Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Calgary / Southern Alberta

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Calgary / Southern Alberta? 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!

afterEIGHT

5.0

5 (16)

CAN$51 and over

Speakeasy

Downtown

About the restaurant

Recognized by @Worlds50bestBars as one of the "11 Best Bar Openings of 2025."

afterEIGHT as the name implies is open ONLY after the EIGHT clientele departs. Entry is granted based on a first come, first-served basis as such reservations are limited
For those without a reservation The waitlist can be joined starting at 10 PM Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

Without a reservation to secure a seat:

1. Walk in and dial “8” on the secret “phone” to gain priority entrance
2. Or join the waitlist on OpenTable starting at 10 PM
3. Stay nearby for a text notification if a seat becomes available
4. Arrive within 10 minutes of the text. Seats will not be held

afterEIGHT is where Japanese precision and attention to detail meets western hospitality. The 15-foot vaulted arched ceilings, gilded in 10K gold, bathe the space in warm light. Every element, from the adobo wood bar, exclusive hand-blown Kimura stemware and bespoke seating has been carefully curated with intent - for you our guest.

Top review

Tammy

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

We only had cocktails but an amazing ambiance, only seating for six in this hidden gem. Highly recommend! The drinks were amazing and the bartender definitely knew his cocktails!

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Experience

A la Carte Reservation

änkôr

4.9

4.9 (812)

CAN$51 and over

Contemporary Canadian

Canmore

About the restaurant

Opened in November 2020, our venue lets you indulge in an approachable yet refined atmosphere that delivers a fine dinning experience that resonates with each guest. Surrounded by a team driven by passion, Chef Danny Beaulieu takes pride in honoring the richness of the Canadian terroir, showcasing a vision of contemporary Canadian cuisine.

For the full experience a 6 courses tasting menu is also available.
Our sommelier curates a wine list designed to pair with the creations chef Beaulieu & his team brings to the table. Enhancing our approach to what we believe is an outstanding gastronomic experience.

Also, elaborated seasonally, ãnkôr offers a diversified local beer selection as well as a Canadian spirits focused cocktail list.

Top review

Hao

Dined on Jun 27, 2025

Exquisite food and great service. Would love to go again!

The Potion Room

4.9

4.9 (350)

CAN$30 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Inglewood

About the restaurant

A Magical Place for Wizards, Witches, & Muggles Alike to Meet and Celebrate Life While Sipping Fine Handcrafted Potions and Elixirs Like No Other!!!

Please note that the reservations have a 90-minute time limit per table for parties of 4 or less!

Top review

Leann

Dined on Apr 6, 2025

We all enjoyed the potion drinks and especially the presentation. Being a Harry Potter fan made it even better

JINBAR

4.8

4.8 (572)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Korean

Downtown

About the restaurant

At JINBAR, everything revolves around showcasing our high quality, Korea-inspired food. Our carefully selected drink menu is designed to complement our complex flavour profiles. Our open kitchen and pizza bar ensure we are not keeping any secrets from you as you can see your food being prepped every step of the way. We strive to use true ingredients to create true flavours and provide you with a true experience!

Top review

AmberVIP

Dined on Jun 12, 2025

Everything on the menu is amazing! Jinbar is one of our faves!

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Experience

Date Night for 2

Experience

Asian Inspired Brunch

True Wild Distilling

4.8

4.8 (226)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Contemporary Canadian

Calgary

About the restaurant

Welcome to the True Wild Distilling Bar & Restaurant, A live-fire restaurant nestled between towering whisky and gin stills inside a stunning heritage building. High-quality proteins and sustainable vegetables dishes are infused with the unique flavour profile that only charcoal can impart. Unpretentious yet premium, we’ve developed a menu that’s driven by the spirits of its surroundings and is complimentary in nature.

True masters of their craft, our mixologists expertly blend our spirits with curated ingredients to create cocktails that are as delicious as they are imaginative. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly prepared classic or want to try something new, our bar has what you’re looking for.

It’s not just a meal or a drink; it’s an experience that stirs something inside.

Top review

DaniVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Thank you for a great experience all around. Catherine was a fantastic server and the food was incredible. Standouts were the bone marrow and lamb shank but honestly, everything was delicious. Can’t wait to be back soon! Thank you for a memorable dining experience.

