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Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn Reviews List
Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Chef's Table represents a changing environment in the Calgary Dining scene. Recently attaining the coveted AAA 4-Diamond Rating, it is among only 7 such restaurants in Alberta, and 1 of 3 in Calgary! Voted Best Hotel Dining by Where Magazine for 3 consecutive years, 2009, 2010 and 2011, Chef's Table also received Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence in 2011 and 2012. Chef's Table features an intimate 40-seat dining room located in the 19-room boutique Kensington Riverside Inn that specializes in preparing fresh regional cuisine prepared using classical European methods. With a constantly changing five-course tasting menu, a la carte dinner, as well as our Fireside Lounge and Patio menu, diners can enjoy a new experience with every visit.
Chef's Table offers a full lounge with beautiful fireplace in the winter, and a sunny patio in the warmer months. Join us for breakfast, brunch or dinner to experience the evolution of Calgary Fine Dining.
See more Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn details
Chef's Table offers a full lounge with beautiful fireplace in the winter, and a sunny patio in the warmer months. Join us for breakfast, brunch or dinner to experience the evolution of Calgary Fine Dining.
57 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.4
/
5
Rating Breakdown 57 reviews
5 stars
(38)
4 stars
(12)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(2)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(46)
- special occasion(43)
- romantic(35)
- notable wine list(25)
- neighborhood gem(23)
- good for groups(8)
Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn Reviews List
Review 1 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Creative cuisine
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Located in a quaint area of Kensington, the restaurant offered a creative take on each of its dishes. Service was a bit slow. Sommelier and waiter were enthusiastic, knowledgeable and genuine."
Dined on 6/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 2 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Perfect touch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were greeted at the door and then the service was impeccable and knowledgable throughout the meal. He was courteous in asking about dietary restrictions and was very patient if asked to repeat himself.
Beautiful choice of flavors in the tasting and very well done - I tasted a few things that I would not have otherwise tried. My favorites was the first and second courses.
I would definetly go back! It was my 5th Anniversary (although I didn't say anything) but the food, service and the option to be able to see the kitchen was more than I could ask for. A fantastic dinner for a special night."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 3 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
special occasion made special
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was one of the best meals I've ever had...ever! Timing, taste and service were superb. I would absolutely recommend Chef's Table and will return...hopefully frequently."
Dined on 6/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food here was amazing, service was great, drinks were awesome - it's more expensive than your average dinner on the town although definately worth it! Great intimate setting - loved the smaller feel. A must to try or come back again to."
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We'll be back.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent food, wine and service."
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 6 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Outstanding Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This restaurant outshines any place I've ever eaten at. The quality of the food and attention to detail is exquisite. What's notable about the food that is prepared is the mix of flavours that accompany each dish, each standing out and not blended together. This is some place I will definitely go to regularly."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
An Experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The tasting menu is something everyone should be able to experience just once. Terrific flavours paired with the perfect wine!"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 8 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome food awesome service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This place is a total gem! Our server John was entertaining and very attentive to our needs. The chefs tasting menu is an incredible choice if you aren't short on time. The drink menu is wonderful, and the food is delicious. The only negatives I can see is the portion sizes are expectedly on the smaller side and the location can't seat larger parties."
Dined on 4/20/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 9 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional evening
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was an exceptional evening at Chef's Table. Intricately executed tasting, and the wines were perfectly matched. The new wine list is perfect, and really stands out from most places in Calgary. Highly recommended."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 10 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing food from a talented
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Amazing food from a talented kitchen staff. Everything was excellent and we will not soon be forgetting our experience."
Dined on 27/04/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The menu is limited at this
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The menu is limited at this restaurant. The four or five entrees do not include a beef or pasta dish. There is tasting menu but at $100 a person it is quite pricy particularly if you add the $48 wine pairings (2 1/ servings).
The formal dinning area is very nice and has a nice quiet vibe. The open kitchen area was full and after awhile we felt quite neglected while servers attended to the busy area. My sense is that management is trying to make this a special place and servers tried hard but fell short.
This may be a nice spot for a larger group but as a couple we would not go back."
Dined on 27/04/2013
2010
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Review 12 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Very disappointing
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"There's a line that many restaurants in Calgary walk, between art and pretension, and Chef's table missed the sweet spot by a mile. I'm all for high-concept, delicately presented food in smaller portions - but there has to be the culinary execution to back it up. The apricot fois gras was a tasty if not particularly notable start, but for the rest of the meal, the flavours were very poorly balanced and poorly prepared - overcooked, tough veal with an extremely unappetizing undercooked cassoulet, and desserts that tasted like they just came out of the Superstore freezer."
Dined on 23/04/2013
2010
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Review 13 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Left hungry
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"If you have a fat wallet and a tiny appetite, this is the place for you. The food quality was great (although several items that I tried were not to my personal taste). The big downfall for me was the portion sizes. I stopped for a burger on the drive home."
Dined on 19/04/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Sommelier extroardinaire
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We ordered the tasting menu with the premium wine pairings. It was pure harmony, orchestrated by the most knowledgeable sommelier in Calgary. Great dining experience."
Dined on 05/04/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 15 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
a great dining experience
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Cuisine well and artfully prepared, a bottle of beaujolais, interested staff and a quiet atmosphere created an exceptional evening. One left feeling that not only had it been a good experience - you had also saved the price of a ticket to Nice."
