Il Chianti Ristorante, Calgary

This is my favorite restaurant in the city! Not only was it where my husband took me on our first date almost 10 years ago but we go back almost every anniversary, valentine's day, or date night. And yes - we have taken our two young daughters more than once and have felt very welcome. We've taught them how to behave in such a restaurant and enjoy watching them act like "young ladies" because they feel so special for being able to join us on a "date" from time to time. The waitress even took a few minutes to teach the girls how to fold the linen napkins to look so cool! This was not a place that did not welcome kids, and we will be back again and again...alone and with our kids from time to time. The incredible food combined with excellent service from this quaint, romantic, family owned restaurant are the reasons to try it. It's the exact type of place that you'll keep going back to and tell your friends about.

The food is superb; the service professional. Best of all, there weren't any small children present! Thank goodness some restaurants are still willing to maintain the ambiance of their establishment. There are plenty of children-friendly dining establishments. Please parents, don't expect to bring your child anywhere you choose to dine.

My wife and I, along with 3 other couples visited IL Chianti recently and as usual we were very impressed with the food. We have feasted at this restaurant on several occasions since they opened their doors some 25 years ago, the decor might have changed and the curb appeal might not be there but I'm so happy to say that the food has still remained as tasty and as good as the first day they open. Its a shame some people confuse you with the other restaurant that is open Saturday afternoon and doesn't have IL in front of it. Keep up the good work!

Ive always heard really good things about chantis so maybe my expectations were a bit high...but if thats the case the group of 10 must have all had the same expectations. We made reservations for a sat afternoon for a group of 10 as it was my daughters birthday. I think the first thing we all noticed was the uncleansiness of the restaurant. It was very dirty and had a very bad odor to it. Our waitor was never around to top up drinks or even put bread on the table. When we did ask him for a refill or a drink he seemed annoyed and kept forgetting about it so we would have to hunt down someone else to get it. We waited a rediculous amount of time to even be offered to place our order. The menu selection was okay and I found the prices to be very reasonable. My disappointment was the state the restaurant was in and the absolute terrible service we recieved.Probly one of the worst dinning experiences we've had in a long time. Ive heard that chaintis is a very busy high volume restaurant its unfortunate that they would allow it to get as run down as it is dont let the curb appeal fool ya!!

I'd love to say that I'm writing a review about the food or the atmosphere at this restaurant, but sadly I didn't even make it past the door into the restaurant proper. Why, you ask? To provide a bit of background, I am a 30 year old male who was visiting the restaurant with a 37 and 42 year old female and a small child, and we had the following experience: Arriving at the restaurant at 12.45 Friday afternoon after the lunch rush, I assessed that the dining area was half-full. At the door, the maitre-de of the restaurant, who turner out the be the owner, informed us that the establishment was completely full, and that there would be no table for us. We asked what the wait time would be, and were told that it would not be worthwhile for us to wait. I have been going to restaurants for some time, and got the very distinct sense that this gentleman was sizing up my party and had decided that we were not worth his time, perhaps because we would not be a large bill, would not be consuming alcohol, or because we had a small child. In any event, it was clear that we were not wanted in the establishment. The owner was extremely dismissive and suggested that we dine at the supermarket cafe next door. He made hand gestures that actually suggested he was shooing us away. I feel that even if the restaurant was full to capacity, he could have been welcoming and suggest that we visit another time, which he did not. Our group of three was wearing business casual attire and we spoke politely during our brief conversation. I was aware of the prices for entrees at this restaurant as I had reviewed them online, and the adults were fine with the price range. The child we were with was being completely quiet. We decided at that point that even if we were able to get into the restaurant, we would not be served in a hospitable manner, so it was pointless to wait or pursue the matter further. Perhaps the food at Il Chianti is wonderful, and in fact I've heard from friends that it is. I leave it to the reader of this story to decide whether it is worthwhile to support such an establishment who would treat potential customers in such a manner. I do not feel that this is a personal attack on the restaurant in any way, and am simply relating the factual content of my experience there.

I’ve been to Il Chianti several times and I didn’t think it could get any better, I ordered lamb this time and what a heavenly treat, Grazie to the cook for the very generous portions. Most places these days you leave still being hungry, Not Here. The staff is wonderful and always ready to accommodate. I would definitely recommend this to any one with a hefty appetite wanting true tasty Italian food.

Its not that impressive from the outside, but inside is some of the best Italian food in the city. Everything we ordered was fabulous and the wine list really helped in choosing the right bottle. Portions are big and worthy of a few extra bucks. Very happy and stuffed!

Extremely expensive dining for oversauced mediocre food and poor atmosphere. In a city like Calgary that has many new and wonderful Italian restaurants - keep on driving!

We have been several times as a family group & as a couple. We just love the place . Always an excellent menu & specials. Wine is great Too! A bonus its in the Entertainment coupon book!