River Café

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1. PL

   PaigeL

   Edmonton

   2 reviews

   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall2food1service3ambience4

   Beautifully located and great service, but unfortunately the food didn’t impress us. The baby kale salad didn’t have any baby kale in it but instead something like slightly old spinach and rocket or arugula lettuce, dressed with a dull tasting salad dressing. We ordered the fish and game starter and that had underwhelming flavours. The filet mignon was lacking in taste and the sauce looked unappetizing and was oddly flavoured. We found ourselves itching to get out of the place after eating. Also, parking access is a bit of an ordeal - it’s a minimum 10 minute walk to the nearest parking area. That can be challenging on a very cold day.

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2. p

   paul

   Calgary

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall2food1service3ambience4

   Off day--the platter is usually a lock, it was off in texture and taste (buttery beyond belief) will go back but only because this is an anomaly I hope.

   Report
3. JM

   JasonM

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We had a great time. Everything was great from the service to the food. Top notch

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4. AB

   AndreB

   Toronto

   6 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Very very good meal, with attentive service and very approachable

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5. AY

   AngelaY

   Calgary

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall3food4service2ambience3

   Our friend ordered wine for table, he got to do the tasting. Waitress filled every one else’s wine glass afterwards except his which was empty after he took a taste. He had to get the wine bottle from side table and pour it himself. It took a long time for waitress to serve us. Also had to ask for second bottle of wine three times. Another staff member was replacing our cutlery after the appetizers, but put the fork on the right side and knife on the left for all six at our table. Seemed odd that they would not know which side each is to be placed. One of our friends had fish but she couldn’t cut through the skin. Manager came by to tell her that’s how it was to be served yet when her order was re-done it wasn’t tough. Also another friend ordered same fish but hers wasn’t tough to cut through. So not sure why manager said that’s how it’s served. The food was good. But service wasn’t what we expected for the price. Like we said food was overall quite enjoyable but overall experience was a bit of a let down for our party of six.

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6. BH

   BillH

   Orange County

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Great food and very good service in a very nice setting.

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7. c

   cschuh

   Calgary

   11 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   River cafe never disappoints. I had the arctic char with creamed parsnip which was seriously to die for. Creamy sauce and perfectly cooked. Sous vide leeks we’re the bed upon which all this deliciousness lay. My husband had the potato soup with the mushroom duxelles and says it’s the best soup he’s ever had. His main was the tenderloin on the barley risotto-he didn’t say a word while eating it. Service was perfect, attentive but not intruding. I’d eat here every day if my waistline could afford it.

   Report
8. MT

   MikeT

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 23, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We went for an special anniversary dinner with close friends. The tasting menu was ... sooo tasty! The service was just the right combination of attention and letting us be. I might add that the wine pairings were spot on and truly added to a lovely evening. It has been too long since we were at River Cafe, and we will be back!

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9. DW

   DaveW

   Calgary

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on March 20, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We tried the 5 course Sugar Shack Tasting menu last Sunday. Each course was delicious and we thought it was quite reasonable for a 5 course meal.

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10. N

    Noname

    Calgary

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food and service. Lovely place. Would highly recommend though parking and walking is a bit awkward.

    Report
11. SS

    SusanS

    Calgary

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Our server was well trained, knowing when to interrupt and when to leave us for conversation. She was very knowledgable about the menu and provided ideas for specific dietary needs. Friendly, efficient and helpful are words which describe the level of service. The food was delicious. We tried the biscuits but they were a bit dry. The main courses were enjoyed by all, with each member of the party commenting on the delicious flavours and large portions.

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5

    The food want quite the quality we were expecting. The bread in the ham and cheese was so thick and hard it was hard to cut and hard to eat. The bread to meat and cheese was inappropriate. Two people had hash brown potatoes with breakfast and they were barely warm even on the cool side. It was a special occasion and no one wanted to be the one to complain or turn anything back. That is uncomfortable for all.

    Report
13. KD

    KenD

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The perfect meal at a perfect venue. We'll done.. And see you again soon. Ken

    Report
14. D

    Dave

    Raleigh

    64 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of Calgary's finest restaurants for special location, creative and wonderful food, and excellent service. The lamb was incredible as was the meat and fish plate appetizer. Location is so unique and special. Service was professional, friendly and lots of fun.

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15. JM

    JaneM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4

    Brunch was excellent, as always, and our server was first rate. The hostess initially put us at a table right by the door which was cold and noisy, although other tables were available, as was apparent because she gave a more comfortable table to a couple who walked in whilst we had a reservation. She was reluctant to move us but the server took over and moved us to a lovely sunny table by the window. Brunch proceeded to the standard that I have come to expect from River Cafe.

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16. JD

    JamesD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our favourite spot didn’t disappoint again. Our server (Jarred? Sp?) was awesome and the food was delicious.

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17. JC

    JohannaC

    Calgary

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Food was amazing. Zero complaints - the Arctic Char was incredible - tasty, rich, perfectly seasoned. My date had the boar belly - Also delicious though the portion was a bit small.

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18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall1food1service3ambience4

    The chefs tasting menu was very under-whelming, over priced…overall pretty disappointing.

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19. CR

    CyndiR

    Calgary

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A lovely brunch with my college friend! Fantastic coffee and delicious food! Servers are are always respectful and pleasant.

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20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Was very lucky to have found this gem on our last night before our flight back home. Our server was very charming and the food was fabulous. We treated ourselves to the Chef’s 5 course tasting menu which made our walk to this island park location on a cold Calgary evening well worth the effort!