Dined on 11/04/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 16 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
The place was warm, open kitchen
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The place was warm, open kitchen was clean & quiet. We had the Foie Gras but the portion was too small, even as an appetizer. My halibut was perfectally cooked and tasty however my friend's duck breast was again the portion too small. Our server was attentive and food was overall well prepared."
Dined on 12/04/2013
2009
Special Features: romantic
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Review 17 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We had the chef's tasting
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had the chef's tasting menu with wine pairings. The early courses and pairings were superb, but they ran out of the main course that was on the menu, and told us they were going to substitute (after we were part way in to the menu), and then ran out of the substitute, and so were given an extremely ordinary Plan C. Left us unconvinced of the value for the very expensive price of the meal. We will definitely be back but will be going a la carte."
Dined on 06/04/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 18 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Exceptional!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"One of the best dining experiences ever! The food was to die for and our server was awesome. Each dish is like a work of art, it was almost a shame to eat it. I would highly highly recommend this restaurant!!"
Dined on 05/04/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 19 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Waiters worked hard at keeping
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Waiters worked hard at keeping us informed about what we were about to eat. Food was excellent. Portion size excellent. Nice comfortable pace for our dinner. Well done."
Dined on 15/03/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We had been hoping to try
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had been hoping to try the Riverside Inn for some time but it was either booked or we would go forget to make reservation so when we seen that the restaurant was included in tthe `Foodies Unite, Calgary's Big Taste Festival we made reservations early and were able to get in. I had lived in the district for years and was quite pleased when the Inn was built and all reviews I had from my friends were very positive except the price. By ordering during the Big Taste Festival, a five course meal waas $85, therefore we felt very reasonable. However, the portions were small and most not to our perference so in retrospect, we should have ordered off the menu. Will give it another try as service was outstanding and our waiter was very helpful."
Dined on 08/03/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 21 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent service - portions
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent service - portions were spot on"
Dined on 13/03/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Excellent service and great food. We try the tasting menu and it was great. Will recommend to my friend."
Dined on 28/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Really Disappointing!
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Two of us went for Sunday Brunch; it was a major disappointment. The food (eggs beny) was very avarage and the service was AWFUL!
We waited for 30 minutes to be seated - and we had made a reservation and it was not full. We then waited another 30 minutes for our order - and we had ordered right away. They gave only one of us water(??) and we asked 3 times for a 2nd water and it never came.
They appeared clearly understaffed but the two servers they did have working, were disorganized and disinterested in providing good service. No apologies were made for anything.
Off my list for brunch and won't be recommending the hotel if this is how they run things.
This is my second disappointing food experience with the Hotel Arts group."
We waited for 30 minutes to be seated - and we had made a reservation and it was not full. We then waited another 30 minutes for our order - and we had ordered right away. They gave only one of us water(??) and we asked 3 times for a 2nd water and it never came.
They appeared clearly understaffed but the two servers they did have working, were disorganized and disinterested in providing good service. No apologies were made for anything.
Off my list for brunch and won't be recommending the hotel if this is how they run things.
This is my second disappointing food experience with the Hotel Arts group."
Dined on 17/02/2013
2008
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Review 24 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Calgary's Finest Fine Diningest
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Tucked away and very unassuming, the Chef's Table has delivered on the word of mouth award as being finest dining experience in all of Calgary. My date and I were warmly greeted by our server, Jason. The dining room itself was very elegant yet simple, offering us an environment that let us feel relaxed yet excited about the meal to come. We both ordered the full tasting menu and it is no doubt the most well executed tasting menu in all of Calgary: the meals were paced, portioned, and prepared perfectly. Our server was impeccable, charming, and had a sage-like knowledge of every nuance and history for all of the paired wines. If you have a loved one that deserves an "I love you" treat them to an unforgettable night at the Chef's Table!"
Dined on 25/02/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 25 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice but lacks view and atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great plating, very good food and service. Atmosphere not what I had hoped for and expected from those pictures provided in their web site. Our table was also near the hotel entrance and where guest had to pass our table to access the stairs or elevator to reach their rooms."
Dined on 15/02/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 26 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food and service at Chef's Table is so good, we went for a chef's tasting with pairings two nights in a row! Where else in Calgary would you dare to do that - answer is very very few if any.
Amazing food. Amazing service. When you go, ask for Ryan - he is Calgary's top server."
Amazing food. Amazing service. When you go, ask for Ryan - he is Calgary's top server."
Dined on 01/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 27 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing. Thank you
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food and service at Chef's Table is so good, we went for a chef's tasting with pairings two nights in a row! Where else in Calgary would you dare to do that - answer is very very few if any. Chef Ryan creates his dishes as an artist, with a flavour profile worthy of one of Calgary's best restaurants.
Amazing food. Amazing service. When you go, ask for Ryan - he is Calgary's top server."
Amazing food. Amazing service. When you go, ask for Ryan - he is Calgary's top server."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 28 for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very expencive but great service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Very expencive but great service and food It is ideal for a special occasion"
Dined on 14/02/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, romantic, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Chef's Table at The Kensington Riverside Inn
Based on the average of (29) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.7
/
5
6 out of 6 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.8
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate