Restaurants
Bistro Jo Jo , 917-17th Ave SW (tel 245-2382). If you want to eat good French food, but balk at the typically high prices, try the exceptional cuisine in this marble-tiled and red-banquette-filled restaurant. Moderate-expensive. Caesar's Steakhouse , 512 4th Ave SW and 10816 Macleod Trail S (tel 264-1222 or 278-3930). Best place for a huge, perfect steak in the sort of wonderfully cheesy steakhouse - think dimly lit "Roman" decor - that's been around for decades. Chianti Cafe and Restaurant , 1438-17th Ave SW (tel 229-1600). A favourite local spot for years: dark, noisy, well priced and extremely popular (try to book), with no-nonsense pasta basics and the odd fancy dish. Patio for summer dining outdoors. Recommended. Divino's , 1st St and 9th Ave SW. Cafe and wine bar opposite the Palliser hotel with rather faux mahogany-Tiffany chandelier interior, but good Italian food and particularly noteworthy desserts. Earl's . This ever-reliable mid-range chain, serving North American food, has six outlets around Calgary, the most popular of which is probably that at 2401-4th St SW (tel 228-4141). Galaxie Diner , 1413-11th St SW (tel 228-0001). Very popular place with authentic diner decor, great breakfasts and fine open grill served at moderate prices. Daily 8am-4pm. Hy's , 316 4th Ave SW (tel 263-2222). This deep red-carpeted institution has been serving prime Albertan beef in vast quantities since 1955. Moderate-expensive. Joey Tomato's , Eau Claire Market (tel 263-6336). This inexpensive Mediterranean-style grill is part of a small chain, but no worse for that, and is a lively, informal place for a good meal among the plethora of choices in and around the Eau Claire market. River Cafe , Prince Island Park (tel 261-7670). With Teatro , this is the best of Calgary's restaurants for lunch or dinner: innnovative Canadian "Northwestern" cuisine and an informal atmosphere on Prince's Island Park, across the bridge from the Eau Claire Market. Be sure to book. Silver Dragon , 106-3rd Ave SE (tel 264-5326). The first choice in town for an inexpensive Chinese meal: this place has been around for over 30 years and uses a team of 15 Hong Kong-trained chefs to conjure up a menu of some 200 dishes. Teatro , 200-8th Ave SE (tel 290-1012). This is the place to come if you want to dress up a little and drop a little money: the fine Italian-influenced food is on a par with that of the less formal River Cafe . Booking is essential.
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