A1 Cafe

Name: A1 Cafe
Address: 1213 1 St SW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2R 0V3
Telephone: (403) 474-7766
Price range: CAN$31 to CAN$50
Rating: 4.3

4.3

215 Reviews

CAN$31 to CAN$50

Café

Top tags:

We’re an every day café, restaurant & wine bar serving specialty coffee, an eclectic wine list, seasonal sharing plates & a small selection of locally-sourced products.
The kitchen delivers a broadly European-inspired menu, using locally sourced ingredients from small-scale farms and producers.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(403) 474-7766

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Café, European
Hours of Operation
Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(403) 474-7766
Website
https://www.a1cafe.ca/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Daniel Collovalles
Catering
Please contact pearlic@a1family.ca for all of your catering inquiries!
Private party facilities
Please contact pearlic@a1family.ca for all of your event inquiries!

Location
1213 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0V3
Neighbourhood
Downtown
Cross Street
1st street
Parking Details
There is ample street parking in the area. Street parking is free after 6 pm daily and all day Sundays and holidays.
Public Transit
We are located a short 8 minute walk from the 1st Street SW train station.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Calgary

What 215 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.3Food
4.3Service
4.4Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

E
Edward
Calgary
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on March 16, 2023
overall2food1service4ambience2
The food quality has got significantly worse compared to the last time I visit. Meat was burnt (literally) and all the sauce was extreme (e.g., too salty, too sour). Totally ruined the anniversary date with my wife. We left the place on a $100 bill+ being confused and devastated. It certainly was not worth it. The only thing brighter than the dim lights there was the waiter who was very nice and quick to serve us. Probably will never come back.
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TP
TimP
Calgary
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was outstanding, and made my friends birthday very special. Thank you!
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KL
KimberlyL
Calgary
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 9, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Service and ambiance 10/10!! Glad we went in to try
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J
Jemthebaker
Calgary
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A go to spot for date night or friends dinner! Service, cocktails and food are always on point. Must get the khachapuri !!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience3
The restaurant had very nice decor, the servers were all extremely nice. But the food and drink menu was mediocre and over priced.
Is this helpful?
CL
ClaudiaL
Calgary
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I've been to A1 Cafe twice now and it's been nothing but surprises with how amazing the food and the service was. This family-style restaurant offers a wide variety of gluten-free options while still delivering such flavorful dishes. The portions from appetizers to main courses are big enough to share so you get a taste of everything and it is definitely affordable!
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GS
GwenS
Calgary
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
So good!! Great food! Amazing service!
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JS
JohnS
Calgary
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
First time to A1 Cafe, and we weren't disappointed. We started off with a few tasty cocktails, which is a must, because the list is so good. We had brought our own bottle of wine and the CAFE were ok with that, as they have a simple corkage fee. Then, because the dinner menu is based around sharing, we had are beautiful waitress help us with selecting and then timing of the food to our table. But the greatest part of the night was getting to know our waitress at a friendly level, Allegra (if that's the correct spelling) She was very professional, has great experiences to share and represented the restaurant well. We wish you well Allegra, go explore. We truly recommend this Cafe to dine with friends, i don't think you'll be disappointed either. (they even have a coat check) that's a key for me. Cheers Kim and John
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Great place great vibes. Potatoes are to die for. Skip the deconstructed “cheesecake” unless you like lemon meringue. Great experience overall and will 100% be back.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing. The space and ambience was beautiful. Service and staff were perfect.
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AP
AndrewP
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food was great, service decent but they were really busy with the hockey game rush. Caught up by the time we left. Drinks are phenomenal, well thought up and expertly crafted. Food portions are not big at all, but everything was very tasty
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
3 reviews
vip
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2022
overall3food2service2ambience4
Came here for lunch and the potatoes were amazing. Wasn’t a huge fan of the trout. The ambience and decor is beautiful.
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DL
DavidL
Calgary
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience4
Good value as menu items are very reasonably priced. Food is full of high quality items that offer some unique flavours and soul warming dishes. Service was mediocre, got really busy and the young lady had too many tables to manage and service suffered because of it. On the high side for noise but all part of the atmosphere just not a place for a quiet dinner - more lively and active, which was good for us.
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C
Comfrey
Edmonton
9 reviews
vip
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Food was great. Maggie our server had great recommendations that paired well with the wine we ordered. The only thing that I would improve was that the high top stools were pretty uncomfortable - to the point where all the high top tables pulled the bar stools over and sat on those. The Tataki was on point - the mackerel was fantastic as well.
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RK
RobiK
Calgary
16 reviews
vip
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great food choices however two of our six dishes were very bland. We loved the atmosphere.
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J
Jules
Calgary
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on December 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing and the service was good too.
Is this helpful?
A
Abby
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
AMAZING!! Great food, great service, and such a cool space! Great for date night or a nice brunch.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We absolutely loved our experience! The dishes were all fabulous and packed with so much flavour! Was the best diner we’ve had in ages! The maple pork dish was my favourite of the night, it was as rich and tender as butter. Service was friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. Looking forward to our next visit!
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G
Grace
Vancouver
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
