Reviews of EIGHT (Restaurant)

David Skabar

To say that EIGHT was merely a five star experience is such a discredit to the world-class comprehensive celebration of food Chef Maclean and team provided. Expert storytelling surrounding the Canadian heritage style of cuisine that we have available with the caliber of ingredients, attention to detail, and minimization of food waste is all tied together over an absolutely next level meal. EIGHT is in a class of its own. Bravo.

Yasmin Hovakeemian

We dined at Eight recently and truly enjoyed the unique and intimate experience that Chef Darren, his CDC Matu (sp?) and his staff member Richard created. It really showcases beautifully everything that Canada has to offer. I won't spoil the surprise, but I do highly recommend the experience, the wine and/or mocktail pairings and the food! Everything was amazing!

Kim Payant

Got to experience Eight restaurant a few days ago and it was amazing! I loved how involved Chef MacLean was in the whole experience, from cooking right in front of you to sharing funny stories, you can really feel his passion for food. Every dish was creative and tasted amazing! Can't wait to go there in a different season to experience different ingredients and new dishes! If you love tasting menus, don't hesitate to book at Eight, you won't regret it! Thanks for the amazing dinner!

Mike H

A fantastic experience where head Chef Darren MacLean explains each plate in great detail and it’s origins. One of the best nights out my wife and I have had ever.

Tony Hatfield

This was not just a “meal” or “dinner”, but rather a full food, Canadian, dining adventure that we will never forget. We were taken from the coasts of BC to Newfoundland. Through The mountains of BC, the prairies and all the way to Quebec and beyond. We enjoyed the influences of Italy, India, Korea and so much more. If you can get tickets here TAKE THEM! We would do this again 1000 times over. Absolutely amazing and unforgettable.

Joshua Wasylciw

I haven't even been here, and yet I am so disappointed. They do quarterly reservations, and they apparently fill up quick. So I set my alarm today (15 Nov 2021) for 11:55 am (as the next reservations opened up at 12:00 pm today). I was online, and ready to book at 12:00 pm. I kept trying and trying and trying and at 12:00 pm the website kept saying they were already totally booked? I am not sure if they are booking in all of their friends or something, however there is something really strange going on with their reservation system. By 12:15 the website said that their New Years reservations were totally full and the next reservations would open 15 February at 12:00 pm. Save yourself the trouble to even bother trying to book - somehow I bet that they will be totally booked prior to the reservations even "opening" that day. Seems like a lot of hype over this place, but something shady seems to be going on to try and drive up chatter over it - or something else strange.

Julie M

Unfortunately can’t share pictures, therefore, missing out on half the experience of positing but I’m going to do it anyways for those who may be on the fence like i was . I have wanted to try Eight for a while, however, it comes with a price tag and i didn’t want to be let down as my expectations were SO high... so .. i kept putting it off . I decided on a whim to book for an anniversary dinner (it all worked out even though they were full) and it was one of the BEST nights and BEST meals . Not only did our dinner meet my insanely high expectations of Darren, it actually exceeded them. I thought this would be a one time experience, however, after having the food, the entertainment and the experience i will go back no doubt . The flavours were amazing, as well as presentation and creativity. Darren is knowledgeable and really gives you a background behind his inspiration behind each course that is served. It was so fun watching him prepare the dishes as well as listening to him talk about the origins of his creations with so much passion; he is extremely charismatic and intelligent and a joy to listen to. This was the most fun i have had in a while and can’t wait to do it again. Until then.. — Cheers

Ryan Rakochy

We have been lucky enough to eat at a couple of Michelin star restaurants in our time. I say this not to brag, but only for context. Eight sits shoulder to shoulder with those experiences. It's easily one of the most detailed, comfortable, exquisite dining experiences in Calgary right now, and if you're lucky enough to be able to go here for an evening, you should take the opportunity. Every dish is chosen and crafted to make the most of every ingredient available, and every dish is sourced and built to showcase Canada. It is a shame that Michelin stars aren't awarded to Canadian restaurants, cause chef Darren MacLean deserves them for what has been achieved at eight. Go while you can, cause this isn't an opportunity that will be available to us forever.

Dave R

We have dined there twice and both times, it was easily in our top dining experiences we have had globally. The world-class food and intimate experience were unmatched. A true pleasure to be served by Chef Darren.

Daniel Ricardo

Really good food :)

Sebastian Saint

We ate at EIGHT last night and it was incredible. I loved the intimate setting and how beautiful the chef bar is. Chef Darren MacLean leads you through several courses of Canadian cuisine, a lot of which is from their local farm. I loved how much thought and care was clearly put into each and every course. It is also really cool to see right into their kitchen and be able to talk to the chef throughout. The chef explains each course as it is brought out, and diners are welcome to ask any questions they may have. Overall it was an amazing experience and I can't wait to go back!

Thijs de Lint

Mind blown! Chef Darren takes you on a food trip that you never want to end!

Div Rev

Just wonderful. Dishes were outstanding - great flavours and execution. Would certainly compete as a Michelin level experience. The pairings were fantastic. Overall experience is worth it and will definitely return.

Samneet Mangat

What a wonderful time! Thank you, Chef Darren and team, for a great culinary experience. Highly recommended!

Luke Davis

Absolutely incredible start to finish. You will not find another experience like this in Calgary. It is expensive but well worth it for a highly memorable evening!

Steven

I just had the most incredible experience! Three hours of pure enjoyment on so many levels. Thank you, Darren, Richard and Alex (and all 'the behind the scenes'). I learned, I laughed, I was beautifully fed, I am humbled and blessed. So grateful! See you soon at that place on 4th Street SW. :-)

Brad Wood

Absolutely show of talent from Chef Darren Maclean and his team. This was one of the best meals I have ever had. The best narrative of Canadian cuisine you could ever assemble. Deserving of multiple Michelin stars.

Taylor Boss

Wonderful people

Mark Robinson

Amazing food. Keep it up!!!