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21. SH

    SteveH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Lea provided great service, the food and atmosphere were wonderful. We were welcomed the minute we walked through the door. One of the best parts of our visit to Calgary! Thank you!

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22. D

    Daniel

    Vancouver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    Would have loved it if request to sit along sunny windows was reserved… I had to ask for it inside the restaurant. And nothing was done when we told them that we are celebrating a birthday.

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23. M

    Mike

    Coastal Georgia

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Top notch. Demonstrated why they are amongst the best in Calgary. Made us feel like we were important.

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Enters cold - waiter AMAZING - charcuterie what??? Access terrible - but a very Canadian experience Yay

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25. M

    Meliclare

    Dorset

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We chose the Chef’s Tasting Menu. It was wonderful not to have to make any choices from a menu and to be brought a series of perfect-sized portions. The tastes and flavours were a true culinary experience and all made from locally sourced seasonal products. Everything was beautifully presented. Despite 5 courses, the quantities were well planned so we felt comfortably full at the end of the meal rather than completely stuffed! Service was excellent and we loved how passionate our server was about each dish. It was a Sunday evening and the restaurant was very quiet. This is our second visit to River Cafe and we can’t wait to go back!

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5

    We tried two different types of eggs Benedict. The oyster mushroom one was delicious. The braised short rib in general was great, but the biscuit it was served on seemed like day old. It was disappointingly dry... Even with all of the toppings. While our server was friendly and professional, it would have been great to be checked on more frequently for beverage refills. The cafe itself is a wonderful spot for brunch.

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27. DN

    DateNight

    Calgary

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    We love the river cafe. We’ve been quite a few times and we found that this last time, it was really loud which probably can’t be helped, it was really busy, and our mains really were unimpressive. Normally the food here is soooooo good. Our appetizers were delicious, we gad the tartar and red lentil hummus. Highly recommend. Did our mains we shared the duck and the lamb. The dick just didn’t have much flavour and was really disappointing. The lamb was tasty but felt processed like ham which was odd. All in all we had a lovely date night but we were a little disappointed with the food. Our waiter was amazing though! Literally couldn’t have been better.

    Report
28. LM

    LiMac

    Montreal

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service, lovely atmosphere & delicious food

    Report
29. w

    williamu

    Calgary

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Perfect dinner: beautiful place, lovely table by the fireplace and amazing window views, the food was superb and our waitress , Leah, was just fantastic!

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30. EC

    ElleC

    Calgary

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience1

    We visit River Café regularly and this one was a bit of a disappointment. There was an issue with the fireplace blowing smoke into the room, which the staff were frantically trying to fix. These things happen, so not a big deal. Unfortunately, the fixing went on for much of our visit and involved opening windows and keeping a draft going inside the restaurant on a -25 degree day. So, it was cold for most of our meal; several diners kept their coats on, including staff. We were comped dessert, which was a nice gesture, but would have preferred a stronger focus on diners’ comfort overall. If you can’t fix the fireplace within 30 minutes, which we were happy to wait for patiently, maybe work on it later, when there aren’t people inside paying for lunch…?

    Report
31. JE

    JennE

    Calgary

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our favourite restaurant in Calgary, always a wonderful date night!

    Report
32. M

    Mangia

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3

    Venue is lovely. Service was good. Food was not worth the price, I ordered a salmon sandwich which arrived on a single slice of thick very dry bread with a thin spread on it topped with a few slices of cucumber and 4 very thin Finger sized slices of salmon! Asked for some olive oil to try and add moisture but was told all they had was canola oil which was bland! Very disappointing!

    Report
33. C

    Cosmicolors

    Calgary

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3

    We showed up for our reservation on time, the table was not prepared. We specified we were celebrating a special occasion in our booking, we had to wait 10-12 mins for them to set up the table. Waited 50-55 minutes for the kitchen to prepare the food, for a brunch (eggs benny & hash browns) that is far too long of a wait. Unfortunately we would not be coming back due to the mediocre experience. Side note: Our table was directly underneath a wooden beam, and the wooden beam on the ceiling was completely covered with dust. The dust was so thick that it built a layer over the wooden beam. It goes to show the restaurant has not performed an annual sweep of the place in a very long time. It was uncomfortable knowing that we are eating our food right beanth it.

    Report
34. BG

    BarbG

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We'll be back after a long absence. I had forgotten how lovely it is to walk through the park and settle in River Cafe's cozy atmosphere.

    Report
35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Calgary

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5

    The location and ambience is wonderful. We had the tasting menu with wine pairings and truthfully the service and food was so disappointing. The service felt rushed and impersonal and the food was lackluster.

    Report
36. SS

    SamraS

    Calgary

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was amazing. We went for brunch and the serve was kind, attentive and made the atmosphere even better.

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37. SK

    SamK

    Calgary

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    The prices for the entrées, we’re higher than expected. Overall, the ambience and the service were very good.

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38. MW

    MelW

    New York Area

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    We had an early dinner because we were going to a show. Not many people yet in the restaurant. This is our go to restaurant because the food is fantastic and the ambience in the restaurant is what we like. We had steak tartar, the Arctic char, and lamb shoulder. All were fantastic.

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39. GF

    GeneF

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great late lunch on the island. Truly a special place in Downtown Calgary!

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlantic Canada

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Valentine’s Day menu was awesome

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