1131 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3P4, Canada
We offer global and traditional elevated table side dining in a modern and sophisticated setting. Using local products to create independently inspired menus. Hand crafted cocktails, local beers and a boutique wine list. Book an online reservation today!
Sunday night dinner for 4. We had a delicious 5 course tasting. Not busy and loud. Attentive staff - owner.
You want a Michelin Star meal, without Michelin Star pricing? Do yourself a favor and come here before people start to catch onto this hidden gem. The food is incredible, and the atmosphere is unmatched. Eric and Dawn have put so much effort into making this place feel like an extension of your own living room, and provide you with the hospitality and friendliness that make you feel like family. Pierce and Hannah give this place an extra level of care that you won’t find anywhere else. The food was so good, that if I didn’t have manners, I would have licked my plate clean (and trust me, I left NOTHING in the lobster bisque bowl, let along the Beef Wellington plate). Try this place out. You won’t be sorry. (And get the bananas. You’ll thank yourself later)
We celebrated my best friends birthday here and had great time! The staff was really friendly and the service was good. The food was also tasty. I did not go with the chefs tasting menu, but my friend did and they liked it! We will likely come back again, thanks for the good night 👍🏽
TLDR: Amazing place with amazing food if you are patient. My wife and I recently dined at The Continental for her birthday, despite initially seeing mixed reviews. I'm thrilled we decided to take a chance, because it turned out to be one of the best dining experiences we've ever had. The evening started with a delightful crab cake that was perfectly cooked, flavorful, and set the tone for what was to come. The lobster bisque followed, rich and creamy with just the right amount of seasoning. The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the beef Wellington. It was cooked to perfection, with tender beef encased in flaky pastry – a true culinary masterpiece. The meal concluded with a sticky toffee pudding that was simply out of this world. It was the perfect blend of sweetness and warmth, leaving us both wanting more. A small note: be patient with the service. Given that this seems to be a boutique restaurant, the service might take a bit longer, but it's definitely worth the wait. Overall, the place exceeded our expectations in every way. The ambiance, service, and especially the food, made my wife's birthday dinner a night we won't soon forget. If you're on the fence due to the mixed reviews, I highly recommend giving it a try – you won't be disappointed!
Came on a Saturday and it was busy. Very accommodating, great drinks with attention to detail and great atmosphere. Love the John Wick theme - wait til you see what they can do with a pencil! 10/10 would recommend.
Dear owner, This review is solely our experience and does not meant to discourage or encourage people to go to this restaurant. I do not own a restaurant and will not benefit a penny from any review whatsoever. The note that I left below was based on a deleted owner's note. *** Just a note added after the restaurant response. I think they mixed up different people here. On reservation, we called 5 minutes before our reservation and informed them we will be late by 5 minutes as a courtesy. When we arrived they mentioned they need the table by 6:50 which gives us a plenty of time to dine. I only meant this is not welcoming when you warn people on their time even though it is far far away. Google review was never a social media opportunity as you cannot monetize it. To confirm I do not have any social media activity that results in a cent of revenue. For the record, we paid the bill in full with 18% tip since the host (apparently the restaurant owner) was very polite and attending. We let them know about the issue after the payment. we did not ask for free food. *** I adjust my review to make sure this does not result in discouraging people to attend the business in future as our experience can be an isolated one. ... We usually do fine dining a couple of times a year especially for our anniversary. Tonight we tried the Continental based on other people reviews. Unfortunately the experience was not the best. To start we reserved our table for 5 PM. Upon we arrived with 5 mins delay, our host told us you have to leave before 10 to 7 as they have other reservations. Fair enough but not the best welcome. We didn't go for their 5/7 courses and did an a la carte order. The scallops were cooked to perfection 5/5 with nice sear and translucent core. The drinks were pretty good as well. 4 to 5 The salad was fine but nothing extraordinary 3/5. The duck was somewhat overcooked, dry, and they could not get rid of the poultry after taste 2/5. The rack of lamb was burned to charcoal on the fat side. The carbon taste creeped to all components of the dish and after 2 hours of having it, I still have the carbon taste in my mouth. The salt was too pronounced as well, so high that it could make it way through the carbon taste 0/5. We told the host and showed them the carbon (changed from the first host) about it and they said they will let the kitchen know. The first host came with the bill and when we told them about the issue they had no idea and said we should let him know beforehand so they can change it. Fair enough, however, that charcoal should not make its way to the plate in the first place. We generally don't like to ruin our anniversary with arguing on food. Unfortunately the picture is not from the burnt fat side. All dishes were served with the same mash and veg. I may not visit again. Judging from the bad and good reviews, It can be a large swing between hit and miss, but appears to have more good reviews so up to people to decide.
What a find!! Cosy French restaurant with great music, fantastic service and truly excellent food. We enjoyed our anniversary dinner here and had the chef’s tasting menu with the wine pairing. We enjoyed a modern feast! First a PEI oyster as an amuse-bouche, then a lovely beet and bocconcini salad, rich vichyssoise, fantastic beef tartare, and duck breast were some of the tasty courses. We will definitely return to this fine restaurant with friends.
