, I just made a choice that I realized after the first bite that I didn't care for. I am a huge fish fan but now I know I do not like sturgeon!! I was tasteless, however the cavier and veggies were perfect. If the Chefs table can't make sturgeon work then no one can! We all agreed we would make a return visit, the brunch looks amazing and best of all they take brunch reservations!!! No standing in line."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "My wife and I ate here during NYE 2014 and they placed us in what seemed to be the foyer of the Riverside Inn. In any case, it still had a nice ambiance, the staff was very friendly, knowledgeable and flexible to our needs. The chef's fixed menu was wonderful, especially when done with expert wine pairings. This place is really fit for foodies!"
    Dined on 12/31/2013
  • "Second time at this great place. Service is always outstanding and flavor's of food and combo's are good. We have a small issue with the main entre which the server addressed. What makes the place outstanding is the chef personally came out to discuss. Great place! If you haven't been, get there."
    Dined on 1/21/2014
  • "We went to Chef's Table for a birthday celebration, and couldn't have enjoyed it more. It was my third time at the restaurant, but my friends had never been before. Both were completely impressed, and thought their meals were fabulous. The service was impeccable, our sommelier was enthusiastic, and we all agree that it is the perfect venue for a special occasion - or just a night of indulgence, when one is in the mood for beautifully prepared food and superb service ."
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "Hi really enjoyed our lunch ..Service great... food great! Can you get some different Art ?? It seemed a bit dark! for such a beautiful room.... something more cheery !!! bright Happy so when you look at the Art you smile ... Because you are in Alberta how about some scenery framed in a more modern way ... It would add the ambience if done properly and would say a lot about our beautiful mountains and Lakes"
    Dined on 1/18/2014
  • "Excellent food. Helpful and attentive service. Outstanding ambience, especially love the art collection."
    Dined on 1/17/2014
  • "We have been meaning to get to Chef's Table for a while as we had heard and read so many great things about it. When we finally got there it was worth the wait. My wife and I had hoped to try the tasting menu with the wine pairing but our guests preferred the a la carte menu. Not many choices but really something for everyone. Every dish from the chestnut soup and the squash ravioli to the wild boar shank and fritter, the wagyu beef short ribs and the tagine chicken to the pear and citrus desserts were beautifully cooked, very flavourful, wonderfully presented. Service was great throughout the evening. Our waiter made several beer and wine recommendations all of which were spot on. We'll be back so we can try the tasting menu."
    Dined on 1/16/2014
  • "I don't usually write reviews, but this place was disappointing. I recall it being very good a number of years ago but they've remodelled, now it is small, overly brightly lit with an open kitchen and feels like a cafeteria. Food was pretty good but I'd expect better, for entrees that are $35-40. The greeters at the door were very nice but our waiter was brusque - both of us were surprised - he didn't even have basic pleasantries, barely spoke to us all night. He did not even say hello when he came to our table! We decided not to order a bottle of wine or dessert and just get out of there ASAP. Would not go back."
    Dined on 1/10/2014
  • "The small, intimate room where we could see the chefs work was rather plain but it was the food that stood out. Our server was friendly and answered all questions. A wine pairing menu is offered but we went with a bottle of California Pinot Noir and ordered a la carte. A warm pear soup was a surprise offering and was delicious. For appies, we ordered the ravioli and the foie gras. Perfectly proportioned and flavorful. Techniques such as foam and gelee were fun to try. Main courses were boar and chicken. Again, very high end. After a tiny piece of chocolate ganache, we relaxed with a Scotch in the fireplace room. Fantastic dining experience. I'll keep it on the short list for special occasions. Our meal/wine total was $198 plus tax and tip."
    Dined on 1/6/2014
  • "This was our first visit to the Chef's table and the group did a wonderful job with a special dinner with wine parings. The food was wonderful, beautiful presentation and combinations of flavours, the wine parings were well presented Nd it was a lovely evening thanks to our server and the wine steward. The only thing we found bad was the incredibly high price tag for the evening. While we enjoyed the event we are not sure if we will BA back any time soon because of the cost."
    Dined on 2/14/2013
  • "Probably the best meal out we've had in Calgary to date! Their attention to my allergy was superb and allowed me to thoroughly enjoy my meal. The Wagu beef and Sturgeon were absolutely wonderful. Once we get a night out from the kids again we will return to The Chefs Table!"
    Dined on 12/28/2013
  • "Tasting menus was excellent and had delicious wine pairings."
    Dined on 12/20/2013
  • "As usual we are reminded why we keep coming back to Chef's Table. The food and service is some of the best in the city. You cannot go wrong with a meal here"
    Dined on 10/22/2013
  • "Chef's table is an amazing restaurant. The ambiance is cozy, and the food is culinary art and a party for your pallet!"
    Dined on 12/11/2013
  • "This restaurant is a class act. You are greeted as you enter the hotel lobby and made to feel welcome. We had the tasting menu with paired wines. Server was exceptionally knowledgable about.why he paired Selected wines with the dish. The open kitchen is not distracting and the chefs work quietly and efficiently producing flavourful food artfully composed. The pacing of the meal was.right on....not rushed or leaving you wondering what's next. Amazing dining experience."
