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River Café

Name: River Café
Address: Prince's Island Park 25 Prince's Island Park SW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2P 0R1
Telephone: (403) 261-7670
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.7

Visa Dining Collection

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Prince's Island Park, 25 Prince's Island Park SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 26, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 75 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Charming
Good for special occasions
Great for outdoor dining

Why they're an Icon

From the OpenTable editors: River Café has been at the forefront of the locavore dining movement since 1991. Set in scenic Prince Island Park by the Bow River, the restaurant’s rustic decor and menu are both inspired by the surrounding nature. Local, seasonal ingredients star in dishes like Lambtastic Farm lamb sirloin with Sudo Farms zucchini. The Wine Spectator-recognized wine list highlights sustainable vineyards.

Staff spotlight

Philosophy

At the heart of everything we do is a deep and unwavering commitment to sustainability. Its the foundation of every decision we make. We make intentional choices in every part of our operation, using only local Canadian ingredients and minimizing our environmental impact through energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and ongoing innovation to support a healthier community.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
Canadian, Steakhouse, Seafood
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(403) 261-7670
Website
http://www.river-cafe.com/
Payment options
Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Enjoy an exclusive cocktail party or dinner in your home presented and prepared by River Café. Our accomplished culinary team will prepare an exquisite menu tailored specifically to your event, executed by our professional service team. Experience a culinary journey presented with the elegance, beauty, and professional service. You and your guests can relax while we look after all of the details.
Private party facilities
For an intimate gathering of 8 guests or a stylish cocktail party reception of 250, we are pleased to cater to your every need. Private and semi-private events are available. Please contact our Event Manager for more information, events@river-cafe.com

Location
Prince's Island Park, 25 Prince's Island Park SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1
Description
An extraordinary dining experience is a journey—one of taste, place, and connection.We've created a beautiful space in a remarkable setting, where every detail is designed to make you feel at home. Our passionate chefs craft menus rooted in regional, seasonal ingredients, offering a true taste of place, while our caring team ensures every moment feels special.Open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, we are proud to be a regular on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list and France’s World's Best Restaurants 'La Liste', in addition to enRoute and Avenue Magazine’s best restaurants year after year. Step into our warm wooden interior, relax by the inviting stone fireplace, or dine al fresco on our serene, water-facing patio. Surrounded by lush gardens and open green space, we also offer seasonal picnic baskets for those seeking a more leisurely experience.
Neighborhood
Calgary
Cross street
1. Memorial Dr bridge 2. SE of island at 2 St SW 3. SW of island at 6 St SW
Parking details
Paid parking is available on the street during the day and no charge after 6pm. Free street parking on Sundays. Heated underground parking at Eau Claire Market for a $5 flat rate evenings and weekends. Calgary Parking Authority lot near the Calgary Curling Club across memorial drive.
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

Chef's Tasting Menu
CA$120.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Let the Chef take you on a 5 course culinary journey. An ever changing showcase of Canada's best organic, seasonal ingredients including Oceanwise seafood and Alberta grass fed beef.

Popular dishes

Fresh Shucked Oysters
Pickled Mans Organic Ginger, House Made Hot Sauce, Seasonal Mignonette
- Half DozenCA$30.00
Hydragreens Red Romaine CA$21.00
HGB Bison Pemmican, Grizzly Gouda Sourdough Pearls, Southern Skies Radish, Fermented Tomato Remoulade
Gull Valley TomatoesCA$20.00
Old West Ranch Buffalo Mozzarella, Compressed Broxburn Cucumber, Black Garlic Emulsion, Bee Pollen, Basil, Strawberry and Honey Vinaigrette
Benchmark Beef TartareCA$25.00
Pickled Edgar Farms Asparagus, Oyster Caramel, Seaweed Aioli, Cured Egg Yolk, Lavosh Flaxseed Cracker
Red Lentil HummusCA$18.00
Forno Baked Sourdough Flatbread, Okanagan Sumac, Basil Pistou
Forno Baked Sourdough FlatbreadCA$26.00
Lambtastic Lamb Sirloin, Brie & Garlic Mornay, Roasted Ceres Oyster Mushrooms, Pickled Sweet Banana Peppers, Sudo Farms Red Onion Caramel, Sylvan Star Gouda
Fish & Game BoardCA$35.00
Selection of House Cured Meats, Seasonal Potted Seafood, Smoked Salmon, River Café Pickles, Preserves & Crackers
Deepwater Farms GreensCA$18.00
Caramelized Alberta Hemp Hearts, Land of Dreams Snow Peas, Apricot Vinaigrette

