Vero Bistro Moderne Calgary

I recently had a really great brunch at Vero Bistro Moderne, a Calgary restaurant on 10 St. NW, just off Kensington Rd. So last night we decided to give it a try for dinner.

Vero Bistro features modern interpretations of Italian & French cuisine, and executive chef Jenny believes in sourcing fresh, healthy food from local producers and suppliers. It has a cozy atmosphere, modern but romantic, with black & red decor.

A Wonderful Start

To start our server brought out fresh baked focaccia, served with olive oil and 25 year aged balsamic vinegar. The bread was delicious, with bits of roasted peppers, crusty on the outside and delicate on the inside. (For brunch their croissants are also fresh baked, so don’t skip the bread at Vero!)

Fresh baked focaccia with olive oil and a reduction of 25-year aged balsamic vinegar

Next we shared Vero’s signature hand rolled sweet potato gnocchi, with wild boar bacon, gorgonzola, walnuts, maple syrup, and 25 year aged balsamic vinegar. The dumplings were flavourful, and a generous portion, plenty to share for a first course. Although I would have been happy to have leftovers for breakfast this morning.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

The Main Course

For my main course I had pan roasted fresh wild halibut, as recommended by our server, being the freshest time for halibut (for Calgary). I love fish but hate it overcooked, so I was hoping for the best. It was cooked perfectly, and was fresh tasting and yummy, served with manilla clams, asparagus, carrots, mashed potatoes, and piccata sauce. There was a nice balance of fish to vegetables in the meal.

Pan Roasted Fresh Wild Halibut

Darrell had seafood risotto “paella”, with mussels, clams, prawns, scallops, calamari, fish and saffron. It was flavourful and the seafood well-cooked…more risotto than paella. For Darrell it was a little too rich, and the flavour overpowered the delicate taste of the seafood. It would have been more enjoyable with a lighter starter such as a salad.

Seafood Risotto “Paella”

Save Room for Dessert

Even though we were pretty full already, I couldn’t resist a little dessert to finish the meal. So we decided to share the chef’s dessert of the day, which was mango cheesecake, with white chocolate balls and raspberries. This balance of rich but light cheesecake and tart fruitiness was a perfect ending, and disappeared in a flash.

Mango Cheesecake

Overview of Vero Bistro

Overall I would easily recommend Vero Bistro for a special dinner, or their excellent brunch. Chef Jenny’s dishes are creative, with quality ingredients, and well-presented. The diners next to us really enjoyed the seafood for two, and it looked spectacular if you want something really special.

Dinner at Vero Bistro Moderne is not cheap, but in line with Calgary restaurant prices. A pet peeve of mine is paying for tap water–when asked if we preferred still or sparkling we requested tap ($1.50 each). However, the serving size is generous, and it looked like the chef often included fresh bread or a small appetizer to compliment the diner’s meal. Reservations are recommended, and available even for brunch, which is a welcome change from the usual long lineups for weekend brunch in Calgary.

Vero Bistro Moderne

209 10th street NW. Calgary, Alberta T2N 1V5 | (403) 283-8988

www.verobistro.ca