    Dined on 12/11/2013
  • "The quality of food and service exceeded expectations. Parking available right next to the restaurant. The dining area is small but did not take away from the ambiance. The portion sizes of the main courses were just right. The wild boar, sturgeon, and nougat were excellent. I would definitely go back to celebrate special occasions."
    Dined on 12/4/2013
  • "This dinner was to celebrate out 32nd Wedding Anniversary. We were not disappointed. The restaurant is very elegant and we were greeted with a friendly smile and "May I take your coat?". The waiter was very attentive and took time to explain the menu and answer any questions. We had the 5 course meal which was very well prepared with much care. The service was impecable from start to finish without hovering over us. We will definitely return and recommend to all."
    Dined on 11/28/2013
  • "heard so much about this place and finally went and am glad I did. The food was divine and and your usual fair, a very nice combination of flavours. I can recommend the ravioli and the wild boar. The service was very attentive. I also liked the fact that there is space between the tables. I will come back"
    Dined on 11/15/2013
  • "This is a stellar restaurant and it gets better every time I visit. I always ask myself why I don't come more often?! We sat in the lounge by the fireplace and the restaurant was buzzing on a Saturday night. The staff is very professional and the food is outstanding. I am so impressed that this restaurant and boutique hotel has recently been awarded the prestigious Relais & Chateaux label to which it is well deserved and the FIRST in Calgary! Favorites of the meal was the chestnut soup and the squash ravioli, the Lobster was also divine, and the chocolate and banana gateau superb! Okay well that's every dish we had. Everything was delicious. Well worth the price. Treat yourself, it's so worth it. Can't wait to get back!"
    Dined on 11/16/2013
  • "Go to this restaurant at least once per year - it is an experience to be noted if you want to feel pampered!"
    Dined on 11/16/2013
  • "The ambiance and service were above reproach. The food was so great you did not want to disturb the arrangement and tasted just as great."
    Dined on 11/16/2013
  • "We had a wonderful experience! The best in a while. I have gluten sensitivities and our waiter was happy to let the chef know and accommodations were made. Our food was served in a timely manner and every course was delicious. We will definitely return!"
    Dined on 11/9/2013
  • "Server was very knowledgeable and helpful and yet not intrusive. Food was excellent - portions could have been a bit more generous. Wonderful chestnut soup. Wild Boar was tender and tasty. My wife had 2 small issues - her fois gras was a bit bland and the sherbet for dessert was sour. We will be back."
    Dined on 11/4/2013
  • "Food was fine but not spectacular. I had high hopes about this restaurant for a romantic evening. The place has a lovely ambience although is a tad brightly lit. The amuse bouche that evening was a very spicy tomato soup with a tiny grilled cheese sandwich I found it too spicy for something that should have just tempted your palate the portion was too large. By the glass wine options are dire I had the wagu entre-was fine but not delicious. Overall the food was good but should and could be great. It is not. There are so many better restaurants in town that achieve the beautiful food beautiful service and beautiful ambience trifecta. This one is not it!"
    Dined on 11/2/2013
  • "This was probably one of the best dining experiences I had in all of 2013. Understand I travel extensively and have to dine out as a matter of course. This evening with my wife was superb. The service, food and ambience was outstanding ! Highly recommended !"
    Dined on 11/1/2013
  • "The ambience and service at the Chef's Table was fantastic. We enjoyed our evening, but were a bit disappointed in the quality of the food. We had heard great things about the menu and food and were disappointed - for the price, you can get better meals at other Calgary locations."
    Dined on 10/26/2013
  • "Very nice ambiance - we dined in the lounge by the fireplace and it was very pleasant. The menu is somewhat limited mostly dominated by meat dishes, but there were 2 fish/seafood options in the main course section. No vegetarian options. The presentation of the food was excellent, the preparation and flavors very good, the service impeccable. Overall a very positive experience."
    Dined on 10/26/2013
  • "Was a very nice meal. Won't remember it in a month. Seemed like the dishes were competing with each other. No finesse, no sophistication, just ingrediants thrown together. More is not always more. Anyway, I won't be back but had to try it. There are 19 better restaurants in Calgary alone let alone Canada."
    Dined on 10/11/2013
  • "We thoroughly enjoyed this first dining experience at this lovely restaurant! Not only was the food outstanding, but the attentiveness of the manager of the Riverside Inn in which this Chef's Table restaurant is located, was much appreciated. Also, our server was very accommodating of our time deadline, as another appointment was to follow our dinner. We will definitely give this restaurant a high recommendation to others and will return again without hesitation!"
    Dined on 10/19/2013
  • "We went at the Chef's Table for our romantic dinner and we were not disappointed. We had the Tasting Menu with 5 courses and it was great. Food was tasting amazing, lots of flavours, perfumes and different textures."
    Dined on 10/17/2013
  • "Short but varied menu, good wine list, open/airy feeling in the dining room (could be a little more cozy) , excellent service"
    Dined on 10/6/2013
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Calgary / Southern Alberta Winners
  • Best Service
  • Fit for Foodies
  • Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
  • Calgary Winners
  • Best Overall
  • Best Service
  • Fit for Foodies
  • Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
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