Icon

River Café

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Canadian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 11, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 33 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
Website
http://www.river-cafe.com/
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

Location
Prince's Island Park, 25 Prince's Island Park SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R1
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

Featured in

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.
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.
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!

Popular dishes

Fresh Shucked Oysters
Pickled Mans Organic Ginger, House Made Hot Sauce, Seasonal Mignonette
- Half DozenCA$30.00
Hydragreens Red RomaineCA$21.00
Poplar Grove Blue Cheese Dressing, Ontario Quince Jam, Black Walnuts
Vital Greens StracciatellaCA$22.00
Poplar Bluff Beets, Highwood Crossing Sunflower Seeds, Lyalta Watercress
Benchmark Beef TartareCA$25.00
Molnar Taber Corn, Basil Emulsion, Corn Husk Oil, Puffed Amaranth, Cornmeal Cracker
Red Lentil HummusCA$18.00
Forno Baked Sourdough Flatbread, Okanagan Sumac, Basil Pistou
Forno Baked Sourdough FlatbreadCA$26.00
Farming Worx Duck Sausage, Blue Cheese Mornay, Spiced Maple Vinegar Glaze, Pear
Fish & Game BoardCA$35.00
Selection of House Cured Meats, Seasonal Potted Seafood, Smoked Salmon, River Café Pickles, Preserves & Crackers
Great Northern White Bean SoupCA$18.00
Confit Shallot Petals, Rosemary & Bacon, Leffers Pickled Carrot, Southern Skies Kale Chips

Main

Galimax EggplantCA$30.00
Black Pear & Miso, Sumac Labneh, Honey Granola, Champagne Raisin Puree
Hand Cut LinguineCA$31.00
Springbank Bison Bolognese, Sylvan Star Grizzly Gouda, Cold Pressed Canola Oil
Pan Seared Yukon Arctic CharCA$34.00
GE&H Farms Lettuce, Green Goddess Dressing, Gull Valley Tomato, Buckwheat
Benchmark Angus Beef Flank SteakCA$39.00
Roasted Turnip Puree, Alberta Emmer Wheat, Nettle verde, Oyster Mushroom
Farming Worx Duck ConfitCA$36.00
Broxburn Farm Red Cabbage Sauerkraut, Agria Knödel, Pickled Chantrelles
Benchmark Beef BurgerCA$29.00
Horseradish Demi-Glace, Cheese Curd, Sudo Farms Cabbage Slaw, Red Wine Onion Jam

What 4,848 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
4.7Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

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.

4,848 Reviews

C
Chris
Edmonton
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and service was incredible, we can’t wait to come back
Is this helpful?
I
Ian
Toronto
67 reviews
vip
5.0
67 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always great. The River Cafe has consistently impresses me every time I go there. Food is excellent and the service is always spot on. Has been a gem for so many years.
Is this helpful?
A
Andrew
Vancouver
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
An outstanding tasting menu, with outstanding wine pairings, and outstanding service. Well worth the frigid walk in inappropriate dress and footwear! Best tartare we’ve ever had, and the pirogies were to die for.
Is this helpful?
E
Emer
San Francisco
12 reviews
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We arrived on time for our reservation on a very cold night. The restaurant was very busy & buzzy which was a good sign (we thought). Our server did her very best but was hassled. Water came immediately and then we sat. We managed to order cocktails and then we sat. When we finally managed to order food (shared appetizer & 2 main courses), our appetizer came in about 15 minutes (hummus straight out of the refrigerator). It obviously had needed no prep. And was very cold so relatively tasteless. We then waited a full hour before our lukewarm main courses arrived. The duck was good, the boar belly was tough & dry and on some sort of crepe. We decided against dessert or coffee. The wine list was good. Overall we liked our server - she knew what she was doing. Her station just had too many covers, I think. The kitchen was obviously overwhelmed. Not sure if we would give The River Cafe a second chance.
Is this helpful?
D
Denis
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great as always. Had not been for years. Consistent quality and experience over years!
Is this helpful?
R
Rob
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Celebrated our 1 year anniversary at River Cafe. We had an amazing time and our server Jared was excellent! We will be returning.
Is this helpful?
J
Janelle
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a girls night in Nov. everyone lived the tasting menu. It was amazing!
Is this helpful?
S
Steven
Calgary
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 19, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ordered the chef’s fall special for two and enjoyed every dish. Great service as we were one couple out of four on a snowy Monday evening. Ambience was great except the music was a little loud.
Is this helpful?
D
Dawn
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 18, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Fantastic and unique culinary treat. Exceptional service
River CaféResponded on November 19, 2024
Hello Dawn, Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a detailed 5 star review. We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us! We look forward to serving you again. The River Cafe Team
Is this helpful?
K
Kevin
Calgary
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Waiter said there wasn’t any gf chips for my hummus… even though they said there was kale gf chips on the menu .. then after we finished the hummus he brought gf chips out… made no sense, also the main dish was great but they had whole green onions on top that were slimy and you couldn’t even eat or would choke on them. Like they didn’t even try to meal.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

River Café is rated 4.6 stars by 4848 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 11, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 33 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Website
http://www.river-cafe.com/
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

River Café

Make a reservation

Why they're an Icon

Dining areas

Additional information

33 Calgary Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

86 Calgary / Southern Alberta Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Ring in the New Year 2025

Chef's Tasting Menu

Valentine's Day Dinner

Atlantic Halibut

Fish & Game Board

Haida Gwaii Halibut Cakes

To Start

Fresh Shucked Oysters

Hydragreens Red RomaineCA$21.00

Vital Greens StracciatellaCA$22.00

Benchmark Beef TartareCA$25.00

Red Lentil HummusCA$18.00

Forno Baked Sourdough FlatbreadCA$26.00

Fish & Game BoardCA$35.00

Great Northern White Bean SoupCA$18.00

Main

Galimax EggplantCA$30.00

Hand Cut LinguineCA$31.00

Pan Seared Yukon Arctic CharCA$34.00

Benchmark Angus Beef Flank SteakCA$39.00

Farming Worx Duck ConfitCA$36.00

Benchmark Beef BurgerCA$29.00

Featured Item

Complimentary Highwood Crossing Rye Sourdough Bread

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is River Café restaurant rated?

Is River Café currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

33 Calgary Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

86 Calgary / Southern Alberta Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day