I’ll be the first to admit that cooking isn’t exactly my strong suit. Trust me, I’ve tried. And every time I attempt to whip up something that’s not completely bland, I somehow still end up disappointed.
That’s why, whenever my friends see my name pop up on their phones, they know I’m probably about to drag them to yet another restaurant in South Calgary. We’ve tried a ton of spots, but there are a few that had us coming back for more, and that’s saying something.
If you’re on the hunt for food that’s not just decent but downright amazing, stick around. I’ve got some recommendations you won’t want to miss.
Table of Contents
1. The Lake House
Media credits: thelakehouseyyc
Website
Address: 747 Lake Bonavista Dr SE
Contact details: +1 403-225-3939
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 5 PM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Price: $$$
The rustic charm of The Lake House hit us right away, with those elk antler chandeliers and grand stone fireplace. The overlooking view of the Lake Bonavista is also *chef’s kiss*. If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant in South Calgary, this place nails the vibe.
For the food, we sampled a range of dishes throughout the evening. The Grilled Char was delicate yet flavourful, with perfectly crisp skin. The grilled scallops were juicy, and the medium-rare ribeye steak oozed with a beefy flavor and a deep umami taste.
But our favourite dessert is the sticky toffee pudding. It has banana ice cream paired with brandy, which gives an unexpected clash of taste, but it works.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to book them for a wedding or special event, consider their lakeside setting for a beautiful backdrop.
2. Sage & Co.
Media credits: sageandco.yyc
Website
Address: 135 Southland Dr SE
Contact details: +1 403-225-5822
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 6:30 AM – 9 PM
- Friday: 6:30 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 7 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 7 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$
Sage & Co’s bright interior was a nice surprise, especially after walking in from the hotel’s concrete exterior. With a mix of booths and bar seating, it was easy for us to get comfortable right away.
We kicked things off with their Canadian Benny, which is local ham and candied bacon paired with silky herb Hollandaise. It was the perfect mix of savory and sweet, leaving us practically scraping the plate.
If you’re after something lighter, the mushroom toast is packed with earthy flavors and just the right hint of garlic. Pair it with their smooth, rich coffee, and you’ve got yourself a solid meal.
Pro tip:
If you have dietary restrictions, their staff is attentive and happy to confirm ingredients with the kitchen, so don’t be afraid to ask.
3. South Block Barbecue & Brewing Co.
Media credits: southblockbbq
Website
Address: 2437 4 St SW
Contact details: +1 403-764-4227
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 2 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Price: $$
We were immediately greeted with the rich aroma of smoked meat when we walked inside South Block Barbecue & Brewing Co.
We started with the brisket, and each slice had just the right amount of fat. The smoky flavor was paired beautifully with their house-made sauce.
On the drinks side, the craft beers were decent. The Mango Wheat Ale was light and refreshing, though nothing mind-blowing.
But the whiskey selection? Now that’s where they totally shine. With over 200 varieties, it’s a whiskey lover’s paradise. The manager even took some time to guide us through the options.
Pro tip:
There’s no free on-site parking, so plan to arrive a little earlier to find street parking, especially on weekdays.
4. Smuggler’s Inn
Media credits: smugglers_inn
Website
Address: 6920 Macleod Trail
Contact details: +1 403-253-5355
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$$
Smuggler’s Inn’s ambiance was a bit on the darker side, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, the rich, dark wood interiors and warm candlelit vibe make it perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.
The prime rib carving station was a whole show—the guy slicing it up was full of energy and really made it fun. The 12oz cut was thick, juicy, and cooked to that ideal medium-rare sweet spot.
On the other hand, the Yorkshire pudding was light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all those meat juices. And don’t skip the chocolate fountain since it’s a proper chocolate with a nutty kick, not that watered-down waxy stuff you sometimes get.
Pro tip:
If you prefer a quieter experience, make sure to visit early evening or late afternoon. Smuggler’s Inn can get pretty loud when packed during lunchtime and dinner time.
