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River Café

Name: River Café
Address: Prince's Island Park 25 Prince's Island Park SW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2P 0R1
Telephone: (403) 261-7670
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.6

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Make a booking

2 people

24 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 31 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
Website
http://www.river-cafe.com/
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

Location
Prince's Island Park, 25 Prince's Island Park SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1
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

Featured in

Experiences

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. Enjoy free skating and live music on the lagoon before you dine or stay until midnight for City of Calgary fireworks behind River Café. $120 per person + 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. We look forward to welcoming you & wish you prosperity & health for 2025.
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.
Valentine's Day Dinner
CA$120.00 per person
14 Feb 2025 only
Join us for a special Valentine's Day five course Chef’s Tasting Menu with your sweetheart or loved ones. Vegetarian Tasting Menu also available. $120 per person + gst and 18% service gratuity. Optional Standard Wine Pairing, Premium Wine Pairing or Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Pairing. All parties have 2 hours to dine with us. Thank you very much and Happy Valentine's Day!

Popular dishes

Fresh Shucked Oysters
Pickled Mans Organic Ginger, House Made Hot Sauce, Seasonal Mignonette
- Half DozenCA$30.00
Hydragreens Red RomaineCA$21.00
Poplar Grove Blue Cheese Dressing, Ontario Quince Jam, Black Walnuts
Vital Greens StracciatellaCA$22.00
Poplar Bluff Beets, Highwood Crossing Sunflower Seeds, Lyalta Watercress
Benchmark Beef TartareCA$25.00
Molnar Taber Corn, Basil Emulsion, Corn Husk Oil, Puffed Amaranth, Cornmeal Cracker
Red Lentil HummusCA$18.00
Forno Baked Sourdough Flatbread, Okanagan Sumac, Basil Pistou
Forno Baked Sourdough FlatbreadCA$26.00
Farming Worx Duck Sausage, Blue Cheese Mornay, Spiced Maple Vinegar Glaze, Pear
Fish & Game BoardCA$35.00
Selection of House Cured Meats, Seasonal Potted Seafood, Smoked Salmon, River Café Pickles, Preserves & Crackers
Great Northern White Bean SoupCA$18.00
Confit Shallot Petals, Rosemary & Bacon, Leffers Pickled Carrot, Southern Skies Kale Chips

Main

Galimax EggplantCA$30.00
Black Pear & Miso, Sumac Labneh, Honey Granola, Champagne Raisin Puree
Hand Cut LinguineCA$31.00
Springbank Bison Bolognese, Sylvan Star Grizzly Gouda, Cold Pressed Canola Oil
Pan Seared Yukon Arctic CharCA$34.00
GE&H Farms Lettuce, Green Goddess Dressing, Gull Valley Tomato, Buckwheat
Benchmark Angus Beef Flank SteakCA$39.00
Roasted Turnip Puree, Alberta Emmer Wheat, Nettle verde, Oyster Mushroom
Farming Worx Duck ConfitCA$36.00
Broxburn Farm Red Cabbage Sauerkraut, Agria Knödel, Pickled Chantrelles
Benchmark Beef BurgerCA$29.00
Horseradish Demi-Glace, Cheese Curd, Sudo Farms Cabbage Slaw, Red Wine Onion Jam

What 4,859 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
4.8Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Calgary
Great for outdoor dining
Calgary
Great for scenic views
Calgary
Canadian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

River Café offers a charming dining experience on Prince's Island, celebrated for its "beautiful location" and emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. Guests rave about the "amazing food" and "outstanding service," with standout dishes like the Chef's tasting menu. Despite occasional service hiccups, the restaurant is a top pick for special occasions and romantic dinners.

