An An Kitchen & Bar — Restaurant in Calgary

An An Kitchen & Bar had my friends and I talking about it for hours for all the wrong reasons.

Unfortunately, our 2 hour dining 'experience' was a masterclass in doing everything wrong.

For context there were 6 of us, none of us with dietary restrictions and frankly excited to try what 'elevated' vietnamese cuisine could be in Calgary.

Here's some highlights from our server (who was a deer in the headlights from the moment we sat down) and the meal that followed.

He made it clear he had not eaten anything from the menu except for the sate so could not let us know what he would recommend.

Told us the Banh Mi Trio was 'very small' when we asked if the kitchen could cut the subs in half so everyone could try. We had to ask him again and assure him we wanted them cut in half.

Told us the kitchen would be too confused if we asked for a pho flight with one type of protein in each. Then when asked if he could at least ask, he relented only to come up and say "No, the manager says we cannot."

Brought one meal (the pho flight) up to our table 20 minutes before our other meals arrived.

Brought up the raw beef for the signature broth (of which we orderered 5) in stages 5 minutes apart and 15 minutes before the bowls of pho arrived. Which frankly...just having raw beef sit at our table in a restaurant with now A/C is...questionable at best.

Our 5 other signature soups came out one by one and not at the same time as the beef plates. As the server came up to deliver them, it didn't occur to him to maybe give the pho to the people who had their raw beef.

The soup broth was not hot enough (or the beef not thin enough) to cook the beef to even a rare / medium rare level. In fact it took so long for the beef to heat to a level of it being edible, that the noodles in our soup became mush as they absorbed all the liquid.

We were left unattended for literally 20 minutes at the end of our meal. No check in, no ask for take out boxes or how the meal was. It felt like we were forgotten.

When we finally walked downstairs to mercifully end this service, our server was oblivious to the fact we might have wanted our bill (sorry, there is zero indication we should have had to walk to your bar to pay for the bill).

Our server asked if we'd like the bill split, we said sure. Assuming this was how the bill was inputted. He then proceeded to ask us what we all ordered. Again...at this point it was 25 minutes since we had last seen him.

I just don't see how this place can survive with service like we had. If your reading this, know that I said most of the above to your front of house staff while we were paying. Beyond an apology maybe offer something like a 10% off our next meal. I mean, there won't be one, but it's the thought that...

An An Kitchen in Calgary offers an exceptional dining experience, especially for those who appreciate authentic and flavorful Vietnamese cuisine. The menu is thoughtfully curated, showcasing a diverse array of traditional dishes that cater to various tastes, from the richly aromatic pho to the delicately balanced vermicelli bowls and an assortment of house specialties. Each dish is prepared with precision, using only the freshest ingredients, ensuring that every bite bursts with vibrant flavors and authentic Vietnamese essence. The presentation is equally impressive, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to both quality and aesthetics.

One of the most remarkable aspects of An An Kitchen is the outstanding service. The staff are not only friendly and approachable but also highly attentive and professional. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with warmth and a genuine willingness to ensure that your dining experience is as enjoyable as possible. Their knowledge of the menu is commendable, and they are always eager to offer insightful recommendations, tailoring their suggestions to suit your individual preferences. Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply can't decide what to order, their attentiveness ensures that your needs are met with care and precision.

The ambiance of An An Kitchen is equally noteworthy. The space strikes a perfect balance between modern elegance and cozy charm, making it an ideal setting for both casual meals and more formal gatherings. The tasteful decor, coupled with a relaxing atmosphere, creates a comfortable environment that invites you to linger and enjoy your meal at a leisurely pace.

In summary, An An Kitchen is more than just a place to eat—it’s a destination for those seeking an elevated Vietnamese dining experience. With its delectable food, impeccable service, and inviting atmosphere, it stands out as one of Calgary’s finest culinary gems. Whether you're a fan of Vietnamese cuisine or exploring it for the first time, An An Kitchen is sure to impress on...

Disappointed is an understatement. We came here for a Birthday celebration and had high hopes since the reviews and pictures seemed so promising, but I should know better than to trust IG.

The location is the former Laurier Lounge, and a vegan restaurant after that, so it brought back some nostalgia as I walked in. The restaurant was hustling and bustling the night we went so we had very high expectations.

We ordered three appies - fish sauce wings, tempura enoki mushrooms, and soft shell crab rolls. The fish sauce wings set the bar really high - the flavor was delightful! Tempura enoki mushrooms were fried well but they were very, very greasy. Perhaps its the texture of mushrooms which does easily soak up liquids, but for me, the dish was not executed well. The soft shell crab rolls were quite tasty but the crab was also very greasy. It seems like every bite of deep fried foods here came with a spurt of oil.

For our mains, I had the luc lac beef. It came on a hot plate which did absolutely nothing as the beef wasn't sizzling, and it was actually kind of cool temperature wise. My husband and my teenage son got the mini pho flight - it's a nice idea to try three different soups at once but it is mostly noodles and very little protein. Also, apparently the idea is to eat from each bowl at the same time vs. eat one bowl at a time as the noodles will get soggy. My daughter's special crab soup was probably the best choice of main that night - the broth was very flavorful but at $29... only because it came with a fried soft shell crab... and yes, it was also very oily.

Overall I felt the food here is very overrated as most of the dishes were misses. Also, they were playing rap music all night... which we felt was an interesting choice, but maybe it's geared towards the clientele which appear to be younger (like 20s to 30s)? Service was pretty good hence the 4 stars, but the food leaves a lot to be desired. I will go back to my neighborhood Vietnamese restaurants and pay half the price for a...