Koi

Name: Koi
Address: 100, 1011 - 1st Street SW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2R 1J2
Telephone: (403) 206-1564
Price range: CAN$30 and under
Rating: 3.8

3.8

378 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Contemporary Asian

Top tags:

Koi has been a consistent member of the arts and music scene in Calgary for over a decade, and continues to grow as an integral part of the city’s culture.

With exciting events, a great rotation of local visual artists, fresh in-house created cocktails and an elevated new Asian-fusion menu, this hip spot is breaking ground to bring you new experiences on the regular. A beacon to Calgary’s growing music scene, Koi remains one of downtown Calgary’s best restaurant bars to take in live sessions.

Enjoy a blended cuisine inspired by the best food out of China, Korea and Japan with a plethora of vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and allergen friendly options. If you like a cocktail with your show, you will be blown away by the innovative creations from the bar. There is certainly a little something for everyone.

Immerse yourself in an intimate and passionate atmosphere flavoured for the Calgary arts scene.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary Asian, Fusion / Eclectic, Vegetarian / Vegan
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(403) 206-1564
Website
http://www.koicalgary.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Ken Campbell
Private party facilities
Offering an intimate venue for up to 60 people with delicious food and the ability to bring in live music or DJ entertainment. Have held private birthdays, dance parties, business meetings, conferences, cocktail parties, art receptions, and weddings. Please contact info@cafekoi.com for details.
Private party contact
Erin Penosky: (403) 206-1564

Location
100, 1011 - 1st Street SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1J2
Neighbourhood
Downtown
Cross Street
1st Street SW
Parking Details
Lots of street parking available around the area. Free parking on street after 6pm
Entertainment
Koi has a diverse array of exciting entertainment we offer 6 nights a week!From Singer/Songwriter Open Mics, Jazz, Classical, and even Poetry, our venue will allow you to experience local communities creative efforts through art and music. Please visit www.cafekoi.com for details on our events and our event calendar!
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Vegetable Gyozas$8.50
handmade, pan seared, served with sweet sriracha sauce
Pork Gyozas$9.50
handmade, pan seared, served with sweet sriracha sauce
Spring Rolls$7.00
2 large handmade vegetable spring rolls fried crispy and served with in house made sweet chili sauce
Fresh Papaya Salad$8.50
shredded green papaya, carrot and cucumber tossed in fresh mint and a sweet citrus dressing, topped with roasted peanuts
Vegan 'Oh-Koi' Bao$6.00
sweet potato and vegan "shrimp" okoy fritter served in a coconut black sesame bun, topped with a garlic lime vegannaise and green onion
- For 3$16.00
The 'OG' Pork Belly Bao$6.50
16-hour sous vide pork belly infused with pandan and lemongrass, sweet soy, hoisin, topped with ponzu pickles, chicharron and green onions in a steamed milk bun
- For 3$18.00
Kimchi Stew$4.00
Spicy vegetable stew made with house-made Kimchi

Noodles

add a fried egg for $2, gluten free options available - please ask

Pad Kare$13.00
stir-fried rice noodles and vegetables tossed in a annatto tamarind peanut sauce, topped with bean sprouts and roasted peanuts
Crispy Vegetable Chow Mein$13.00
crispy fried noodles topped with vegetables, stir fried in a black bean sauce
Peanut Satay Vegan Noodle Bowl$14.00
Stir fried vegan udon noodles and vegetables cooked in a coconut peanut satay sauce and served with crispy fried tofu

Rice Dishes

all dishes served with sautéed vegetables and jasmine rice, add a fried egg for $2, gluten free options available, please ask

Bistek Beef$17.00
toyomansi-marinated beef steak, topped with raw onion and a fried egg
Miso Glazed Chicken$15.00
grilled chicken basted in a miso glaze dressing
Adobo Tofu$14.00
Crispy tofu marinated in a Filipino soy adobo
Classic Coconut Curry$13.00
yellow coconut lemongrass curry garnished with fresh carrot and lime
Kimchi Fried Rice$13.00
fried rice cooked with house-made kimchi and gochujang sauce

Desserts

Dessert Bao$6.50
deep-fried milk buns, with a rotating assortment of sweet fillings
- For 3$18.00
Vegan Dessert Bao$6.00
deep-fried sesame coconut buns, with a rotating assortment of sweet vegan fillings
- For 3$16.00
Rotating Specials
Ask your server!

