Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Calgary

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Calgary? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Carino

4.9

4.9 (984)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Italian

Mission

About the restaurant

Carino is an Japanese and Italian fusion restaurant located in the Mission neighborhood in Calgary Canada. Japanese taste with Italian twist and vice versa.
All reservations are limited to 2 hours. Thank you for your understanding.

Top review

Curstinvip

Dined 1 day ago

What a unique culinary experience! The dishes were incredibly creative, service was great & prices were decent, especially for the quality. It was my first time trying Japanese/Italian fusion and Carino didn’t disappoint! The restaurant is quite intimate & can get a little loud, but it had a relaxed vibe that was cozy.

Discover more

Popular dish

Sakura Parfait

Popular dish

Spicy "Wagyu Bolognese" Miso Ramen

Popular dish

Nutella Basque Cheesecake

Bar Gigi

4.9

4.9 (90)

CAN$51 and over

Wine Bar

Calgary

About the restaurant

Bar Gigi is a small space, with share plates, located in the old Halibut Hut building on Edmonton Trail and 9th Ave NE.

Due to our tiny size...we set aside the allotted amount of time for each party size:
2-4 people: 2 hours
5+ people: 2.5 hours
If you need more time, or want to contact us at all please reach out to (403)612-4487

Top review

Tylervip

Dined 2 days ago

Best meal in Calgary...? We think so now. Truly an extraordinary experience right from the start. The service staff makes you feel welcomed and taken care of the entire time you are there. With a smaller menu you may wonder sometimes, but everything lived up to the hype and more. The prawn toast rivals the famous Cheese Toast from Major Tom and I think even takes the top spot. The cabbage skewer was such a unique and light dish that was wonderful on the palette. Both pastas are a must. The flavour profiles on both dishes reminds you of Italy in such a fun and exciting way. All in all, 100/10. Incredible.

KAMA

4.8

4.8 (666)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Beltline

About the restaurant

A new Beltline dining experience born from the creativity, passion and experience of Chef Kenny Kaechele - fresh and vibrant dishes celebrating the beauty and bounty of the Mediterranean region, anchored by local ingredients and a passion for excellence.

Kama features a beautiful sun drenched patio, private dining areas and a gorgeous centrally positioned bar- perfect for an intimate date night, lunch with friends or festive gathering, we are excited to make our new home in The District at Beltline and we can't wait to see you soon!

Top review

Bruce

Dined 3 days ago

Enjoyed our visit. Celebrating an anniversary and the food, atmosphere and staff were amazing. Will definitely dine there again. Wait staff personally signed a card for us. What a thoughtful thing to do.

FinePrint

4.8

4.8 (457)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Calgary

About the restaurant

Our award winning head chef Francis Martinez executes a menu that honours local producers to deliver contemporary dishes with a soft french influence. From our celebrated sablefish to the finest local beef, from small delicious snacks to robust courses, we aim to create a special experience for every guest.

The attention to detail we seek starts with our local farmers and producers and transcends to our preparation and cooking styles. From sourcing natural and organic ingredients to selecting special kindling for our wood burning Josper oven, we have a love for food and hospitality that is best when shared with our friends and guests.

Top review

Jayvip

Dined 3 days ago

A nice place with great service! Would be back again.

Discover more

Experience

Bolla Vineyards Wine Maker Dinner

Experience

Chef's Table Experience @ The Roost

Experience

Masterclass: A Tribute to the Old Fashioned

Satsuki

4.8

4.8 (194)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Japanese

Calgary

About the restaurant

Join us at Satsuki in Calgary located at Kensington, for incredible Japanese cuisine and Omakase/Sake experience.

Top review

Meganvip

Dined 6 days ago

My boyfriend and I went for dinner, for the first time. We both agreed we can never have sushi elsewhere after eating here. Not only was the food delicious, and fresh, the service was immaculate. Everyone was so thorough, kind and attentive. Will for sure be coming back to try the omakase!

