The Fine Diner - Calgary

I had lunch yesterday with a friend. I like the spot, pretty funky, it has character. The server was good, friendly and fun. An interesting menu, I had the protein salad with an additional chicken breast. They actually served what appeared to be a half breast, which was little odd given it cost an extra $6. But the salad was excellent, really well done, and the chicken breast was very tasty. The prices are inclusive of tip, and it is still a bit on the pricey side. When the bill came they did explain that the tip was included, but if we wanted to we could provide an additional tip, that is a donation to local charities. We left 10%. It still feels weird to not tip in a restaurant. Overall, I certainly enjoyed the meal and ambience. I would try it again, but I am not yearning to return.

I went for lunch with 2 friends and was not impressed. The menu is interesting but very pricey. I ordered the feature which was a turkey and spinach omelet which was very ordinary and kind of tasteless. The accompanying medley of potatoes was not bad. My friends ordered bean salad. What they got was a plate with some canned kidney beans, canned chick peas, a bit of quinoa and a sprinkle of herbs. No dressing on the salad so it was like eating beans right out of the can. For that the Diner was charging $16. My friend complained to the waitress and she didn't charge them for the meal but she was not apologetic about it nor did anyone from the kitchen or management make an apology. It's been a very long time since I had a bad experience like that at a Calgary restaurant. I can't imagine how this place stays in business. I certainly won't be going back.

We went for breakfast. They did not have any makings for pancakes even though they were a menu option.No hash browns, another offering.We ordered parfaits but they only had one! So, we got an omelette with a slice of orange for $20!Eggs Benny with impossible toast, with the same sliced orange for $21.4 plain coffee for $18.You get the picture.Bad food, no choice, all for exhorbitant prices!

Stopped for a normal breakfast which looked a bit pricy at $17 for two eggs but bacon was included. We dexided to give it a try and ordered a mixed green salad with fried vegetables for around $18. We also added coffee like normal. So it all sounded good. Here is what we got. A salad that was a pile of green with no taste or mix at all. Bacon soaked in a suggary substance that was cold and distasteful. Toast that was not toasted, more like cold uncooked bread with crispy edges. Coffee that cost us $9 for two. So they go on about how gratuity is baked in. The $9 coffee illustrates the gratuity since on average you expect $5 to $6 for two, which makes this gratuity very generous. When we arrived we expected something special but walked away hungry and a very bad $56 taste in our mouth. So disappointing!

We are regulars at the Fine Diner and have had good service and excellent food on every occasion. I also like there no tip policy, if you tip they give it to charity.