A detailed look into the dining options available throughout Alberta reveals a multitude of gastronomic
possibilities, for foodies, friends and family alike. For fine dining, experimental dining or intimate
dining, these five restaurants demonstrate that the restaurants in Alberta offer much more than just great
steak. From breathtaking views of the mountains in Banff, Old World charm in Canmore to historical fine
dining in Calgary, along with local and whimsical dining in Edmonton, the dining experiences here are
endless. These restaurants are some key examples of how the province has options for everybody’s taste
buds.
Culina Mill Creek
9914 89th Ave., Edmonton
Committing to providing guests with locally sourced food, Culina Mill Creek provides a friendly,
neighbourhood environment. With its small, 40-seat setting, Culina prides itself on its personal atmosphere,
providing a casual yet elegant environment with contemporary furnishings in a bistro-style setting. Founded
by self-taught chef Brad Lazarenko in 2004, Culina Mill Creek is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and
weekend brunch. Their menus change based on seasonal availability, providing guests with some of the best of
in-season ingredients.
The six available entrées include Phyllo Wrapped Goat Cheese and chana dahl with tomato chutney and sautéed
green beans, as well as a variety of meat dishes including duck, salmon, Alberta beef and cod. BiBo, a wine
bar next door that is also owned by the Culina Restaurant Group, provides guests with the perfect waiting
area and lounge for drinks. The bohemian-inspired decor along with the eclectic music make it a relaxing,
quaint space to lounge.
Tapas Restaurant
633 10 St., Canmore
Regarded as one of the most romantic restaurants in the Rockies, Tapas offers a fusion of Spanish and Old
World flavours in an intimate dining setting. Built in a remodeled house in Canmore, the quaint space’s decor
complements the cuisine with Spanish murals and a Mediterranean-style deck (open in the warmer months). The
ambiance is described as “al fresco” with modern detailing of slanted ceilings, low windows and black leather
chairs. The lighting is dim with a rustic feel, providing a comfortable ambiance. Chef Karl Mancheron created
a menu using fresh, authentic Spanish ingredients. The chef also ensures that he makes all stocks, sauces and
desserts in-house. The chef’s daily cheesecake is a favourite among guests, and is the perfect choice for a
sweet treat after dinner.
The word tapa is derived from tapar, which in Spanish means “to cover.” tapas lives up to its name with the
serving of Tapas, which are sharing-plate portions of favourites including Patatas Bravas (potatoes with lime
aioli sauce), and Chili or Garlic Gambas (prawns sautéed with garlic). Tapas dining can be a great solution
for guests who have a difficult time deciding what to order or for the guest who loves to try something new
when dining out. Taking time at Tapas is key to appreciating the atmosphere, which has a comfort level
similar to sitting at home with friends and enjoying great food.
Maple Leaf Grille &
Lounge
137 Banff Ave., Banff
For a true Canadian dining experience, the Maple Leaf Grille & Lounge is regarded as one of the best
resort restaurants in Canada. It offers guests a look back at the Great White North’s heritage with
lodge-style decor and private rooms, allowing guests to feel as if they are going away to a cabin for the
evening. The wooden decor, including decorative Canadian geese and a vintage canoe, create a national
ambiance. Executive chef Morne Burger has created a menu with Alberta farm-raised bison, duck from Quebec’s
Brome Lake, lobster from Nova Scotia, and fish from both the East and West Coast. The chef has also put a
spin on some international favourites such as spring rolls, falafel and stroganoff, making them some of Maple
Leaf’s signature Canadian dishes. Their Seafood Tower is a favourite with its elaborate display of oysters,
mussels, prawns, scallops, smoked salmon, grilled squid, king crab, snow crab and lobster. Their wine menu
consists of more than 600 wines, with more than 100 being Canadian selections. The restaurant boasts a view
of downtown and the mountains in Banff, giving its guests the perfect scenery to complement their dining
experience. With its award-winning dining and decor, the Maple Leaf Grille & Lounge is a trademark worth
seeing to believe.
The Blue Pear
10643 123 St., Northwest Edmonton
As unconventional as its name, The Blue Pear is changing up the traditional dining experience. Chef Darcy
Radies uses molecular gastronomy to change up some classic favourites and put a signature twist on them.
Creating dishes such as a breakfast-for-dessert style of French toast, The Blue Pear is regarded as one of
the most original dining experiences in Edmonton. Its globally inspired menu is influenced by season and
changes regularly. The chic yet serene environment provides its guests with an elegant fine dining space with
glass panel art, a water wall and large, elaborate chandelier coming together to complement the restaurant’s
signature French cuisine. For its weekend guests, the restaurant offers live jazz every Sunday. Their
traditional five-course menu allows a selection of two small plates, second course of soup, one main plate
and one sweet plate. The restaurant also offers an a la carte menu, for guests to enjoy their favourite
dishes at their own convenience.
Jessie Radies, co-owner of The Blue Pear, says that it is their focus on food and wine pairings that makes
their restaurant different from others. The Blue Pear invites guests to take their time to enjoy their food
and wine with the company of friends and family.
Rouge
1240 8 Ave., Southeast Calgary
Located in Inglewood, dining at Rouge is just like going to someone’s house for dinner. The restaurant is
located in a house that was built in 1891, remodelled with contemporary design and the trademark red paint.
Rouge offers a variety of dining spaces in the restaurant’s house including The Dining Room, The Atrium, and
The Parlor, which promise to offer a “warm and vibrant atmosphere.” In the warmer seasons, Rouge’s outdoor
garden and patio are also available as dining areas. Rouge’s menus are designed to help cater to different
dining experiences throughout the house. The chef’s six-course menu includes food and wine pairings that the
kitchen staff and sommeliers decide on. The menus change regularly based on season and in the warmer months,
Rouge uses its onsite garden to collect ingredients for the meals. Rouge invites people as guests into their
home, to enjoy good food in the Old World charm of its unique environment.
