River Café is my go-to place when I want to take someone to a nice meal. Whether it's family and friends or a business meeting it always gets a great response due to it's friendly atmosphere, great food, and awesome location. The food is fantastic. I don't think I've ever had something that I thought was less than mind-blowingly amazing. Would give 6 stars.

The perfect blend of river city view, wonderful food and a courteous and professional staff. We were fortunate to be out on the patio on a perfect summer evening, but they do have plenty of propane heaters and the view is very nice. Nice casual dress is appropriate, although a formal dinner would work here too. Pricey, but the fresh and creative menu is certainly worth the cost. Park or walk... more

As for me，the price is a little high. However, when I eat dinner was around by river, trees, sunshine and birds,etc. I believe that is fantastic, and I love it suddenly. Seasonal menu is a great method to attract customers. It is worth eating.

I love how this place looks in the middle of the park. Perfect for walking around before or after your meal.

I've only been for brunch and the food was pretty good. The little pastry basket was good for sharing. The eggs benedict was good, except that I asked for my egg to be soft and one came out completely hard. The server apologized though and service was amazing. Tiramisu was good but... more

There are two things you should know about this place:

1. It is as classy as hell and the food is out of this world.
2. It is very, very expensive (prepare to put down $200 including dessert and a tip for a two-person meal).

The patio was very cozy and beautiful, with a wonderful view of the river. The food was delectable, and our server was an alluringly attractive bearded man who was as... more

It's in beautiful part of this city. Really has the Calgary spirit. Great place for light brunch and just some overall great time

I am writing this review for you out of towners, becaue I spend a lot of time away from home. Us Calgarians already know this place is good.
The Chef, Mr. Andrew Winfield is a serious professional and he knows what he is doing, and his staff know that they are doing.
In my opinion this is the best resturant in the world.
The food and the drinks are amazing.

This place is amazing! I came here on a beautiful evening and sat on the patio. It is in such a lovely area of the city.

We had scallops and oysters to start and both were so delicious and fresh tasting. For my entree, I had the tuna. BEST TUNA I HAVE EVER HAD! The meal was sooooooooo incredibly delicious with the perfect combination of flavours and the portion size was just right. This, along... more

We go back every year for our Anniversary. This year we got a better seat (by the window near the fireplace) and it was really nice. A lot less waiter/ess traffic. The meal was good and the atmosphere / views are wonderful. We will be back in 2016.

I visited River Café for Big Taste this year. My cousin and I opted for the five course gourmet menu with the wine pairings so we could get the full experience. River Café did not disappoint! I loved every course. The champagne poached oyster was a real treat, my only wish is that you got more than one. I really loved the squid, and the chicken paté was delish. The price tag is as big as the... more

This place is gorgeous. Rustic, homey and quintessentially Canadian.

The issue that I find with a lot of restaurants set in nice locations is that their food is mediocre given that they are riding on their nice location to bring customers in.

Not so with River Cafe.

We came by after the lunch hour on a weekend and were situated in a perfect spot next to the windows. My girlfriend ordered the... more

A classy establishment in the middle of the Prince Island park. go enjoy the patio during summer days, or dress up and go there for a date at night.
You will enjoy, trust me!

diners beware - horrific experience for the price I paid. They have not responded to my emails I have sent them regarding this experience so hopefully they will see it here.

I recently took my mother and grandma to your restaurant to celebrate a belated birthday and early mothers day. They are new to western cuisine and typically stay within their realm of comfort when it comes to restaurants... more

Really nice food! We came as a group and the meal was set, but it was very good. The mixed greens salad was excellent, and the bison was outstanding. The desert was not bad (it was a meringue fruit dish). Some of my colleagues had the tuna albacore, which they enjoyed. Others found the duck to be a bit dry. It's a very nice restaurant in a nice area of the city.

was here for their annual "big taste" (foodie, pre fixe menu event) and loved every dish served. a lot of detail and a lot of very good food pairings. great selection of ingredients used and a lot of care put into every dish. loved the chicken pate with grapefruit. Also been here for their normal brunch menu and was very satisfied with their eggs benedict. a great spot on a small island... more

Totally smitten with this place. Stunning location combined with a thoughtful and interesting menu. Had the big taste lunch menu and was so impressed with the quality, presentation, and flavor of the food. Super romantic for date night or bring in the in laws for brunch and beautiful views of prince's island. Definitely stands out in the Calgary restaurant scene, no wonder it's got as much hype... more

We were invited by friends to celebrate a special anniversary with them at the River Café in December and it was really nice. We had a great dinner evening and the restaurant was done in twinkly mini white lights and felt very cozy and special. We have dined here before and found the service and food was exceptional. We would come back here to celebrate special occasions and it was really nice... more

Overpriced in our opinion. 21 dollars for a burger with a greasy bun and soggy lettuce and a very dry crouton side dish......what was that?
Four dollars for a side of syrup for the French toast and a dollar for water. I don't mind paying for great food, but this was average at best. Won't return for weekend lunch/brunch.