Main

Fresno-Maple Miso Glazed Broxburn EggplantCA$32.00
Trafford Farms Lions Mane Mushroom, Sudo Farms Kimchi, Sunflower Seed Emulsion
Hand Cut LinguineCA$31.00
Springbank Bison Bolognese, Sylvan Star Grizzly Gouda, Cold Pressed Canola Oil
Pan Seared Yukon Arctic CharCA$34.00
Organic Mixed Greens, Green Goddess Dressing, Gull Valley Tomato, Buckwheat
Benchmark Angus Beef Flank SteakCA$38.00
JD Spuds Fingerlings, Grilled Hydragreens Romaine, Caramelized Hemp Hearts, Galimax Red Pepper & Neveridle Hemp Heart Romesco, Aioli, Chimmichurri
Farming Worx Duck ConfitCA$36.00
Great Northern Bean Ragu, Chewy Tomatoes, Green Garlic Buttermilk, Butter Butter Crumble
Benchmark Beef BurgerCA$29.00
Pickled Green Tomato, Southern Skies Butter-Leaf, Broxburn Jalapeño Aioli, Hillview Bacon Jam

What 5,010 people are saying

River Café reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Calgary / Southern Alberta
Canadian
Calgary
Great for scenic views
Calgary
Canadian
Calgary
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

River Café offers a "beautiful setting" on Prince's Island with a "rustic ambiance" and "exceptional food." Diners rave about the chef's tasting menu, attentive service, and well-curated wine list. While some mention slow service, the "creative and delicious dishes" with local ingredients make it a must-visit in Calgary.

5,010 Reviews

A
Amy VIP
Cincinnati / Dayton7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Exquisite food in a charming outdoor setting. The waiter was a sommelier and knowledgeable about pairings with the menu. Wonderful. If I lived in Calgary, I would be a regular diner.
Is this helpful?
G
Georgianne VIP
Calgary / Southern Alberta4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server was excellent! Very knowledgeable about the menu and the server, chef/kitchen went over and above to help a customer of mine with special dietary needs. Wonderful evening on the patio in your lovely restaurant!
Is this helpful?
T
TJ and Barry
Calgary / Southern Alberta24 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing evening for our anniversary dinner. Always love coming back to the River Cafe.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrea
Vancouver / British Columbia2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was a very memorable lunch for my mom and I. The patio was beautiful and relaxing with a country garden feel, surrounded by trees and glimpses of the Bow River. The food was outstanding, including the house-made cherry juice (with Aperol or soda), the complimentary whole grain "Red Fife" sourdough (amazing), and the Forno Baked Flatbread with lamb, pickled sweet banana peppers and other delights. The service was also outstanding. We were so happy to have experienced this place on our visit to Calgary.
Is this helpful?
J
Jean
Calgary / Southern Alberta2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had friends visiting from Toronto and booked a table for 4 at the River Café because of the "farm to fork" ethos, great food, great view of downtown Calgary, and great wine list. As usual, they delivered on all fronts and our friends talked about the excellent meal and ambiance for days after our visit! My wife and I will return for regular "date night" :-)
Is this helpful?
A
Allison VIP
Chicago / Illinois3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Loved will go again - staff were wonderful and it was lovely spot
Is this helpful?
K
Kyle
Toronto / Ontario1 review
5.0
Dined on July 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was amazing, I have the bison ribeye and my wife had the lamb sirloin. Best dining experience I’ve had in a long time
Is this helpful?
j
jennifer
Ottawa1 review
5.0
Dined on July 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
we went for a reunion/birthday dinner. all five of us loved our meals, however, one of the girls didnt really like the dressing on the salad (her taste nothing to do with the dressing) and they took it away in a flash and replaced it promptly so that the rhythm of the meal was not disturbed. outstanding cocktails to start, wonderful wine recommendations. the food was more than amazing including desserts. we swooned! fabulous experience
Is this helpful?
M
Murray
Calgary / Southern Alberta4 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We always enjoy the exceptional food in the rustic ambiance. We highly recommend this restaurant. Every dish is delicious.
Is this helpful?
W
Wayne
Calgary / Southern Alberta3 reviews
4.0
Dined on July 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The bed of greens that the Char was served on was unfortunately sub par.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

