Calgary is steak-central and there’s no sign the city’s hunger for great grilled beef is ever going to diminish. In fact, this beefy obsession always seems to take on new dimensions as top restaurants attempt to outdo each other with bigger, better and more beautiful cuts of meat.
A sumptuous two-level steakhouse located in a beautifully appointed historical building on Stephen Avenue Walk, this is an ideal place to get your steak fix. Key to the restaurant’s meaty reputation is its butter-brushed Angus Reserve beef. House cuts include sirloin, New York and rib eye. Absolutely try a tableside-carved “house roast” including the bone-in rib eye and the Chateaubriand tenderloin.
With its sociable and relaxed vibe and plenty of business-dinner appropriate polish, Vintage regularly stacks up wine-and-dine awards. Try the Canada Prime New York strip, rib eye or the rib chop for two. Or — and you will not regret this — defer to the chef, and sign up for the butcher’s block cut of the night.
Legendary among Calgary steakhouses, Caesar’s has been a favourite haunt of the city’s business movers and shakers since the 1970s. The burgundy velvet and dark-wood interior of its flagship downtown location create an atmosphere that seemingly enhances the flavour of its premium, aged Alberta beef. Cut to order, steak dinners include filet mignon, T-bone and New York Strip.
One of the city’s oldest and best-loved steak spots, Wellington’s Steak House remains a hit with patrons, local celebrities and food critics alike. With warm, subdued lighting and country club decor, its dining room features a glass-enclosed grilling area in which chef Nick Georgoulis sears fine cuts of beef. And, yes, the beef Wellington is highly recommended.
A stylish update on the steakhouse of old, Modern Steak is a bright and inviting multi-level spot located in Kensington just off the south side of the main boutique and restaurant strip. The featured meat is locally produced, well-aged cuts of wagyu and Angus beef. Accompanying appetizers include updates on French onion soup, shrimp cocktail, wedge salads and fondue.