
Model Milk
A rustic-chic gem in a former dairy, Model Milk offers creative, locally sourced Canadian cuisine with an unforgettable industrial-inspired ambiance.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Model Milk

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rustic-chic gem in a former dairy, Model Milk offers creative, locally sourced Canadian cuisine with an unforgettable industrial-inspired ambiance.
"Model Milk is a must-try for its incredible fried chicken and unique, trendy atmosphere that impresses every diner."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is popular and often crowded.
Share Small Plates
Try sharing small plates like roasted carrots or house pickles to sample more of the menu.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Canadian
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Iconic Fried Chicken
The famed Model Milk hot chicken is a must-try, praised for its perfect spice and delicious coleslaw. A true culinary highlight.

Industrial-Chic Ambiance
Housed in a former dairy, the restaurant boasts a unique rustic-chic atmosphere with industrial heritage elements, perfect for any night out.

Fresh Oysters and Seafood
Start your meal with exceptionally fresh oysters or explore other exquisite seafood dishes like the harissa glazed octopus.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is popular and often crowded.
Share Small Plates
Try sharing small plates like roasted carrots or house pickles to sample more of the menu.
Explore Non-Alcoholic Drinks
The restaurant offers a diverse selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including beers, cocktails, and wine.
Consider Sunday Special
On Sundays, enjoy a family-style, prix-fixe three-course meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is popular and often crowded.
Share Small Plates
Try sharing small plates like roasted carrots or house pickles to sample more of the menu.
Explore Non-Alcoholic Drinks
The restaurant offers a diverse selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including beers, cocktails, and wine.
Consider Sunday Special
On Sundays, enjoy a family-style, prix-fixe three-course meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Model Milk garners praise for its unique industrial-chic ambiance and attentive service, making it a popular spot for celebrations. While many rave about dishes like the fried chicken and oysters, some diners find the food to be a bit pricey for the portion sizes, though the quality and creativity are generally well-regarded. Overall, it's considered a worthwhile experience for its atmosphere and distinct culinary offerings.
"This is definitely a new favorite for me. Staff are super friendly, and the food was incredible. I loved everything I ate and can't wait to try more. My personal favorite, though, were the shrimp toasties. AND...the coleslaw that came with the fried chicken! The dressing was so light, smokey, and delicious. I dont know how they did it! They need to release a cookbook! Lol!"
J Crowd
"Amazing service, atmosphere, and of course food! The stories you've heard about the fried chicken are true: it's delicious! And if you get the shared platter, be prepared to to bring some home.
Our servers were attentive made sure that we always had clean dishes and full glasses, and made us feel right at home.
I also loved that they had a diverse selection of non-alcoholic beverage: beers, cocktails and even a wine.
My only regret is not having enough room to try more food. I'll definitely be back for the octopus."
Thomas Llewellyn
"After all these years, this is still one of my favourite restaurants in Calgary!
Food: oh man, where to start. Basically, you can’t go wrong. For a table of 4, we tried the shrimp toastie, calamari, beef tartare, and… something else yummy (don’t recall what it’s called). And while they are all a hit, we enjoyed the calamari the most. The burger is always solid, but my friends enjoyed the halibut, flat iron steak and the chicken. Model milk does a great job making classics their own and memorable, while also doing the simple things well. Apple pie was a great way to finish such an awesome meal.
Service: attentive, friendly, but still elevated enough to make customers feel special and that they are enjoying their time out. Our server however did make an error on our bill.
Atmosphere: I love the vibe of model milk, industrial, elevated but not fussy. Great for any night out.
Value: for the taste, quality and quantity I think it’s great value.
Will be coming back time and time again, and on my highly recommended list! Make sure you make a reservation in advance."
Joyce Humphrey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is very popular and often crowded.
The fried chicken is consistently praised, as are the oysters and calamari. Many reviewers also highlight the harissa glazed octopus.
The menu changes regularly but often features creative vegetarian dishes like roasted carrots and polenta, though it's best to check their current offerings.
The restaurant is described as rustic-chic, set in a former dairy building with industrial elements and a trendy vibe, suitable for various occasions.
Yes, Model Milk offers a diverse selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including mocktails and other unique options.
On Sundays, Model Milk sometimes serves prix-fixe three-course meals family-style, which is a special offering to consider.
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Named for the former dairy it now inhabits, Model Milk serves upscale comfort food (think burgers, fried chicken, and roasted cauliflower) beneath chandeliers made of glass milk bottles and brick walls, concrete floors, and steel beams that recall the building’s industrial heritage. This trendy restaurant has been on every best restaurant list since it opened in 2011; don't miss the small plates to share like the roasted Alberta carrots or the house pickles or cabbage chips. Some Sundays, the chef whips up prix-fixe three-course meals served family-style.
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Located on Calgary’s hip 17th Avenue, Model Milk is set in a former dairy building, the first in the city to use trucks to deliver fresh milk across the province. Traces of the building’s history can be seen throughout the restaurant, with a large white cow head hanging over the entrance, and a lounge that was once used as a milkshake and ice cream bar for the dairy’s family. The menu changes every few weeks, featuring simple preparations of local and regional products.
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Model Milk's revolving menu changes before the ink's even dry, but your choices are always great at this former dairy turned hip restaurant.
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The scene: A reflection of the personalities that conceived it, Model Milk was built around a series of conversations that threw all the preconceptions about what a “good” restaurant should be out the window. Instead, the founders focused on what they loved about restaurants and the exciting venue they had, creating a restaurant where you can experience rustic-chic Canadian food that is both classic and original, as well as innovative and comforting all at the same time. The chefs only source high quality, local ingredients and prepare them simply, allowing their honest flavours and textures to shine.
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Calgary is home to some of best restaurants not just in the province, but in the entire country, and Chef Justin Leboe can claim responsibility for two of them: Model Milk, his first restaurant, is housed in a former 1930s dairy, where the industrial look of the building belies the modern interior and innovative menu serving locally sourced lamb, pork,and steelhead trout; Pigeonhole, his latest effort, quickly earned top ranking with the help of dishes like ricotta dumplings, rabbit and bacon pate, and a Russian caviar service.
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Model Milk was built to create a “perfect” restaurant and is one of the best Canadian Food eateries downtown. The chefs have been creating exceptional dishes with high-quality local ingredients that bring out the signature texture and flavor of the place. Moreover, model milk has objectively made efforts to build a practice of organic and biodynamic winemaking have created a 100% ethical and eco-friendly dining that has been encouraging the local producers of fish and food that use sustainable methods of cultivation.
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Model Milk in Calgary is a rustic-chic restaurant housed in a converted dairy, offering a unique dining experience that blends history with contemporary cuisine. This spot is celebrated for its creative and locally sourced dishes, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts looking for something special. The ambiance at Model Milk is both cozy and sophisticated, with its charming rustic decor setting the stage for a memorable meal.
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Model Milk is an impeccably designed modern eatery located in the heart of the city. The restaurant boasts two private event rooms, the industrial-chic private dining room, which can accommodate up to 18 guests and The Parlour, which is slightly swankier and can fit up to 50 guests. On the Canadian-inspired menu you’ll find a mix of bar snacks, tapas-style eats and full mains like Alberta rainbow trout and burgers.
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Model Milk is super trendy, with exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and unique takes on classic ingredients. While many of their tables are large, the small ones near the side wall are perfect for an intimate dinner for couples looking for something new. The menu may not overwhelm you with choices, but that’s just because they focus on what they do best, making sure you and your date get a great meal every time.
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Model Milk was constructed around a series of discussions that rolled all expectations about what a “good” restaurant should be out the window. It was a reflection of the people who conceived it. Instead, the creators concentrated on what they liked about restaurants Calgary and the fascinating location they possessed, producing a rustic-chic Canadian restaurant that is both classic and unique.
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Model Milk in Calgary offers a rustic yet stylish atmosphere for guests who choose to eat at the restaurant. They focus on sourcing the freshest, highest-quality ingredients and preparing meals in a simple and delicious way. The owners of Model Milk have built relationships with local farmers and fisheries to ensure the ingredients they use are the best Calgary has to offer.
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Open since 2011, this lively spot serves up modern comfort food from a regularly rotating menu featuring local ingredients. Expect creative plates that are not only fun to eat but delicately prepared for a well-rounded dining experience. At one time the space was a 1930s dairy of the same name and the interior leans into that history with decor that draws from the period.
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A rustic-chic restaurant on 17th Avenue Street, Model Milk is a notable nightlife destination, The building is a renovated dairy and offers a menu of locally sourced foods. Model Milk takes pride in its relationship with local producers and aims to provide a sustainable menu. In addition, the restaurant has an intimate patio which is great for warm summer nights.
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This warm and inviting restaurant is the perfect place for a night out on the town. One of Calgary’s most inventive menus, featuring an extended range of items sure to blow you away. Starts include roasted shishito peppers, mortadella, cheddar donuts, and fried buffalo sweetbreads; you can even construct an entire meal out of shared starters with friends.
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Model Milk is a modern restaurant located on the edge of downtown Calgary, Alberta. The restaurant features an open kitchen where you can watch your meals being prepared from start to finish. This beautiful space features a long, linear structure with custom tabletops that can be moved closer or further apart to change the space’s size and function.
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Located in a former dairy converted into a chic dining spot, Model Milk is all about craft cocktails and contemporary cuisine. It's wildly popular with locals and has become somewhat of a celebrity favourite dining spot. Model Milk made major waves when Pedro Pascal and Daisy Edgar-Jones gave it a shoutout on The Late Late Show with James Corden.
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Model Milk is one of the most stunning rooms in Calgary, and that often translates to romance. The space is very large, but with two levels, separated rooms, and atmospheric lighting, it feels intimate at every table. The innovative and comforting food that comes from the open kitchen is great for sharing with one another across the table.
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Although Model Milk isn’t a steakhouse, it still offers one of the best steaks in Calgary. Included in OpenTable’s Top 100 restaurants in Canada 2021, Model Milk’s Alberta t-bone steak with black garlic gremolata, sherry jus, and smashed potatoes is not to be missed. 308 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0A8, Canada Model Milk on Google Maps
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Enjoy the modern decor and try their inventive cocktails during happy hour. Whether you’re craving a fresh salad, a juicy burger, or some delicious sushi, Calgary has a lunch spot for every taste. From cozy cafes to bustling markets, each of these top ten places offers something special, making your lunch break more enjoyable.
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Exposed brick and hardwood floors don’t do much to absorb noise, but damn, they look good. Model Milk is über-trendy and always busy, but the low lighting and some secluded tables for two along the brick wall offer some intimacy — and if the noise proves too much, just lean in close so you can hear your date speak.
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On the Small Plates section of the menu you’ll find Calgary-ified versions of classic shrimp & grits, served with pepper vinegar and a fried egg ($16) as well as country fried sweetbreads with hot sauce, roasted buttermilk emulsion and celery salad ($15). Model Milk, 308 17th Ave. S.W., (403) 265-7343
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Model Milk is a rustic chic restaurant that sticks to sustainability practices. They work with local farmers, use local ingredients, source regional products, and utilize every single part of the animal. This eatery has a relaxed and casual vibe, but the luxurious feel of the place doesn’t go away.
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As the name would imply, the Model Milk is located in a former dairy building. However, their dining experience is far from the rustic roots of the original structure. With a focus on contemporary and innovative dishes, Model Milk’s menu is eclectic and features dishes from all around the world.
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Perfect for those who want a contemporary spot that features really solid (and really reasonably priced) reserve wines. Or, pop over to Pigeonhole and see what they’re pouring that day instead. Word on the street is that they have some truly special bottles waiting for the right customers.
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- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (380 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (3.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Canadian- Price: $$$$- Address: 308 17 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta T2S 0A8 Canada- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Also from Concorde Group — the same people that own Bridgette Bar, Major Tom and Pigeonhole — comes Model Milk. This decade-old, award-winning Calgary restaurant is located in a charming historical building at the end of 17th Avenue.
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For modern Canadian cuisine in a trendy atmosphere, Model Milk is a must. The creative dishes and upscale vibes make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. View this post on Instagram
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Located in an historic 1930’s dairy building on 17th Avenue, at Model Milk, we source great quality local and regional products, prepare them simply, and showcase them at their very best.
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