Four Calgary restaurants make ‘100 Best’ list

Canada’s 100 Best (C100B) is out with the country’s top culinary experiences of the year, and while a Montreal restaurant claimed the top spot, four Calgary eateries also made the cut.

Restaurants were ranked by judges on service, décor, ‘the depth of the cellar,’ and food quality.

River Cafe, #23

The highest ranking of the Calgary establishments included on the list is River Cafe at #23.

Located at Prince’s Island Park, critics praised the restaurant for its appraoch to dining.

“Here, a reverence for the environment and the commitment to exclusive use of Canadian and Albertan ingredients — from Highwood Crossing’s grains and canola oil to vegetables from Poplar Bluff Organics — are evident on every plate,” C100B writes.

Props were also given for Scott MacKenzie’s menus, sommelier Bruce Soley’s wine list, and of course, the unique location and décor.

Eight, #25

You may not have even heard of this Calgary restaurant, and if you have, it’s likely been very challenging to get a reservation.

Eight, on Confluence Way SE, has been ranked #25 on the C100B restaurants list.

Owned by chef Darren MacLean, Eight is fairly hidden, located behind a doorway inside another restaurant of his — Nupo — inside the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village.

With just eight stools and one sitting three nights a week, C100B judges say dining at this Calgary restaurant is a hot commodity.

MacLean is praised for his polycultural cooking, which comnines Japanese, Korean, Chinese, South Asian, French, and Indigenous elements.

C100B says, “MacLean is an estimable chef, and of his three restaurants, Eight is the most personal.”

D.O.P, #46

Want to give your compliments to the chef?

The tiramisu at Calgary’s D.O.P. comes with the cellphone number of the owner’s mom, from which most of the classic dishes originated, so patrons can tell her thanks.

In a narrow building on 1 Street SW, critics say the restaurant “squeezes patrons together like they’re family.”

Diners can also look forward to traditional dishes served with contemporary touches like flavours and ingredients that change with the seasons.

“Noisy, crowded, and joyous,” judge Elizabeth Carson said.

Major Tom, #52

Known for its spectacular view, the last of Calgary’s establishments on the 2024 list is Major Tom at #52.

Located on the 40th floor of Stephen Avenue Place, the Concorde Group restaurant is also appreciated for its classic steak-house fare, ambitious wine list, and classic-with-a-twist cocktails.

The restaurant says its goal is to make patrons feel like they’re “on top of the world” curating an “elevated experience without the pretension.”