8 Calgary Restaurants that Specialize in Private Events

As the largest convention destination in Western Canada, Calgary certainly knows how to welcome massive events with tens of thousands of attendees. However, the city’s hospitality community is equally adept at hosting intimate gatherings that make each member of the audience feel like a VIP.

Whether you’re designing an executive retreat or you’re searching for the right venue for a high-level corporate dinner, these locations are ideal for private events in Calgary.

What’s better than enjoying a meal delivered from a farm nearby? Having that “farm” be so close that attendees can step away from the table and see where some of the ingredients on the plate are grown. Rouge is set in a 19th century Victorian home where one of the founding fathers of the Calgary Stampede lived. It offers groups a chance to tour the on-site garden where seasonal herbs, vegetables, and fruits grow.

After the event wraps up, attendees can stroll through Inglewood, one of Calgary’s coolest neighborhoods and home to popular craft beer destinations like Cold Garden and High Line Brewing .

Location: 1240 8 Ave SE

Capacity: 110 in the farmhouse; 116 in the garden

If you’re hosting a big group at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Barbarella Bar offers a mix of can’t-beat convenience and coastal vibes. Just two blocks from the convention centre, this downtown hotspot offers flavors from southern Italy that give attendees a balance of Calgary big-city energy with Amalfi Coast-style casual. No matter the season, it’s always summer here with cocktails like the limoncello-infused Sorrento Sunshine and the tequila-grapefruit Pompelmo.

Location: 240 8 Ave SW

Capacity: 400 reception; 250 banquet

Sometimes, attendees need a break from the hustle and bustle. Flores and Pine — located 25 minutes from downtown — gives groups a chance to explore more of the rural beauty that surrounds Calgary while savoring AAA Alberta cuts of beef paired with an extensive global wine list.

Location: 254028 Bearspaw Rd

Capacity: 118 in The Grill Room/The Atrium; 100 in The Estate Room (full buyouts available)

Calgary may be known for the country songs that play throughout Stampede, but it’s also home to a collection of musicians who know how to honor New Orleans legends. Groups at Alvin’s Jazz Club can enjoy a private environment in Stage Right (capacity of 20) and The Library (capacity of 14) while the sounds of Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington echo in the main room.

Location: 176 Mahogany Centre SE

Capacity: 20 in Stage Right; 14 in The Library (full buyouts available)

There’s no better place to experience Calgary’s history than at Bow Valley Ranche , where attendees can immerse themselves in more than 125 years of Calgarian culture. From the soaring ceilings of the Grand Salon to the intimate nature of the Senator Patrick Burns Room (one of the owners of the home at the turn of the 20th century), the house makes attendees feel right at home in Calgary’s continuing story.

Location: 15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE

Capacity: 200 in the Grand Salon; 35 in the William Roper Hull Room; 35 in the Senator Patrick Burns Room

Transport your group to small town Italy when they raise a glass of full-bodied red on the Tuscan-inspired private terrace at Bonterra Trattoria . The main dining room and private wine room feature intricate chandeliers, a glass-enclosed wine cellar, and a cozy stone fireplace.

Location: 1016 8 St SW

Capacity: 30 seated/45 cocktail in the private wine room; 80 seated/135 cocktail in the main dining room (full buyouts available)

Whether you’re hoping to impress 10 attendees or 1,000, Deane House is the place to do it. Located on the banks of the Elbow River, the home was built for the last serving North West Mounted Police Superintendent of Calgary. The restaurant that occupies the house and gardens now consistently appears near the top of OpenTable Diners’ Choice Awards.

Location: 806 9 Ave SE

Capacity: Options ranging from 8 people in The Garden Room to a full grounds Garden Party of 1,000 people

While both of Charcut’s locations serve equally delicious ribeye and prime rib, the University District outpost of this local favourite offers an extra special touch for groups - The Butcherina. This private dining room can accommodate up to 14 guests, and it delivers a prime vantage point into the open kitchen and the chef’s butcher shop. For groups looking to appreciate the city’s Western heritage, events here shine a light to see the magic in action.

Location: 4150 University Ave NW

Capacity: 14 in The Butcherina