I loved the atmosphere of the River Cafe, and was excited to try it. Service was good, not obnoxious, just the right amount of checking in on us. My husband and I shared the hummus and pita to start - very tasty. I had the lobster and scallop dish, and my husband had the beef. The food wasn't bad, but it wasn't the best, especially for the price. We enjoy a nice meal, and don't mind paying for... more

Excellent location, delicious food, and good service... What else would you like?... We had the risotto as an appetizer and the duck and pork chops as main dish... I still don't know which one was better!!.. The dessert was really good as well and the wine was great!... There was not one thing that do not deserve the 5 stars. I think this should be one of the top 5 restaurants in Calgary!

The River Cafe was recommended to us by a friend who used to live in Calgary, and we're thrilled we took the opportunity to check this place out.

The location itself is wonderful; being on the island in nice weather in early fall allowed us to sit on the patio for the evening, and take in the view as the sun began to set.

The River Cafe has just changed over the menu for fall, so things were... more

The menu was sophisticated, the servers were friendly and the setting was elegant. Nothing but great things to say about this place. Worth every penny!

A truly "Taste of Alberta" restaurant. This place is amazing with its fresh, local flavours and unique and wonderful combinations. This is truly THE place to take visitors or simply come back to experience local tastes with a twist. My mouth waters just thinking of this restaurant and the ambiance of the surroundings is the cherry on top. Adorable and comfortable decor and where else in Calgary... more

All That

The staff went above and beyond and the food was amazing. The small touches for our anniversary were appreciated and I loved the unhurried pace of the meal.

Brunch wasn't out of this world

Brunch was ok, nothing out of this world. We had the bison bennies and a porchini flat bread. The flat bread was flat in flavour, should have gone with the French toast.

Awesome

Amazing food and amazing service. Definitely would come

Canadian Epicurean!

I love it for its great ambience but also for its delicious Canadian cuisine!

Fantastic

The food was every bite delicious, the service absolutely perfect and our table on the outdoor patio was in such an amazing private outdoor setting though located in a public park. My only disappointment was the strawberry arugula salad that accompanied my main would have been better named 'cherry tomato salad' with a few slices of strawberry, nevertheless, it still tasted wow!

Pricey but you get what you pay for

Very good food, very excellent service. Great atmosphere on the patio in the summer. More expensive than I am used to, but it is probably in line with other nice restaurants in Calgary. they grow their own herbs, and use really neat ingredients.

Great food strange service

When my girlfriend and I had dinner at River cafe last Wednesday we truly enjoyed the food, wine and environment.
We were able to sit outside which was nice.
The only thing that marred the evening was our server. She initially didn't wanmt to take our order as she wanted to take our complete order. We initially ordered drinks and an appy and then planned to order our main once we ahd pursued... more

Great experience

Brought some out of town guests for lunch on the patio. Service was excellent and not intrusive
Menu had a variety of choices and the food was very good
Did not check out the wine list. However everything we asked for was available
We lingered into the afternoon which was fine with the staff
Our friends were impressed as were we

River Cafe never disappoints

Sometimes when I'm at River Cafe I wonder why I go anywhere else. The food is wonderful, the setting in Prince's Island Park is even better. Our service was fantastic. For my tastes, this is the best restaurant in Calgary. While I usually stay away from specials in other restaurants, here it is always something seasonal, pretty local and wonderful.

My favourite place

River Cafe continues to be my favourite place to be in the city. The food is fantastic, and the service is always incredible. Danielle our server was perfect, a wonderful person, who made the experience all the more enjoyable.

Love this place I had the halibut wasn't as good as the last time I was there but still tasty

Peaceful and Elegant

Loved our brunch this past Sunday at The River Cafe. From the respectful friendly cooperative greeting from the hostess to the outstanding service form the server this was a beautiful experience. The basket of baked items with the homemade jam was beautiful, the pea soup my husband had was yummy my husband had the eggs Benedict me the french toast. While I loved the sauce with the french toast... more

Pims and ginger

A lovely place for a cocktail and bison burger! We had a flat read and burger on the patio. The server was helpful and honest about the best choices. The drink was perfect for a hot day!

Nice patio lunch

We had lunch on the beautiful patio of the River Cafe. I had the halibut which was perfectly cooked and exquisite. The plates were all little works of arts. My husband had the salmon and, unfortunately, it was frankly overcooked and not the best. This is the first time that we have a less than perfect score for a meal at the River Cafe. Nevertheless I still put a 'very good' for the food as my... more

Special occasion!

