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River Café, Calgary, AB
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River Café

CAN$31 to CAN$50
Canadian

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2 people
19:00
Booked 21 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for scenic views
An extraordinary dining experience is to embark on a journey. We have created a beautiful place in an extraordinary setting and have tended to the details that make you feel at home: staff who care, chefs who are passionate about quality and the regional seasonal ingredients that bring to your palate a taste of place.

Getting to River Cafe is just a walk in the park.

Access River Café on Prince's Island Park from:
1. North side crossing the Bow River and Memorial Drive at the Calgary Curling Club.
2. South East end of the island at the 2nd street SW bridge, directly East of Eau Claire Market.
3. South West end of the island at 6th Street SW and Eau Claire Way near the Peace Bridge.
Eau Claire Plaza is currently closed for construction.
Please note, only our Afternoon Menu is served daily from 4:00pm-5:00pm.

Thank you for choosing to dine with us, we look forward to serving you!

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Kristen Livingston

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.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Canadian, Farm-to-table, Contemporary Canadian
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–16:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 17:00–21:00
  • Phone number
    (403) 261-7670
  • 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
  • Area
    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, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • November 2024 - Fall Chef's Tasting Menu

    CA$95.00 per person

    1 Nov 2024 - 30 Nov 2024
    Available November 1-30th only at a Friends and Family price of $95 per person. With the change of the season, we invite you to join us for the launch of our new Fall Chef's Tasting Menu. Savour the taste of fall with our five course menu which will take you on a culinary journey exploring local ingredients, a distinct 'taste of place' and the meticulous use of the whole ingredient. This menu offers the very best organic seasonal ingredients, Oceanwise seafood and Alberta grass fed beef.
    November 2024 - Fall Chef's Tasting Menu photo
  • Ring in the New Year 2025

    CA$120.00 per person

    31 Dec 2024 only
    Ring in the New Year with us at River Café! Leave 2024 behind & enjoy the crackling fire & scenic park views while you dine on a five course Chef’s Tasting Menu of Canada’s finest ingredients. We look forward to welcoming you & wish you prosperity & health for 2025. $120 per person + gst. 18% service charge applies to all reservations. Optional Standard Wine Pairing, Premium Wine Pairing or 0-Proof Cocktail Pairing. All parties have 2 hours to dine with us. Full payment due at restaurant.
    Ring in the New Year 2025 photo
  • 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 4,845 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Calgary

    Great for scenic views

  • Calgary

    Canadian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
River Café offers a stunning location on Prince's Island with a commitment to locally sourced ingredients. Guests praise the "incredible food," "warm atmosphere," and "welcoming staff." The patio is a favorite spot, especially in summer. While some have noted delays in service, the overall experience remains "unforgettable" and "fantastic."

4,845 Reviews
  1. Denis

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great as always. Had not been for years. Consistent quality and experience over years!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Rob

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Celebrated our 1 year anniversary at River Cafe. We had an amazing time and our server Jared was excellent! We will be returning.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Janelle

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a girls night in Nov. everyone lived the tasting menu. It was amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Steven

    Calgary

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 19 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Ordered the chef’s fall special for two and enjoyed every dish. Great service as we were one couple out of four on a snowy Monday evening. Ambience was great except the music was a little loud.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Dawn

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic and unique culinary treat. Exceptional service
    River CaféResponded on 19 November 2024
    Hello Dawn, Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a detailed 5 star review. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us! We look forward to serving you again. The River Cafe Team

    Is this helpful?

  6. Kevin

    Calgary

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 17 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Waiter said there wasn’t any gf chips for my hummus… even though they said there was kale gf chips on the menu .. then after we finished the hummus he brought gf chips out… made no sense, also the main dish was great but they had whole green onions on top that were slimy and you couldn’t even eat or would choke on them. Like they didn’t even try to meal.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Antonio

    Saskatoon

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on 15 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such a beautiful and charming restaurant, a great experience for visitors and locals!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Edel

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had our lunch here. Highly recommend the fish and board game starter.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Bryan

    Edmonton

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing tasting experience, the vibe was outstanding, the service was top notch

    Is this helpful?

  10. curtis

    Edmonton

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on 11 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    After all these years, still great food and service

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

River Café is rated 4.6 stars by 4845 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 21 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

  • Cross Street
    1. Memorial Dr bridge 2. SE of island at 2 St SW 3. SW of island at 6 St SW
  • Area
    Calgary
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–16:00 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–16:00 Dinner Daily 17:00–21:00
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Canadian, Farm-to-table, Contemporary Canadian
  • 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, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (403) 261-7670
  • 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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