What 378 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

3.8

3.8 based on recent ratings

3.9Food
4Service
3.5Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Energetic

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OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 19, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
The location they have posted on the website is closed down, made reservations for dinner and they weren’t even open. Had to scramble for last minute reservations elsewhere. The phone is not even in use.
OS
OpentableSupporter
Calgary
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 17, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
We booked a reservation but when we got to the restaurant it was closed. Not sure why they are on Open Table.
YS
YuhaoS
San Francisco
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Koi was open for the last day during our visit. Excellent food and music and songs and poems. Very unique dining experience, hope it will reopen soon and definitely will come back again.
DB
DavidB
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing experience at Koi. The live music combined with amazing food was sush a wonderful treat
AG
AGHAUNT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love Koi always. They changed there menu since we had been, we were pleased with the options as we are a vegan and a vegetarian duo. We were impressed with the food portion and left feeling full and satisfied. Our waitress was lovely and we just loved her personality. Also the music was so good we definitely commented on that to each other. Top notch, thank you guys
PG
PennyG
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 22, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
We went on a Tuesday night which turned out to be open mic night. What a fun surprise. There was a variety of acts, lots of fun and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We tried the Blossom cocktail. It was delicious!!!
W
Williv
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We find the table & chair spacing is a little too 'cozy'.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Turkey
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 22, 2022
overall3food5service2ambience2
Eigentlich ein schönes Restaurant. Tisch reserviert wurden aber trotzdem rein geschickt, uns wurde versprochen sobald was frei ist werden wir raus geschickt, ein paar tische war den ganzen abend nicht belegt und als man nachgefragt hat meinte man „alles ist besetzt wir geben Ihnen bescheid sobald was frei ist“ leider nicht passiert
BL
BabsLind
Calgary
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 21, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Enjoyed our visit and food was good. The Bao was really good in particular. We visited on a Friday night and we were departing as a 2nd music act was beginning as does a cover charge if your staying. Menu could have a few more offerings. Service was great and we will visit again.
S
Stace
Calgary
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
This little gem never disappoints! Great food and live classical music, plus fantastic service! One of our regular date night favorites.
SC
SunC
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful place with wonderful environment and yummy food
SW
SarW
Calgary
3 reviews
1.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
Made a reservation through opentable. Got there and got turned away from the door.
M
Monty
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thank you Koi! For an outstanding first experience! We made it for your spoken word night, and it was an absolute treasure to witness everyone’s hearts and souls spill out the cavity of each written page. Never have I personally felt so connected to a room full of strangers. And never have I felt so truly welcomed from the moment I opened the door to saying goodbye and knowing I’d definitely be back again. Thanks for accepting all open minded creatures of all sorts of backgrounds into your home, and allowing them to feast and nurture on the figments of our imagination and the yearning strifes of our realities. Amazing food and drink. Adieu!
EF
ElizabethF
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Had a delightful evening at Koi taking in the Thursday evening Open Mic Poetry evening. Our server was lovely and the ambiance was warm and inclusive. The only downside was the lack of menu items, but that is the reality of supply chain issues that are prevalent all around presently. ;)
HP
HiskeP
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hip & happening place with delicious food, warm welcome from the owner and great live music! Unique place in Calgary. Not suitable for a quiet conversation but to feel alive!
SM
SusanM
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great vibe, great music, great food and drink. This is one of my favourite places in Calgary. Excellent joint
J
Joel
Calgary
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on April 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was amazing and the service was friendly and prompt. That evening there was a local band playing. The band was very good. The sound level was high at times but overall it was an excellent atmosphere to unwind at the end of the week.
SC
SunC
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful place, Wonderful crowd, open mic is very versatile and supportive
JP
JasmineP
Calgary
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and atmosphere were amazing! Great service as well. Small, intimate and amazing
S
Stace
Calgary
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fabulous food as always along with great service and a fun night with Classical Guitar!
AK
AngeloK
Calgary
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
The chairs a little uncomfortable but I guess that’s part of the experience?
SC
SunC
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful place. Open mics every Tuesday and other events on daily basis. A cute little place to have fun and destress as well as meet new people
s
shhh
Exclusive
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Erin is a kind, professional, and hardworking owner. Dominick was also very friendly and efficient as our server. The food there is great and the live show was amazing!
DK
DebraK
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Sonia's singing was amazing and the food and staff were great!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Calgary
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 1, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience4
We came for the open mic it was a good variety of music
NS
NiaS
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is amazing and the shows I saw were fantastic. Will definitely be back soon!
JM
JohairaMichelle
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was outstanding. They where super busy and food wait was a little dramatic. The food itself delicious. Amazing vegan options Update*** the food was so delicious I returned a few days later. The service was even better and I love the artistic quirky vibe. im a fan
EA
EAmo
Calgary
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on January 29, 2022
overall1food4service1ambience1
A few negative things to say about this establishment. First, I made a reservation on Friday, January 28th at 8:30 PM for 2 people. When my date and I arrived at the cafe, there was an open mic that was going on (which was fine), but the server came to get us after 2 minutes waiting at the door - we did not want to just walk in and disturb the performance. As we got in, we can tell that there was no available seats anywhere. The server then asked a customer sitting at the bar to move to give us a seat for 2 at the bar. Normally we wouldn’t mind, but we have a RESERVATION- meaning seats are supposed to be RESERVED. Furthermore, we were in the server section of the bar where they bring the plates out and drinks to take into the tables. We then ordered drinks and gyoza for appetizers. The drinks were fine, but we walked in at 8:45; by 9:30 the gyoza still hasn’t come out so we decided to order 1 more round of drinks and then leave - that’s when the server mentioned the gyoza (clearly she forgot). The biggest disappointment of the night was when the bill came, and to my surprise, there was an ENTRANCE FEE of $15 per person. There was never ANY mention of this fee whether it was on the website, on open table or before we entered and got our seats. The server just asks “there’s also an entrance fee for tonight” WHEN SHE HANDED THE BILL. I understand if this is a niche place and it’s mostly regulars that come in there and knows the drill, but we weren’t regulars and we’re just looking to try something new. I still paid the tip and didn’t argue while we were there to avoid any interruptions with the open mic event. Needless to say I would never again go into this restaurant and refer it to any of my friends.
NB
NikkiB
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had a lovely time. Good vibes, good music, great food.
UB
UrvashiB
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2021
overall1food1service1ambience1
The restaurant was closed and we were not informed.
T
Tarzan
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 23, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
The venue always has a very professional yet warm atmosphere. The staff are helpful and genuine. The food, drinks and entertainment is tops in the area. Would definitely recommend to family and friends!
D
Deni
Calgary
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful in all respects, including food,, service, music and ambience
DC
DonC
Calgary
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 19, 2021
overall4food5service5ambience4
This was our first visit, as we are friends with the band leader. We thoroughly enjoyed the food, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the experience a very good one. We were concerned at the number of people allowed into the place. Everyone was checked for ID and vaccination, but we couldn't eat and drink with masks on. I put on my mask when I was finished my meal. I didn't see anyone else do that. The staff were busy, and could not police that. People moved around without masking. We will be back with friends for food when there is no band, which should reduce the number in attendance.
DF
DonF
Calgary
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great food and pleasant atmosphere. Asian bowls are excellent. While almost all the aspects of my visit were very good, the specific evening I visited was very cold outside and made the interior of the restaurant a bit cold. In those rare cases if a curtain could be put on the door that might help. UPDATE: I am informed that this issue was a one-time occurrence and is being addressed. Great news!
SL
SLow
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 12, 2021
overall4food5service4ambience5
The food was really good - I had the coconut curry with chicken and the portion size was very generous. I was part of the group that participated in the Classical Guitar Night so I am biased but the live music was what made the meal memorable.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Open Mic every Tuesday night showcases some of the best talent in Calgary.
T
Tux42
Calgary
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2021
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great local venue that supports the arts. Fantastic food and friendly staff.
D
Dineo
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2021
overall5food3service5ambience5
Great reception and hospitality from the staff, you feel welcomed. The food wasn’t my cup of tea but to each their own.
j
jayro
Calgary
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2021
overall2food4service1ambience5
Food and ambiance was great. Service was horrendous. 1 server for the entire restaurant. Had to wait 20 min for a water and to order.
SM
SofiaM
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 14, 2021
overall3food5service4ambience5
What's the point of making reservations if you get there and they just added an extra chair to your friends table instead giving you the table you reserved.

