A cherished Italian bistro in Bragg Creek has made it on the top 100 list for best outdoor dining restaurants in Canada by OpenTable, an online restaurant review site.
The Italian Farmhouse Restaurant and Bar began as a quaint log cabin built in Bragg Creek in the early 1900’s, and the home was an antique shop before becoming a restaurant just over 16 years ago according to Italian Farmhouse assistant general manager Tae Gordon.
Gordon said that current ownership has been around since 2019, and their main collaborative goal has always been to maintain the rustic and warm feel of the restaurant that keeps so many people coming back.
The Italian Farmhouse previously landed on the 2023 OpenTable list for top 100 romantic restaurants in Canada, and Gordon feels relieved to know that changes to the menu, decor, and service in the last year are trending in a positive direction.
“We're just constantly trying to push forward and keep the rustic, homey vibe of the restaurant while making some new tweaks to add to the customer service experience,” said Gordon.
Placed directly in the beautiful woods of Bragg Creek, the Italian Farmhouse has excellent nature viewing as customers enjoy their meals on the outdoor patio annexed off of the original farmhouse.
Whether customers are coming from camping, hiking, biking, or just want some fresh air, Gordon said the patio has capacity to accommodate 60 guests at all times and provides a wonderful spot in the sun or shade to hang out.
“We want every experience to trump the last experience at the restaurant,” said Gordon.
The food menu at the Italian Farmhouse is also a revolving door of new ideas courtesy of executive chef Anoop, and Gordon said he is “simply incredible” in the kitchen.
Gordon also said the summer wine and beverage menu launched at the beginning of May, and he is excited to see customers outside and inside enjoying the menu.
With over one million reviews taken into consideration by OpenTable to create the top 100 outdoor dining list in Canada, Gordon attributes their success to the loyal customer base that sticks around year after year.
“We get such tremendous support from the Bragg Creek and Calgary community, and it's really them that earned us this award,” said Gordon. “Without the hundreds and hundreds of reviews that happy guests have left, we would not be here.”
Gordon said that being named one of the top 100 best outdoor dining restaurants in Canada for 2024 has motivated the staff of the Italian Farmhouse to strive for excellence going into next year, and they have smiles on their faces as the summer weather continues to envelope Bragg Creek.
For the full top 100 list of best outdoor dining restaurants, please visit www.opentable.ca
