Romantic first-date restaurants in Calgary

Calgary’s best first-date dining spots feature a little extra something special. Maybe it’s an engaging activity that sparks conversation, or maybe it’s a romantic view that will inspire, well, romance. These Calgary eateries have just that extra ingredient critical in making first-date magic.

Romantic first-date restaurants in Calgary
Ian Doig By

Sky 360

1
101 9 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 1J9

Featuring a particularly amour-inspiring panoramic view of the city and the Rockies beyond at sunset, Sky 360 rotates a full turn about once an hour. The restaurant at the top of the Calgary tower also serves suitably special contemporary Canadian cuisine.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Julios Barrio

2
1110 Memorial Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3E3

If your date likes a good party, Julio’s is loud, proud and well suited to a younger crowd. A jumpin’ multi-level Mexi-castle serving burritos, beers, margaritas and margaritas with beer in them (bulldogs), its mid-level outdoor patio offers a warm-weather view of the Bow River.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Sushi Ginza Japanese Restaurant Willowpark

3
276-10816 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2J 5N8

Start your first date visit to this pleasant Japanese restaurant at its floating sushi bar. Take turns picking from the easily sharable and delicious boatloads of nigiri sushi, and, if all goes well, retreat to an intimate tatami room for sake and sweet nothings.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Cafe Koi

4
100-1011 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1J2

Relaxing conversation-level live jazz and DJs create a date-appropriate atmosphere at this comfortably hip downtown dinner-and-drinks spot. Its Asian-fusion menu features a number of delicious vegetarian dishes and its drink menu features cocktails both fun and adventuresome.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

National on 10th

5
341 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0A5

It’s first-come, first-served in the way-cool basement 10-pin bowling alley at National on 10th. Should you and your date have to wait, run upstairs for cut-above pub grub and craft beer or retreat to the très-chic Bourbon Room for a cushy round of brown-liquor taste testing.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:
More from Ian Doig Ian Doig
Ian Doig’s week may include dim sum lunch with friends, rummaging through indie bookstore shelves as well as scribbling in his notepad at Calgary shops and farmers’ markets. It most often concludes with a relaxing Friday evening pint of locally brewed craft beer.
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