As the sun sets on another warm summer night in downtown Calgary, you may find yourself wandering the Beltline strip of the city in search of your next favourite restaurant. You wander the metropolitan streets encompassed by Calgary’s historic cityscape and, just south of the train tracks along 10 Avenue, you find yourself at the entranceway to Orchard Restaurant.
Sitting at the base of the elegantly designed downtown Calgary Residence Inn with natural stone and marble accents, Orchard’s front doors are hinted by a quaint patio space leading into the main restaurant. The patio is small but enticing with a light wooden frame wrapped in Edison lights, leading pedestrians of 10th avenue to speculate what awaits them inside the actual restaurant. Certainly, it is nothing less than magical.
Orchard Restaurant describes itself as a unique dining establishment in Calgary that resonates casual elegance. Upon walking into the dining room, that description is justified in an ornate display of crystal chandeliers, lush hanging plants, and stacked wooden shelves upon which sit an impressive display. The environment at Orchard sets out to echo the themes of their menu which takes inspiration from both Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.
Mediterranean influences are most apparent in verdant pothos vines, hanging from every nook and strung across every shelf. Gilded light fixtures, softly illuminating dining tables, create a tropical and warm atmosphere even in the concrete jungle of downtown Calgary. Finally, a simple and spacious interior evokes the elegance and beauty of Asian interior design. It is hard to think of a more unique and enticing place to enjoy a night out than at Orchard Restaurant.
Placing in Canada’s top 100 best restaurants in both 2021 and 2022, Orchard lives up to the reputation. The credit is due to chef Jenny Kang who boasts previous experience in classic, farm-to-table dining and Japanese cuisine. As a result, she affords Orchard’s menu with everything Calgarians could hope for: fresh, locally-sourced ingredients elevated through the culinary practices of Kang’s Korean background.
With roots in Asian, European, and Mediterranean culinary traditions, one could mistake the menu at Orchard for being a bit convoluted. But rest assured that Kang has succeeded in coalescing it all into a balanced and delightful menu of innovative dishes. In fact, the benefit of drawing from multiple culinary practices is that there is always something new to try, leading to a menu which incorporates the classics in addition to innovative dishes drawn from a combination of cultures.
The menu at Orchard is divided into three categories: small plates, vegetables, and large plates. The variety allows for almost everyone to find something to enjoy regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences. Vegetarians can partake in half the menu which includes hearty dishes like the Eggplant made Maitake Mushrooms and Yuzu Aioli. Plus, multiple small plates can be ordered tapas-style across the table. From the classics like Garlic Bread to Salmon Crudo, Bison Carpaccio, and Crispy Pork Belly, you can easily find yourself on a transcontinental culinary journey.
Of course, it would be a shame not to utilize the abundance of ingredients grown right here in Canada. A good portion of Orchard’s menu is dedicated to the farm-to-table classics but taken a step further with Asian and Mediterranean flavours. Take the Crusted Halibut accompanied with Bok Choy and Miso Cream, for example.
With an elegantly playful interior and enticing menu, Orchard Restaurant doubles as an excellent venue for anything from weddings to corporate events. With the guest experience always in mind, Orchard Restaurant’s interior was designed to both immerse and delight with a variety of spaces for any function. Whether you are booking for a date night or larger social gathering, Orchard Restaurant is an idealistic escape from the hustle of downtown Calgary.
