John Gilchrist's top 10 new restaurants in Calgary

Calgary is quickly earning a reputation as a hot spot in Canada for clever, creative new restaurantsand a number of these new dining options appeared in the city in 2013.

Restaurant reviewerJohn Gilchristsampled a number of themfor theCalgary Eyeopener. Here is his list of the top 10 new restaurants in the city.

1. Market

Market takes the top spot in this year's list.

It's a first-time effort from a first-time restaurateur (Vanessa Salopek)and Gilchrist says that they've "knocked it out of the park."

John describes the farm to tableconcept (created by chef Dave Bohati) as outstanding and this is definitely a place to add to your list of restaurants to try.

Located at 71817thAve.S.W.

2. Bistro Rouge

Bistro Rouge is located in Sirocco, west of Sarcee Trail, in a spot that Gilchristsays is "really coming alive with new restaurants."

It's a bistro-style version of Rouge, with lower prices but the same quality food from chef Ron Jacobson.

Located at1919 Sirocco Dr.S.W.

3. Posto

Posto is a new pizzeriafrom the people who run BonterraTrattoria and Cibo.

It is located next door to Bonterra on Eighth Street S.W.

Gilchristdescribes Posto as halfway in betweenBonterra and Cibo, calling it a lively, noisy, upbeat spot witha really nice tone to it.

Located at 1014 8th St.S.W.

4. Sabroso

Gilchrist describes Sabrosoasa "nuevolatino" restaurant,which means it has the flavours of Central and South Americawithout many of the starches and fats.

He says it is a "really lovely, interesting restaurant."

Located at 150416thAve.S.W.

5. Yellow Door

Yellow Doorhas taken over the old space occupied by Saint Germain in Hotel Arts.

According to Gilchrist, they do breakfast, lunch and dinner very well.

Located at 11912thAve.S.W.

6. Xocolat

Gilchrist describes Xocolat as upscale Mexicana bit on the pricey side but with terrific food.

Youwont find the normal Mexican cuisine at Xocolat. Instead, the food here is more modern andcontemporary.

Located at 81611thAve. S.W.

7. SAIT Culinary Campus

The school for chefs in-training has opened a downtown operation. Its not a restaurant for sit-down service butyou can go in and pick up hot or cold food on weekdays to go.

For the downtown lunch crowd,its an excellent option for a quick and tasty bite.

Located at 226-30 8th Ave. S.W.

8. De Thai Cuisine

Gilchrist says De Thai offers food that is lovely, freshandbright.

He calls it a wonderful addition to the dining scene in Marda Loop.

Located at 101-221533rdAve. S.W.

9.Sho Sushi

There are lots of sushi restaurants already in Calgary, but Gilchrist put Sho on his list because of the unusual cuts and dishes such as sea urchin that are sure to surprise and entertain even the most jaded of palates.

Located at 7212MacleodTr. S.

10. Briggs Kitchen and Bar

According to Gilchrist, this eatery's use of a Josper oven iswhat really makes it stand out.

Gilchrist says food at Briggs Kitchen and Bar takes on a fantastic rich, smoky flavour by using the wood-burningoven.

Located at31710thAve. S.W.