We went here on a date and must say this restaurant is one of the top 3 fine dining restaurant we have been to in Calgary. The food was very good, atmosphere was romantic, cocktail was incredible and the service is top notch. We tried some of their most popular dishes and the presentation were very nice and they were all very tasty. Will definitely return for another visit when we get the chance.
Food was great and the service was prompt and professional. Friends had the chefs tasting course and said it was amazing. Highly recommend.
I had my retirement dinner celebration with my family (party of 10) back in October. It was truly made special because of the outstanding service and the ambience. Above all, the food which was a set - 5 course dinner was amazing. I highly recommend this gem in Kensington.
My Girlfriend and I had dinner here to celebrate her promotion. We received an very warm welcome, followed by incredible and speedy service. The food was excellent and atmosphere is great as well. Get the chefs menu and wine pairing!
I made the huge mistake of choosing this place to celebrate my birthday, expecting a nice dinner with wine. Instead, it turned out to be the worst dining experience of my life, hands down. I mentioned that it was a special occasion, but that didn t seem to matter at all. I ve dined all over the world and have never encountered anything remotely close to this disaster. When we arrived at 9:50 pm, I mentioned that I had another reservation at 11:30 pm somewhere else for my birthday, but we had some time and just stopped in to enjoy a quick glass of wine if they had a table available. The waitress suggested we try their food, assuring us the kitchen was open until 10:30, so we went ahead and ordered a medium-well steak. What we got, however, was completely raw. When we politely pointed this out, the waitress apologized, admitting she had mistakenly noted it as medium-rare and promised to bring us a new one. Instead, she brought back the same steak, re-cooked, despite us clearly asking for a fresh one any steak lover knows re-cooking ruins the meat. Then things got truly bizarre. Out of nowhere, a woman claiming to be the chef stormed over to our table and bluntly told us she doesn t like changing orders. She even had the nerve to say, the door s open before hurling insults, using language I wouldn t expect anywhere, let alone in a restaurant. As if that wasn t enough, another person from the restaurant got involved, stood up, and challenged my husband to a fight! Though I was shocked by the absurdity of it all, I was fortunate to have been recording a moment with my husband at the time, so my phone kept recording her outrageous behavior and words as she cursed at us and kicked us out. I respect people s privacy, though otherwise, I would have shared it as evidence. I have no idea how a chef thinks it s acceptable to scream at customers simply because she recooked a steak, and then, because it was after 10:30, decided to throw us out! It was honestly shocking and deeply disappointing to witness such disrespect and lack of professionalism. This place is a complete waste of money, time, and dignity. I wouldn t recommend it to anyone, and I hope people realize that a sense of respect and class should come before starting any business. Absolutely shameful. P.S: I just updated my review after going through others because I was curious why they have a 4.7 rating despite the poor behavior, food quality, and service. Sorting reviews from lowest to highest, I saw many similar experiences, with the owner responding defensively to each one, accusing people of spreading rumors instead of addressing the issues. Absolutely shameful.
The food and cocktails are great, but the duck is out of this world. We had the traditional Crepe Suzette (not on menu but ask for it) and it was the best Ive ever had. The pride and enthusiasm of the owner shows through all aspects of the experience. I cannot rate highly enough. 6 stars out of five!
Had the chefs tasting 7 courses. All were Devine and beautiful! Food was brought is a timely manor, service was top notch and the atmosphere was beautiful! One of the best dining experiences Ive had in a long time! Highly recommend!
This place is a perfect spot for anyone who appreciates exceptional food and amazing service. We had the 7 course chef tasting menu and each dish was beautifully crafted and full of flavor. The chef definitely puts heart into every bite. Simply outstanding. Will be back to try more dishes.
Amazing!! Great food, wonderful staff. I highly recommend the wine pairing with your dinner too!!
The restaurant was fantastic and the food was great. My celiac friend felt so supported here. Keshia was amazing. She helped us celebrate our friends celiac anniversary. Would recommend for anyone visiting Edmonton. Vegetarian options: The French onion soup was great! Dietary restrictions: An amazing place for celiac people and vegetarians.
Great! A must in Calgary!!! Absolutely worth trying :)
This was kind of a strange dining experience. We decided to do the 7 course chefs tasting menu for our anniversary and it was....fine, overall. There was one standout dish on the tasting menu - the sablefish - but mostly everything else was interesting in theory but the execution was just off. The soup and salad were incredibly over salted. The tartar was brown on the edges and frozen in the middle. The foie gras came on a bone-dry piece of toast. The dessert seemed like a bit of an afterthought. Most of the menu was entirely forgettable. Not terrible, but, for the price, I expected more. Where things got a bit weird though was the service and the atmosphere of the restaurant overall. Our first waiter didnt seem to know much about wine, which is strange for a place that touts its wine pairings. For instance, when I asked should I get the Cab Sauv or the Malbec he said, I like red. The bartender/occasional waiter/guy who seemed to run the whole place was knowledgeable and was clearly invested in this place, and we appreciated him, but we went long stretches without seeing anyone at all and the pacing of the menu was really bizarre. The website warns of a 2 hour dining experience but we were there for about 3.5 hours and had the first three courses come out fairly quickly, and then nothing for about 40 minutes, and no one stopped by to see how we were doing. And finally the decor. The bar area has these giant TVs, which were all on, so we were bathed in the light of a football game and some generic looping aerial drone shots of an unnamed European village turned up to maximum brightness. And can someone please explain to me why there are two armchairs in the ladies bathroom stall next to the toilet? Who is sitting in there with me? How do you clean them? Why is there so much space in that one stall and no space anywhere else? Anyway, it was just not a great night, but I will give credit in that I will remember this anniversary forever as I think about those chairs every day for the rest of my life.
