Purlieu Bistro — Restaurant in Calgary

First off, there were five of us; we did have a reservation. Given everything I'm about to say, this is a good idea. Purlieu is a cozy little French-style bistro that has, unquestionably, some of the best food I've ever eaten in my life. It's in an unassuming location in Paliser, but stepping inside was a bit like slipping into a Parisian café late at night. Quiet music burbled in the background. The lights were low and intimate. It was busy for a Tuesday night; there were maybe eight tables total, and by the end of the evening, all but two were full. If you're planning to go on a weekend, a reservation is a must.

My family split a couple of appetizers; the pork belly was incredible, and I fell in love with their croquettes. Everything was piping hot and delicious, plated beautifully. For a main, I had duck breast, and it was--- and I cannot stress this enough--- exquisite. I understand that the menu changes with the seasons, and so I'm genuinely tempted to go again in the next couple of weeks, because the food was that good. I live in Crowfoot, this is not a drive I take lightly, but oh my lord, is it ever worth it. It's definitely on the pricier side; this is a perfect place for a celebration. Their wine list is extensive; their cocktails are incredible. I also have a very severe, fairly rare allergy; they were able to accommodate it, and ensured that there was no cross-contamination!

Do yourself a favour and stop in. You will...

Just wrapped up a date night out at Purlieu with my fiancée, and I can comfortably say this bistro is a diamond in the rough.

From the moment we were greeted, Claude, Sophie, and the team at Purlieu made us feel incredibly welcome, and provided amazing service. The staff are knowledgeable, attentive, and incredibly friendly. From first drinks to dessert and coffee, we were looked after perfectly.

We shared the Beef Tartare to start, which was delicious. It was great to see an actual quail egg used, which helped push this dish over the top (the potatos gaufrette were seasoned perfectly). We then moved on to Moules Frites and the Duck Cassoulet - both were amazing. The mussels were done in a fantastically seasoned Vadouvan curry, which provided a perfect dip for the fries (credit to Claude for the tip). The duck, sourced from King Cole, was tender, moist, and not greasy, unlike many other restaurants in town that serve duck. Finding out that vegetables were sourced from the local market 2 doors down helped seal the deal - the food here is bomb.

We're very grateful to have such an elite eatery so close to home, and at the risk of letting the secret out, they deserve the exposure. Purlieu was perfect tonight, and you...

I have been here twice, once to check it out and the second time for a rehearsal dinner for our wedding (~20 adult guests). So we and our guests have had everything on the menu and it is all delicious!

For me personally the bouillabaisse was phenomenal when I had it and when my friend had it the second time we were there she agreed. The slow braised short ribs were also popular with our guests for the rehearsal dinner. Coquilles St Jacques and Calamari were our favorites of the appetizers.

Both times the meal was excellent, every dish was great and Yves and his fellow waiter were very friendly and supremely competent.

They were also great to work with for hosting a private event, as we were able to have the place all to ourselves for the rehearsal dinner with canapes and drinks before the main meal. The kitchen was also able to maintain the same quality of food for our event with all the orders coming in at once as it was when my parents and I visited the first time during normal operation.

I will definitely be coming back for date nights with my wife. Overall an absolutely incredible experience, and a...