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    The iconoclastic chef reimagines Canada’s diverse food culture through a Japanese lens, forging high-concept cuisine at his restaurants Eight, Nupo, and Shokunin.

    When Darren MacLean’s Eight cracked the Top 10 of the Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list this year, those used to watching restaurants in Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto dominate the top of the list were surprised. Despite rave reviews from those who have actually dined at Eight, which has just eight seats and is tasting-menu only—the restaurant hasn’t received as much national chatter as more bustling dining rooms in Canada’s larger cities, partly due to its location in Calgary’s somewhat underdog restaurant scene but also because of the limited number of seats.

    It’s a bit of a food lover’s dream: sitting at a pristine sushi bar as the chef methodically hands you piece after piece of sushi (with a few other snacks thrown in for good measure), gauging your reaction to make sure the next bite suits your fancy.

    Omakase, the Japanese culinary service that roughly translates to “I’ll leave it to you,” has become the hottest trend in fine dining all over the world, including here in Calgary.

    Some of Canada's best restaurants can be found here in Calgary

    The Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list is out for 2025 and Calgary is adding to its repertoire of noteworthy eateries. Five Calgary restaurants, one more than the previous year, made the prestigious list. Three restaurants were new on this year’s list — DOPO, Shokunin and Nupo — joining returnees Eight and River Cafe on The 100 Best Restaurants list.

    Shokunin’s consistency, high standards and commitment to constantly evolve keep it on Avenue’s list for yet another year.

    In the heart of Mission, Shokunin pulses with the rhythm of ’90s and 2000s hip-hop, a soundtrack full of energy in an always-exciting restaurant. While its visionary founder, chef Darren MacLean, might be away guest cheffing, Shokunin’s consistency, high standards and commitment to constantly evolve keep it on Avenue’s list for yet another year.

    At Nupo, the à la carte menu is executed with the meticulous precision and detail that’s characteristic of world-class establishments.

    For chef Darren MacLean, Nupo is about honouring his mother’s influence on his cooking (her maiden name, Nuponnen, inspired the restaurant’s name). Nupo is an ode to her love of plants and vegan food and factors heavily into the plant-based and fish-forward menu.

    A night at Eight is welcoming, interactive and educational, while also being undeniably delicious.

    With eight seats, up to 20 courses, a high-profile chef, a $300+ price tag and a race to snag reservations as they’re released throughout the year, it would be easy to dismiss Eight as unattainable. But, a night at chef Darren MacLean’s table is welcoming, interactive and educational, while also being undeniably delicious.

    Explore Canada’s wild side

    Alberta’s old west heritage means that often, the province can (mistakenly) get written off as a meat-and-potatoes type of place. Which is a shame, considering Alberta’s lush agricultural diversity. There are the golden flatlands and endless wheat fields of the prairies and the snowy peaks and icy glacial lakes of the Rocky Mountains. From those landscapes come foraged mushrooms and heritage grains, world-class Alberta Wagyu, and award-winning whisky.

    From sleek rooftop lounges with skyline views to hotel speakeasies serving next-level cocktails, 2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for bar-hoppers. Whether you’re after cutting-edge mixology or vibey atmospheres, these box-fresh openings are guaranteed to raise your spirits – literally.

    Ski season is about to get lot more stylish when luxurious new speakeasy After Eight launches in Calgary this year. Hailing from the stable of Darren Maclean, founder of Calgary’s acclaimed Shokunin, Nupo and Eight, this intimate spot will be accessed via a hidden door off the lobby at the Alt Hotel Calgary East Village.