Fortuna's Row — Restaurant in Calgary

I went here with my best friend to celebrate her birthday and honestly, we had such a great time. It was just the two of us, and right when we walked in, we were blown away by how beautiful the place was! The interior is absolutely stunning. It is very aesthetic with a fancy boho vibe that makes you feel like you are in a stylish and high-end restaurant. Everything from the furniture to the lighting was thoughtfully designed and perfect for taking cute pictures. Even the bathroom was so pretty and definitely Instagram-worthy 🤩😋

We were seated right away, and the woman who served us was really sweet at first and full of positive energy. She had a bubbly personality and made us feel very welcome. She was also very patient with us while we looked through the menu, which we appreciated since both of us can be pretty indecisive. We eventually ordered the empanadas to start, which came with two pieces and a green sauce underneath called guasacaca. Let me just say, they were so delicious. The outside was crispy, the inside was full of flavor, and the sauce really brought the whole dish together. It was the perfect appetizer to start our meal! 🙌🏼

For our main dish, we ordered the res, which is a grilled ribeye steak. Our server told us it was large enough to share, and she was completely right. It was definitely enough for both of us. The steak was cooked perfectly and was so soft, tender, and packed with flavor. It came with duck fat mashed potatoes, and honestly, those were my favorite part of the entire meal. They were rich, creamy, garlicky, and buttery. Everything on the plate went so well together, especially with the sauce that came with it. My best friend and I could not stop eating. We enjoyed every bite 🤤

We also ordered a couple of fruity alcoholic drinks. They were okay but stronger than we expected. We were hoping for something sweeter, but the alcohol taste was more noticeable than the fruit. It was not bad, just not really our style :(

The overall food and vibe of the restaurant were amazing. We took a lot of cute pictures, and the place itself felt like the perfect spot for a special occasion or a fun night out with a friend. The environment was calm, beautiful, and relaxing 🤩

However, one thing that made us feel a little uncomfortable and sad was how the server's mood changed after we paid. We did leave a tip, but it was not as much as we would have liked to give, only because we were on a budget and were mainly there to enjoy the experience for my best friend’s birthday. After we paid, we could feel a clear shift in her energy. Her attitude changed noticeably. Before, she was very cheerful and engaging, but after the payment, she became cold and distant. She stopped checking in on us and barely acknowledged us as we got ready to leave. It felt like we were being treated differently all of a sudden, and both my best friend and I picked up on it right away. It was honestly disappointing because we had really enjoyed her service up to that point and appreciated how kind and upbeat she had been. We completely understand that servers rely heavily on tips, especially at places like this, but it was unfortunate that the night ended with such a shift in energy.

Despite that, we still had a lovely time overall. The food was incredible, the atmosphere was beautiful, and the restaurant itself is definitely worth checking out. I would absolutely recommend it if you are looking for somewhere with amazing food and a great vibe. The res is a must-try, and those mashed potatoes were unforgettable. I would go back just for...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Fortuna's Row, and I must say, it exceeded all expectations. Each dish I sampled was a masterpiece, showcasing the chef's skill and creativity.

Empanada - The exterior was a golden flaky pastry shell, the Empanada unveiled a delicious filling of braised beef, tender and succulent, melding with a zesty guasacaca sauce.

Beef Tartare - This was a standout dish, boasting exquisite flavours and an interesting presentation. The quality of the beef was exceptional, and the blend of seasonings was perfectly balanced. It was accompanied with a large tortilla chip but very light and complimented the tartare. The sliced grapes also was a great addition to the dish.

Avocado - This was a star of the dinner!! Featuring avocado and pea guacamole, crowned with fried shimeji mushrooms and drizzled with sesame salsa. With each spoonful, the guacamole revealed a symphony of flavours—a perfect marriage of creamy avocado and vibrant pea, elevated by a delicate balance of spices. The addition of fried shimeji mushrooms offered a delightful contrast, adding a crunchy textural dimension. The sesame salsa, with its nutty undertones and subtle sweetness, provided a harmonious finishing touch. This was served with home made tortilla chips. There are darker in colour but so good!

Causa - The Roasted Chicken was a culinary masterpiece, blending traditional Peruvian flavours with modern flair. The potato causa served as a comforting base, perfectly complementing the tender and flavourful roasted chicken.

Res -The Ribeye was cooked to perfection, showcasing the chef's mastery of grilling techniques. Each bite of the tender, juicy steak was bursting with flavour, leaving me craving more. Served with broccolini and topped with cooked garlic cloves.