The food was hit and miss with good appetizer and bad main. I was not planning to rate this restaurant, however, the owner kept sending my phone threatening texts. The lone star is due to this behavior, otherwise the food we experience was a 2 to 2.5
The chefs choice 5 course with wine paring was exceptional, even if you did not love the food it was impossible not to appreciate the flavours, the plaiting and thought that went into each dish. I personally loved every dish and will be back every time I m in Calgary. What an awesome culinary experience.
First time visit last night. We had a great experience! Food was 10/10! Service was 10/10! Did I mention the food was amazing? The table side Ceaser and flaming cocktail was a very nice touch! I can t wait to go back. Highly recommended!
Dining here was a true delight! The atmosphere was cozy, the service was top-notch ; thank you Eric, and the food was exceptional. Every dish was beautifully prepared, full of flavor, and made with fresh ingredients. The scallops is a must-try! Dont miss out on their amazing drink selections I recommend their margarita! 10/10
Hubby and I drove from YEG to celebrate an early anniversary. I had googled fine dining Calgary (typically our go to for fine dining is Teatro they were closed for a private event) - The Continental YYC showed up and the menu of the restaurant tugged at my heartstrings. Whats even better the had bananas foster on the menu which is my favourite dessert. We walked in and was greeted by Pierce who was kind accommodating and very knowledgeable. He encouraged us to do the seven course tasting menu. We sat at this corner table facing the window and I immediately felt like I was in Europe. What an amazing experience! The food was delicious and the plating was simple yet elegant. My taste buds were in heaven. Every detail of this restaurant was well thought out and chosen with a purpose. Chef Eric made the experience very personal and shared with us his story of how the Continental YYC started. A lot of restaurants do not take the time to get to know you - this was a first for us! Our deepest appreciation to Pierce, Chef Eric and Chef Dawn for an unforgettable experience - we definitely will be back.
Very comfortable service without any rush. Supper was coursed excellently to allow enjoyment of a great wine list. Food was excellent. Portions are large -- great to share a couple of apps with a single main between two. Just happened upon it in an evening walk, and it was a great find. Definitely going back with a larger group.
3 starts is too much it s more 2.5 Food was mediocre. The Burrata salad was soaked in balsamic glaze and missing the pesto mention in recipe description. So just just tomatoes, greens and burrata with tons of balsamic glaze. I could make a better salad myself. When I eat out and pay for high end, I expect my experience to be elevated beyond what I can do myself with ease. The initial server was amazing and incredibly attentive. Helped me with my selection answered all the questions. They have a great selection of virgin drinks, which not all restaurants offer. When our steaks came out. The server changed unbeknownst to us. I don t like that, it the responsibility of the server or new server to introduce themselves and let us know they re taking care of us. Our steaks were good (I had better at earls) and the side on the plate were seasoned well and hot. My cook was off on my steak and cooked under. I asked for medium rare, closer to medium, it was rare!! Also another area I can unfortunately do better myself. I understand a slight different in cook, but to ask for what I did and get rare, not ok for a 55 dollar dish. I m sure the restaurant was too busy with walk-in to handle the clients, so someone from the kitchen stepped in to help (our new server) since we were the table closest to the kitchen. He had an apron on and definitely forgot about us. Cleared our dinner plates 20 mins after we were done. Then it was another 15-20 mins until he checked on us again. I wanted a banana foster but since it took 40-45 mins before I was asked about dessert my fiancé was over this restaurant. We will not be coming back. Not sure how this place has a 4.8 stars.
We were walking in the neighborhood when we decided to stop here for a glass of wine. Ended up ordering their 5 course meal with wine Pairing.. everything from service to food was such a treat. Thanks for the nice evening.
We have been to YYC Continental several times before and we have always enjoyed the experience. This visit was to celebrate my wifes birthday. Although it was an incredibly busy Tuesday evening Eric & Dawn pulled out all the stops to make this visit truly memorable. Thanks guys! A la prochaine!
Took my wife there for our anniversary. I gotta say we were blown away. The chefs tasting menu was perfect. This gotta be my favourite restaurant. Near the end we had a nice chat with the owners. 10
If you are looking for a restaurant that will make your evening special, Continental YYC is perfect. The ambiance, food and service are impeccable ... every time you go. They make any event something to remember. Excellent!
If it already isn t, this place could be a top 5 restaurant in Calgary. True professionals running the show here. I wish I had of known about this place sooner. My only criticism is that they might need more marketing! Approachable fine dining and cocktails at their best.
Fantastic food, awesome service, and a great wine list! We ll be back
Beautiful restaurant. Great good. Family friendly.
My wife and I just dined at The Continental tonight and I have to say it was probably one of the best restaurants we ve dined in! Incredible food and experience. Very cozy and beautiful restaurant with great staff. We will definitely come back!
