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River Café, Calgary, AB
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River Café

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Visa Dining Collection

CAN$31 to CAN$50
Canadian
Prince's Island Park, 25 Prince's Island Park SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1

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2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 67 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for scenic views

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
  • 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
  • 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

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.
    Chef's Tasting Menu Photo

What 4,983 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
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

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 is praised for its "creative menu" and picturesque setting on Prince's Island. Diners commend the "excellent food" and "attentive service," with standout dishes like the Arctic Char and bison tenderloin. The ambiance is described as "cozy" and "romantic," making it ideal for special occasions.
4,983 Reviews
  1. Audrey VIP

    Calgary / Southern Alberta33 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always, we had a wonderful time at River Café! Food was delicious! Their chef’s tasting is always phenomenal! Our server Jared was excellent! Ot was a busy night, but he was still attentive and guided us through every course and wine pairings! Every time we are in town, we have to stop for one evening at the River Café!

    Is this helpful?

  2. David VIP

    Calgary / Southern Alberta13 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    Waited way too long for the meal. Meal was like warm. Very disappointed.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Lyn

    Edmonton / Northern Alberta3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    River Cafe does not disappoint. I had not been in years and was not sure what to expect, but it was just as good as I remembered it. I hope to be back sooner this time!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Kevin

    Calgary / Southern Alberta1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    If you like this type of dish the tartar is fabulous.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Zohair

    Northern Michigan / Upper Peninsula2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    The duck was great taste and perfectly cooked but the portion was very small when I specifically asked for a heavier meal including my starter which were just okay. Maybe I didn’t get the two best meals but they were highly recommended by the server.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Travis

    Toronto / Ontario1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Third anniversary dinner in a row spent at River Cafe. Food and service are always on point.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Tanya

    Calgary / Southern Alberta2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful Lunch on the patio to celebrate Canada Day. Our server was professional and caring. Food was top notch. They were very busy and I think the food took a bit longer than it normally would have but we didn’t mind as it gave us more time to sit and relax.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Pamela

    Calgary / Southern Alberta12 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Menu is brunch style with many egg breakfast options, we were there at 2PM and anticipated a proper luncheon choice. Very generous salads served with our choices. A busy Canada Day with table options only inside as the patios were fully packed.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Andrew VIP

    Calgary / Southern Alberta1 review

    3.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    We’ve always had a great experience here but we were quite disappointed by this visit. Took 30 minutes to get a black coffee. Side order of bacon came at end of meal when we were mostly done. Eggs weren’t done to request despite re-confirming.

    Is this helpful?

  10. marlene

    Calgary / Southern Alberta4 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I’d rather not and instead send a private note to River cafe.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

River Café is rated 4.7 stars by 4983 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. Canada
  3. Calgary / Southern Alberta
  4. Calgary
  5. Calgary

Make a reservation

2 people
8:00 PM
Booked 67 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for River Café

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
  • Phone number
  • 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
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