Starbelly OPEN KITCHEN + LOUNGE - Calgary

I have heard lots about this establishment and was really looking to attending an evening meal with my family to celebrate my wife's birthday. However, I was completely disappointed. The venue was is nicely designed however the furniture at the reception area appears to be...falling apart. The table although also very nicely designed had a sticky film on it. The waitress who served us was very professional and nice , however the food did not meet expectations.

We went as a party of ten to celebrate a birthday. While the food was amazing! I had the beet salad and the beef tartare, they were both excellent. Everyone at the table said their food was delicious. For me the issue was the service....It took at least 45 minutes to get a drink. It was a Friday night and the restaurant was busy, but we ordered wine and beer. Never told about specials or asked if we wanted appetizers….we were all so starving that we just wanted to eat. Then when we are presented with the bill, the added 18% gratuity!! For what?? I have been in the industry for 20 years. The server never went above and beyond and doesn’t deserve 18% on “just doing her job”, and she wasn’t great at that. So just because it’s a large party 18% shouldn’t be expected. I think tipping is overrated in 2020. People don’t tip because everyone is making $15 hour and unless you have a phenomenal experience you should receive any extra money.

We had heard about Starbelly for awhile now, but given it is in the far South of Calgary, it was out of the way for a visit for us. But this evening we were seeing a movie in the Cineplex theatres in Seton and this...restaurant, which we had heard so much about, was just a 'stones throw ' away. We went and we are glad we did. We were greeted quickly and warmly and seated quickly. The place is big! Open concept, you can see the full kitchen without obstructions, lots of open space and spaces between tables for safety, and more. The menu was a wonderful mix that can satisfy all dietary options, including Vegan 's and had comfort foods, selections of appetizers, salads, and mains that was classically broad without trying to be everything for everyone. We both had the Veggie burgers and it was really good (they are hard to do well) and the fries were incredibly good. I had their version of a smoked Old Fashioned to drink and it, too, was really good. Our servers Michelle and Sierra were terrific too. It was late so we did not have dessert but we liked it so much we look forward to a return visit. And, the place has a great patio. We are coming back in warmer weather just to enjoy that patio!

Food was fantastic, you get what you pay for. Vibes were immaculate, such a great place. Great service, our whole group had a really fun evening. #welovesam

I have heard lots about this establishment and was really looking to attending an evening meal with my family to celebrate my wife's birthday. However, I was completely disappointed. The venue was is nicely designed however the furniture at the reception area appears to be...falling apart. The table although also very nicely designed had a sticky film on it. The waitress who served us was very professional and nice , however the food did not meet expectations.