This is the best dinner I have had in Calgary, by far! Excellent service, nice atmosphere, and absolutely incredible food. We came in as a party of 4, and everybody loved their meals. The cocktail I got was really good too. Will be back!
Very high end French cuisine
Went to a wine/dinner pairing at The Continental about 2 weeks ago and absolutely loved it. The food was outstanding and the wine was fantastic. I highly recommend going and experiencing this restaurant. Looking forward to going again.
We had an amazing experience at The Continental, its located right above Wine bar in Kensington. We ordered beef Tartare and Beef Wellingtons, which were delicious, the food here tastes amazing! Best beef wellington Ive had, the pomme puree was very tasty. The chef had asked how our meals were after we ate, she is very talented. The tableside bananas foster was delicious and a great way to cap our dinner. We were a party of 3 and all of us really felt we received great value for the price. Overall great food, cocktails and experience, with the service to match. Highly recommend this place for your next dinner outing or date night.
A MUST try, the best restaurant experience in the city. The family ran continental has food and drinks made with love. Can t wait to go back!
We were invited for dinner by a friend who suggested we try the 7 course meal with wine pairing. I am pretty sure the meal was very expensive but because of the great experience...I will definitely reserve again for special occasions. The menu was fantastic...not one of the courses disappointed in taste and presentation. I do not know a lot about wine but I now can truly appreciate that pairing a menu item with the right wine is magical. If I had one suggestion it would be to turn down the volume of the music and stick with more of an instrumental type selection...it was a little distracting. Sounds like I was complaining about the cost...I wasnt. We dont do this caliber of restaurant very often so it was more than we would normally pay...but worth every penny!!!
Wonderful food and service. Will be back for more! Parking: Street parking only Food : 5/5 |
We really enjoyed our experience. Service was top notch and food was great. We did the 5 course dinner with the wine pairing. The sable fish ravioli was my favourite!
We had the French tasting menu. Food was delicious and the wine pairing was excellent, it elevated the tastes. Definitely recommend the wine pairing if going for the set menu. Service is attentive. It was a wonderful evening, thank you for making our special occasion special.
Family owned high-end food with casual dining experience. Very great husband and wife combo who love what they do and love the people who visit their establishment.
Celebrated my birthday here. The food was amazing and wine matching just perfect. Fantastic service added to the experience. My new favourite in Calgary
The food just really lacking in flavor.
Amazing meal and wine pairing, knowledgeable staff, this restaurant is my new favourite. Can t wait to go back and try the chef s menu.
Utterly delightful dinner and customer service! A must try for everyone whether it s to celebrate a milestone or enjoy fabulous cuisine.
We met friends for the course meal. It was excellent and the service was extremely detailed. Will be back!
Great meal, great service, great selection of liqour! Love this place. Also great decor! Spoke to the owner and he so passionate about what he does! He also such a nice person and loves his guests!
Nice casual atmosphere, fantastic classic french fare, but not fussy, just tasty and authentic and fresh. Family run and genuine love in every dish.
Yummmm, just yum.
Amazing steak restaurant! It can t get any better.
Ive lived in Calgary since 2006 and this was one of the best, if not the best dinner Ive had to date. This is having been to many high end restaurants over the years. Enjoyed the beef wellington so much. The old fashioned was seriously incredible both in presentation and flavor! Crab cakes wow, so moist and fresh along with the zesty sauce. Table side Caesar salad , world class. The Continental knocked it out of the park for our table! 11/10 not one point less
Best French restaurant in town! 100% recommend. Thank you for your warm welcome Eric & Dawn. We will come back! Aurélie Food : 5/5
Best restaurant in Calgary. French inspiration very well reproduced. The quality of the cuisine is incredible. I recommend 100%
What a great experience! A cosy little restaurant with views to the streets below. We had the table side Caesar, the beef wellington, the sable fish special and cherries jubilee for dessert. Everything was expertly prepared, completely delicious and exceeded expectations. Would absolutely return!
The food and service are both amazing. Definitely a hidden gem in Kensington. I come here for my beef wellington cravings but there is nothing I have tried here that was anything short of amazing. The owner is delightful to chat with and takes personal care whenever possible. Place is a tad small but you work with that youve got. The atmosphere is very elegant, sophisticated and refined.
One of the ladies at the table beside us threw up everywhere. The restaurant proceeded to let this poor woman lay on the bathroom floor while they continued to serve the rest of the party. It was unbelievable they were not asked to leave and there was no effort to check on the woman in the bathroom. On top of this we had to send the food back twice.
A quaint little place located upstairs to Wine Bar Kensington, it had a smaller amount of tables to keep the atmosphere intimate. We had the 5 course tasting menu with wine pairings and it was delicious. The portions were lovely and everything was cooked to perfection. I absolutely adored the tartare and the duck plates. The dessert was so rich and chocolatey and served in just the right amount to leave you feeling satisfied and content. Eric provided immaculate wine pairings that perfectly matched each dish. The service was on point and the amount of time between each dish was extremely well-timed without making us feel rushed. The only things Id mention that threw me off a little bit for a French restaurant were the TV playing a travel show of Italy (perhaps a tour of France next time?), and the rock music. I still loved it all, but it changed the mood in the room to a bit more of a casual bar vibe when the things they offer are higher class.
