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River Café, Calgary, AB
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River Café

CAN$31 to CAN$50
Canadian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
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 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • 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
  • Neighborhood
    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

  • Ring in the New Year 2025

    CA$120.00 per person

    Dec 31, 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.
    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
  • Valentine's Day Dinner

    CA$120.00 per person

    Feb 14, 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!
    Valentine's Day Dinner Photo

What 4,871 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

NoiseModerate

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.

4,871 Reviews
  1. Alan

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Certainly an iconic Calgary Restaurant. Worth every penny. No experience like it.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Lauren

    VIP

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 1
    Normally a favourite spot to go when in Calgary. Usually great food partnered with a cool restaurant design.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Brad

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Tried the Chef's Table menu... outstanding! There is a reason why The River Cafe is rated in Canada's top 100 restaurants. Server was delightful, the wine pairings were incredible and the food itself was magnificent. We will be returning again to try the other menu items.

    Is this helpful?

  4. chelsea

    VIP

    Vancouver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had an incredible evening. Service and food were both fantastic!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Daisy

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service, not overly expensive and authentic food

    Is this helpful?

  6. Gabrielle

    Gold Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were travel weary and wanted a good brunch before an afternoon snooze. Google pointed us to River Cafe and to our delight, it was perfect in every way. The views outside, the ambience, the staff, the food = perfection. The only thing that would bring me back to Calgary (sorry, Calgary) is the thought of another meal at River Cafe.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Lane

    Calgary

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a lovely brunch - the red lentil hummus was exceptionally unique, and the Croque Madame, and eggs Benedict were second to none.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Marlin

    Saskatoon

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wales up to the beautiful front door after a cold walk as you can park there. So 10 min walk, not too bad. Nice to have a coat check and the place did not disappoint in terms of beauty. Loved the interior mountain cabin feel. Well done. Got the pancakes which tbh were mid. Kinda dry and not what I had really expected fr the write up. Gave me no charge on the extra syrup so thx. My girlfriends hashbrowns however were to die for. I was a bit jealous of whoever ordered the eggs benny ( missed opportunity :( ) All in all a solid 4 I’d go again but not for pancakes.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Anna

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always amazing, we’ve been coming for years. A family member used to also work here and we’ve always had great service and food. Never ever had a disappointing experience or meal. It truly is wonderful to have a beautiful ambiance, staff and food to enjoy especially we don’t get to trek downtown Calgary as much. Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Sherry

    VIP

    Calgary

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Lovely walk by the river and lunch in a beautiful setting!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

River Café is rated 4.6 stars by 4871 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 31 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
  • Neighborhood
    Calgary
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–4:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • 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
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
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  • Cookie Preferences
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