FAQs

Koi does offer delivery in partnership with Skip The Dishes and Uber Eats.

Koi is rated 3.8 stars by 378 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Additional information

Cross Street
1st Street SW
Neighbourhood
Downtown
Hours of Operation
Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Contemporary Asian, Fusion / Eclectic, Vegetarian / Vegan
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Lots of street parking available around the area. Free parking on street after 6pm
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive Chef
Ken Campbell
Entertainment
Koi has a diverse array of exciting entertainment we offer 6 nights a week!From Singer/Songwriter Open Mics, Jazz, Classical, and even Poetry, our venue will allow you to experience local communities creative efforts through art and music. Please visit www.cafekoi.com for details on our events and our event calendar!
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.koicalgary.com/
Phone number
(403) 206-1564
Private party facilities
Offering an intimate venue for up to 60 people with delicious food and the ability to bring in live music or DJ entertainment. Have held private birthdays, dance parties, business meetings, conferences, cocktail parties, art receptions, and weddings. Please contact info@cafekoi.com for details.
Private party contact
Erin Penosky: (403) 206-1564

Koi

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Additional information

Menu

Small Plates

Vegetable Gyozas$8.50

Pork Gyozas$9.50

Spring Rolls$7.00

Fresh Papaya Salad$8.50

Vegan 'Oh-Koi' Bao$6.00

The 'OG' Pork Belly Bao$6.50

Kimchi Stew$4.00

Noodles

Pad Kare$13.00

Crispy Vegetable Chow Mein$13.00

Peanut Satay Vegan Noodle Bowl$14.00

Rice Dishes

Bistek Beef$17.00

Miso Glazed Chicken$15.00

Adobo Tofu$14.00

Classic Coconut Curry$13.00

Kimchi Fried Rice$13.00

Desserts

Dessert Bao$6.50

Vegan Dessert Bao$6.00

Rotating Specials

What 378 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

Does Koi offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Koi restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Order delivery or takeout

Options

Additional information