We had a 7 course tasting experience and it was delicious. Definitely would recommend this place. The food and people were amazing and drinks were well created and tasted delicious. We will go back with our children next time.
We had the 5 course set. We had an amazing experience and will be back soon. Like to thank Eric for the amazing service. Skys the limit for this establishment.
We came here for our 10 year anniversary and it was Amazing! The Food, the cocktails, the atmosphere and the service were unreal. Even had a cocktail made on the end of a double barrel shot gun. 20/10 recommend. Cozied up in the cute little neighborhood of Kensington
What a wonderful time at the Continental. Our server Noemi was excellent, and the food was incredible from the tuna tartare and the beef Wellington, to the cocktails which were super unique and special. It was a perfect night out.
Sending the most heart felt Thank You ! Chef Dawn s and Eric s team were exceptional, and made for a memorable birthday celebration! I booked a seven course Chef tasting with wine pairing for a special milestone birthday. We were not disappointed and enjoyed the evening and learned some new tastes! This level of hospitality is so rarely achieved in our modern society. The quality of food is truly remarkable.
The YYC continental is situated in the heart of Kensington, as you enter this place, a magnificent yet elegant setting with a contemporary twist will welcome you. The menu and drinks offer a variety of options from start to finish. The food was amazing, made fresh in house, with great flavours that will satisfy your palate. Chef Dawn and the team select the finest ingredients available. Service was also top notch with table side Cesar salad (dressing made fresh) and banana foster and a very welcoming, elevated dining service. We highly recommend!
I had an amazing experience at this brand new restaurant! The stylish decor provided the perfect atmosphere for enjoying the creative and delicious cocktails, which complemented the outstanding cuisine perfectly. I especially enjoyed the service, the table side Ceasar Salad and the table side Cherry Jubilee. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a memorable night out!
A truly wonderful restaurant. Incredible ambiance and atmosphere upon entry, delightful service from the entire team. Eric greeted me and my guest professionally and kindly and assisted us with all of our table needs. To say the least of the cooking, Dawn is very likely one of the most incredible, if not best chefs I have ever encountered. I cant think of a word more potent than perfectly delicious. The flavor and composition of the meal was absolutely divine. The desert was perfect. New York cheesecake that absolutely finished off the night with a chefs kiss. If you need a wonderful meal and spot to eat with friends, family, or a special someone, please eat here. Words cannot describe how incredible The Continental Restaurant YYC truly is. 11/5 Stars easily.
This was an amazing experience, from the moment you walked in the ambiance and service were excellent. Had no idea this place was around but it is amazing. The food was stellar, plated beautifully, portions were great and the prices were amazing. First time I ve gone to a restaurant and had such an amazing experience. Thank you so much for your time and effort, you have built a great thing!
I had the pleasure of dinning in during their opening week & it was easily one of the best experiences to be had in the area. Drinks were on point, the food was made to perfection & the service matched the vision. I would highly recommend The Continental to anyone looking to have a stellar dinning experience close to our Calgary core.
Fabulous cocktails and exceptional service! I can t wait to come back for a full meal. An exciting new addition to the Kensington restaurant scene!!!
What a great surprise! Food is spectacular and the cocktails were great! We got treated with courtesy snacks from the kitchen. Definitely coming back.
Discovered this wonderful venue through a friend, so when my son asked where I wanted to go for my birthday dinner, I suggested YYC Continental. He, his wife and I had not been before, and we were all very pleased with the ambiance, staff and of course, the food! We all agree it is a place we will most definitely dine there again!
Excellent food and amazing service
Excellent cocktails, great service. Very professional servers. Had escargot and scallops. Excellent presentation and flavour. Will definitely be back. It s a long time since we ve had such a great experience while dining.
Great new place! Such amazing cocktails really enjoyed the table side service. Great addition to the Kensington area!
Took part in the chefs tasting menu and had an exceptional meal. Very nice atmosphere with a more intimate experience. The chef had visited us numerous times during our meal to ensure everything was to our liking and the overall service was excellent. I think its safe to say that the Continental will likely be a cornerstone of the fine dining scene in Calgary going forward and is a shining star with a bright future.
Very fancy. Dinner was perfect. The what I assumed to be French Owner served us and had zero knowledge of cocktails. Skip the happy hour cocktails all together, I received a glass of what could have been pure simple syrup. no wheelchair access and don t bring your kids here.
Amazing experience! Friendly staff, great service and the food is delicious! Definitely will be back.
A classic restaurant with delicious food & fine table service. Enjoy a cocktail with the lounge menu or the chefs menu.
I want to start by saying that whomever decided white linen table service was over is fired. I love the feeling of dining high end regardless of how modern dining says it s outdated. They lack taste. Tables cloths will never be over. They are elegant and such a nice and elevated touch when details are considered and executed Not only is the atmosphere relaxing and comfortable but the Service is detail oriented which is very satisfying for someone who has been serving for 18 years. The word I would use is impeccable I have a complex and difficult allergy to manage (seed oils), the chef made fresh chips in truffle oil for me and came directly to the table to chat to make sure that my needs were met. She even made sure to say that she WANTED to make sure that I could eat what I desired. This place is not only excellent quality but it is exactly what the city needs. Teach others about service! A lot of places can learn from this. Just fantastic. My tartare was perfectly seasoned, it was fresh, delicious and paired perfectly with my Chianti. I will be a regular (as long as they don t mind my allergy in the future haha!)