Chicken Al Pastor Tacos - These tacos were so good. The grilled chicken was incredibly juicy and flavourful, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the pineapple. The heirloom corn tortillas were the perfect vessel, adding an authentic touch to this classic Mexican dish. Each bite was a burst of flavour. Also the unlimited house-made soft tortillas, which were an absolute delight. Warm, soft, and utterly delicious, they were the perfect accompaniment to every dish. The fact that they were house-made added an extra layer of indulgence to the dining experience.

Ginger Cocktail - This cocktail was a bold and refreshing choice. While the flavours were undeniably strong, I found it to be a bit too potent for my personal taste. However, I appreciated the craftsmanship that went into its preparation, and I can see how it would be a hit with those who enjoy a stronger drink.

Jasmine Cocktail - With each sip, the intricate balance of jasmine and coconut intertwined with zesty lemon, while the pisco and sake added depth. The addition of egg white gave the drink a velvety texture that elevated the drinking experience. It is a must try.

Churro for dessert. For dessert, we tried the churro, which was a pleasantly surprising departure from the usual. I highly recommend giving it a try.

In addition to the outstanding cuisine, Fortuna's Row boasts a beautiful and spacious ambiance. Despite every table being occupied, the restaurant never felt crowded, allowing for a comfortable and relaxed dining atmosphere. The service was impeccable, with attentive staff ensuring that every need was met, including the thoughtful coat check.

It was a wonder dinner...

In my opinion, Fortuna's Row in Calgary is a culinary beacon that seamlessly blends Latin fusion cuisine and some touches of international diversity with an inviting ambiance and exceptional service. From the moment you step through its doors, you're transported into a world where rustic and exotic decor create an intimate yet lively atmosphere, making it a must visit for anyone seeking an elevated dining experience.

Upon arrival, the white textured wall adorned with fire candles immediately sets a tone of warmth and invitation. The transition from the vibrant energy of Calgary into Fortuna's Row's embrace is seamless, with rustic and exotic decor converging with exquisite details like carefully chosen lamps and light fixtures. This harmonious blend creates an atmosphere that is both intimate and lively, perfectly setting the stage for the culinary delights that await.

The staff at Fortuna's Row are not just employees; they are ambassadors of hospitality. Their quick and courteous service is a testament to their dedication, navigating the bustling environment with graceful efficiency, ensuring that every guest feels attended to and valued. Each dish is a visual masterpiece, reflecting passion and culinary expertise, with meticulous presentation highlighting the vibrant colors and textures of the food, making each plate an artistic expression.

The food at Fortuna's Row is nothing short of a celebration of flavors, with every bite taking you on a journey through the rich tapestry of Iberoamerican cuisine, elevated to new heights. The fusion of traditional ingredients with innovative techniques results in dishes that are both familiar and surprising, leaving diners happy and excited with the perfect remedy for the weariness of a long week.

We began our dinner with a selection of exquisite starters: the fresh and delicate Hamachi, the zesty Ahi Tuna Ceviche, the robustly seasoned Beef Tartare, succulent Scallops, and briny Oysters. The Scallops in Parmesan Foam with Pistachio Crunch offered a symphony of flavors and textures, followed by the crisp and vibrant Wedge Salad and comforting Beef Empanadas. The Beef Dumplings were an absolute piece of art, almost too beautiful to eat.

The Charred Beef Sirloin Skewer was tender and flavorful, perfectly cooked, while the Corn Salad provided a sweet and savory complement. The Chorizo Stuffed Squid on a bed of the most delicious squid rice created an outstanding explosion of flavors. For dessert, the Churros with Mascarpone Cream, Burnt Marshmallow Ice Cream, and Lemon Topping were indulgent and creative. The rich Leche Quemada and the Tres Leches Cake with a Coffee Caramel Twist provided a satisfying and rich conclusion to an extraordinary meal.

The restaurant also has an outdoor patio, where the energy of the city melded with the tranquility of the space, creating an entertaining atmosphere that complements the indoor setting.

In my personal opinion, Fortuna's Row is a culinary beacon in Calgary with its meticulous attention to detail in both service and culinary artistry, Fortuna's Row isn't just a restaurant...it's a destination!!! Here’s why it stands out as a potential Michelin star contender. It is a must visit for anyone seeking an elevated dining experience that promises to be both enriching...