Très grand bistros: Best French restaurants in Calgary

From niçoise salad to duck confit and steak frites, classic French bistro fare is très grand on Calgary’s restaurant scene. No trend-hoppers, these dedicated French restaurants serve bistro cuisine so magnifique you might as well be dining in Paris.

Très grand bistros: Best French restaurants in Calgary
Ian Doig By

Cassis Bistro

1
27 Queen, Lakefield, ON K0L 2H0

Highly acclaimed for its authentic French cuisine, Cassis has been called one of the country’s top restaurants. The bistro’s seasonal menu may feature appetizers such as seafood cassolette and beef tartare au couteau served with duck-fat potato chips. Entrees may include wild trout, steak frites as well as a daily fish dish and daily French regional classic.

Avec Bistro

2
105-550 11 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1M7

This elegant and intimate spot features an easy-going vibe that only gets better after a nice glass of Champagne or a Drink French Fluently cocktail. From there, head for an appetizer such as baby squid with espelette and fennel sausage and then on to grilled lamb with parsley and mint risotto. Ask about gluten-free meal options.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

Fleur De Sel Brasserie

3
2015 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2S 1W6

This very intimate Fourth Street Southwest restaurant serves classic French appetizers such as Marseille fish soup, escargots and foie gras with Sauternes (sweet white wine). Equally Frenchy entrees include Magret of Duck, cassoulet grille de Toulouse and seafood choucroute.

Custom Kitchen

4
113-1803 60 St Se, Calgary, AB T2B 0M5

Overflowing with good humour and refined deliciousness, Parc is handsomely appointed in black-and-white tile and warm wood, and seating revolves around a central bar. The French brasserie serves fine European food. Naturally, its wine menu is tops. Its à la carte menu features a generous assortment of dishes in several courses including mains such as steak frites, orange-sauce duck with lentils and a French-accented burger that’s magnifique. Regular nightly features include classic French dishes from beef bourguignon to cassoulet.

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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