Best French Restaurants in Calgary

by Tsering Asha

Each year, we ask Avenue readers to vote for their favourite restaurants in Calgary in our Best Restaurants readers’ choice ballot. These are some of their favourite places in the city.

Winner

Cassis Bistro

Cassis Bistro delivers exquisite French fare in a modern, charming space. Executive chef Dominique Moussu curates a menu inspired by owner Gilles Brassart’s background in the south of France using local, seasonal produce, and the bistro offers takeaway menus, daily specials and special event menus regularly. Be sure to try dishes like the beef tartare au couteau, featuring Alberta beef striploin and duck fat potato chips.

2505 17 Ave. S.W., 403-262-0036, thecassisbistro.ca, @cassisbistro

Runners-up

La Boulangerie

You could have breakfast (all day), brunch, lunch or dessert at this family-owned restaurant that literally translates to “the bakery.” With items like the Nutella banana crepe (and other sweet and savoury crepes), the pepper salami croissant sandwich, French onion soup, baguette sandwiches and more, there’s something for everyone here.

2435 4 St. S.W., 403-984–9294, la-boulangerie-calgary.com, @laboulangerieyyc

FinePrint

FinePrint’s space is as memorable as its food — the brick and sandstone building on Stephen Avenue was constructed in 1893 and used to house the Calgary Herald, the city’s oldest running newspaper (and more recently, restaurants like Divino). But since 2022, it’s been the home of fine-dining restaurant FinePrint. Head chef Francis Martinez’s menu highlights local producers and fresh ingredients in dishes like Hokkaido scallops, the Brome Lake duck breast duo, braised short rib bourguignon and more.

113 8 Ave. S.W., 403-475-5655, fineprintyyc.com, @fineprintyyc

The Eden

This self-proclaimed “blue collar bistro” is a family-owned-and-operated establishment led by chef Dirk McCabe. The Eden is known for events like live music performances on Friday evenings and a menu that includes both brunch items (think Lyonnaise salad or a croque madame) and dinner dishes like steak and frites, prawn toast, oysters and more.

1219 9 Ave. S.E., 403-266-1005, edenbistro.ca, @the.eden.inglewood

Bar Chouette

This contemporary spot opened by chef Duncan Ly in 2023 is known for its beautifully designed space (courtesy of Amanda Hamilton Interior Design), delicious cocktails and inviting food menu. Try dishes like roasted sea bass, squid ink spaghetti and beef tartare on your next visit.

130, 227 11 Ave. S.W., barchouette.ca, @thebarchouette