This is a fish ‘n’ chips town that also loves its sushi. Though dedicated seafood restaurants are something of a rarity, good seafood is not hard to find. As the list below indicates, some of the city’s finest fish dinners share equal menu billing with steak.
A fine seafood restaurant with a casual diner feel, Big Fish on Edmonton Trail is owned by acclaimed chef Dwayne Ennest, whose sister establishment down the road, Open Range, happens to serve some of the city’s best steak. Also an Ocean Wise supporter, its menu includes Canadian oysters and mussels plus fish feasts incorporating salmon, Arctic char, walleye and more. Try the smoked oysters, and drop in for the seafood paella served every Sunday.
Though red meat comprises two thirds of its cuisine concept, Ric’s Grill in Four Points Calgary Airport serves a lengthy list of seafood dishes. Appetizers include seared scallops, ahi tuna carpaccio and New England clam chowder. Served with seasonal veggies and basmati rice pilaf, its generous mains include Alaskan king crab served with hot butter and a duo of Nova Scotia lobster tails served with — you guessed it — butter. Also try the prawn and scallop linguine.
Though not a fish restaurant, this fine dining spot just off Macleod Trail and 42 Avenue Southeast serves superb seafood. Appetizers include grilled Canadian lobster as well as seared tuna, while seafood entrees range from Arctic char with mussels in Thai red curry and tomato sauce, to panko-crusted prawns.
The city’s undisputed No. 1 seafood server, the two-level restaurant features The Oyster Bar, a casual shell-shuckin’ saloon on its main floor, and Catch, a contemporary white tablecloth dining room, upstairs. Located in the beautiful sandstone Imperial Bank of Canada building on Stephen Avenue Walk, the place serves sustainable Ocean Wise approved fish and shellfish flown in daily from both coasts.