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An extraordinary dining experience is a journey—one of taste, place, and connection. We’ve created a beautiful space in a remarkable setting, where every detail is designed to make you feel at home. Our passionate chefs craft menus rooted in regional, seasonal ingredients, offering a true taste of place, while our caring team ensures every moment feels special. Open 7 days a week for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, we are proud to be a regular on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list and France’s World’s Best Restaurants ‘La Liste’, in addition to enRoute and Avenue Magazine’s best restaurants year after year. Make a reservation or walk-in anytime.
Upscale locally sourced meat & seafood entrees in an chic restored park concession building.
Hours
| Tuesday | 11 AM–8:45 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–8:45 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–8:45 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–8:45 PM |
| Monday | 6–8:45 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 25 Prince’s Island Park, SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1, Canada
Phone: +1 403-261-7670
Website: http://www.river-cafe.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: river-cafe.comopentable.catripleseat.com
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
River Cafe
Discover one of Calgary’s best restaurants, currently #47 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list. Embark on a culinary journey of seasonal menu offerings.
River Café Restaurant – Calgary, AB – OpenTable
Prince’s Island Park, 25 Prince’s Island Park SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1 … CA$45.00 per person. Mar 13, 2026 – Mar 29, 2026. Celebrate our city’s culinary …
River Café | Tourism Calgary
Listing information. 25 Prince’s Island Park S.W. Calgary, AB T2P 0R1 · (403) … Air Canada. WestJet. Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions. © 2026 Tourism …
Reviews
Sharmin Easin
We celebrated our Anniversary at the River Cafe.
One most important thing to remember that it is located inside the Principal Island park and there are at least 3/4 entry points from where you can park and then walk over. We went on one of the coldest nights and was not 100% dressed for the very cold walk on my high heels. We parked at the Calgary public Parking lot beside the Calgary Curling Club lot, walked over the footbridge and right.
We were greeted with warmth and an a anniversary card signed by the team!
That followed by a really nice spot for our dinning as requested.
The server knew each menu items well. We had some bread and butter to start with and had an appetizer, mains, a dessert and 3 cocktails.
It was not cheap which we expected as this was no ordinary experience and we were quite happy with all of it. The price was aligned with most upscale restaurants. The lightings, decorations everything gave this place a warm, cozy and local feeling. More importantly, we could taste how fresh and wholesome each ingredients they used to make each items and cooked, presented to perfection. Whether meeting a friend, corporate gathering or celebrating something special, this place got you covered with stunning views, vibes, culture and taste all packed with style.
… moreOne most important thing to remember that it is located inside the Principal Island park and there are at least 3/4 entry points from where you can park and then walk over. We went on one of the coldest nights and was not 100% dressed for the very cold walk on my high heels. We parked at the Calgary public Parking lot beside the Calgary Curling Club lot, walked over the footbridge and right.
We were greeted with warmth and an a anniversary card signed by the team!
That followed by a really nice spot for our dinning as requested.
The server knew each menu items well. We had some bread and butter to start with and had an appetizer, mains, a dessert and 3 cocktails.
It was not cheap which we expected as this was no ordinary experience and we were quite happy with all of it. The price was aligned with most upscale restaurants. The lightings, decorations everything gave this place a warm, cozy and local feeling. More importantly, we could taste how fresh and wholesome each ingredients they used to make each items and cooked, presented to perfection. Whether meeting a friend, corporate gathering or celebrating something special, this place got you covered with stunning views, vibes, culture and taste all packed with style.
Gaby
This is one of my favourite food places in town. Service is always great, never had any complaints. I’ve had their lunch and dinner menus and both really good, food never disappoints. The atmosphere is great, always looking forward to Summer so I can go back
… moreDr. Natasha Iyer MD
I have dined at River Café many, many times over the years and have hosted guests here. The food can be excellent, which makes this experience especially disappointing.
This evening, I returned a bison dish that was sinewy and chewy despite being medium rare.
. My server responded by telling me that the chef and manager were “standing by because it’s Natasha… she always sends something back.”
When I raised this with the manager, rather than addressing the comment, I was told that servers feel “intimidated” by me.
(I will now note that my previous visit warranted a ONE star review for the service – 20 min to get a drink and over an hour for dinner without being offered a second drink, some bread or water while people who arrived after, were eating before us! I chose not to leave a review as this is one of my favourite restaurants and I pardoned what I thought was a once off experience. I will note that the manager is not authoritative nor is he customer centric in focus. He takes a blaming approach and defends his staff regardless of the circumstances.)
Following that conversation, the same server approached my table and raised his voice at me in front of my children, stating that he never wants to serve me again, he has had difficulty with me each of the 6-8 times in the past and that I am “known around the city as the most difficult person to serve.”
If he had served me more than once, I would remember him. I did not recognize him so possibly his service was underwhelming, and I do not tip more than 15% for underwhelming service… which might be part of the issue.
At no point was I rude or disrespectful or even annoyed. I simply stated, after being asked about my meal, that I find it chewy and pointed to the 5 chewed pieces I couldn’t swallow. I didn’t ask for it to be replaced, he literally took the plate from me!
Regardless of how often a guest sends a meal back (especially given that it only comes up because they ask how the meal is!), being labeled, spoken about disparagingly, or yelled at is unacceptable at any restaurant, let alone at this price point. Never mind that this is one of my preferred restaurants that I patron fairly often.
Professionalism and discretion are as important as the cuisine. It seems the team culture is to be defensive instead of being accountable. In this case, the manager on duty is a worthy mention.
