Calgary's Culinary Scene Earns National Acclaim
Calgary's reputation as a dining destination has received a significant boost, with 14 local restaurants securing spots on Open Table's prestigious 2025 Canada Top 100 Restaurants list. The nearby mountain town of Banff also made its mark, contributing two establishments to the national ranking. This impressive showing highlights Alberta's growing influence on Canada's culinary landscape.
The Diners Have Spoken: How the List is Compiled
Unlike many restaurant awards driven by critic reviews, Open Table's list is entirely diner-driven, reflecting the authentic experiences of everyday customers. The selection process analyzed over one million reviews from verified Open Table users between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025.
Restaurants needed to meet a minimum review threshold before being evaluated using multiple data points, including overall diner ratings, the percentage of five-star reviews, reservation advance rates, and direct search popularity. This methodology ensures the list represents establishments genuinely loved by their patrons.
Calgary's Culinary All-Stars
The Calgary restaurants earning national recognition, listed alphabetically, showcase the city's diverse dining options:
- Bar Gigi
- Bar Rocca
- Blue Rock Swim Club
- Bolero
- Bridgette Bar
- Carino
- Cassis Bistro
- Chairman's Steakhouse
- Dopo
- Major Tom
- Mercato — Mission
- Pat and Betty
- Shokunin
- Ten Foot Henry
From the sophisticated seafood and foie gras at Pat and Betty to innovative Japanese cuisine at Shokunin, Calgary's list demonstrates remarkable culinary range.
Banff's Mountain Dining Excellence
Banff contributed two exceptional establishments to the national list: The Bison Restaurant and Patio and Lupo Italian Ristorante and Patio. These mountain restaurants offer world-class dining experiences amid Canada's most spectacular natural scenery, further cementing Alberta's status as a food lover's destination.
National Context and Dining Trends
Calgary's 14 restaurants place it among Canada's top culinary cities, alongside Toronto with 27 restaurants, Montreal with 18, and Vancouver with 12. The data also revealed interesting insights into Canadian dining habits.
Open Table's research shows Calgarians are willing to wait an average of 29 minutes for a table, demonstrating remarkable patience for quality dining experiences. Nationally, economic considerations are influencing restaurant behavior, with 65% of Canadians saying eating out in 2026 will be more of a treat than a regular habit.
The data also indicates that 42% of diners would welcome more happy hour and value promotions. Generational differences are apparent too, with more Gen Z and Millennials dining out compared to Gen X and Baby Boomers.
Several food trends are gaining popularity across Canada, including spritzes, sticky toffee pudding, smashburgers, and creative hummus preparations. These trends reflect evolving Canadian tastes and the innovative spirit driving the country's restaurant industry forward.