They made our 10th anniversary celebration very special. The service and the food were fantastic. This will become our date night place to go!

Overpriced

Wonderful food and ambience, but priced too high - there are other equally high quality restaurants in Calgary (ex Brava Bistro) for better value.

Great Restaurant good food

The food was very good and the service was excellent the view at the restaurant is wonderful. I will come back again.

A natural and down-to-Earth gem!

BEAUTIFUL restaurant to experience a fine-dining meal.... in a natural and down-to-Earth setting. One of my favourites for a special occasion.... bring a blanket and enjoy Shakespeare in the Park afterwards! Server was absolutely amazing as well... we are very non-fine-dining people... and she was fabulous!

Amazing!

As always, the food and presentation was excellent...have never been disappointed at the River Cafe. The staff are well trained to do a great job of providing top notch customer service by providing suggestions and are extremely knowledgeable about the menus. We found all the staff so friendly and eager to provide a wonderful experience each time you visit. Well done!!!

Excellent All Around

We enjoyed a wonderful lunch on the patio at River Cafe. On a beautiful day it's a nice stroll to one of Calgary's nicest and best lunch spies. Great food, service and ambience!

Super. Lots of local and sustainable meat options wonderfully prepared and oh so good. Savoured every bite of my wild boar loin. Still thinking about it a few days later. Yum.

The setting is wonderful - in the middle of a park and right on the river - and service is great.

It's pricey (mains are $40+) but worth every penny.

Always excelent

This is our 8th time to the River Café and again it was a very pleasurable experience. It was our 33 anniversary and they provided us the best service and complementary desert and desert wine.
We will return

We love going on Sundays!!! We've been several times and had a few GREAT meals and a couple so so. All in all we love it.

Family Brunch

The service and food, notably portion sizes have improved in the last month since I had been there last. It was a gorgeous day on the patio and truly delightful.

Scenic patio

Wow, beautiful patio, amazing waitress and delicious food! I'm coming back any time I'm in Calgary. Lovely view. Only reason I took off one star was the hostess refused to seat us on the patio at first, even though there were tables a couple seats larger than our party.

Very nice

Location and food was VERY nice. Service was very good. Not overbearing, but attentive. Great place to go for special occasions. Likely wouldn't make it a regular haunt.

Great place in the middle of the park.

It's really good for brunch and it's probably a good idea to make a reservation ahead of time, especially for weekend brunches.

the homemade yogurt is really good!

Beautiful evening !

My husband took me here for our 10th anniversary many years ago and we returned again for my 50th birthday. The River Cafe does not disappoint! Highly recommend for a special occasion. Special thanks to the server who helped arrange a cake.

delicious!

We treated ourselves for lunch for our 3 yr wedding anniversary. We enjoyed a wild boar pruchutto flatbread,my husband had the bison burger which was delicious and I had the halibut. The halibut was underseasoned and slightly overcooked.
Otherwise the experienced was great, including the starter bread. Especially the cherry bread!
the blueberry ice cream was delicious also.

Atmosphere was rustic & very nice. Service good. Food tasted ordinary for high price.

Just a great lunch

Met a client here for lunch. Had not been here for over a couple years. The food was fantastic, the outdoor patio was wonderful. It was just a great lunch experience.PS. Try the octopus appetizer.

Anniversary dinner

What a great place to celebrate a special occasion!

Excellent Food Service and Ambience

Riverside Cafe never disappoints. The service level, the food, and the ambience are top notch. In particular, it's a great destination on a warm day because the patio and the scenery that surrounds it is beautiful. The servers are very good at allowing you to enjoy a leisurely stay so it's perfect for a romantic dinner or to spend time with good friends/family.

Fantastic

The food, service and ambiance was excellent. What more could you ask for. A perfect place for any special occasion.

Thought I ordered from kiddie menu

Extremely small portions. If youre looking for a scenic dining experience but with a meal you dont need to stop at Mc Donalds afterwards I would recommend Bow Valley Ranche. BTW you can ask Mc D to replace Big Mac patty with Angus burger patty, try it on the way back from River Cafe.

My fiancé and myself have been here a few times but our last experience really impressed me. We had reservations and the restaurant was very busy so they took an extra few minutes to seat us, but it was worth it. We sat on the patio and had a beautiful view of the city as the sun set. The staff was very knowledgeable of their food and took an extra few moments to explain what everything was as... more

Sat Morning Brunch!

My friend and I had brunch this past Saturday on their patio. I have always wanted to try their breakfast and I am so glad I did because it was delicious! I loved over looking their garden and being able to watch the chefs trim vegetables and herbs for our breakfast. The server was wonderful and very responsive to our dietary restrictions. I will have to come back again to try their pastries... more

Great Escape

Fabulous food for breakfast, perhaps have a couple more options on menu.