Food was amazing. We had the crispy potatoes, the tomato basil bocconcini “fatbread”, and the pork belly. Everything tasted delicious. The service was ok, it was very busy when we were there so it took a while for the server to attend to us but she was extremely nice so that made up for it. Only note I would like to make is to be aware that when you book a reservation here through open table it doesn’t place you at a table—we originally had to sit at the bar before requesting a switch, and were informed that the empty tables were being “saved for people with reservations” which made no sense because we had made a reservation. After that hiccup everything was great though. Would highly recommend.
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d
davidw
Calgary
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 30, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Food was fantastic. I would recommend for lunch or dinner.
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EM
ElliottM
Calgary
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of Calgary’s top restaurants. Great food with a rotating menu; the chef takes a lot of pride in and is creative with their menus and it shows. Front of house is attentive and charming! If you haven’t checked it out you should!
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KF
KateF
Exclusive
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I have to say that the food was exceptional - however the pork rib dish was a bit too satly - would be nice if paired with a potato of some sort. Just my opinion :) - always a a great time at A1!
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SA
SaraA
Calgary
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 14, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Very nice restaurant, great staff. The food is good, very rich.
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HW
HeatherW
Calgary
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an early reservation after a show at Theatre Calgary. The family style dining was great for us--we got to try lots of different things and hit the Happy Hour which was great. Our favourites were the Burrata Flatbread and the tuna.
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S
Steve
Calgary
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 6, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
the food was fine but way overpriced. we got a 1/4 of a burrata and 3 slices of prosciutto for $28 which is absurd. it was good but entirely not worth the price. The potato's were good albeit some tasted like charcoal as they were burnt. The pork belly was good but again we got 4 pieces that wouldn't be out of place on a Costco sampler, for $26 again just not worth the price.
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w
wino
Calgary
33 reviews
vip
3.0
33 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience4
Used to really enjoy coming here but now not so much. When we arrived I asked if I could hang my cat and was told no. Next table came in and they were asked if their coats could be hung up... Our server was very good, she noticed that we were not enjoying the cauliflower (it says Tahini but it is mayonnaise which I don't like) and offered to replace it. It also took 30 minutes to get the cauliflower and when it arrived is was mostly cold. I had the happy hour pizza, it was seriously under seasoned, but the crust was good.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and super tasty food
Is this helpful?
SY
SarahY
Calgary
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was delicious, but the portion sizes are smaller for the price.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a good time for my birthday
Is this helpful?
LG
LoriG
Calgary
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very friendly staff. Very accommodating
Is this helpful?
GF
GaryF
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The noise levels was high but wasn't that bad. The service and food was excellent. Will go back again
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K
Kaylee
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Reserved a table on a whim for my birthday, and was very impressed. Food was incredible, service was great, they gave a nice patio. Go there, eat it all!
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S
54thStreeter
Philadelphia
19 reviews
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
We only had time for the build your own cheese tray, but we loved what we built (comte, marinated olives, toasted baguette slices and fig jam). Our server suggested good wine selections and it was a beautiful evening to sit outside.
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BW
BrianW
Calgary
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We split the pork chops and the half chicken as well and the tomato and basil and the roasted cauliflower and each had a glass of wine. The food was exceptional and the service was great. It made for a great evening out.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
15 reviews
vip
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always the most delicious food with great wine selection. The staff goes above and beyond. One of my favourite places to go.
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N
Nevereatingshrimpagain
Calgary
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 25, 2022
overall2food1service2ambience5
PSA if you order the shrimp they may have poo in them! Cafe is gorgeous though!
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LT
LeoneT
Calgary
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent service, food was wonderful! I like that the menu has changed since the last time I was here a few months back and we can try new things. Will definitely come back!
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c
cocodiva
Calgary
35 reviews
vip
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience3
The dishes all have very distinct flavors and the food is very tasty. The sauces and dressings are just right and everything tasted really good.
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H
Hailey
Austin
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner was incredible! Our server, Sarah, was an absolute delight. Will absolutely be coming back!
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L
Ltkm
Calgary
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on July 30, 2022
overall3food1service4ambience2
Overpriced and taste was very plain. Waitress was very nice.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from A1 Cafe using the Order Online button. A1 Cafe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (403) 474-7766.

A1 Cafe is rated 4.3 stars by 215 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(403) 474-7766

1213 1 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0V3

Additional information

Cross Street
1st street
Neighbourhood
Downtown
Hours of Operation
Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Cuisines
Café, European
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
There is ample street parking in the area. Street parking is free after 6 pm daily and all day Sundays and holidays.
Public Transit
We are located a short 8 minute walk from the 1st Street SW train station.
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa
Executive Chef
Daniel Collovalles
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.a1cafe.ca/
Phone number
(403) 474-7766
Catering
Please contact pearlic@a1family.ca for all of your catering inquiries!
Private party facilities
Please contact pearlic@a1family.ca for all of your event inquiries!

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Calgary

A1 Cafe

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Calgary

Menu

What 215 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

Screening

FAQs

Does A1 Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is A1 Cafe restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Restaurants in Calgary