Located in the historic Calgary Wine and Spirits building on Stephen Avenue Walk, this modern bistro received the 2009 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. The eatery features an extensive menu of international cheeses, as well as red, white and sparkling wines. Patrons may enjoy local Canadian cheeses, such as Miranda, Champfleury or Sylvan Star Gouda, as well as traditional European favorites such as Roquefort Causse Noir from France, Quest Manchego from Spain or Cave Aged Gruyere from Switzerland, along with French Bordeaux, Australian Chardonnay, Italian Pinot Grigio or Austrian Riesling. Serving traditional bistro dishes for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, the restaurant is also open for dinner service on Saturday, but is closed Sunday.
Divino Wine & Cheese Bistro
113 8th Ave. SW
Calgary, AB
Canada
403-410-5555
crmr.com/divino
With a contemporary decor featuring pressed sunflower seed plywood tables, angled windows, exposed concrete elements and an open kitchen, this Calgary wine bar offers a sophisticated setting for a romantic dinner or after-work drinks. A rotating wine stock of vintages from renowned and boutique wineries is available by the glass or by the bottle. Your beverage selection may be paired with dishes from a seasonal menu, ranging from a simple cheese plate to an elaborate meal of oven-roasted wild white prawns with chorizo, fresh corn and warm vinaigrette. Patrons may also enjoy selections from a decadent desert menu, including chocolate tastings, mascarpone ice cream with warm banana bread and red wine syrup, or a honey semifreddo with caramel nut crunch and espresso cream. Open Thursday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, as well as serving dinner Sunday through Wednesday, the wine bar accepts reservations for lunch only.
Winebar Kensington
1131 Kensington Road NW
Calgary, AB
Canada
403-457-1144
winebarkensington.com
Situated in the Lougheed Building, this upscale restaurant and wine bar was inspired by the ambiance of Martha's Vineyard. An extensive wine list includes a variety of wines available by the glass, providing the opportunity to sample a range of vintages, from the inexpensive to the high end. The modern decor in the lounge features Brazilian cherry wood floors and comfortable leather chairs. In addition to three flat-screen televisions and an 18-seat black-marble-topped bar, a glass-enclosed temperature-controlled wine storage system allows patrons to view the selections available by the glass. The main dining room offers a casually elegant atmosphere with soft yellow linens, floor-to-ceiling tiled pillars and four hand-blown glass chandeliers, while the mezzanine floor provides views of the lounge, along with a quiet setting for a romantic dinner or special event. Specializing in New England cuisine, the menu includes organic steaks and fresh seafood dishes, as well as pastas, sandwiches and thin-crust pizza. The restaurant and wine bar is open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, with dinner service only on Saturday. It is closed on Sunday. Reservations are accepted online or by phone.
ParkerHouse Grill & Wine Bar
131 Sixth Ave. SW
Calgary, AB
Canada
403-237-9585
parkerhouse.ca
