• 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/
  • 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 WinnerMost Booked 1000-Point Tables
Diner Reviews
  • "Had a great experience !!! JC was terrific, suggesting the Rose Champagne which was magnificient to start !!! The frog legs and bison were mouth watering. Can't wait to go back"
    Dined on 6/30/2014
  • "We had a very nice, relaxed dinner here. I think it was during the Big Taste, so we had a nice prix fixe menu with wine pairings. The food was delicious and presented very nicely and the servers were friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back... maybe for brunch next time."
    Dined on 3/14/2014
  • "Good food, good service, nice atmosphere. Tasting menu had unique offerings but the "wow" factor was missing. Enjoyable evening, good to very good so a 3.5 overall."
    Dined on 6/25/2014
  • "The food and service didn't live up to all the indications and restaurant ratings that it has received. We phoned ahead after making a reservation to let them know we had some guests with special food requirements and it was a birthday celebration. They said they would make a note of it but it didn't seem to get passed on. The choice of food was limited and the ability to accommodate our guests wasn't as easy as suggested. There was no offer to try to work with the kitchen to make it a good dining experience."
    Dined on 6/24/2014
  • "Food was good but menu somewhat limited. How often does menu change?"
    Dined on 6/18/2014
  • "Recently dined here for dinner. Outstanding fine dining experience from start to finish."
    Dined on 6/7/2014
  • "We were celebrating my wife's 65th birthday. I had asked for and they provided at beautiful longstem rose. My wife was impressed. My wife had the halibut and said it was excellent. I had the lamb. It was fatty and tough, very disappointing. The service was excellent. The wine, as is increasingly the case in Calgary restaurants, was overpriced (300%+ markup). All in all, my wife said that the experience was a pleasurable one. We will probably go back, they have bad lamb every night."
    Dined on 6/7/2014
  • "This was a last minute restaurant selection for a business meeting based on great reviews both written and word of mouth. The food was excellent but didn't quite meet our high expectations. Don't get me wrong the food was still very good from the frog leg appetizer to the tenderness of the lamb. The issue was that the main course just didn't overwhelm us with flavor, in particular the lima bean accompaniment with the lamb which was just ok. I would still definitely go back. What was notable was the exceptional service. We did have to send 2 bottles of wine back that had gone bad and give full credit to the waiter who quickly acknowledged the problem."
    Dined on 6/3/2014
  • "The 3rd time we’ve dined here. It’s always good, but never great. This last time we had the 5 course chefs menu (was sold out last time) with the standard wine pairing and we were expecting great things. Very hit and miss taste-wise. Some kind of tiny complicated shredded cabbage salad with tons of ingredients was just terrible. Main course was good, but not memorable. Which is how I would describe this restaurant - everything is good (but not cheap) and it seems like it should be an outstanding place in Calgary, but it always just falls a bit flat. Probably was my last chance for them, most likely won’t return for a 4th visit."
    Dined on 5/31/2014
  • "Excellent service from Ryan as always. He is more knowledgeable than any other server I have ever had, and he definitely completes the great experience. The food was perfect and delicious. If you haven't tried the Chef's Table you are missing out."
    Dined on 5/24/2014
  • "Also a hotel, this restaurant is a little on the pricey side, that being said my wife and I feel it was worth it. The small dining room has a very intimate feel to it, open kitchen, and enough staff to make you feel as though you on waited on hand and foot. The food was amazing, the ingredients are unbelievably fresh, the sushi grade salmon starter was sweet and spicy, wasabi and apple, really good. The meals are large enough to fill you up, and the flavours were incredible. The deserts and wine list are different but still really good. Nothing bad to say, thought it was great!"
    Dined on 5/23/2014
  • "This was at least our sixth visit to Chef's Table and they continue to offer a fantastic dining experience. We enjoyed a five course tasting meal prepared by Duncan himself. His menus are always interesting and combine the elements in a unique fashion. Our server was exceptional in his knowledge and presentation of both the food and the wine pairings. Truly a gourmet experience in every sense."
