The 8 Best Private Dining Rooms in Calgary That Can Make Any Meal Feel Extra Special
A few years ago, my family decided to splurge and treat my mother to something nice on her birthday. We ended up reserving a table at a fancy restaurant that she had always wanted to go to.
It just so happens that her birthday fell on a busy night. During our meal, we noticed that our servers weren’t very attentive and were somewhat distracted. We were also unlucky to be seated right next to a very noisy group of friends.
So, despite the food being great, everything else kind of dampened the mood. From then on, we swore to always reserve an intimate and private dining room whenever we wanted to celebrate an occasion.
If you’re looking for suggestions on where to go, you’ve come to the right place. These are the best private dining rooms in Calgary that are worth booking for a group meal.
1. Bridgette Bar
– Media credit: thebridgettebar
Address: 739 10 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 700 0191
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 2:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Must-order: Eggplant Fries
Bridgette Bar is the kind of place that attracts those who appreciate the finer things in life. We assume it’s where the city’s best artists, poets, and musicians like to eat and hang out.
When you see their menu, you’d probably agree. Their chefs are really creative in adding twists to classic dishes, like their Maple BBQ Rainbow Trout and Vodka Tomato Ricotta Dumplings.
Remember to pick out some dishes from their vegetable selection too, since those tend to be where they shine. The Beet Salad, Truffle Mushroom Rigatoni, and Roasted Cauliflower are all bestsellers.
However, nothing compares to their Eggplant Fries. Apart from being plated beautifully, these have a flavorful, crispy exterior and come with an amazing yogurt sauce on the side.
All of these and other standout dishes are included in their private dining room’s group menu. The space can seat up to 18 people and looks just as trendy as the rest of the restaurant.
| Pro tip: As you can probably tell from their name, the drinks are just as good as the food at Bridgette Bar. The best time to dine here is from 2 PM to 5 PM, when their drinks are half-priced for happy hour. |
2. Vintage Chophouse and Tavern
– Media credit: vintagechopyyc
Address: 320 11 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 262 7262
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Must-order: Canada Prime Bone-In Porterhouse
Vintage Chop House and Tavern has been one of the top steakhouses in Calgary ever since it opened in 2003. Their kitchen is known for serving some of the best cuts of meat in the city.
Their Canada Prime Bone-In Porterhouse in particular is to die for. The meat always comes out juicy and cooked to perfection. And we’ve yet to meet anyone who hasn’t fallen in love with their Bone Marrow Butter.
In case it still isn’t obvious, this restaurant serves food that can make anyone feel like a VIP. The whole experience can be even more luxurious when enjoyed in one of their private rooms.
You can choose between the Beringer Room, which is semi-enclosed, or the completely private Legacy Room. Either way, you and your group will have some peace to fully relish your sumptuous food.
| Pro tip: If you choose to celebrate something special at Vintage Chophouse and Tavern, let the staff know about it. They’re generous when it comes to giving away celebratory freebies like drinks and desserts. |
3. Rodney’s Oyster House
– Media credit: rodneyscalgary
Address: 355 10 Ave SW
Contact details: +1 403 460 0026
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – Closed
Must-order: Scallops
If you’re craving seafood, Rodney’s Oyster House is the place to go to. With marine decor and boat elements (like paddles and ropes) all over the place, you’ll probably be saying ‘Ahoy, matey!’ once your food reaches the table.
Even their private dining room, AKA The Government Wharf, is decked out with ocean-related accessories. The only thing that’s somewhat out of place is the TV, which is either used for watching live sports games or having Zoom calls and presentations.
Once you’re seated, don’t waste any time and order any of their scallop dishes right away. Whether you choose to have them alone or part of a pasta, they’re always huge, buttery, and seared perfectly.
| Pro tip: For us, the happiest ‘Happy Hour’ happens at Rodney’s Oyster House, thanks to their discounted seafood dishes. Drop by between 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays or after 10 PM on weekends for affordable yet premium oysters, scallops, calamari, and more. |
4. Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
– Media credit: hysteakhouse
Address: 8 Avenue, 3 St SW
Contact details: +1 403 663 3363
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday – 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Must-order: Steak Diane
When we think of Calgary institutions, Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar always comes to mind. They’ve been around for over 70 years, and we honestly can’t imagine the city without them.
Despite their longevity, the restaurant doesn’t look dated at all. In fact, the decor is what we consider timeless and elegant. It’s probably why customers of all ages enjoy their time here.
You can make your visit even more exceptional by having a meal in one of their private spaces. And if you want to go all out with the party planning for this, their managers would happily help you out with placing decor or customizing a menu.