5. Pat and Betty
Media credits: patandbettys
Website
Address: 1217 1 St SW
Operating hours:
- Monday: 3 PM – 10 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Thursday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 3 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 3 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$$
Our visit to Pat and Betty started with a warm welcome. Friendly smiles and a glass of champagne made the short wait past our reservation time feel like no big deal.
For appetizers, we had the oysters. They weren’t as chilled as we’d hoped but still had that fresh, briny kick. For mains, the mezzi rigatoni with vodka sauce was rich and creamy, with the burrata adding a nice touch.
We also tried the Atlantic cod, and it was another standout. It was silky, satisfying, and mild enough for those who aren’t big on seafood.
Pro tip:
Stop by between 3 PM and 5 PM to enjoy their daily happy hour deals on drinks. You can sip on discounted wines, craft beers, and even a few cocktail specials.
6. CattleBaron
Media credits: cattlebaronsteakhouse
Website
Address: 33 Sun Valley Blvd SE
Contact details: +1 403-201-9000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$
During our visit to the CattleBaron, we ordered the ribeye steak sandwich. The steak was cooked perfectly and tenderly with just the right amount of seasoning. Meanwhile, the bread was soft yet sturdy enough to hold everything together.
We also couldn’t resist trying their calamari, and it’s a solid choice. The portion was generous, and the batter had a nice crisp without feeling too heavy or greasy. A few pieces leaned on the rubbery side, but not enough to ruin the experience.
The service stood out just as much as the food. Our waitress was always nearby when we needed something but never hovering.
Pro tip:
If you want a more laid-back vibe and are just popping in for casual drinks or a quick meal, dine in the lounge. But if you want a more traditional steakhouse experience, their dining room offers cosier seats.
7. Spot On Kitchen & Bar
Media credits: spotonyyc
Website
Address: 2 Richard Way SW
Contact details: +1 403-240-3619
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$
The open-concept seating gave Spot On a relaxed vibe. With big HDTVs playing sports, it’s also a solid choice for game nights.
We tried their Chipotle Fried Avocado Burger and it was a flavor bomb in the best way possible. The avocado had a rich, buttery texture but its crispy coating added the right amount of crunch. The chipotle seasoning has a slightly spicy kick that lingered just enough to keep it interesting.
Besides the burger, we also tried their Pepperoni Lovers Pizza. The sauce was rich and tangy, with just enough seasoning to complement the generous layer of melted cheese.
Pro tip:
If you’re dining with children, Sundays are the best day to visit since kids eat free. It’s a great way to enjoy a family meal without stretching the budget.
8. Sammie Cafe
Media credits: sammieyyc
Website
Address: 2205 33 Ave SW #113
Contact details: +1 403-457-9682
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 AM – 4 PM
Price: $$
As soon as we stepped inside Sammie Cafe, the place felt like a green haven with its plants everywhere. The staff were also super friendly and made sure we were comfortable.
We tried the mango French toast, and it hit that balance of sweetness without being overwhelming. It had this rich, fruity flavor with just the right amount of syrup to tie everything together. The chicken jerk Bennie is also packed with a nice kick of spice and has tender meat.
The only thing that didn’t quite hit the mark was the Cafe Mocha. It was decent, but we expected a bit more flavor depth for the price.
Pro tip:
Try the half orders. Their French toast can be ordered as a half portion, which is perfect if you want to sample multiple dishes or share with someone.
9. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – Macleod Trail
Media credits: thekegsteakhouse
Website
Address: 7104 Macleod Trail
Contact details: +1 403-253-2534
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Friday: 4 PM – 12 AM
- Saturday: 3 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 3 PM – 11 PM
Price: $$$
Our evening at The Keg started with the calamari, which was tender and satisfyingly crunchy. But the highlight for many of us was the Prime Rib. It was cooked exactly as requested, and even had a side of horseradish to complement it all.
