The Marc offers gourmet French cuisine in a light, airy room. This hotspot has a carefully cultivated atmosphere that manages to combine casual and business, as evidenced by the white linen tablecloths and smiling servers in long, formal aprons and blue jeans. The friendly wait staff are quick to make recommendations, knowledgeable about the menu (they can point out allergens and cross-contamination without running to the kitchen) and helpful when it comes to even the smallest of details (right down to the restaurant’s Wi-Fi password). But the most important aspect of The Marc’s high-quality service is that the wait staff know how to balance the fine line between being attentive and being overbearing. A bread plate and dish of butter await me at the table and a glass of water is poured before I am fully settled in my chair. My server takes my order right away and then leaves me In peace to enjoy a quiet meal. It’s obvious The Marc is a place where business deals are sealed and friends break bread, but who knew it was also a place to savour an excellent meal while flying solo?-Sydnee Bryant
9940 106 St.,780-429-2828, themarc.ca
The expectation of high level service is built into Corso 32’s atmosphere. And from the moment your jacket is taken to when it’s retrieved, there’s hardly a point when you don’t feel like the chef or server are thinking of you. When I forgot to include my phone number in my online request for booking, I was emailed a request for a second entry. No matter your taste, your dietary restriction, or your fascination with what you’re eating, the Corso staff know what it means to be properly served. -Caleb Caswell
10345 Jasper Ave., 780-421-4622, corso32.com
Once home to Alberta’s first premier, Rutherford House has the feel of the turn of the 20th century, complete with vintage-style wallpaper. Afternoon tea with dainties, sandwiches and scones – matches the vintage decor but the best thing about the place is the courtesy and service that accompanies the delicious dishes. For those who truly believe present-day service is not on par with the old days, the Rutherford House is a step into the past with plenty of attention paid to detail.-Caroline Barlott
11153 Saskatchewan Dr., 780-427-3995, rutherfordhouse.ca
