Menu

Centini Restaurant

Centini Restaurant, 160 8th Ave SE, Calgary

4.5
RESTAURANT RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.5 out of 5 (92 Ratings)
Powered By Opentable
0.9 miles Jack Singer Concert Hall
About Centini Restaurant
The Spotlight on Centini Restaurant

Elegant Italian Dining in the Heart of Downtown Calgary

Centini Restaurant is a modern, upscale Italian spot located right in downtown Calgary, just steps from popular concert venues and the vibrant cultural district. With stylish interiors, an impressive wine list, and a reputation for refined cuisine, Centini offers a polished yet welcoming atmosphere for pre-show dinners or late-night bites.

Known for artfully prepared pastas, fresh seafood, and high-end Italian classics, the restaurant blends fine dining with a touch of relaxed charm. The large windows and sleek decor give it a cosmopolitan feel, while the friendly service keeps things approachable.

Why Concert-goers love it

Centini’s location is a major win—just a short walk from Calgary’s major arenas and performance spaces, making it a convenient stop before or after a show. Guests love the efficient service that ensures you're in and out in time for the opening act. The ambiance is lively but not loud, striking a great balance for those wanting to enjoy conversation over a pre-concert cocktail or a glass of wine from their thoughtfully curated list.

There’s also a strong focus on quality, making every bite feel like a treat before the main event. Whether you’re grabbing a quick plate of house-made gnocchi or lingering over a full three-course meal, the staff keeps things moving without rushing the experience.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to toast before the show
  • Solo travelers who want a seat at the bar and a great glass of wine
  • Couples planning a romantic evening with music and fine food
  • Fans who enjoy a buzzing, stylish pre-show scene
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who value quality and are okay with slightly higher prices for a special night out

What People Say

Reviews frequently praise the attentive service and beautiful plating of dishes. Many guests highlight the pasta as a standout, particularly the lobster ravioli and the wild mushroom risotto. The atmosphere is described as “chic but comfortable,” with art-adorned walls and a spacious dining area that doesn’t feel cramped, even during busy hours.

Visitors also note that it’s a great place to impress out-of-towners or mark a special occasion before heading to a concert or event nearby.

Areas for Improvement

Some reviewers mention that prices are on the higher side, especially for drinks, and that portion sizes lean toward the fine-dining standard. On particularly busy nights, service may slow slightly, so if you're on a tight schedule, it’s best to let your server know upfront.

The Bottom Line

Centini offers a sophisticated yet accessible Italian dining experience just minutes from Calgary’s top music venues—perfect for concert-goers looking to elevate their night out.

Average Price
$31 to $50
Cuisine
Italian
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Opening Hours
Lunch
Mon-Fri 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Dinner
Mon-Sat 4:00 pm-10:00 pm
Fri, Sat 4:00 pm-11:00 pm

Centini Restaurant Customer Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Exceptional (5 out of 5)

Write a review

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Luis, Calgary

Liked: Excellent food and service.

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Centini Restaurant is #101 of 4322 things to do in Calgary

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: skychaserCalgary, Calgary, Canada
Tue 18 Jun, 2024
l It has been some time since we dined at Centini’s - It was a wonderful delightful evening. Service was friendly and professional. The food was to die for. We shared the smoked salmon board and...

Read Full Review
2 of 5 stars2 out of 5
By: RickyChili, Kelowna, Canada
Thu 15 Feb, 2024
l Our first time dining at Centini and the service was very friendly. We were seated at our table and after 20 minutes asked the maître d to find our waiter. 25 minutes after we were seated our waiter...

Read Full Review
3 of 5 stars3 out of 5
By: Wander42744047208
Tue 30 Jan, 2024
l We’ve been huge fans of Centini’s for years. Having said that, our Monday experience was disappointing. The appetizer order was ‘confusing’, the pasta was too salty, the lemon tart tasted ‘day...

Read Full Review
Write a Review of Centini Restaurant
Reference (Required)
Your Name (Required)
Your City
Your Email Address (Required)
Your overall rating of Centini Restaurant
What was good?
What was bad?
Your review of Centini Restaurant
Centini Restaurant 160 8th Ave SE, Calgary