Calgary’s premier culinary event, YYC EXP 2025, is back for another 17 days of delectable dining, showcasing the city’s vibrant restaurant scene from March 14 to 30. With over 100 participating restaurants, exclusive prix fixe menus, and signature culinary events, this is the ultimate opportunity to explore the best of Calgary’s food culture at unbeatable prices.
We’ve scoured every participating restaurant’s menu, analyzed the must-try dishes, and curated the best experiences so you don’t have to. These are the top spots to book, the flavors you need to experience, and the can’t-miss events that will make your YYC EXP unforgettable.
How YYC EXP Works
Each participating restaurant offers a curated prix fixe menu at one of three price points:
- $25 & 35 – Indulgent yet budget-friendly brunches and lunches.
- $35 & 45 – Elevated three course dinners with premium ingredients.
- $65 & 75 – Gourmet multi-course tasting menus from top chefs.
Many restaurants also feature brunch, lunch, and happy hour deals, making it easy to sample Calgary’s diverse culinary landscape without breaking the bank. Reservations are highly recommended—this is one of the busiest dining events of the year!
Top Prix Fixe Dinners at YYC EXP 2025
For the Steak Obsessed
- Modern Steak ($75) – Wagyu Dumplings, Braised Short Rib with Truffle Gnocchi, and Flatiron Steak Frites. If you love beef, this is your happy place.
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House ($75) – Signature Petit Filet Mignon or Stuffed Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter. An old-school steakhouse done right.
- Saltlik ($45) – Rigatoni All’Amatriciana with Braised Meatballs or Roasted Mushroom Salad with Crispy Truffle Egg. A refined steakhouse twist that goes beyond beef.
️ Best for Sharing (And Showing Off Your Good Taste)
- El Furniture Warehouse ($35 for two!) – Big on portions, small on price. Burgers, mac & cheese, and spicy vodka rigatoni with a dessert to split.
- Notable ($75 Family-Style) – Go big with Braised Short Rib, Steelhead Trout, and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Comfort food, but make it fancy.
- Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse ($75) – Endless cuts of grilled meats, a self-serve salad bar, and cinnamon sugar pineapple. The ultimate meat lover’s dream.
For the Globally Curious Palate
- Fonda Fora ($45) – Short Ribs in Adobo, Tetelas, and Octopus Tiradito with Habanero Oil. Think bold, modern Mexican flavors that pack a punch.
- Shokunin ($75) – Hokkaido Scallop, Japanese Skewers, Menchi Katsu Sando, and Sustainable Nigiri. Elevated Japanese with serious firepower.
- Calcutta Cricket Club ($75) – Water Buffalo Paneer, Achari Lamb Sirloin, and Mango Chili Jelly. A vibrant, spice-forward Indian experience.
For the Fine Dining Aficionado
- Continental Restaurant ($75) – Wagyu Ravioli with Truffle Butter, Huitres Rockefeller, and Sablefish with Lobster Sauce. Indulgence at its best.
- Teatro Ristorante ($75) – A five-course tasting menu featuring Alberta Trout Crudo & Cornish Hen. Classic, refined, and unforgettable.
- The Wilde on 27 ($75) – Venison Tartare, Salmon Bisque, and Hazelnut Feuilletine. Luxury dining with skyline views.
For the Comfort Food Devotee
- Embarcadero ($45) – Slow Cooked Brisket with House Bourbon BBQ Sauce and Caesar Salad. Rich, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Little Chief ($45) – Bison Hamburger Steak with Bone Marrow Mashed Potatoes. A rustic prairie classic, perfected.
- Model Milk ($45) – Hot-Honey Fried Chicken with Buttermilk Biscuits and Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust. Southern comfort with a YYC twist.
Must-See Special Events
Beyond prix fixe menus, YYC EXP 2025 features an incredible lineup of signature culinary events, pop-ups, and chef collaborations.
Events You Need to Book ASAP
- Knife Fight: Rupert Garcia vs Matthias Fong (March 14) – Two award-winning chefs battle it out at Hawthorn Dining Room.
- Barrel to Plate: A Calumet Farm Pairing Experience (March 15) – A bourbon-paired four-course dinner at One18 Empire.
- YYC EXP Progressive Indigenous Dinner (March 16) – Traditional Indigenous cuisine reimagined at Deane House.
- Michelin-Starred Collaboration: AnnaLena x Published (March 25) – A powerhouse chef duo takes over Pigeonhole Downtown.
Brunch & Happy Hour Picks
Best Brunch Stops
- Big Fish & Open Range – Tiramisu Soufflé Pancakes.
- Teatro Ristorante – Salmon Eggs Benedict with Crispy Potato.
- Fortuna’s Row – Breakfast Taco with Brisket and Duck Fat Tortilla.
Best Happy Hour Deals
- Oxbow – 50% off full bottles of wine, $2 oysters, and gourmet bites.
- Bar Chouette – $5 beer, $8 cocktails, 30% off raw bar & snacks.
- Milpa – $5 tacos, $5 Mexican beers, $6 margaritas – best taco + tequila combo.
- Posto – $15 artisan pizzas & 50% off bottled wine.
- Saltlik – $5-$9 beer, wine, cocktails, and appetizers.
Book Your YYC EXP 2025 Experience
With 95 restaurants, prix fixe menus, and exclusive chef-led events, YYC EXP 2025 is set to be the most exciting food festival in Calgary this year. Reservations are essential, so book early to secure your spot at the city’s best dining destinations.
March 14 – 30, 2025 | 100+ Restaurants | Prix Fixe Menus & Signature Events
For more must-visit spots in Calgary, check out our list of New Restaurants in Calgary.