What rules apply to visiting cafes and restaurants?

Visiting cafes and restaurants in Calgary has its own peculiarities, combining traditional Canadian customs with modern trends. Understanding local etiquette will help you feel comfortable in any establishment in the city and create a positive impression. Calgary has a thriving culinary scene with over 100 restaurants offering a variety of menus ranging from simple to sophisticated dishes.

Table reservations and arrival

It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance at popular restaurants in Calgary. This is especially true for evening meals, weekends, and special events. Restaurants may hold tables for guests with reservations even if they are late or do not show up at all.

Punctuality is a key aspect of Canadian culture. If you are more than 30 minutes late, others may start ordering without you. It is better to notify the restaurant in advance of your delay than to show up unexpectedly late.

Some establishments, such as Fortuna's Row, have strict rules regarding table time:

  • Parties of 1–2 people have 2 hours
  • Groups of 3–4 people have 2.5 hours
  • Parties of 5 or more people have up to 3 hours

A $10 per person penalty will be charged for no-shows.

Dress code and appearance

Calgary is known for its relaxed approach to fashion, but restaurants still have certain standards. The general rule is to be a little overdressed rather than underdressed.

Casual establishments

Most cafes and casual restaurants have a smart casual dress code. This means neat and tidy clothing without any formalities.

Prestigious restaurants

In upscale establishments such as Chairman's Steakhouse, there are stricter rules:

  • Baseball caps, shorts, ripped jeans, and hoodies are not allowed.
  • A neat business casual style is recommended.
  • Shoes are required in all establishments.

Suits and ties are rarely worn in Calgary, but a sports jacket without a tie and a little black dress would be perfectly acceptable for dinner at a prestigious establishment.

Some theater restaurants, such as Stage West, ask you to dress your best and avoid shorts, T-shirts, or sportswear.

Table manners

Use of cutlery

In Canada, the continental style of using cutlery is accepted. Hold the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right hand when cutting food. After cutting, the knife remains in the right hand, and the food is brought to the mouth with the fork, holding it in the left hand with the prongs facing down.

When you have finished eating, leave your cutlery in the middle of the plate with the blades facing up. This is a signal to the waiter that you are finished.

Table manners

Basic rules of Canadian table etiquette:

  • Do not rest your elbows on the table

  • Do not wear hats (except in very informal places such as sports bars)

  • Always say “please” and “thank you”

  • Wait until everyone has been served before starting to eat

  • Remain at the table until everyone has finished eating

  • Place your napkin on your lap immediately after the host does so. This is the official start of the meal.

Sharing food

Canadians do not usually share plates or bowls during meals. Even at beach picnics, this is considered unusual. Although some cultural communities in Canada practice communal eating, the mainstream Canadian culture favors individual servings.

Using cell phones

Using cell phones at the table is considered rude. The basic rules are:

  • Put your phone on silent mode and hide it in your bag

  • Leaving your phone on the table is considered rude

  • Do not photograph food without permission from your fellow diners

  • If you are expecting an important call, let others know in advance

  • If you need to answer, apologize and step away from the table

In prestigious establishments such as Fortuna's Row, guests are asked to refrain from using flash when taking photos for the comfort of other guests.

Tipping and payment

Tipping in Calgary

The standard tip in Calgary is 15–20% of the bill. Specific recommendations from Calgary residents:

  • 15% for regular service
  • 18–20% for excellent service
  • 10% if the service was unsatisfactory

Interestingly, some Calgarians reduce their tips if the terminal offers inflated options. For example, if the terminal shows 30% as an option, many people give no more than 15%.

New trends

In 2024, the Heliopolis Social Café restaurant opened in Calgary with a “no tip” policy. Instead, the establishment pays its employees above the minimum wage. This is part of a global trend toward eliminating tips, which may spread in the next 5–10 years.

Paying the bill

Most restaurants in Canada can split the bill into separate checks. This is the fairest way, as each person pays only for what they ordered. Asking for separate bills is common practice, and waiters are used to it.

If splitting is not possible, popular methods include:

  • One person pays by card, the others pay in cash
  • Using apps such as PayPal Split Bill
  • Taking turns to pay the full bill for regular get-togethers

Alcohol laws

Alcohol serving hours

The usual alcohol serving hours in Alberta are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. During the Calgary Stampede, these hours are extended: restaurants can serve alcohol from 8:00 a.m., and private events can serve alcohol from 6:30 a.m.

Age restrictions and ID

The legal drinking age in Alberta is 18. Anyone who looks younger than 25 may be asked for ID. Acceptable forms of ID include:

  • Passport

  • Driver's license with photo

  • Military ID

  • Indian status card

Minimum prices

Alberta has minimum prices for alcohol:

  • Spirits: $2.75 per ounce

  • Wine: $0.35 per ounce ($1.75 per 5-ounce glass)

  • Draft beer: $0.16 per ounce ($3.20 per 20-ounce pint)

Alcohol service

To serve alcohol, servers must have a ProServe certificate and be at least 18 years old. This online course costs about $50 and is valid for 5 years.

Accessibility for people with disabilities

Calgary pays significant attention to restaurant accessibility. Many establishments provide:

  • Barrier-free access to all public areas
  • Accessible restrooms with handrails and wheelchair space
  • Greetings to companions and service animals

Restaurants recognized for their accessibility include:

  • Chairman's Steakhouse
  • The Wilde on 27
  • Earls Southcentre

The Calgary Tower has specially equipped gondolas that can accommodate one wheelchair and one passenger, and the restaurants at the top are fully accessible.

Service features

Pace of service

Canadians appreciate a leisurely atmosphere at the table. Staff do not rush to bring the bill after the meal, assuming that guests may wish to linger. If you want the bill, you need to ask for it.

Group etiquette

For large parties (6+ people), a 20% gratuity is automatically added to the bill. If separately booked individuals decide to sit together, the same policy applies to the entire group.

Special events

Calgary Expo hosts an annual festival featuring over 100 restaurants offering fixed-price menus:

  • Brunch/lunch: $25 and $35
  • Dinner: $35 and $45
  • Tasting menus: $65 and $75

Cultural highlights

Calgary's coffee culture

Calgary has a rich independent coffee culture. The city's oldest café, Higher Ground in Kensington, opened in 1982. Interestingly, it “beat” Starbucks, which opened nearby in 1996 but closed in 2019.

Italian traditions

Some cafes in Calgary offer the tradition of Aperitivo — an Italian custom of drinking aperitifs before dinner. This demonstrates the international nature of the city's culinary scene.

Understanding and following these rules will help you enjoy your culinary experience in Calgary and integrate into the local culture. The most important thing is to be polite, respect other visitors and staff, and don't be afraid to ask if you are unsure about the rules of a particular establishment.