River Café is rated 4.7 stars by 5010 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 26, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 75 times today

Experiences are available.

Prince's Island Park, 25 Prince's Island Park SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1

Dining areas

Additional information

Description
An extraordinary dining experience is a journey—one of taste, place, and connection.We've created a beautiful space in a remarkable setting, where every detail is designed to make you feel at home. Our passionate chefs craft menus rooted in regional, seasonal ingredients, offering a true taste of place, while our caring team ensures every moment feels special.Open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, we are proud to be a regular on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list and France’s World's Best Restaurants 'La Liste', in addition to enRoute and Avenue Magazine’s best restaurants year after year. Step into our warm wooden interior, relax by the inviting stone fireplace, or dine al fresco on our serene, water-facing patio. Surrounded by lush gardens and open green space, we also offer seasonal picnic baskets for those seeking a more leisurely experience.
Cross street
1. Memorial Dr bridge 2. SE of island at 2 St SW 3. SW of island at 6 St SW
Neighborhood
Calgary
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Cuisines
Canadian, Steakhouse, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Paid parking is available on the street during the day and no charge after 6pm. Free street parking on Sundays. Heated underground parking at Eau Claire Market for a $5 flat rate evenings and weekends. Calgary Parking Authority lot near the Calgary Curling Club across memorial drive.
Payment options
Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.river-cafe.com/
Phone number
(403) 261-7670
Catering
Enjoy an exclusive cocktail party or dinner in your home presented and prepared by River Café. Our accomplished culinary team will prepare an exquisite menu tailored specifically to your event, executed by our professional service team. Experience a culinary journey presented with the elegance, beauty, and professional service. You and your guests can relax while we look after all of the details.
Private party facilities
For an intimate gathering of 8 guests or a stylish cocktail party reception of 250, we are pleased to cater to your every need. Private and semi-private events are available. Please contact our Event Manager for more information, events@river-cafe.com

River Café

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Why they're an Icon

Staff spotlight

Sal Howell

Owner

Kristen Livingston

Executive Chef

Philosophy

Dining areas

Additional information

33 Calgary Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

86 Calgary / Southern Alberta Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

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Chef's Tasting Menu

Fish & Game Board

Yukon Arctic Char

Eggs Benedict

To Start

Fresh Shucked Oysters

Hydragreens Red Romaine CA$21.00

Gull Valley TomatoesCA$20.00

Benchmark Beef TartareCA$25.00

Red Lentil HummusCA$18.00

Forno Baked Sourdough FlatbreadCA$26.00

Fish & Game BoardCA$35.00

Deepwater Farms GreensCA$18.00

Main

Fresno-Maple Miso Glazed Broxburn EggplantCA$32.00

Hand Cut LinguineCA$31.00

Pan Seared Yukon Arctic CharCA$34.00

Benchmark Angus Beef Flank SteakCA$38.00

Farming Worx Duck ConfitCA$36.00

Benchmark Beef BurgerCA$29.00

Featured Item

Complimentary Highwood Crossing Rye Sourdough Bread

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is River Café restaurant rated?

Is River Café currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

33 Calgary Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

86 Calgary / Southern Alberta Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Top 100 des restaurants romantiques au Canada en 2025