The numerous patios of Calgary all offer their own unique outdoor dining experiences: relaxation with a drink, family picnics, private parties, brunch, lunch, or dinner. But the one thing all these patios have in common are their scenic Calgary views. And even when it comes to the most scenic patios in Calgary, you’ll find something different at each place.
You can dine on a rooftop in downtown Calgary, where you can 360-degree views of the skyline, the hills, or the mountains; you can dine in the lower valley of the Bow River, where you’re surrounding by nature; or you can take your dining to one of the many historic or just down-right-beautiful restaurants hidden across Calgary.
Deane House
Whether you are planning a date night or casual day out, you can never go wrong with a table at the Deane House’s secret garden patio surrounded by gardens and views of the river.
Deane House: 806 9 Avenue SE
Phone: (403) 264-0595
Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant
The building, the location, the landscaping, and the menu, all come together to make Bow Valley Ranche one of the most beautiful patio experiences in Calgary. The historic landmark building is situated in Fish Creek Provincial Park where you can plan a picnic, the Ranche’s Royal Affair Dome Dinner, Afternoon Tea, or a quaint afternoon meal or drink.
Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE
Phone: (403) 476-1310
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Lake House Restaurant
Located on Lake Bonavista, Lake House Restaurant features special dinners and brunches with an extensive wine and cocktail menu. Plus the menu features game meats from their very own game ranch just South of Calgary.
Lake House Restaurant: 747 Lake Bonavista Dr SE, Calgary
Phone: 403-225-3939
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River Cafe
Prince’s Island Park is a serene and natural setting in the heart of downtown Calgary. And on the Bow River Island Park, you’ll find the River Café nestled in the trees. You can take a picnic from the Café to-go, and head anywhere in the park, or stay close to the pretty yet rustic restaurant building. No matter your decision, these beautiful patio areas will guarantee you a memorable dining experience.
River Cafe: Prince’s Island Park 698 Eau Claire Ave. SW
Phone: (403) 261-7670
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Teatro Restaurant
Under the large trees at Teatro, you’re guaranteed a nice view in spring, summer, and fall: from blooming flowers to lush greens, and the dark autumn leaves, Teatro is easily one of the most scenic patios in Calgary. This fine dining establishment has plenty of space inside and outside where you can pick from their award-winning wine cellar’s list, sit down to a gourmet meal, or plan a private event.
Teatro: 200 8 Ave SE
Phone: (403) 290-1012
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Rouge Inglewood
The park-like patio at Rouge is a relaxing way to enjoy fine gourmet dining in an historic environment. Rouge sits in the Cross House, once home to Calgary and Western Canada’s first brewery: the Calgary Brewing and Malting Co. The Inglewood building is now home to one of the most beautiful patios in Calgary, where you can sip wine and cocktails, snack on appetizers, and soak in the surrounding beauty.
Rouge Inglewood: 1240 8 Ave SE
Phone: (403) 531-2767
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Alloy Dining
Drop by Alloy’s patio for a lunch or dinner in a perfect mix of urban and natural landscapes. The private deck area off the Alloy restaurant uses the tall natural trees surrounding it for your shade, a concrete walkway for plenty of space, and spaces for sunshine if you prefer. Pair any of their wines or spirits from their impressive list with fine lunch and dinner options or one of their three summer-ready desserts.
Alloy Dining: 220 42 Ave SE
Phone: (403) 287-9255
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Simmons Rooftop Bar
Simmons offers a relaxing rooftop vibe with unbeatable views of the Bow River and the surrounding hilltops. Their menu hosts many local craft beers as well as half a dozen pizza flavours to snack on while you enjoy the Calgary parkland views. Every once in a while, this rooftop bar starts bumping with live music and entertainment, too!