Brunch on the River

This is the second time I've ever gone for brunch at the River Café and it was just as wonderful an experience as the first time I went \u2013 which was many years ago. Not only is the food delicious but the service is superb, I love the out door patio and how there are enough umbrellas for everyone to be in the shade but still feel open to the outdoors. But above all, the food is exquisite.

Not memorable

Good food but honestly nothing special. Our server was really great and the patio is lovely. Had a really nice bottle of wine and our appetizers and dessert were fabulous. We were not overly excited about our entrees though. Beef was tough and chewy and halibut was nicely prepared but the accompaniments were nothing special. Overall, it was a good experience however, I would not rush back.

Luncch

Most amazing spot, great food, the beat outdoor patio in this city. but the service for this environment was not to par with the restaurant.

Excellent food and ambiance

The food was excellent, this restaurant is perfect for a romantic date. It is such a unique and beautiful location

Lovely dinner

We initially sat outside on the beautiful porch overlooking the Bow River on a windy summer evening. As stormy weather approached, the staff very nicely relocated us indoors. The staff were friendly and kind. We ate the early bird dinner special with the wine pairing (a great deal - the way to go because otherwise it is very pricey) -- the appetizer and entree were both delicious and... more

Lunch with the girls!

A lovely location for lunch with the girls! We had a choice of where to sit on the patio. Great patio. Nice wine list . Plates of trout and a halibut were very good and we enjoyed our mains. The day was gorgeous and the patio was well attended by many clients and servers.The starter came quickly, but it did take awhile for the mains to come. We had wine and water while we waited. Everyone... more

Amazing place!

We celebrated our wedding anniversary at The River Cafe! The staff were so friendly, food delicious and the atmosphere great!

I don't usually respond to requests such as this. However, my lunch in such a beautiful park with great ambience was remarkable!

Hidden Gem

This restaurant does it right. We were there for lunch on a beautiful day and were lucky to get a seat on the patio. The service is outstanding and very friendly. The menu is very good with a good selection for everyone. We had a beautiful bottle of wine and ordered the halibut. The fish was cooked to perfection, beautifully caramelized on the outside and moist and tender on the inside, served... more

Just ho-hum

My wife and I spent our anniversary here Monday night. While it didn't seem overly busy, and there was plenty of staff milling around, it did take quite a while in between visits from our waitress. Overall the meal was an hour and 40 minutes, and I'm glad we didn't have anywhere else to be. Case in point, we ordered decaf coffee with desert, and we actually got our deserts 5 minutes before we... more

Nice spot, but...

Great scenic spot but the food and service were far below what I was expecting. The roasted potatoes were horrible and the overall portion small. We had to stop for snacks as we were still hungry after our meal.

Dinner on July 11 2013

We had a great dining experience. I had the scallop appetizer which was delicious. I was impressed by the combination of ingredients the chef used with the scallops. They seemed perfect together. My entree was pork tenderloin which was excellent. The service was very good without being " pushy" Overall it was a fabulous evening dinner!

Great service

Had great lunch on patio. Waiter really listened to what I requested for 9 year old with me (chicken skewer, roasted potatoes, and veggie). Added fiddleheads and discovered a new veggie my nephew liked. I had salad and eggplant flatbread, strawberries. Hubby had trout appetizer (awesome) and halibut. Great food + great ambience + great service makes this my fav place when I am in town

Creative Menu Great Service

We've been here a few times and have always found the menu to be so creative and appropriate for the season. The atmosphere both inside and out is wonderful and our server, Michael was attentive, informative and personable.

We had a wonderful dinner - delicious food & great service with lovely surroundings.

Fantastic Find!

Beautiful, delicious and charming. We even had a family of geese waddle by! Can't wait to visit in the winter!

Great setting, in the park. Although we sat inside (at the extreme urging of the hostess) it is so open air that you get breezes if fresh air.
Food is good but not spectacular. I had trout and loved it. Other dishes in our party were sablefish, steak, pork... All 'ok'.
The panna cotta was excellent. Rice pudding too rustic.

The location is a detriment if you're slow, my dad has a cane. But I... more

You take one of the most gorgeous pieces of land in Calgary and then pair it with top notch local food, fine service, a lush patio and a strong dash of that classic Canadian cottage look and then you somehow can the kitsch and keep it tasteful, - You've got yourself the River Café.

While the interior is really quite comfortable, warm with plenty of wood, log framed chairs and half-canoe... more

Our favorite place

Atmosphere and great food go together to make this restaurant one of our best and most liked places to visit.