Loved my meal, drinks and service, highly recommended
The service all around is 5/5 at this beautiful new space! The amazing care and attention to the details; from the patrons experience, to every facet of their recipes (both food AND drinks,) truly show the pride of ownership. This is my first recommendation for anyone looking for incredible customer service with a top tier taste to match! Im so excited to be back again, and again, and again!
We had the chefs tasting. It was an amazing experience everyone was friendly. The food was amazing, even tried thing I would have never picked but had the opportunity to try, there wasnt a dish that I didnt like. As well even though Im not a big wine drinker the ones that was given for the pairing was an amazing match for ever dish.
Loved the tasting menu. Service was great, staff exceptional.
Amazing service, fantastic chef. If you have an opportunity to do the chefs tasting experience, it will not disappoint. The service was fantastic and the owners curated unique experience for us that included a great vegetarian meal.
An amazing 5 star, fine dining experience. Every course in the chef s tasting menu was so delightful - delicious and beautiful. Every detail was so thoughtful and the whole atmosphere was exceptional. Great service, great food! Can t wait to come back!
Wonderful food. Chefs tasting menu was excellent.
Dawn and Eric have cultivated a wonderful dining experience at The Continental. Their pride and passion shine through each masterfully created dish and cocktail. The table side service was a welcoming touch, one that is sadly disappearing from the repertoire of fine dining restaurants in our city. It was a pleasure to see the confidence and dedication these two have for their craft. Both Dawn and Eric have years of experience under their belt in the dining industry and it clearly shows. Will definitely be coming back.
Really enjoyable chefs tasting at $105 for 5+ courses. Great wine pairing as as well for an extra $70, well worth the $70. Service was impeccable. Tuna spoon, cucumber strawberry salad, scallop crudo, arctic char, raspberry sorbet, lamb chops, and tableside bananas foster. My only complaint is the lack of information on the website. Missing cocktails, info on chefs tasting and wine pairings, and only partial menu.
Great food and music must visit!!!
Great service and down to earth owner, definitely coming back!
The food was unremarkable yet expensive and the service wasn t timely. What was really upsetting was their audacity to have 20% as the minimum suggested tip option. Never again.
Very nice great place to hang out live band
The Continental Restaurant YYC offers exceptional service, a stunning ambiance, and delicious cuisine. The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring a wonderful dining experience. The menu features beautifully presented dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Overall, its a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable restaurant experience.
Ive been looking for a place just like this! A legitimate, classic, fine dining experience - food, setting and service - without being pretentious about it. This place doesnt feel stuffy, but has the white table cloths and really comfortable chairs of a fine restaurant. It is really nice when the wall of windows overlooking the street are folded away. We were there for 3 hours - Other customers came and went more quickly, but we were enjoying a special occasion in a way you cant in most restaurants. Relaxing, chatting and sipping wines between courses. We enjoyed a tableside Caesar. Id forgotten what a difference that makes to the quality! All the food was excellent. The management and staff were working hard and obviously know the finer points of classic dining.
Husband and wife team Dawn and Eric have put themselves on the map with this lovely addition to the Calgary culinary scene. Offering a tight menu of some classic French dishes as well as some fresher fare, what separates Continental is the attention to detail. Using made-from-scratch reductions create a complex-flavoured seafood linguini, while the Lac Brome duck has an amazingly tender skin (Dawn s Popo s technique). Starters were equally well-done, with an exquisite burrata balanced in their take of a caprese, and done-to-perfection seared Hokkaido scallops on a bed of arugula with the perfect amount of complementary tart (eschewing the cream sauce given my dietary restrictions). To round out the ambience, Kenny Sitter of Jo Hikk entertains on Fridays. Truly a new gem on the Kensington dining scene.
My husband and thought we would come check this out. What a wonderful surprise, everything was amazing .. Eric and his wife Don are lovely , the food was perfection and the wine .. very reasonable priced. This is a gem
We ve been here a few times and everything is always on point. They have great food and cocktails. The management and service staff are very attentive, kind and hardworking. Would definitely recommend trying the table side banana foster. Plus they have a Beef Wellington that would make Gordon Ramsey proud.
Dietary restrictions: Perfectly accommodated all dietary restrictions! Food
Love the ambiance, fine dining, exquisite drinks oh & I really blown away with the chefs flambé dessert Vegetarian options: The chef(s) are flexible to ones needs which brings an exciting experience.
What a wonderful experience! Delicious food, refined cocktails, and lovely service. The halibut was prepared perfectly, and the three appetizers we shared were balanced and exciting. We cant wait to return to try more!
Great experience. A cute place with superb service and food
Great new place in Kensington! Husband & wife owners who bring a taste of French cuisine in a comfortable environment. Thanks to Eric and the team for a wonderful evening. Definitely coming back. Cocktails, wine pairings, dessert! Amazing.