Simmons Rooftop Bar: 618 Confluence Way SE
Phone: (403) 452-3115
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Michael’s Pizza
We’re not sure if the views from the rooftop or the deep-dish pizzas are what make Michael’s more worth a visit; so, you’ll have to come decide yourself! The patio provides the most iconic Calgary view of all: straight up the Calgary tower. And the pizza is made with authentic local ingredients. It must be a combination of the pizza and the view then which make Michael’s rooftop patio worth a visit to downtown Calgary.
Michael’s Pizza: 139 10 Ave SW
Phone: (403) 264-6731
National on 8th
The city views off the National rooftop patio put you in a beautiful urban setting for enjoying their gourmet pizzas, crafty cocktails, and weekend brunches. The large outdoor area has spaces for sunbathers and spaces for shade-seekers, but you can also dine under the downtown Calgary lights at night.
National on 8th: #360 225 8 Ave. SW
Phone: (403) 237-5556
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CRAFT Beer Market Downtown
In addition to being a great place to try local craft beers, CRAFT downtown is also a great place to enjoy city views. Their rooftop patio is a large and trendy space with its own bar, and shelters for rainy days. Enjoy your fine pub food, craft beer, and cocktails in the open air of downtown Calgary- rain or shine.
CRAFT Beer Market Downtown: 345 10 Ave SW
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Charbar
At Charbar, you can food and you can expect fire. They do offer a range of starters and salads, but their entrees are hot off the grill: entrees like NY Striploin, Dry-aged Porterhouse, 9-Spice Half-chicken, or the Gaucho burger. And enjoy all of it on their beautiful riverside patio! The large space offers shelter from the rain, a warm atmosphere, and Charbar’s drink selection on-hand.
Charbar: 618 Confluence Way SE
Phone: (403) 452-3115
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Murrieta’s West Coast Bar & Grill
Murrieta’s is celebrating 20 years of service in southwest Alberta, so come enjoy their patio with a congratulations to this local bar and grill. They are in the historic Alberta Hotel Building, offering a pretty backdrop to the patio’s downtown views. The fine dining offered here ranges from starters and appetizers, to entrees, desserts, and drinks.
Murrieta’s West Coast Bar & Grill: #200 808 1 St. SW
Phone: (403) 269-7707
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The Lookout Kitchen & Bar
The Lynx Ridge Golf Club is home to a patio located in a quiet foothill paradise complete with stunning rocky mountain views. The Lookout Kitchen & Bar provides in-house and patio dining options, but you’ll want to catch these views with their new summer menu. Their large menu draws inspiration from all around the world with dishes like Calamari, Loaded Nachos, a Cubano sandwich, or Pierogies.
The Lookout Kitchen & Bar: 8 Lynx Ridge Blvd
Phone: (403) 930-7359
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Bonterra Trattoria
The gorgeous patio at Bonterra in the centre of Calgary’s downtown is an enclosed space which makes you feel as though you’re in the centre of a Tuscan villa. As you bask in the fresh air and natural outdoor décor, you can choose from a menu of Italian-inspired dishes made with local Alberta ingredients. And if you’re out for patio drinks, you can stop in for a glass of wine on the terrace!
Bonterra Trattoria: 1016 8 St SW
Phone: (403) 262-8480
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Hotel Arts
There is no other patio experience in Calgary like the one at Hotel Arts: they have you dining poolside in a natural atmosphere with options for full sun exposure or for hiding out in the shade. And to truly cool off, just take a dip! For non-hotel guests, there is a $20 entrance fee (added to your final food and drink bill), but all pool & patio guests at Hotel Arts have access to Weekend Brunch, Dessert, Drink, and Daily Eats menus.
Hotel Arts: 119 12 Ave SW
Phone: (403) 266-4611
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Free House
Book your spot at this wicked patio in Kensington where both the upstairs and downstairs patios are lush with green plants and colourful flowers. Free House gives you the option of a rooftop or streetside patio, but either way, you’ll want to check out their extensive local beer list. And this June, Free House hosts “A Taste of the Mountains,” where select Rocky Mountain brews are on special.
Free House Beer Bar: 1153 Kensington Crescent NW
Phone: (403) 452-1339
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