To add insult to injury, the server Jared, followed me to the exit and continued to yell, including that he hopes I never set foot there again. THAT, indeed is something I’m happy to comply with.
Otherwise, the beef tenderloin was exquisitely prepared, and my sons enjoyed their meals thoroughly.
… moreThis evening, I returned a bison dish that was sinewy and chewy despite being medium rare.
. My server responded by telling me that the chef and manager were “standing by because it’s Natasha… she always sends something back.”
When I raised this with the manager, rather than addressing the comment, I was told that servers feel “intimidated” by me.
(I will now note that my previous visit warranted a ONE star review for the service – 20 min to get a drink and over an hour for dinner without being offered a second drink, some bread or water while people who arrived after, were eating before us! I chose not to leave a review as this is one of my favourite restaurants and I pardoned what I thought was a once off experience. I will note that the manager is not authoritative nor is he customer centric in focus. He takes a blaming approach and defends his staff regardless of the circumstances.)
Following that conversation, the same server approached my table and raised his voice at me in front of my children, stating that he never wants to serve me again, he has had difficulty with me each of the 6-8 times in the past and that I am “known around the city as the most difficult person to serve.”
If he had served me more than once, I would remember him. I did not recognize him so possibly his service was underwhelming, and I do not tip more than 15% for underwhelming service… which might be part of the issue.
At no point was I rude or disrespectful or even annoyed. I simply stated, after being asked about my meal, that I find it chewy and pointed to the 5 chewed pieces I couldn’t swallow. I didn’t ask for it to be replaced, he literally took the plate from me!
Regardless of how often a guest sends a meal back (especially given that it only comes up because they ask how the meal is!), being labeled, spoken about disparagingly, or yelled at is unacceptable at any restaurant, let alone at this price point. Never mind that this is one of my preferred restaurants that I patron fairly often.
Professionalism and discretion are as important as the cuisine. It seems the team culture is to be defensive instead of being accountable. In this case, the manager on duty is a worthy mention.
To add insult to injury, the server Jared, followed me to the exit and continued to yell, including that he hopes I never set foot there again. THAT, indeed is something I’m happy to comply with.
Otherwise, the beef tenderloin was exquisitely prepared, and my sons enjoyed their meals thoroughly.
Vivian DL
A lovely late lunch on the patio today! Service was excellent, our waitress was friendly and kinda laid back – which actually suits us very well. Food was great also: the flatbread (pizza) and the glazed eggplant + tart for dessert. The eggplant was our favourite for sure! If we lived here, we’d be back
… moreJeremiah Hunter
Came here for lunch. For one of Canada’s top 100 restaurants it was priced very well. One of the best old fashioned’s that I’ve had in the city. I had the arctic char and very much appreciated the attention they paid to the texture in the meal – that felt unique.
… moreMichelle Schaefer
It was magical as it always is! I can’t believe it’s been 8 months since we had our wedding here!! The walk up is so different in the winter but just as peaceful and serene. It gives you that ‘out of the city’ feel and yet you’re only steps away! I was thrilled to be in the city in time to take part in 3 great things on offer at the River Cafe! They are celebrating 35 years by offering 35% off their beverage and appetizer menu! They are also participating in the #yycburgeritforward in support of local food banks AND they are also taking part in #yychotchocolatefest. I got to sample all of these!! I had the delicious burger for lunch, I had the hot chocolate for dessert and I was joined later by my husband to enjoy their cheese board and two of their feature cocktails. The absolute winner for me was the hot chocolate!! Everything was fantastic but that hot chocolate was epic!! It reminded me of hot chocolate from France! It was a drinking chocolate…rich, creamy, decadent..topped with cherry dusted meringue and cherry icing. I chose to add the D’Eaubonne VSOP brandy with infused cherries…no regrets! Go big or go home! To me it was what real Black Forest cake should taste like…in the form of this hot chocolate!
The atmosphere here is always wonderful…cozy, unpretentious class. It’s that place you can come for a casual meal or a momentous celebration and everything in between. The servers are always top notch and leave you wanting for nothing. The Best!!!
… moreThe atmosphere here is always wonderful…cozy, unpretentious class. It’s that place you can come for a casual meal or a momentous celebration and everything in between. The servers are always top notch and leave you wanting for nothing. The Best!!!
Carla
We got the sablefish appetizer and halibut main. Both very yummy. The chocolate dessert was absolutely delicious.
This is in the middle of Prince’s Island Park so it’s a bit of a (pleasant) trek from downtown parking lots.
… moreThis is in the middle of Prince’s Island Park so it’s a bit of a (pleasant) trek from downtown parking lots.
AaronVSL
Their weekend brunch was great! The Benedict biscuit tasted like it was made in the morning (and it was amazing by the way). Never had an eggs Benedict with arctic char but would definitely get again. We love the Canadian flavours and it really shows in the cooking :))
… moreYuliia D
Lovely cozy spot in a great location. We came in without a reservation and it was very busy and noisy.
Food was good, wine was nice, and the charcuterie board was interesting, though the combination felt unusual.
Service was friendly but rushed.
… moreFood was good, wine was nice, and the charcuterie board was interesting, though the combination felt unusual.
Service was friendly but rushed.
Scott Sulik
We had an incredible lunch here. Sat outside on a gorgeous afternoon. We were seated promptly and order was taken quickly. Drinks were delicious. The restaurant filled up quickly, and the wait for food was a bit long, but it was worth it. Every bite was great. Standouts include the lamb sirloin flatbread and the beef tartare. Service was very friendly and accommodating with a booster seat available for a child.
… more