We had a wonderful evening at the restaurant. The Wick Old Fashion was good but the smokey Badass Godfather cocktail was fantastic. The food was cooked perfectly and the service impeccable. The owners and chef took the time to talk us. A memorable experience :-)
Great place for a nice dinner! Fantastic service and very accommodating. Excellent food. Wonderful family business who work hard to accommodate every special request. Vegetarian options: Custom dishes Kid-friendliness: Added children options
The cocktails here alone will bring us back not to mention the diverse flavours perfectly paired in the meals .. The halibut was cooked exceptionally, the crusted lamb was beyond delicious I will be having that again for sure. Eric and Dawn are starting a fantastic journey here and we will be supporting them. Everything was great and we would definitely recommend giving them a try. Next date night will be the chef s meal.
This is by far the best restaurant in all of Calgary. The attention to detail the high-quality food and service will create a wonderful evening out for you and your friends. I strongly recommend this restaurant to everyone I know.
The Continental was an absolute culinary delight. The cocktails are meticulously crafted, with the creative passion of the mixologist shining through each cocktail. The food was just phenomenal, leaving my tastebuds singing with every bite. Plated with the perfect portion sizes leaving you satiated yet just enough room for dessert. And the service was incredible, attentive without being overbearing, with genuine care put into crafting the table Caesar salad. A little France in Kensington brining a refreshing European style of dinning to Calgary. Don t give it a second thought, book your table now.
Love this new intimate and upscale venue. Food, service, and ambiance is outstanding. We will be back and we highly recommend this amazing restaurant.
Drinks were really good, service was a little too much but attentive, view was nice and the place gave a relaxing feeling. Unfortunately the food was bad - stale bread, simple ingredients that wasnt worth the price, sour mashed potatoes, bitter veggies and concentrate/very salty sauces. The elk tartare was nice and full of flavors.
I think The Continental is underrated, tucked away between two buildings it s easy to miss, but the patios in the summer are a great way to kick back and enjoy an afternoon of cocktails. They have an all day happy hour with top notch cocktails at a solid price. On top of that, their regular menu cocktails are beautifully flavoured. The staff are so accommodating, I had Melina serving me and she was so sweet, attentive and great to chat with. The owner came out multiple times to ensure I was having an enjoyable experience and even gave me a free drink after finding out I came to fill out some save the dates for my wedding while enjoying the weather. Truly went above and beyond, so glad this is just a walk down the street! Ps. Don t sleep on the cheese bread, it s decadent and packed full of flavour!
Fantastic welcome by the owners of the place. All the dishes we tasted were excellent. An address to absolutely visit!
Exquisite meals combined with excellent service!
Amazing food and service! Duck and all the fish dishes were perfect.
We were very excited about eating at this new French restaurant. Im a Celiac and the menu was primarily gluten-free and the photos from Google looked devine. The ambience was wonderful, French and jazz music playing at a nice volume, the windows opened to the lively Kensington nightlife and a wonderfully attentive server. The prices were very high so we expected a truly elevated experience. The food, however, was average and mediocre. Im so sorry to say that, but if you pay that much for a meal you expect to be slapping the table with pleasure. I ordered the duck and it was a small serving and there was no play of herbs, spices, etc. I was very disappointed. And the meal was very pricey. Im sad to say that we will not be going back. Dietary restrictions: The menu is primarily gluten-free, however only the Gelato is gluten-free for desert.
We held a private event here and everything went smooth as silk. The food is fresh and fantastic and the service was impeccable. Eric and Dawn were very accommodating and went out of their way to make sure everyone was happy. Can t wait to go back!
Great menu - elk tartare was really good, a nice break from the usual steak tartare in the city. Service was prompt and knowledgeable, atmosphere is relaxed yet upscale. Would definitely return. Gelato was also bomb.
I took my wife to The Continental for her birthday. We picked the chefs tasting menu with wine pairings and could not have been happier with the experience. Eric provided us with some of the best service we have ever received and the food was brilliant. Wonderful to have found this establishment...a new favourite!
Amazing dining experience, highly recommend to anyone. Friendly, and talented staff in both the front and back of house you won t be disappointed.
This place was amazing! The food, the drinks, the staff, were all great! Carl and Dawn made us feel welcome and comfortable. I would definitely recommend this place and the chefs tasting and will definitely come back to Calgary for this.
I chose The Continental as my birthday restaurant based on reviews. Everything was excellent, and the service was impeccable. Among four of us, we had the chicken, duck, beef wellington and lamb for mains. For appies, Caesar salad made tableside and caprese. For dessert, the feature was a key lime cheesecake. It was all impeccable, and I highly recommend it.
What an experience! Eric is a true professional and offered us an outstanding evening filled with incredible food, great atmosphere and impeccable service! Highly recommend this outstanding owner operated gem in Kensington!