Salt & Brick - Calgary

4.7

4.7 (320)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Downtown

About the restaurant

Salt & Brick isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a vibe. Every week, our Chef and crew drop a fresh sheet menu loaded with inventive share plates and small bites, made daily with top-tier, locally sourced ingredients. Pair your meal with our curated selection of bold wines and signature cocktails. We’re here to guide you through an ever-evolving culinary journey, where each visit feels like a brand-new experience. We do cool shit.

Top review

Brandon

Dined 3 days ago

The setting and vibe here is awesome. I took 3 guests from out of town here for dinner and the experience was first rate. The staff care about the food and are not robotic in their conversation. They’re good people who want you to have a great dining experience. The food was unique but so delicious. The flavours surprised all of us. Highly recommend.

Discover more

Experience

Chef's Table

Experience

Cocktail Classes with Charlie

Bar Chouette

4.7

4.7 (18)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

French

Beltline

About the restaurant

Experience the best of French-influenced contemporary cuisine at Bar Chouette, a top-rated wine and cocktail bar in the heart of Calgary's vibrant Beltline. Our unique concept blends timeless traditions with modern twists, focusing on simplicity and nostalgia with a creative edge. Enjoy our expertly crafted food and beverage offerings, designed to intrigue and delight your senses with innovative takes on classic favorites.
At Bar Chouette, we bring together the charm of old-world techniques and the excitement of new-world flavors in a cozy yet eclectic atmosphere. Whether you're gathering with friends or neighbors, you'll find a warm and inviting space perfect for socializing and exploring a diverse array of tastes.
Join us at Bar Chouette and be part of Calgary's thriving hospitality scene. Indulge in an unforgettable dining experience where tradition meets innovation, and every visit is a delightful journey of discovery.

Top review

Greg

Dined 3 days ago

Really treasure these smaller places. Excellent Negronis and the sea bass was cooked perfectly. Server was pleasant and attentive. Great vibe.

Discover more

Experience

Terroir Dinner- Land & Sea

4.7

4.7 (38)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Pizza Bar

Calgary

About the restaurant

Letty offer the highest quality pizza and small plates in a comfortable but energetic environment. Located near the Saddledome we are open seven nights a week and looking forward to hosting you!

Top review

Jason

Dined 1 day ago

Great experience overall. Food was delicious especially the fried enoki. This is a must have every time we go now.

The Casbah Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (337)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Moroccan

Calgary

About the restaurant

Morocco is a country of contrast, magic and timeless wonders. It is blessed with rich, nourishing land and mountain snows; beaches, deserts and lush oases.

Casbah's are in harmony amongst this backdrop. It is a sanctuary for Moroccans.

In this dining room you will witness authentic architecture, carvings, tiles, paintings and crafts which result from twelve centuries of Moroccan art.

The cuisine is presented in a fashion that enhances it's surroundings and is considered by culinary experts to be among the top three cuisines worldwide.

Top review

Leslie

Dined 2 days ago

Interesting place. Cozy and heavy morrocan decorated. Had never had morrocan food before. It was good. Many dishes a mix of savory and sweet. Service was good.

Sensei Bar

4.6

4.6 (413)

CAN$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Beltline

About the restaurant

Where boozy cocktails flow to old-school beats, and a modern and rebellious take on Asian eats, serve up good times with mastery. Tucked away a stride from 17th Avenue's nightlife, our intimate and urban space welcomes you all night and late-night. Our little-but-loud menu puts a boldly flavourful, yet nourishing spin on Korean and Taiwanese bites - all starring local ingredients and the beloved bao bun. Pair it with best in the city sake list and our curated cocktails and bow down to the bao with your inner Sensei.

Top review

MeatLovervip

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Awesome salmon sashimi, the owner is amazing, chef is wonderful and the sake is phenomenal

Explore Diners' Choice best of Calgary

Explore more Diners' Choice lists