My happy place

This is my go to restaurant for special celebrations. Every meal I've have here (or tasted off another persons plate) has been fantastic, and the atmosphere can not be beat. The views are beautiful, and the service is top notch. On one visit, they brought us a blanket when it got a bit chillier than expected on the patio. Highly... more

River Cafe fantastic

Theis gem in downtown YYC on the Bow River is unique. All the food is great, and Sal, the owner, sources almost everything locally, sustainably or ethically (think no farmed salmon).
Lovely ambience indoors and wonderful views from patio outdoors.

Great coffee

We did not eat at the cafe but the coffee was really good. The menu looked good and reasonable prices. Cafe is in a beautiful spot near the water. Service was excellent.

My favourite Calgary restaurant: rustic ambience, great service, fresh menu

My husband and I both enjoy the Rustic ambience and especially the summer patio of this restaurant's island location.
The menu selection is more to my taste than my husband's, so read the online menu first if that's a concern for you.
The food is seasoned properly, interesting and the vegetables fresh: delicious. We always get at least the red... more

Breakfast Perfection

If your looking for a very unique and mouth watering breakfast you really need to visit River Cafe. First of all the scenery is breathtaking, located in a park surrounded by nature in the steps from downtown. It is a five minute walk from any parking but the walk is very enjoyable. Everything is hand made including the Jams /... more

Best Birthday Dinner Ever

Had a wonderful surprise birthday dinner for my husband at the River Cafe with all of our children. The food and wine was fantastic and the service impeccable! It is such a beautiful space - the best in Calgary in my opinion.

Quality & Location

The River Cafe is in a wonderful setting, on Calgary's downtown Prince's Island, with a sunny patio for those warm summer days. The food is always creative, excellently prepared and beautifully presented. Service is impeccable, and the wine list is comprehensive. Their philosophy of sourcing locally (when possible) and maintaining relationships with growers results in only the best quality... more

My wife and I participated in the MS Walk and decided it was the perfect opportunity to give the famous River Cafe a try. What a beautiful spot and a great ambience. We were greeted by a couple friendly hostesses and shown to an indoor table as the patio was full. We got a great spot by the window that opened, so a great compromise.
The experience. The menu did not have a lot of lunch options... more

Outstanding

Great location, staff and outstanding food! The decor is very nice, located right in the middle of Prince's Island Park.

Limited Choices, Pricey, Atmosphere Okay

We took another couple as our guests late April, 2014 expecting excellence. There was nothing on the menu that my wife was interested in eating so she didn't. I was in the same boat and ordered an appetizer than was an assortment of various meats which was good. I felt I 'beat the system' by ordering this. We started with... more

Beautiful restaurant

River Cafe is an aesthetically gorgeous location with top notch food and great service. As there is no parking on Price's Island, you must park nearby and walk onto the Island. The patio is the best restaurant patio I have ever been on. The river is right beside the patio which makes for a beautiful and peaceful dining experience. If... more

Great place to dine out

We really enjoyed this restaurant the people were great and the service to match. Our waiter remembered us from a wedding we attended there his helpfulness was just as great. We are planning to grab lunch for a picnic from here as well when the weather gets better

Snobby service not worth it

I am so sick of the consistently snobby service at this resturant. I have given this place several attempts because of the location. The food is good but not exceptional given the price but then add in servers that make you feel they are doing you a favour, I'm done. There are many very good to exceptional places in Calgary,... more

Nice setting, good food and service, but pricey

Spent the last night of our Western Canada holiday eating here. Having been for a cycle around the park and the city during the day, we thought this place would be a nice treat. The restaurant has a great setting in the middle of the park, and the building itself is decorated like a big old wooden lodge.
We'd made... more

woudl not go again

we went here for dinner after a day of walking and enjoying Prince's Island Park.Their service was really good, but you certainly pay alot more than the meal is worth. You do not get what you pay for here at all. We did not expect to pay that amount and then have to grab snacks on the way home cause... more

River Cafe

When you come to Calgary be sure to include a visit to the River Cafe. Reservations most likely needed especially for dinner in the warmer months. Food is exceptional, service great without be obsequious, superb setting on the island, and local food! Pricey but worth it. I would suggest it is not a family dinner place.

Downtown oasis

We went for a nice bike ride along the River and stopped at River Café for lunch. Staff very accommodating, nice setting, very good food.

Kinda special

Beautifully situated on the island in the bow river, and full of atmosphere. Daily special was indeed quite special, very tastefully and tastily prepared with special ingredients such as the fiddleheads. Pleasant quick service, but I came a very quiet time, early dinner at five. Pricey. Good wine selection, I took the cheapest red wine, a portuguese and it was... more

Terrific spot for a special dinner

Went to River cafe a few weeks ago for a business dinner. It was a fantastic dinner. The food is local, fresh and delicious. The menu has lots of wild game but there is always a great vegetarian option. The servers are passionate about their food and make helpful suggestions. It is also quiet enough to allow good conversation. We... more

Overpriced food

Went to River Cafe recently - thought the meat was over cooked, and the portions were small. The seasoning was good, but my dish was extremely dry. The location is great, service was excellent, but I felt the food was lacking a bit.

