Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo

15 Top Calgary Restaurants for Outdoor Dining

A photo of Red logo
by OpenTable
Updated July 15, 2021

As a city with notoriously unpredictable spring and fall weather, Calgary has a tragically short patio season, which is why Calgarians tend to make the most out of any day that’s warm enough to go out for a long and leisurely outdoor meal. The COVID-19 pandemic has given local businesses even more motivation to improve their patios and expand outdoor seating areas while adding in more features for comfort such as heat lamps, overhead coverage, and wind protection. From elegant rooftop dining areas with birds-eye views of the downtown core to quaint lines of tables on sidewalk patios at casual spots, more than ever both restaurants and diners are embracing opportunities for fresh air dining. There’s a fun and interesting place to eat outside around almost every corner in Calgary during the summer months, but these 15 restaurants go the extra mile when it comes to combining good food and the great outdoors.

A photo of Lulu Bar restaurant
Lulu Bar
4.7
4.7 (2040)
CAN$30 and under
Pacific Rim
Downtown
About the restaurant
Hawaii is a long way from Calgary, but this Pacific Rim-themed bar and restaurant offers a taste of the tropics, especially when it’s warm enough to roll open the big garage-style doors at the front of the building that lead out to the sidewalk patio. Fresh and flavourful food dominates the menu, with playful bites such as hot dog bao buns, house-made spam skewers, and loco moco rice, all of which pair nicely with the bar’s over-the-top tiki-style cocktails and a little bit of sunshine.
Top review
ToryC
Dined on Jan 2, 2023
Super fun experience, food came out fast, perfect size portions for sharing. Great for a date night but would also be a great vibe for a larger party. Drinks were really good, lots of variety. Would go back :)
A photo of Calavera Cantina restaurant
Calavera Cantina
4.3
4.3 (348)
CAN$30 and under
Latin American
Calgary
About the restaurant
Calavera Cantina’s patio may be located in the parking lot of a large suburban retail development, but the patio is designed to make diners feel like they’ve been whisked away to a beachside taqueria in Mexico, with high walls to block out the fast food joints and big box stores nearby. The food is bright and fresh, with dishes such as tuna crudo tostadas and a melon salad as well as the requisite (but very tasty) tacos and burritos.
Top review
WoodyS
Dined on Nov 28, 2023
Three of us ate tacos and drank margaritas. Already planning a return visit
A photo of Klein / Harris restaurant
Klein / Harris
4.7
4.7 (1045)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Canadian
Calgary
About the restaurant
Downtown’s Stephen Avenue is Calgary’s premium place for sitting and watching the world go by. Closed to cars during the daytime and bubbling with energy in the evening, the strip is always full of interesting pedestrian traffic and plenty of action. Klein/Harris’s street-level patio is a lovely place to drink in the Stephen Avenue vibe while eating chef James Waters’s uniquely Canadiana dishes and sipping on one of co-owner Christina Mah’s much-celebrated cocktails.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
Unique menu, really tasty, and the service was great. Would definitely go back.
Discover more
A photo of K H Burger of a restaurant
Popular dish
K H Burger
A photo of Sea Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Sea Scallops
A photo of Crispy Pork Shoulder Bites of a restaurant
Popular dish
Crispy Pork Shoulder Bites
A photo of The Living Room Restaurant restaurant
The Living Room Restaurant
4.7
4.7 (862)
CAN$30 and under
Contemporary French / American
Downtown
About the restaurant
The Living Room has been a fixture on 17th Avenue for 20 years and is well-known for its breathtaking patio, which has a secluded backyard feel despite being right on one of Calgary’s busiest commercial streets. The wood-walled space is fit with plenty of lights, gorgeous plant life, and a fireplace to make the restaurant’s contemporary shareable cuisine and much-loved fondue dinners feel even more special.
Top review
OpenTable Dinervip
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing service and food! We had the fondue and it was amazing!
Discover more
A photo of Cheese Fondue of a restaurant
Popular dish
Cheese Fondue
A photo of Chocolate Fondue for 2 of a restaurant
Popular dish
Chocolate Fondue for 2
A photo of 3pc Oysters of a restaurant
Popular dish
3pc Oysters
A photo of Vin Room Mission restaurant
Vin Room Mission
4.6
4.6 (1100)
CAN$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
Calgary
About the restaurant
This chic wine bar has two patios, one on the street level and another on the rooftop, and while the upper deck offers great views of the vibrant Mission neighbourhood, the lower area is popular with dog lovers looking to enjoy a nice international meal and a glass or two of premium wine with their pets at their feet. Owner Phoebe Fung is a true dog lover (her dog Dom is practically a local celebrity) and not only allows dogs on the patio but also hosts dog-related events and provides treats and “pawsecco” for canine friends.
Top review
RickA
Dined on Nov 25, 2023