    Dined on 5/10/2014
  • "We ate at Chef's Table for our anniversary dinner, and stayed at the Kensington Riverside Inn. The dinner was a wonderful experience. With only a handful of tables in the restaurant, it was intimate and private. The view of the kitchen is phenomenal. Nice to watch them crafting the meals. We enjoyed the chef's tasting and thoroughly enjoyed our night. Ryan was a knowledgeable and thoughtful server - attentive and interesting to listen to as he explained each course and each wine pairing. He even hand delivered our bottle of wine to our room at the conclusion of our dinner."
    Dined on 5/10/2014
  • "The brunch for Mothers' Day is second to none. Fabulouse food and service. Breathtaking views!!!"
    Dined on 5/8/2014
  • "The food, the wine and the ambiance was divine! The sommelier (Ryan) was very experienced and he made our dining experience even better! Definitely a must for a romantic dinner. "
    Dined on 5/2/2014
  • "The food was great, particularly the fois gras. The service was prompt, polite and not overbearing. We especially appreciated that the noise level was very low and that we were able to converse without yelling"
    Dined on 5/7/2014
  • "We took the opportunity to enjoy a special anniversary weekend at the Kensington Riverside Inn. Dinner plans - of course - were at the Chef's Table and it was a grand evening. We opted for the Tasting Menu and Chef Michel Nop and team did not disappoint. What struck us most, was that every course was a joy not only to our tastebuds, to the eye as well. Add to that the different textures, and the whole evening was a sensory experience. "
    Dined on 5/3/2014
  • "We attended the CT for the first time to celebrate a 51st birthday. The maître D' was very personable and helpful, the service was prompt and friendly and the food was quite tasteful but not plentiful. The atmosphere was intimate and the background noise was low enough to allow for easy conversation. The low amount of tables accounted for the low ambient noise and intimate setting. The food was pricey but not exorbitant. Nice place for a romantic dinner for two."
    Dined on 4/26/2014
  • "The serving of cheese with fruit & salt/sugar minerals was awesome! Kicked up things by a 1,000 notches. Foie gras is the best I have had. Wagyu beef: What can I say! "
    Dined on 4/26/2014
  • "The food was delicious but the portions were small. Both my son and I had the French toast, and both of us could have eaten more than 1 small piece of toast. The price was reasonable for a larger amount of food. "
    Dined on 4/27/2014
  • "Took mom for a special Easter Brunch, which turned out to be extremely disappointing. Both orders of French toast were burnt! Can't believe the kitchen put that quality of food out, and then for our waitress to see it and not question it also. Really really bad"
    Dined on 4/20/2014
  • "Quality food and service but with a "full' price as well."
    Dined on 4/11/2014
  • "The food and the service is top notch as always. It keeps us coming back. This is one of the finest restaurants in Calgary. For innovative and well made food it is tough to beat."
    Dined on 4/10/2014
  • "We were with an out of town guest who suggested Chef's Table. Two of us ordered wine - we weren't offered a taste; full glasses were poured. We ordered different entres - all were over cooked and the portions were very small. Service was very poor - we almost had to trip the server to order a second glass of wine. The server never came to our table to enquire how are meals are - we weren't offered more bread, pepper, or coffee. Menu selection very poor (one page) and all items are very pricey. We eat out a lot but, we would not go back and would not recommend."
    Dined on 4/8/2014
  • "My wife and I are Calgary Opera ticket holders, so 2 or 3 times per year we get a babysitter, get dressed up, and have a fabulous dinner and a nice night out. And for the past year we've made a point to enjoy our nice dinner at the Chef's Table at the Kensington Riverside Inn. We always come early so we have time to enjoy the Chef's Menu - a five-course extravaganza for the palate. The chef is meticulous with his preparation and the creations are sublime. This year, the second course Asparagus Salad was our favourite but each course, from the house-smoked tuna, to the fish soup, to the braised beef course and the home-made chocolate mousse and chai-cinnamon crème brûlée were all perfect. Thank you Chef!"
    Dined on 4/5/2014
  • "My husband David and I were both very thankful and impressed by Chef Michel and Sommolier/Matre D James. Our food was the most memorable meal in Calgary we have ever had. The presentation, the taste and attention was impeccable. This will be our choice for future special occasions. We visited for our 3rd Anniversary. I love that it was about quality and no pretentiousness. Thank you."
    Dined on 3/25/2014
  • "spent a few days in calgary, not really knowing too much about the restaurant scene, using the net to scour option i settled on the Chefs table as an one to try... Not disappointed at all, although the young french maitre d was a little chilly , our server and food were of the highest quality.. my partner had the lobster which was stunning... the wine list was extensive... particularly pleased with a choice of wines from the Chateauneuf de Pape region happy to recommend this place for those who savour fine dining!!"
    Dined on 3/24/2014
  • "Was greeted at the door promptly with a smile. The outside of the building was gorgeous. The service was amazing, food was delish and the artwork on the walls was breathtaking. Would definitely go there for the weekend brunch again."
    Dined on 3/23/2014
  • "We took my niece here to celebrate her birthday and were treated royally. The staff was excellent, with the waiter able to answer all our questions and give suggestions and information about the wine and menu items. The food was wonderfully prepared and presented and delicious, with unique offerings on the menu to try. The dessert served to my niece was presented on a plate with Happy Birthday written in chocolate around the edges - a lovely touch. It's pricey but would definitely recommend for a unique dining experience for special occasions."
    Dined on 3/21/2014
  • "Outstanding dinner. Knowledgeable staff. Skilled service. We would return."
    Dined on 3/21/2014
  • "Best wine pairing! Foe Gras and whatever wine that was. Also, desserts were best!"
    Dined on 3/22/2014
  • "We go to this restaurant several times a year - on special occasions. The food is superb; the service very professional. I especially like the distance between tables and the quiet atmosphere. You can carry on a conversation without shrieking. Altogether, a very sophisticated place. On this occasion I would have preferred a table away from the door as the staff had to go back and forth a lot , past our table, to serve a large group in the lobby. Next time I will call them directly and ask for one of the tables I like. This evening was an anniversary and we felt the dinner had been a fine celebration."
    Dined on 3/18/2014
  • "First time there, don't know why I would want to return. Luke warm coffee, which was replaced with hot coffee. Luke warm eggs Benedict which may not have been fully cooked. Wish I had gone somewhere else."
    Dined on 3/16/2014
  • "Imagine working in full view of your customers, every day. That's the setup at Chef's Table. Somehow the calm, measured pace of food preparation in the open kitchen translates into course after course of beautifully prepared and plated food. It seems you don't have to curse like a rig worker to be a great chef. Food is the point here, but the staff are not pretentious about it. They are professionals in the best sense of the word. The five-course menu and wine pairing worked well. Portions were just the right size to enjoy each course and not regret it two hours later. Dining for grownups."
    Dined on 3/14/2014
  • "Had a great time and really enjoyed the food and wine pairings. Explained in detail what we were having. Loved it."
    Dined on 3/13/2014
  • "The chef's tasting menu was excellent and the wine pairing was very good value. Due to the kitchen opening onto the dining area, we found the place warmer than expected and only slightly uncomfortable for some members of our party. We would recommend this place for the excellent food and relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere."
    Dined on 3/7/2014
  • "Although the food was good, the restaurant provided little variety for my companion with a shellfish allergy."
    Dined on 12/21/2013
  • "The food was at times excellent (the char especially)- but not every course. The wine pairing was good and we had help from one of the servers. The ambiance was alright, but felt more public, than cosy or exclusive. The lights were to bright and could have used some candles. It would also have been nice if we were left to enjoy out food for a few bites, three servers attended our table, asking how the food was etc. A big plus for seeing the chefs work in the kitchen! All in all a good dinner, that didn't quite live up to the splendid reputation."
    Dined on 3/10/2014
  • "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
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Diners' Choice Awards
  • Calgary / Southern Alberta Winners
  • Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
  • Calgary Winners
  • Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
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