Good food, poor service

We went for lunch on a Saturday...the food was great, but the service was not! If I'm spending a little bit more on food than usual when I go out, I expect better service, it's pretty simple. I know it was busy but at least a little acknowledgement goes a long way....I won't hurry back just for that reason, I... more

Sunday Brunch Awesome

Went last November for a Sunday brunch with 5 friends. Awesome service, super ambiance, love the rustic style and the food was delectable ! We all had a different meal and we shared a basket of pastries ! Yummy.

Delicious and Unique

The River Café has a great view with great food. The menu always includes something special that you will not find anywhere else -- buffalo, lamb, variety of seafood, duck. You don't have to be an adventurer to enjoy the cuisine. The décor is delightful as is the large fireplace for colder days. The staff are friendly and quite knowledgeable... more

Okay food, but service a real disappointment

This place has decent reviews overall, but my experience has been far from enjoyable. The food is decent, but nothing exceptional compared to other Calgary restaurants and for the price I'd say the value is minimal. Service, however, is the biggest disappointment, On my first visit, my wife and I were seated in the middle of the restaurant and waited... more

Amazing breakfasts

I had the pleasure of hosting some visitors to Calgary there for breakfast. It was outstanding. I love River Cafe's efforts to feature local and regional cuisine as well as featuring sustainably harvested produce and products (i.e.: Oceanwise certified seafood).

Unique

A very special setting. Relax, eat, enjoy. Very Special. Plated very well. A bit of a walk to the restaurant, but a nice sidewalk. Just if you are a Sr. The restaurant is a ways from the parking lot.
Very charming!

Hmmm

The service was very good.
The food was mostly very good -- I had bison and it was very good; one friend had something involving a side dish of pork belly that manifested as a meatless lard paperweight.
The desserts were very good.
All in all, it was expensive and didn't deliver on the promise (or hype? or perhaps just... more

Nice, but pricy

Small cozy place, great service, but meal is pretty average and expensive. Probably it is ok for a dating but not for a family lunch.

Culinary treat in the park

River Cafe is located in Prince's Island Park, an island in the Bow River on the north side of downtown Calgary. The building was originally a hamburg/hot dog stand in this urban park; but now houses what I consider one of (and perhaps the best) restaurant in Calgary.
A short walk across a pedestrian bridge over the Bow River in... more

Not your every day

Ambiance: The best
Food: if you are wanting gamey sophisticated plates, this is it. If you're looking for lighter, less (much) meaty food, you are out of luck.
Price: Expensive but you are getting what you pay for.
Wine: It has been awhile, cannot comment but I imagine a pricey list also.

A must for all vistors

River Cafe is wonderful, whether you visit in the summer or in the dead of winter. It has a charm which is so unique. In the summer the doors are open and the sun is shinning the river at your footsteps, is just so relaxing. Winter has its own magical charm, the snow and lights welcoming you in from the... more

Lovin' the River Cafe

River Cafe has a lovely location in the heart of Calgary, but with the river flowing past and the natural screening of tress, shrubs, etc, you'd think you were in the country. Everything is wonderful, from the patio (seasonal, of course) to the wait staff to the incredible food. As it's quite expensive (but worth it!), I would rate it... more

Another Disappointing Meal

I am beginning to think of River Cafe as being over-rated. I went with colleagues last week and although there were high points to the meal, the lows outweighed them. I should mention the service was, on the whole, very good. We began with an appetizer meat board, which was actually very delicious. In fact, it was the best part... more

Consistently great

This is a very special restaurant – the location feels wonderfully rural though it's right downtown, and the staff is attentive and friendly. But really, I go for the food. I love that every dish they serve packs such a variety of different flavours, and that every bite is exquisite. I especially appreciate their preparation of vegetables – always inventive,... more

Awesome

Had brunch here on a Sunday morning. It was perfect. Such an awesome menu so much to chose from friendly, warm, & busy atmosphere.
I ordered the Benny with elk bacon. Then a side of the mushroom & kale. They make their own ketchup and specials daily.
The walk to the restaurant was really nice. All round a great experience.... more

Great location, great food and great service

Nice romantic restaurant. Great all around. The downfall.... chairs are not comfortable. The server was very nice and helpfull.

Ah the River Cafe. That rare beast that doesn't rest on its laurels despite having the advantage of the most visually appealing location in all of Calgary, winter or summer.

Wine list: continues to impress. Menu: continues to stress local or near-locally sourced food, from long before it was the popular thing to do. Execution and presentation: top notch. Service is of the non-intrusive variety... more

Went there for my birthday, Nov 28 2013. First of all, it was dark, snowy and cold, walking to the island. There were no signs that we could find (as newbies to Calgary we didn't really know where we were going) so we had to ask someone else who was walking and followed them, and the footbridge across the water was pitch black. If I was on my own I may not have crossed - seriously unsafe.

The... more

Excellent

Yes,truly excellent.I have been there with a friend of mine and her son (9 years old); Italian little boy that had lots of questions and demands :-).I have to say that I was really impressed by the patience and professionalism that our server had.Thank you for creating nice memories to a little guy that still remembers River Cafe when I... more

Great food, beautiful location

This restaurant is set in the beautiful Prince's Island Park just on the edge of downtown Calgary. It is a gorgeous setting, no matter what the weather is doing outside.
River Cafe is very committed to the local and sustainable food movement. We were there for lunch and I had the delicious bison burger while my friend had the special... more

After the flood

Great service , great food, great venue. Recommended for indulgence, a treat or special occasion in Calgary. Excellent recovery from the Bow river flood last year.

Pleasent location

Very good location outstanding wiew good food fast serving recomend it to visit summer time during the day quiet place

A Special Evening

It was 2 -3 yrs ago..but I recall it to have been a wonderful evening..even though I got a parking ticket.!!!!!!

Great meal and great ambience

Excellent meal and service. It was a little expensive but we requested a window seat and sat overlooking the skaters on the Prince's Island skating pond. The food was very well done although a little on the expensive side.

Appetizers
Smoked albacore tuna with Wildboar prosciutto, apple, citrus gel pumpkin seeds $14. Nice starter with a delicious mix of flavours.

White Gold Burrata - confit carrots, garlic cream, pickled garlic scape, Crostini $14. Enjoyed by my wife. Confit carrots were especially good.

Fish and game board - Bison Breseola, candied salmon, steelhead lox, Wildboar Ciccioli, Bison chorizo, Wild... more

Boxing Day romantic dinner

My wife and I love this place! The food never disappoints us and the ambience late in a winters day is perfect to set the mood. We love the game meat platter and the roasted duck is delicious. Try the apple cobbler with chai ice cream...yes chai. I think we are going to make a habit out of it each... more

After 12 years as loyal patrons...NO MORE

A group of 8 professional and well-travelled women have Xmas brunch every year, for the past 12 years. Increasingly we have seen a decline in food quality but more importantly, given this is supposed to be social time, the service.
The food comes about at different times, so we politely wait, or feel awkward for those not eating. We have... more

Afternoon Delight

Skipped over to the River Cafe for a work function one sun-drenched summer afternoon - these are the ideal conditions under which to visit the River Cafe- except maybe minus the work part ;) We enjoyed scenic views of the river from the adorable outdoor patio.
The food and beverages were top notch. Service was attentive, but not overbearing. I... more

Lunchtime treat

Fabulous, boozy lunchtime treat while visiting relatives in Calgary. Great location, great fodder and great looking cafe.

Celebration

Celebrating the end of our drive from Vancouver to Calgary, the River Cafe was an ideal ambience for a reflective dinner. Buzzy, crowded, efficient service,and good food all matching if not surpassing what we had enjoyed over the previous 15 days at various watering holes.,

Nice but inconsistent

We were wandering around the beautiful Prince's Island Park and came across River Cafe. It was about 4pm in the afternoon and we wanted a light meal with a glass of wine. We ended up sharing a cheese board and a flat bread/pizza type dish. Both meals and the wine were delicious. Given that the food and the setting/ambiance were... more

The location is nice but the service slow and the food mediocre.

I ordered the eggs benedict and the tomate soup for weekend brunch, the place was half full but it took almost 30 minutes! The portion of the soup was so small you could barely call it soup. The eggs were overcooked.

River Cafe

A summer is never complete without a trip to the marvellous River Cafe which sits in a lovely
park with the river and downtown buildings near by. In the winter it is cosy and relaxing with a
large fireplace to warm you. I find its menu needs some flexing but it's home made bread is
wonderful and the staff are... more

Cozy but way over priced

Very nice ambient, wonderful fireplace. We were friendly greeted at the entrance. Menu is way over priced and service was poor (not slow, than really poor). With this price range we got much more appreciation in any other restaurant.

After a long hiatus because of the flooding at Prince's Island, my husband and I came here to attend a friend's wedding and dinner reception this past weekend. We (and all the other guests) were greeted warmly by four servers at the door who were offering glasses of homemade lemonade and wine.
After the wedding ceremony on the patio, there was a raw oyster bar set up on the patio (which was not... more

This was a very romantic restaurant. We completed our day of walking on the downtown Calgary trial with dinner at the restaurant. It was pricey but the ambience and food were worth it.