We also couldn’t resist trying their iconic Billy Miner Pie. It was creamy, rich, and huge — definitely one to share unless you’re feeling brave.
While everything was fantastic, the Duck Confit didn’t quite hit the mark. It felt a bit dry and awkward to eat, especially when compared to the Prime Rib.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to order The Keg’s famous Prime Rib, pair it with the twice-baked potato. The potato’s slight crispiness balances out the meat’s tenderness.
10. Mercato Mission – Restaurant
Media credits: mercato_mission
Website
Address: 2224 4 St SW
Contact details: +1 403-263-5535
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM – 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Price: $$$
When we dined in Mercato Mission, grabbing seats at the kitchen bar turned out to be a great move. We watched the chefs in action, which made the whole experience even more special.
We started with the Caprese salad, and it was delicious. The tomatoes were fresh and sweet, while the creamy mozzarella was paired with pistachio pesto. It was light but packed with flavor, which was a great start.
For mains, we went for the Seafood Pasta special. The velvety sauce, rich with garlic and herbs, coated the pasta perfectly. It had some shrimp, calamari, and scallops, leaving us feeling full after the meal.
Pro tip:
Don’t skip their Tiramisu for dessert! If you’re too full, take it to-go. It’s just as delicious later.
11. The Living Room Restaurant
Media credits: livingroomyyc
Website
Address: 514 17 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403-228-9830
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 4 PM – 12 AM
Price: $$$
The Living Room specialises in contemporary interactive cuisine that focuses on comfort food with a modern twist.
We started with the sea bass crudo, which was bright with the right mix of acid. It was very fresh and set the tone for the whole evening. The Shrimp Caesar followed, and we loved how the shrimp had a delicate snap as we bit into them.
Even the chocolate fondue, with its luxurious dip, had us hooked. The menu includes rice crispies and packet meringues, but they did feel a bit out of place considering the restaurant’s upscale vibe.
Pro tip:
If the weather’s nice, their outdoor patio by the fireplace is a charming spot. Just make sure to mention it when booking since those seats fill up fast.
12. Wellingtons of Calgary
Media credits: wellingtonsofcalgary
Website
Address: 10325 Bonaventure Dr S E
Contact details: +1 403-278-5250
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Price: $$$
Wellingtons of Calgary is a good place for a romantic dinner. Its rich wood paneling, dim lighting, and soft jazz playing in the background instantly set the mood for the evening.
We first ordered the Caesar salad, and watching it prepared tableside was a treat on its own. The beef wellington was the undeniable star of our meal. The pastry was golden and flaky, and the tender beef was so tender when we sliced into it.
For dessert, we tried the Cherries Jubilee. The server flambeed it tableside, which was just entertaining to watch. The warm, syrupy cherries also paired perfectly with the vanilla ice cream.
Pro tip:
If you enjoy a good cocktail, pop into the Oscars Lounge. It’s a cosy spot with an inviting fireplace, which is perfect for unwinding before or after your meal.
13. Bolero
Media credits: boleroyyc
Website
Address: 6920 Macleod Trail S
Contact details: +1 403-259-3119
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Friday: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 4 PM – 9 PM
Price: $$$
Bolero was an experience that left us both full and impressed. The Gaucho chefs were constantly moving from table to table with skewers of meat. You’ll want to show up hungry because once their green block is up, the food just keeps coming.
We didn’t load up too heavily on the fresco bar, since the meats were the real stars here. Our first bite into the habanero pork loin was almost charred with flavor. There was a subtle sweetness that balanced it out, almost like a honey glaze had been brushed on before roasting.
They also have several dessert choices, but their Tres Leches cake was creamy. If you’re a fan of vanilla and caramel, you’d definitely love this.
Pro tip:
Since Bolero is a meat marathon, pace yourself with the block system. Keeping it green the whole time will wear you out fast so take breaks by flipping it to red or yellow.