Best after work happy hour in Mission! We stopped in at the Vin Room for an appie and glass of wine and were not disappointed. Wine was great, food was great, all and a fantastic value. We will be back.
Discover more
A photo of Sunday and Monday Suppers $30 of a restaurant
Experience
Sunday and Monday Suppers $30
A photo of Bonterra Trattoria restaurant
Bonterra Trattoria
4.5
4.5 (3531)
CAN$30 and under
Italian
Calgary
About the restaurant
Bonterra has become a local go-to because of its consistently delicious higher-end Italian fare, but the trattoria’s most powerful asset is its luxurious patio, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of Calgary. The outdoor dining area is technically part of an inner-city parking lot, but its clever construction, terracotta tiles, rustic styling, and abundant greenery make it feel like a scene straight out of Tuscany.
Top review
KristenKvip
Dined on Jan 2, 2023
Bonterra is one of our go-to restaurants, the food is always amazing and the ambience is excellent! I usually go during warmer weather to sit on the best patio in Calgary, but new years day in Calgary is not conducive to dining al fresco :-) so this was my first time dining inside - not as lovely as the patio of course but it was still very nice. The food was so good - there was 6 of us for a birthday dinner and so we were able to try a good variety of items on the menu, everything was well prepared and delicious, and the Bartender's Baby cocktail special was a big hit. Best of all was our server, she was an absolute delight and very attentive and friendly (without overdoing it).
Discover more
A photo of Calamari of a restaurant
Popular dish
Calamari
A photo of Spaghetti alla Carbonara of a restaurant
Popular dish
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
A photo of Gnocchi di Agnello of a restaurant
Popular dish
Gnocchi di Agnello
A photo of Teatro Restaurant restaurant
Teatro Restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2726)
CAN$51 and over
Contemporary Italian
Calgary
About the restaurant
Situated in a historic bank building, dining indoors at Teatro is a quintessential Calgary experience, but the venerable restaurant also has a lesser-known outdoor dining space. Sitting just off of Olympic Plaza and steps away from both Calgary’s Municipal Building and Arts Commons theatre complex, this tucked-away corner offers a serene spot to indulge in some Mediterranean-inspired fine dining and a bottle from Teatro’s legendary wine list.
Top review
ALIWvip
Dined 3 days ago
Well reservation was for 1:15. Got there at 1 and got seated. Nice table. Told us they had a party coming in that night but all good for us - we could stay until 3-3:30 as we out of the way. Ordered couple of appys. Then the pressure was on to order mains as they were closing. We said we were told we good until 3. Guess they changed their minds (it’s only not quite 2). Said just give us order and we hold the order but kitchen can prep the food. So we ordered a pizza. Well it came within five minutes. Was the pizza that had been cooked for the staff. Wasn’t quite done. Little cold. They did take off the bill. Bottom line - if you need to clear the room by 2 then don’t take a 1:15 reservation. Side note Calamari and caprese salad delicious. Servers great but the rushiness made it a poor experience
Discover more
A photo of Beef Carpaccio of a restaurant
Popular dish
Beef Carpaccio
A photo of Teatro Lasagna of a restaurant
Popular dish
Teatro Lasagna
A photo of Seared Scallops of a restaurant
Popular dish
Seared Scallops
A photo of Buchanan's Chop House and Whisky Bar restaurant
Buchanan's Chop House and Whisky Bar
4.8
4.8 (312)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Steakhouse
Calgary
About the restaurant
A Calgary institution since 1988, Buchanan’s boasts a dark, wood-lined interior, representing classic chophouse style. Diners looking for the same great steakhouse fare but in sunnier surroundings can opt for a seat on the restaurant’s expansive sidewalk patio, enclosed by glass panels and adorned with flowers and umbrellas. Close to the Bow River, it’s an ideal place to stop for a steak or a glass from the bar’s extensive whiskey collection after a stroll on the riverside pathway.
Top review
Calgarydiner
Dined 3 days ago
Buchanan's is a gem of a place. I have always gone for supper, this was my first lunch/dinner. It was delicious. extremely well priced, very generous portion and the service is IMPECABLE!
A photo of MODERN STEAK ROOFTOP restaurant
MODERN STEAK ROOFTOP
4.4
4.4 (501)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Steakhouse
Downtown
About the restaurant
Modern Steak’s Downtown location has the same excellent ranch-specific steak menu as the restaurant’s original location in Kensington, with the added bonus of a spectacular rooftop patio that overlooks the heart of Calgary. Diners can take in a full view of the Calgary Tower as they dine on beef that was raised just a few hours away in Alberta cattle country for a truly local experience.
Top review
rlivcvip
Dined on Sep 27, 2023
Warm crab in a jar is A MUST! The service was spectacular and ofc the steak was perfection.
Discover more
A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Ribeye
A photo of Bone-In Ribeye of a restaurant
Popular dish
Bone-In Ribeye
A photo of The Beltliner restaurant
The Beltliner
4.6
4.6 (187)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Comfort Food
Beltline
About the restaurant
