EIGHT

As the name suggests, there is only room for 8 people and reservations are a must; almost like getting concert tickets. The atmosphere is great, you use a phone in the hotel lobby to be escorted to a speakeasy for pre dinner drinks which are so unique and delicious. Then it's time for dinner which doesn't disappoint. We had 19 courses and each one was a piece of art and flavor was unbelievable. We loved how the chef and team explained the inspiration behind each course, which is a cross between Canadian and Japanese cuisines. My wife had the tea pairing and each one was incredible, I had the wine pairing which was very good too. Cannot wait to come back, reservations open soon!

Very unique experience, and food was incredibly creative, only 8 seats available and reservations are hard to get. Start out in their exclusive lounge, Speakeasy, for starters and cocktails before heading over for dinner. Very cool bar menu including their mocktail. After dinner we returned to the lounge they called it After Eight for drinks and petite four. Darren himself came out and gave a brief intro and dropped in and out to chat with us. An experience to remember!

My husband and I had the great pleasure of dining at Eight twice within the past year. We enjoyed our first experience in May and decided to pursue another one in October. Having had the opportunity to try two different seasonal menus, and having let both experiences marinate (pun absolutely intended), I can sincerely and confidently express my deep appreciation for the stunning culinary journey Eight takes you on. It is no small feat to create a stunning ambience that is then wholly supported by the cuisine with that many courses. From the moment we were brought into the Speakeasy, there was an undeniable sense of anticipation for how our dining experiences would unfold. Although, I had already had one experience I was just as curious and excited on my second - and I think that speaks volumes. Randy, who oversees the pairings, is a genius. The drinks that he created require you to sit back in awe and question, "How did all that flavor come out of one sip??!" I did the non-acholic pairings for both evenings and everything was consistently stunning. The flavor profiles were deep, dynamic, and shocking in the best way. The balance Randy fosters is impeccable, clearly enhancing and elevating the dining experience. The ingredients and execution are so vividly intentional that with each explanation Randy provided, I was more thrilled than the last, and this is what the experience at Eight is all about. The intention behind the menus, ingredients, and methods of cooking all enhance the dining experience and is what makes Eight stand out from other restaurants. The delivery of passion is not simply articulated aloud prior to each dish, but by witnessing the execution of each dish being prepared. The creativity behind each dish is commendable, and I feel that Chef MacLean perfectly captures the history and cultures of Canada through each dish, allowing the experience to resonate and feel more impactful. The execution by Chef Desmond was nothing short of captivating and left me admiring what indeed humans are capable of creating (right before your eyes) with such talents and dedication. If you appreciate flavors that are rich and dynamic. Seeing and tasting ingredients in ways that you yourself could never fathom - Eight will meet and exceed any expectations. Eight is an elevated restaurant experience by any standard, but certainly stands in its own league for dining in Calgary, let alone Canada. The entirety of both experiences left me feeling inspired, and I would encourage anyone who is debating or has yet to acquire a booking - Try, try again. Also, a warm acknowledgement to Sandrine, who hosted us on both occasions with her associate - Sandrine curated an absolutely seamless dining experience with a warm yet professional tone. With only eight guests per seating, it’s easy to see interactions, and I appreciated the kind professionalism she carried through to everyone - she certainly added to the overall ambience of Eight.

It was my first time and it was the best culinary experience I've ever had. I have been to highly acclaimed restaurants before but the experience Chef Darren and his team provide is something you'll remember forever. The passion and creativity that is presented in the food is so unique. It really sums up what real Canadian cuisine is and should be . Have to thank Randy, Sandrine, Chef Dez and Demi for their impeccable service and hospitality. It was a wonderful experience and I hope to go again in a different season.

This is one of the most unique, and best experiences I have had within Canada. With the recent introduction of the Michelin rating in Canada it is beyond comprehension that this would not hold the distinction. One of the dishes (duck) and two of the mock tails were not to the liking of my guest at dinner, however it was based on personal preference and nothing to do with the quality or taste of the food. I have been to about 10 or so Michelin Star restaurants in NYC, Eight sits firmly above the majority, nestled somewhere close to Per Se and Atomix at the top of the list. The team was wonderful, very light hearted and personable throughout the whole experience. The Food and service is the best I have had in Calgary and Canada. The scarcity of the reservations can be frustrating at first as I had tried to get in for a few years, however after the experience of trying to get scarce reservations in a city like New York it became a breeze, and adds alot to the fun.

Excellent service by our server Sandrine. Knowledgeable and always smiling. Kudos to Chef Desmond for the amazing food! No doubt one of the best restaurants in Canada.

Very unique dining experience in Calgary. I've been fortunate to attend Michelin star restaurants, and the service, the food and the attention to detail is right up there with them. It's taken me many attempts to get a reservation, but it was well worth the wait. The mocktail and tea pairings were very unique and enjoyable to go along with the meal experience.

Eight is easily one of the finest dining establishments I’ve experienced in Calgary. Every detail, from the exquisitely crafted dishes to the impeccable ambiance, speaks to culinary excellence. The service was truly on par with a Michelin-starred restaurant—attentive, knowledgeable, and effortlessly professional. Eight delivers an unforgettable dining experience that sets a new standard for Calgary’s food scene.