Creative culinary options, great service, and a setting that transports. This must be a special occasion spot for locals as I'd be shocked to see this price point draw in the masses. The walk here in itself is a great opening to a wonderful evening of dining.

River Cafe is in a gorgeous location, right in the park. The restaurant itself is very simply decorated, and I really enjoy the patio, though I find that it feels a bit crowded sometimes.

Prices are definitely high, but the quality of food is generally quite good. The vegetables are high quality and fresh. So far, I've always liked the seafood dishes here. I tried the bison last time I went,... more

Despite horrendous flood damage, River Cafe is back and is good as it ever was. Before the summer passes, get down there and dine on their patio. Beautiful seafood creations like oysters on the half shell, calamari appetizers and halibut tempt the palate and glasses of Rose Cava keep it clean. Service is good and the staff are just getting back into the swing of things.

A worthy splurge. Go... more

Canadian Local Fare that emphasizes seasonal ingredients.
It is now reopened! It has been open for a week now since the flooding and we went to show our support, if even if only for drinks. I am glad we only had drinks as I fear had we ordered any food, we would still be sitting there many hours later.
*Service was terrible*. Unfriendly, super slow and it was not at all busy, even on the patio.... more

Hands down my favorite restaurant in Calgary. Great service, great ambiance and great food w excellent plating! Every dish was an art piece. I had their Wild Ramp Mignonette Oysters, Gamay Noir Red Wine and High Country Bison Striploim. The oysters were fresh and juicy, the gamay was medium bodied w an earthy finish and the bison tasted like a leaner file mignon. On top of my meal, I was... more

Absolutely FANTASTIC experience here!

After wanting to try River Cafe for ages, I finally had the opportunity last weekend to celebrate my sister in law's birthday. Little did I know, it was actually a food & wine pairing, which I had never done before. Needless to say I was excited, considering how much I love both of those things!

The restaurant itself is gorgeous, but that goes without... more

The place is outstanding - fresh seasonal locally sourced food, perfectly prepared in an unpretentious environment. What more could you want?!

The interior is warm, cozy, and spotlessly clean. The view of the park is very nice. Waitstaff were slow and a bit bland, but, they got the job done so I cannot complain.

I had the bison burger with bacon - a fine example of a high end artisan burger... more

Ok, so I went to River Café in November... sorry i've got a lot of catching up to do.

The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is because they force you to pay for water. If thats the case they should donate the funds from the water to a chairty organization, kind-of like Cibo does.

Anyway.... we took my mom there for a sunday brunch birthday celebration. Our waiter Chad was phenomenal. He was... more

I've wanted to try the River Cafe for a long time for their seasonal fare and the location.

The Good: The ambiance is phenomenal. It's like a little cottage nestled in the heart of the park and it's especially pretty with a winter/Christmas feel. You can't beat the location.

The food was also mostly quite good. We shared the fish and game board to start (24). The housemade crackers were a... more

Beautiful location, nice decor and very cozy. The only thing is I didn't find my meal worth the price, Ill pay a pretty penny for delicious food but my flatbread was just ok, I wasn't blown away by the wild game platter either.

For dessert I did try one of their in house made truffles which were rich and wonderful paired with a nice cappuccino.

Service was great but the menu never seems to... more

The River Cafe is an attractive restaurant among a pretty Prince's Island. Walking here within Downtown Calgary is almost half the fun.

I dined here recently as part of a Business trip. This is a "Local and Sustainable" food place and it executes this well with very good food attractively presented. The wine list was interesting (albeit with a relatively limited selection of Canadian choices)... more

Fine dining in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. The food is nothing short of Superb and I am NEVER disappointed. It is excellent! It is expensive (dinner for two including wine and drinks usually runs us about $200-$300), but then as the old saying goes - you get what you pay for!

Over priced, over-rated

Food was fine but nothing spectacular; ditto for service. If you think the setting is spectacular or indeed, something special ... well, you were probably born in Calgary and don't get out much. As for value -- way overpriced for what they're delivering

Wonderful Canadian fare in a unique setting

The food here is really well done -- top notch gourmet Canadian fare such a fish and game. The setting on Prince's Island Park just a short walk across the river from downtown is amazing, too, and sometime overshadows the food. The atmosphere is uscale but casual (you probably wouldn't feel out of line in a suit or in jeans). It is getting moderatly pricey, but still a reasonable value for... more

lovely restaurant

This is a high end trendy Canadian cuisine restaurant good for a special occasion. We ate there is July for dinner. The food was excellent but pricey. The setting is lovely.

It's changed!!! The park setting is still lovely. The water fowl are still there. You can still walk off some of those calories that you couldn't resist. What's changed is the food. The menu is seasonal, the atmosphere is an elegant fishing lodge, and brunch is a good choice.