Billed as a “modern diner,” The Beltliner is best known as a laid-back brunch spot, but also has a nice happy hour, with wings, burgers, and various cocktails all on offer at a discounted rate. The patio along the side of the building faces a park for great people-watching opportunities and is also dog-friendly, making it a top choice for brunchers who want to while away the day with their pups in tow.
Top review
JOLES2vip
Dined on Nov 17, 2023
Great Eggs Bennie but seem to have downgraded their accompanying potatoes to a packaged one vs the homemade one. Disappointing.
A photo of Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant restaurant
Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant
4.6
4.6 (3901)
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Canadian
Calgary
About the restaurant
Located way down in the south end of the city in a landmark historical home, it’s hard to beat a special occasion Canadian meal on Bow Valley Ranche’s picturesque outdoor veranda. For a different view of the property, the fine dining restaurant’s parent company, the Great Events Group, also hosts gourmet outdoor private dome dinners in the restaurant’s back garden under its “Foodies in the Park” banner.
Top review
JacksonA
Dined on Jan 1, 2023
The location is impressive, the venue is fantastic and the service was great.
Discover more
A photo of Charcuterie of a restaurant
Popular dish
Charcuterie
A photo of Eggs Benedict of a restaurant
Popular dish
Eggs Benedict
A photo of Surf and Turf of a restaurant
Popular dish
Surf and Turf
A photo of rooftop bar @ SIMMONS restaurant
rooftop bar @ SIMMONS
4.1
4.1 (239)
CAN$30 and under
Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Downtown
About the restaurant
Part of the Charcut/Charbar family of restaurants, this bar on the top of the historic Simmons Mattress factory offers an absolutely unparalleled view of the Bow River, historic Inglewood, or downtown Calgary, depending on which direction you’re facing. Once up top, diners can relax with a drink and a pie from Connie and John’s Pizza, a New York-style pizza project run by Charbar proprietors John Jackson and Connie DeSousa.
Top review
AnnahSA
Dined on Sep 14, 2023
Went here for my bday dinner with friends. Service was amazing and the pizza from Connie + John's went well woth our delicious cocktails ans mocktails. Manager gave the table a round of prosecco just because it was a bday dinner. The staff turned up the music at the end of the night when we asked. They accommodated serving my bday cake from an external vendor as well. Everything was perfect. The views with the river in the background at sunset were amazing. We will be back when they reopen for the season.
A photo of Last Best Brewing & Distilling restaurant
Last Best Brewing & Distilling
4.6
4.6 (559)
CAN$30 and under
Comfort Food
Downtown
About the restaurant
From the outside, Last Best doesn’t look like it has an outdoor dining area, which makes its courtyard patio feel all the more secretive and magical. Sheltered from the wind and fitted with a firepit to help extend the patio season, it’s a popular fixture in a brewpub that is already much embraced for its excellent line of beers and above-average pub food.
Top review
Oscardavevip
Dined 3 days ago
Always a very good time and the happy hour offers many choices. I highly recommend this brewery when asked about gems in Calgary.
Discover more
A photo of The Stinky Cheese & Honey of a restaurant
Popular dish
The Stinky Cheese & Honey
A photo of FREE HOUSE | Local Beer & Food Hall restaurant
FREE HOUSE | Local Beer & Food Hall
4.4
4.4 (210)
CAN$30 and under
Contemporary Canadian
Kensington
About the restaurant
This beer hall just off of the main drag in Kensington has an impressive selection of craft beers from over a dozen local breweries and a fresh and casual menu full of flatbreads, sandwiches, and beer-friendly appetizers. The patio is a unique second-storey rooftop giving revelers an impressive view of the neighbourhood, while still putting them at arm’s length from the busyness of the street below.
Top review
JillS
Dined 6 days ago
The bistro pop up was amazing. We were sad that some of the choices were sold out but everything was delicious. Will definitely return!
Discover more
A photo of Copy of Farrah Nuff & the Funky Brunch of a restaurant
Experience
Copy of Farrah Nuff & the Funky Brunch
A photo of Supper Club - Series 15 of a restaurant
Experience
Supper Club - Series 15
A photo of Festive Feast by Free House | Pop-Up Menu of a restaurant
Experience
Festive Feast by Free House | Pop-Up Menu

More lists for you

Explore other cities and regions
A photo of San Antonio
San Antonio
A photo of Hawaii
Hawaii
A photo of Coastal Georgia
Coastal Georgia
A photo of Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge
A photo of Boise
Boise
A photo of Dallas
Dallas
A photo of Detroit
Detroit
A photo of Baltimore
Baltimore
A photo of Denver
Denver
A photo of Central Texas
Central Texas
A photo of Raleigh
Raleigh
A photo of New Mexico
New Mexico
Other ways to experience the world through dining
Must Try Korean Dishes The GreatsExplore Asian-Owned and -Operated RestaurantsExplore Award-Winning Restaurants on OpenTable The Best Bars on OpenTableTKTKThe Best Restaurants for Breakfast on OpenTableThe Best Brunch RestaurantsThe Best Burgersbest cafe in town
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo