Murrieta’s Bar & Grill

Murrieta’s is named after the infamous gentleman bandit Joaquin Murrieta of California who was called the “Robin Hood of El Dorado.” The Calgary location of this three-restaurant chain will most certainly steal a place on your favourite restaurants list.

The first thing that jumps out about Murrieta’s is the incredible variety of the entrees. Immediately upon sitting down, you’ll notice the delicious salads, seafood dishes, flatbreads, poultry dishes, steaks and pastas. In fact, you may want to plan ahead by glancing at the menu online beforehand so you’re not trying to decide between the mouth-watering options while your server stares you down. To make the decision a little bit easier, we’ll give you the highlights.

The lunch offerings at Murrieta’s are nice and light, making a perfect place for a business lunch. The Grilled Rare Ahi Tuna BLT with roasted red pepper aioli, arugula, tomato bruschetta and mozzarella cheese on a ciabatta bun is sure to send you back to the office smiling. Another light option is the Chickpea Croquette Wrap with cilantro, cucumber yogurt, lettuce, beefsteak tomato and house made flatbread.

To kick off your dinner right, be sure to check out the always delicious Seared Quebec Foie Gras with toasted brioche, Saskatoon jelly and chocolate balsamic cream. If you’re looking to share your appetizer, try the Trio of Dips featuring Carrot Poppy Seed Hummus, Minter Curried Lentil Puree and Tomato Olive Bruschetta with flatbread for dipping.

For your entrée, you can’t go wrong with anything that features Calgary beef, and at Murrieta’s, there are plenty of ways to get it. All of their steaks are served with your choice of Red Wine Reduction sauce, Bourbon Peppercorn Sauce or Black Truffle Butter and Red Wine Reduction. Another Calgary-specific offering is the High Country Bison Duo featuring a grilled tenderloin, smoked shortrib galette, mushroom duxelle with chocolate and foie gras.

Though both the food and wine list are excellent, the atmosphere that Murrieta’s really makes the meal a memorable one. It’s the perfect spot for a special occasion, be it the office Christmas party or your mother’s birthday dinner. Murrieta’s Bar and Grill, 808 1st Street SW, 403-269-7707.