River Café
$$$ • Canadian, Wine Bars, Gluten-Free Book a table: 7:00 PM 7:15 PM 7:30 PM MoreAbout River Café
Customers' Favorites
Eggs Benedict with Spinach and Mushroom Ragout
Eggs Benedict with Chorizo Sausage
Lambtastic Farm Lamb Sirloin
Selection of Artisan Cheese
Farming Worx Duck Confit
Chocolate Raspberry Tart
Benchmark Beer Tartare
Braised Beef Short Rib
House Made Sour Dough
Arctic Char Benedict
River Café Reviews
698 ratings
Share your opinion about River Café
My sister and I went to the rivercafe to cap off our Calgary trip. The location was really exceptional and the walk there from downtown was nice.
Foodwise the tasting menu was really exceptional. I found each dish to have the right combination of textures, savouriness and colour without being too heavy on any one element. Specifically the halibut and the bison belly were key dishes I would recommend.
The service was generally attentive and was able to accomodate...read full review
Foodwise the tasting menu was really exceptional. I found each dish to have the right combination of textures, savouriness and colour without being too heavy on any one element. Specifically the halibut and the bison belly were key dishes I would recommend.
The service was generally attentive and was able to accomodate...read full review
Went for dinner at River Cafe on Friday evening with a couple of friends and the whole night just felt right, from the walk through Prince's Island Park to the fire-grilled trout on the menu. Our server knew the wine list inside and out and never made us feel rushed even though the place was busy. Sitting by the window with the river and skyline lit up outside was honestly worth the trip on its own. We got there around 7pm and had zero trouble finding a table, so it was a perfect...read full review
We really enjoyed our visit here. The location on Prince’s Island provides a stunning setting, the atmosphere was lovely, and both the service and taste of the food were top-notch.
A couple of notes for future visitors: be prepared for a bit of a walk from the parking lot. Also, I noticed there were no grab bars in the washroom for handicap access, which would be a very helpful addition for guests with limited mobility.
A couple of notes for future visitors: be prepared for a bit of a walk from the parking lot. Also, I noticed there were no grab bars in the washroom for handicap access, which would be a very helpful addition for guests with limited mobility.
Hours
| Monday | 11AM - 10PM |
| Tuesday | 11AM - 10PM |
| Wednesday | 11AM - 10PM |
| Thursday | 11AM - 10PM |
| Friday | 11AM - 10PM |
| Saturday | 10AM - 3PM |
| Sunday | 10AM - 10PM |
The River Café offers a delightful dining experience with good food, great service, and a warm, cozy atmosphere. This charming restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it is a special destination. The outdoor seating creates a fairy tale ambiance, surrounded by nature and local flora. Customers appreciate the friendly and attentive service, with staff knowledgeable about the menu and the origins of the ingredients. The menu features a range of dishes, including the highly recommended Halibut Cakes, which showcase Canada's beautiful cuisine, and a stunning pastry trio known for its unique flavors.
Recent reviews highlight the wonderful Sunday brunch, which features inventive presentation, great flavor, and interesting textures. Dishes like smoked salmon tartlette and Lambtastic sausages received praise, and the brunch includes enjoyable drinks like rose bubbly and strawberry rhubarb simple syrup with bubbly water. The restaurant remains a favorite for lunch, with highlights such as Haida Gwaii halibut fish cakes and poached eggs served alongside excellent drinks, including local apple cider. Many guests mention their desire to return, especially during special occasions or visits in the summer.
The experience extends to special touches that make visits memorable. One guest described their very first visit as phenomenal, noting the thoughtful card for a birthday signed by the staff, professional service, and incredible food. The tartare was described as magical, and the atmosphere was warm, beautifully lit, and welcoming, striking a perfect balance between sophistication and comfort. Visitors often enjoy the cozy interior with a log fire, which adds to the inviting atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of dishes, such as eggs Benedict, croque madame, smoked salmon tartlette, and haddock fishcake, all praised for their taste. For dessert, some found the chocolate pavlova and creme brulée a bit too sweet, but overall, the quality remains high. Additionally, the restaurant offers a Tasting Menu, which has received praise for its new and incredible flavors, textures, and spices, served at a relaxed pace. Staff, including a charming and knowledgeable principal server, enhance the experience with excellent recommendations, especially for wine pairings with steak options like tenderloin and strip loin.
Overall, the River Café is praised as a top spot for celebrating special moments or enjoying a delightful afternoon, confirming its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the world.