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Experience

Distillery Tour and Tasting

bul Dining Room & Bar

4.8

4.8 (48)

CAN$30 and under

Asian

Beltline

About the restaurant

Bringing the rich flavor of Asia to Calgary’s vibrant 17th Avenue. búl is an Asian fine dining restaurant located in Calgary Canada, offering a unique experience of reinterpreted sushi and Korean dishes. Our mission is to provide warm, bold, refined, and fresh meals that reflect the essence of the Korean word “bul,” meaning of Fire which embodies warmth, purity, and quality. We create an inviting experience that blends traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques.

Top review

VanessaVIP

Dined 7 days ago

The service was fantastic. Our servers were friendly, attentive and were able to provide great recommendations. We tried the shrimp dim sum, seared tuna tartare, spicy octopus bibimbap, beef bulgogi and Bul Special sushi plate. The food was great, excellent flavours and good sized portions. So delicious. Will definitely be back.

L'Olivo Cicchetti & Lounge

4.8

4.8 (16)

CAN$30 and under

Italian

Inglewood

About the restaurant

L'Olivo is Calgary's newest culinary destination, where we invite you to immerse yourself in a Venetian-inspired lifestyle through the art of cicchetti. More than just small plates, cicchetti embodies a traditional social ritual, a way of life where friends gather, share stories, and appreciate small bites alongside simple and enjoyable drinks. At L'Olivo, we’re bringing this unique and lively experience to Calgary, creating excellent moments for our guests.

Beyond extraordinary cicchetti, L'Olivo offers a sophisticated lounge experience. Our curated list of cocktails and wines sets us apart, featuring both classic Italian selections and unique mixtures designed to complement our culinary offerings. Whether you're seeking a pre-dinner aperitivo or a relaxed evening of drinks, our lounge is designed to be your local, trendy spot in town.

Top review

Steve

Dined on Jun 24, 2025

Great food and service. Great addition to an already outstanding market.

nupo

4.7

4.7 (64)

CAN$51 and over

Japanese

Downtown

About the restaurant

In Calgary, Nupo offers a dining experience blending Japanese precision with a plant-forward philosophy, led by Chef Darren MacLean. Inspired by his mother’s love of plants, vegan recipes, and sushi, Chef MacLean highlights Canada’s bounty with dishes supported by the country’s only dry-aging fish chamber.

The dining room features vegan, vegetarian, and seafood-forward dishes, emphasizing seasonal ingredients, sustainability, and Japanese roots. The décor reflects Alberta’s landscapes, with birchwood accents, shale, and shou sugi ban-treated pinewood blending natural beauty and tradition.

Nupo’s bar program centers on Japanese teas, inventive cocktails, and an exclusive sake list to complement the menu. For sushi enthusiasts, Calgary’s first Omakase Sushi Experience offers seasonal sashimi, nigiri, and creative dishes. At Nupo, Chef MacLean delivers a vision of sustainable, plant-forward dining with artistry and precision.

Top review

CatherineVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Amazing food experience and outstanding service!! Highly recommend and cute area

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Experience

The Nupo Omakase Sushi Experience

Experience

Nupo Culinary Journey Tasting Menu

Experience

Table Reservation

Truth Restaurant & Bar

4.6

4.6 (45)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Fusion / Eclectic

Beltline

About the restaurant

A galaxy-astrology themed dining and cocktail experience, blending Indian and Italian flavors. Dine under the stars with celestial decor & fusion eats

Top review

Daphne

Dined on May 26, 2025

It was quite a nice time. Went there with my boyfriend for his birthday and the themed drinks were very creative, although I think the price per portion was a bit steep. Good ingredients and food so that makes up for it a bit at least.

Samwon Garden

4.6

4.6 (47)

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Korean

Willow Park

About the restaurant

Indulge in a feast of flavors with premium meats, vibrant side dishes, and the true taste of Korea, all grilled to perfection at your table.

Top review

DianaVIP

Dined on Jun 16, 2025

It was good but the menu recently changed and is the ‘meals’ are missing many of the traditional side dishes which are part of the experience. For persons like myself who are newer to Korean BBQ, I appreciate the previous menu more as the sides were already thought out and the menu easier to navigate.

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