We highly recommend adding Steak Diane for the latter. This is a savory steak carefully prepared tableside, so your guests can see just how they get their meat so soft.
| Pro tip: Whenever you dine at Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar, always make sure to leave some room for dessert. A meal here isn’t complete without their superb Bananas Foster as the finishing touch. |
5. One18 Empire
– Media credit: one18empire
Address: 820 Centre St S
Contact details: +1 403 269 0299
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday – 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 6:30 AM to 12:00 AM
- Saturday – 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Sunday – 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Must-order: Whiskey
Expect nothing but bold flavors at One18 Empire. This is a restaurant for those who are looking for excitement and adventure. And nothing is more exciting than having a private meal in the McTavish Room.
Apart from a fully customized menu, you and your guests will be treated to a whiskey tasting experience. You can sample 3 to 5 whiskeys out of the 300 bottles in their collection.
You’ll also have a front-row seat to an Old Fashioned demonstration. This is when your server prepares an exquisite drink right in front of you, complete with smoke for drama and taste.
And since you’re not supposed to drink on an empty stomach, we recommend getting some of their Small Plates. They have food items that pair really well with their whiskey, such as their Smoked Beef Tartare and Grilled Oysters.
| Pro tip: If you ever get the chance to dine at One18 Empire outside of a group setting, you should order an Old Fashioned again. They’ll prepare it tableside and allow you to customize it by giving you options for the smoke, bitters, alcohol, and syrup. |
6. The Lake House
– Media credit: thelakehouseyyc
Address: 747 Lake Bonavista Dr SE
Contact details: +1 403 225 3939
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 1:45 PM, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Monday – Closed
Must-order: Sticky Toffee Pudding
It’s hard to think of a Calgary restaurant that has a better location than The Lake House. Situated right next to Lake Bonavista, the restaurant has access to picturesque views of the water and its natural surroundings.
This is why they’re such a popular venue for weddings and corporate events. Many customers book their private dining room, which has floor-to-ceiling windows that perfectly frame the lake.
What’s even better is that the interior decor is just as magnificent as the views outside. The room is furnished with chandeliers, vintage furniture, and a stunning grand fireplace. It’s a splendid place to have a delicious meal.
If you ask us, their whole menu is excellent, but the Sticky Toffee Pudding is on a whole ‘nother level. It’s rich but not overwhelmingly sweet, so be prepared to reach for another as soon as you’re done with your first serving.
| Pro tip: The best time to eat at The Lake House is right before sunset. You’ll be able to see the lake change colors as it reflects the sun’s golden hour hue. |
7. Fortuna’s Row
– Media credit: fortunas.row
Address: 421 Riverfront Ave SE
Contact details: +1 403 243 0069
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Must-order: Pincho
Fortuna’s Row is heavily influenced by Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and more. The result is an electrifying blend of contemporary Latin American cuisine and culture.
This is why the restaurant has a unique atmosphere that many customers love. The Latin music, moody lighting, plants, and wooden decor all make you feel like you’ve been transported out of Calgary instantly.
Even the private dining room is distinctly Latin American. Inside, it has a long table that can accommodate up to 20 guests, symbolizing the importance of a big, close-knit family in the culture.
They also have family-style set meals that come with multiple courses and a wide range of flavors. Our favorite dish from this is definitely the Pincho, which is a smoky grilled sirloin that comes with some spicy Morita Salsa.
| Pro tip: Besides the private dining room, one of the best places to eat at Fortuna’s Row is by the bar. This will allow you to watch their highly-skilled chefs as they meticulously prepare each dish. |
8. Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant
– Media credit: bowvalleyrancherestaurant
Address: Fish Creek Provincial Park, 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE
Contact details: +1 403 476 1310
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Wednesday, Friday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Thursday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Monday – Closed
Must-order: Surf and Turf
Bow Valley Ranche is both a restaurant and a historical landmark that’s been in Calgary since 1896. There are even theories that the very idea of the Calgary Stampede was developed in this house.
With such a rich history behind it, why would you say no to a private dining experience inside one of its rooms? Eating a meal here would feel like you just stepped back in time.
John Glenn’s Wolf Den, which can accommodate up to 12 guests, is especially ideal for intimate events. It’s decorated simply but elegantly, with vintage furniture and majestic paintings.
We can’t imagine a better place from which you can enjoy the restaurant’s mouthwatering Surf and Turf. Outside of this dish, we’ve never had bison meat this tender. Meanwhile, the scallops and prawns always taste incredibly fresh.
| Pro tip: Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant hosts their own exciting events from time to time, such as afternoon high tea sessions. You can find out if there are any upcoming events you can join by checking their online channels. |