4,859 Reviews

R
Robert
Calgary
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Food was good, but not at the same level it once was. Server was very pleasant and helpful, but food was a little slow getting to our table. Still, I would recommend this place to anyone.
Is this helpful?
R
Rosalyn
Calgary
14 reviews
4.0
14 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love the River Cafe. Service was great and overall we had a fabulous experience. Our coffee was served just warm but was quickly changed once we brought it to our server’s attention. We were there for brunch and I had the halibut fish cakes which I savoured every delicious mouthful, my husband had the artic char Benny but couldn’t taste any char so a little disappointing.
Is this helpful?
K
Kristen
VIP
Calgary
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful location, great attention to detail from the moment you approach the restaurant building and surrounding area! The cuisine and dining experience was exceptional. A true passion for a high level of presentation is evident. Cozy peaceful and a spot for all.
Is this helpful?
J
JIE
VIP
Calgary
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
We ordered Benchmark Beef Burger and felt the patties smelly.
Is this helpful?
V
Victor
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place to celebrate with family. Amazing choice. We loved the pastry trio!!!!
Is this helpful?
B
Bill
VIP
Calgary
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The River Cafe is an iconic choice for a memorable evening or lunch that takes you away from the bustling downtown vibe to a hunting type lodge with a five star feel. Food was a chef special five course event that was timed in a relaxed manner, each . Each course was fantastic with many different tastes and all made us comment that one could make a meal of this! Portions were perfect so to enjoy and satisfy. Felt we eat healthy while spoiling our palettes! Good wine was available at a fair price,so not the case in many 5 star restaurants. What a gem in the heart of Calgary.
Is this helpful?
M
Michelle
VIP
Calgary
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on 16 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was a most wonderful lunch with a very dear friend! It was a celebration lunch of friendship and also the retirement of my surgical oncologist who I was going to one last time before he is done on December 23rd. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate that than at the River Cafe!! I had the Flank Steak and my friend had the burger and they were both truly exceptional!! The steak just melted in my mouth and the accompaniments were perfect! The burger was scrumptious…complete with juices running down your fingers as you ate it, as every good burger should be! We didn’t have room for dessert but a delicious cappuccino was still in order! It truly is a magical place to be…wonderful atmosphere, attentive & friendly staff and always mouth watering food!!
Is this helpful?
E
Ed
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 16 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A Calgary icon that never disappoints. Service is excellent, attentive, and friendly. While on the pricier side, the food is excellent. Dessert was OK compared to the outstanding mains. Would always recommend a visit to travellers to Calgary.
Is this helpful?
L
Lynne
London
8 reviews
3.0
8 reviews
Dined on 15 December 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Service was wonderful, cocktails delicious. The Haida Gwaii halibut was super fishy, we couldn’t eat it. Pancakes and eggs benny with mushrooms were good. Won’t rush back but our server really was helpful and sweet.
Is this helpful?
d
dianne
Calgary
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 14 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I was always, awesome food, service, and ambience. Had a wonderful brunch.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

River Café is rated 4.6 stars by 4859 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

24 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 31 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Website
http://www.river-cafe.com/
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

River Café

Make a booking

Why they're an Icon

Dining areas

Additional information

33 Calgary Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

86 Calgary / Southern Alberta Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Ring in the New Year 2025

Chef's Tasting Menu

Valentine's Day Dinner

Atlantic Halibut

Fish & Game Board

Haida Gwaii Halibut Cakes

To Start

Fresh Shucked Oysters

Hydragreens Red RomaineCA$21.00

Vital Greens StracciatellaCA$22.00

Benchmark Beef TartareCA$25.00

Red Lentil HummusCA$18.00

Forno Baked Sourdough FlatbreadCA$26.00

Fish & Game BoardCA$35.00

Great Northern White Bean SoupCA$18.00

Main

Galimax EggplantCA$30.00

Hand Cut LinguineCA$31.00

Pan Seared Yukon Arctic CharCA$34.00

Benchmark Angus Beef Flank SteakCA$39.00

Farming Worx Duck ConfitCA$36.00

Benchmark Beef BurgerCA$29.00

Featured Item

Complimentary Highwood Crossing Rye Sourdough Bread

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is River Café restaurant rated?

Is River Café currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

33 Calgary Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

86 Calgary / Southern Alberta Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day