Bolero — Restaurant in Calgary

So i took my relatively new girlfriend here for a classy date since she has never really been wined and dined at an upscale establishment. She has gone with me on pub dates and sushi dates but nothing like this. I've been to Bolero one time before i think about 10 years back I'd originally heard about it since i worked at smugglers inn as a dishwasher in my 20's. Personally i thought this time it was even better then the time I went in my 20's which was hard for me to believe. Our server Dawson was so kind, friendly and amicable. It really didn't feel like we were getting served by a server more like a warm and welcoming friend. Really appreciated that. He anticipated alot of our questions and needs before we even asked about things you can tell he is experienced and loves what he does as did all the other servers who served us off their meat skewers. The fresco bar is just loaded with great food if you want a slightly cheaper night the stroganoff, seafood dish, mash potatoes and grilled vegetables were all to die for. But we had to leave room so we didn't load up too much since we wanted to try most of the meat skewers.

Brazilian cheese balls were also awesome so soft. Loved the craft beer they served even the pint glasses were generously poured and a cool style. My date ordered a ceasar and ended up ordering 2 they were so well made. I had a sip, was impressed and I don't even like mix drinks or hard alcohol so thats saying something. The rib eye sirloin was probably the best cut of meat but really all the sirloin was impeccable. Also the habanero pork, bbq ribs, apple sausage, bacon wrapped chicken and the grilled pineapple were all favorites. I liked the lamb as well but my date wasn't a fan of it to be fair tho that was her first time trying lamb ever and i find its a bit of an acquired taste. New experiences are worthwhile anyways.

The atmosphere/ambience is so nice in there as well. So calm, warm and inviting with the low lighting and open firepits as well as the wood paneling that reminds me of cozy cabin architecture. Like how theres no music playing so you can talk over dinner. Also love how staffing is very adequate so your server can actually have a conversation with you and never seems rushed. I can honestly say this was probably the best date ive ever had anywhere. For that amount of food and 4 alcoholic drinks with a 18% tip it was around 170$ which in my opinion was completely worth the money and didn't seem outrageous at all. Anywhere else this would have costed wayyyy more money, the atmosphere wouldn't have been equivalent and the servers wouldn't be nearly as skilled. Keep doing what your doing Bolero because you guys obviously have a formula that really works. Will be back again just for the fresco hot and cold bar/salad bar. Also want to come by sometime, order a rib eye sirloin for each us and then order all of the desserts. Last thing is that i really appreciated how they didn't rush us out when we were done and allowed us 30 minutes to digest the massive portions of food we ate and talk. Thanks for being such gracious hosts and giving me my...

DO NOT COME HERE!!!

There are more better Brazilian bbq there like MINAS, PAMPA or GAUCHO.

came here for dinner today June 23, 2025. At first when they seating us the meat guy can’t wait for us to seat trying squeeze his way through with his knife and meat close to my mom and my baby. The service got worst from this.

They seat us without introducing our server. When our server came, everyone busy with getting their meat so I told the guy to just water for now and we’ll order later for drinks and he never comes back again after that. We are not done eating and the meat takes forever to come so ended up eating less and eating more side dishes. Even if you ask for certain meat it takes forever to come like 20mins, so we just decided to leave.

This is the only time our server show up again after asking for drinks. Since when did a mandatory gratuity for a party of 4 adult, a 4yr old and a baby? When my dad is paying he told us that tip is already included. Guess what buddy? You don’t even deserve that tip. Worst service and server ever. It’s not even that busy.

Try to give it a chance after our last time eating here and they never failed to disappoint you, it ruin my birthday.

“Past Review like 2 yrs ago:”

came here over the weekend. service was great, however the guys who slice meat need to be retrain as it’s not like what it used to before. For example, before when they have full skewer of meat they trim it when they serve it to you now they just keep slicing meat up ended up serving you up to rear cook of meat, I remember before that they return the meat to grill and cook it again, but now did they just don’t care or just being lazy? Also for dinner they need to have more options for their salad bar and side bar. For the same price or a bit more there are better brazilllian bbq restaurant there with better options on meat, salad and side bar especially on...

Amazing! We had a lovely dinner last night- comfortable seating, warm atmosphere, very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Be sure to arrive hungry!

The food was unreal! Each cut of meat the gauchos brought tableside was well seasoned & delicious- our table's favorites were the alcatra, picanha, rosemary lamb, habenero porkloin, and of course the roasted pineapple- wow! I appreciate that the gauchos make sure to get the temperature of meat you prefer (medium rare for us) and will happily serve you as much of each meat selection as you'd like. Be sure to let them know what you'd like to have brought round again- they were so receptive to feedback. The gauchos and the entire staff team we interacted with were so warm and friendly and seemed genuinely enthusiastic about our requests.

Although the grill is the main attraction, the buffet isn't to be missed! It was well stocked with tons of different salads and vegetables (tomato salad and roasted asparagus are some favorites) as well as hot dishes (we love the beef & bean stew and coconut rice). Everything was well marked with allergens and almost everything on the buffet & the grill is gluten free. Our server brought over some tasty pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread puffs - gluten free!) Be sure to save some room for dessert, or order to take home, the tres leche was outstanding and not too heavy or sweet but a perfect way to end off a lovely evening! Have enjoyed the creme brulee and the cheesecake on previous occasions.

Can't wait to return. Reservations are definitely recommended, especially on weekends!

Notes: with the gauchos circulating the dining room and many of the tables having booth seating, be sure to inform the restaurant ahead of time if you'd prefer a more spacious table, need a high chair or...