These photographs were captured in August of this year. I must express that I have never encountered such an exceptional dining experience previously. Opting for the five-course meal with wine pairings proved to be an excellent choice and unquestionably justified the cost. The establishment actively encourages patrons to savor each course, discern the interplay between the wine and cuisine, and relish the diverse layers of taste and sensory experiences that unfold within ones palate. It was an immensely enjoyable experience. Each course presented an array of delectable flavors, with the wine pairings significantly enhancing the culinary journey. I was particularly enamored with the Elk Tartare, as it showcased an amalgamation of ingredients that harmoniously melded together, resulting in a multi-layered flavor profile that delighted the taste buds with each and every bite. This dish is a definite must-try! Will definitely return!!!
Absolutely delightful experience. We did the 7 course Chefs Tasting menu with the wine pairing. The food and drinks were wonderful. We briefly met chef Dawn without knowing she was behind our superb meal. Thank you! Will definitely come back!
Overall dining at Continental was an outstanding experience. I would recommend it.
Its been a long time since I last had a traditional French cuisine, everything is just spot on and so authentic!! Nothing compares to a Tableside Caesar Salad when they make it right in front of you, and watching them make a Flambé is always delightful...this is such a touching experience. The service is heartwarming, and the environment is very welcoming. I love their music selection in particular, when every single song is my favorite... Uncle Jecky approves!!
They have the best Tartare in Calgary for sure, and the 6 oz portion is ridiculous, it s nice to actually run out of chips. Lamb - excellent. Truffle stuffed potato is excellent. Attention to detail is high on everything. Tenderloin - on point. The puréed potatoes are on point. Definitely in the top range of Calgary cuisine without the price tag. Must try. Old fashioned is tasty and pleasant to look at.
Definitely disappointed in this place. As I walk in, French server guy greeted us facing the kitchen , not even turning around when he says hi he was a bit pressuring and short , not very great at all to be honest having been served by him. Our appetizers were delicious, they have great selection of wine as well. Main plate, we ordered a 8oz beef filet mignon, medium rare. Upon cutting it open It showed up very rare. I returned the plate, and they had the balls to recook the same steak! They brought me back the same undercooked steak that I already had cut open. I have never seen this is a higher end restaurant. On top of that, they didn t even bring the whole steak, it was definitely not a 8oz anymore. They brought me the piece missing after lol the head chef I can only assume , was the one bringing this saying here it s your other piece you should have it I was blown away. Right there how cheap I felt they were , to not send me back a new steak properly cooked. Anyways, steak very unseasoned , tasted just like straight meat , no flavour. We didn t eat it. At that point the French server stopped serving us, which we were happy about . a very very nice Italian server started to take care of us and god he saved the day for this restaurant. He was such a happy guy, ready to help for anything , very friendly , Koodo on this guy! They credited the steak which I was sure they wouldn t .. they also brought a bday cake to my partner and provided us 10yr old Port to savour which was delicious. The last couple touches made our evening end nicely I must say, especially with that server. We left a 22% tip, only due to that nice server. I would have left 15% to that French server unfortunately. I won t be going back there l.
Wrapped in a cozy ambiance, this place exudes warmth. From the inviting decor to the snug corners, its perfect for a relaxing evening. The combination of comfort and great food makes it a hidden gem. Simply amazing food and exquisitely crafted drinks, This is my favourite to go . Five stars for sure I would recommend Wonderful restaurant to everybody!!!
We arrived with friends at 6.30 pm for dinner, ordered cocktails and wine, and decided on the 5 course menu. This was a mistake. The first course arrived after half an hour, a very unremarkable vegetable salad of kale, carrot, and cucumber with a bland dressing. Another half hour passed and we had to order cheese bread as we were starving, and the second course arrived, a one ounce portion of salmon, enough for three bites. We ordered the table made Cesar salad and more cheese bread to keep us going as the minutes passed without another course. Finally a two ounce portion of duck breast arrived. It was good but far too small. Desert was a tablespoon sized chocolate cake and equally small scoop of ice cream. Let me suggest to the owner if you require advanced notice to be able to do the 5 course menus please inform your wait staff that they should not agree to it at the table. Clearly the kitchen was understaffed, and unprepared with regard to having the food prepared. Finally the bill was $790 and I tipped 18% and was shocked at the unappreciative response from our waiter. Dinner was finally over at 10.39 pm, 4 hours and 10 minutes after arriving. We won t be coming back.
Phenomenal experience, my husband surprised me with a reservation for date night and we had a lovely romantic evening. We did the chefs tasting menu with wine pairing, the cocktails were unique and it was an entire experience the whole evening. Great service, and we talked with the owners - they are humble, talented and determined to give people a great experience. We ended up staying for 4 hours and had the best quality date night, couldnt recommend this place more!! We will be going back and recommending to friends. Its great to see a local family owned business delivering a high quality food experience. Intimate atmosphere and smaller restaurant, loved it.
Been coming to this place since it opened within the past year. The chef literally comes out to ask about whether your meal is to your liking. Locally owned, labour of love and nothing else like it in the city. French cuisine on steroids reminds me of a little place in mission, big hearts a staple in Calgary. Not to be missed. Food
Fantastic food and the vibe of the room is so elegant. I recommend trying 2-3 cocktails because all of them are so unique.
A special experience. Each course was outstanding and the drinks were fantastic. A restaurant worth checking out. The starter soup set the tone for the whole experience. Nice to meet the chef and her husband who own the restaurant. As a past small business owner, I have much appreciation for the passion you see in this creation.