Dining in Banff
There is a deliciously wide variety of dining options available to Banff guests-somewhere to please everyone!
Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly between 7pm and 9pm, and during the busy Christmas/New Year and Easter periods. Reservations are especially recommended for larger groups.
Banff’s dress code is relaxed, some guests will enjoy dressing up, but this is certainly not the expectation. Here are some of our recommended restaurants in Banff:
1888 Chop House (Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel):
A modern take on a traditional chop house, enjoy prime cuts of Alberta beef and wild game, with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. Executive chef JW Foster sums up the experience as "A Celebration of Alberta Farming and Fine Dining". Reservations recommended: +1 403 762 6860.
Block Kitchen and Bar
One of the newest eateries in town, Block is marketed as a tapas and sandwich bar, but is so much more than this. Offering an intimate dining experience and Asian fusion and European inspired dishes, this locally-owned restaurant serves up healthy plates, a daily specials board and a wide selection of wines, beers and cocktails.
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Applauded in both the local and international media for its introduction of Rocky Mountain cuisine, the Buffalo Mountain Lodge celebrates its originality - to the culinary delight of its guests. Accompanied by an extensive collection of over five hundred wines from around the globe, the Buffalo Mountain Lodge’s menu offers such innovative fare as wild game, fresh indigenous berries and mixed grains, all assembled and presented with an impressively professional touch. Tunnel Mountain Road, Reservations recommended: (403) 760-4484 Toll Free: 1-800-661-1367.
e-mail: [email protected]
Castello Ristorante (Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel)
This popular Italian restaurant has a genuine feel to it, offering guests wonderful Italian favourites in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. 405 Spray Avenue – Reservations accepted: (403) 762-6860
Eden (Rimrock Hotel)
The recipient of both 5-diamond AAA/CAA and Wine Spectator awards, the exquisite Eden restaurant is a wonderful destination at which to enjoy a superior French menu, which also includes regional features. The Eden offers a delicious 6-course "Chefs Tasting Menu" or a 10-course “Grande Degustation” menu, along with 2, 3, or 4 course Table D’Hote options. All menu selections are highly innovative. Eden also features vegetarian cuisine. The team of certified sommeliers has formulated a specific wine pairing for each menu item, to further enhance and compliment every aspect of your dining experience. 300 Mountain Avenue - Reservations : (403) 762-1848.
Evergreen
Canadian cuisine takes centre stage at the chic Evergreen restaurant. Only the freshest ingredients of the highest quality are utilised in their tasty, contemporary menu. Relax and enjoy your meal, appreciating both the local flavour influences as well as those from around the world. Gluten free and vegetarian options available at the Evergreen. 459 Banff Avenue at The Delta Banff Royal Canadian Lodge, Reservations recommended: (403) 762-3307.
Chucks Steakhouse Ltd.
Located on the corner of Banff Avenue and Buffalo street, the second floor dining room boasts excellent views of the surrounding mountains and the historic Bow River. Featuring a wide range of locally sourced Alberta beef with an on-site dry aging room, all served in a stylish ranch inspired saloon & dining room. Address:101 Banff Avenue, Banff, AB, T1L 1C8. Phone:(403) 762-2712.
Maple Leaf
A multiple accolade-winner, earning Awards of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine and plaudits from the Conde Nast Traveller, the New York Times and numerous others, The Maple Leaf is one of the top dining destinations in Banff. Its menu offers an impressive selection of fresh seafood from both Canadian coasts, along with superior cuts of bison, beef and elk, served in a lodge style setting. Maple Leaf’s extensive wine list contains over 600 choices, including some wonderful Canadian selections.
137 Banff Avenue (entrance on Caribou St.) Reservations Recommended (403) 760-7680
Ticino
One of the best kept dining secrets in Banff, Ticino was voted “locals’ choice for fine dining” in Banff’s “Crag and Canyon”. A local institution since 1974, Ticino features high quality Swiss-Italian cuisine and professional service in a relaxing and hospitable atmosphere. 415 Banff Avenue - at the High Country Inn. Reservations recommended: (403) 762-3848 / [email protected]
Waldhaus Restaurant (Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel)
Known as “The House in The Forest”, this distinctive German-Swiss restaurant is tucked away behind Banff’s busy streets and offers an Old World ambiance with dark wood paneling and a welcoming fireplace. Feast on a rich assortment of authentic Swiss and German dishes, accompanied by a bottle from Waldhaus’ superior collection of excellent wines.
405 Spray Avenue Reservations accepted: (403) 762-6860.
Balkan Restaurant
Established by Greek families seeking to create an oasis of Mediterranean warmth in the chilly mountain environment, the Balkan first entered the Banff restaurant scene in 1982 and is still serving hearty Greek fare more than 30 years later. This friendly restaurant offers a delicious menu featuring fresh Mediterranean ingredients at great prices. The fun ambiance is further enhanced by special Greek Nights, which can include belly-dancing, plate smashing, and naturally enough, bottles of ouzo! 120 Banff Avenue - Reservations accepted: (403) 762-3454.
The Bison
Rapidly making its mark on the restaurant scene in Banff, the Bison serves Canadian cuisine in a casually upscale environment. Spectacular mountain views can be viewed from the patio. The Bison’s menu features regional specialties such as butter-roasted bison and Rocky Mountain venison, but also offers vegetarian selections. Relax in the lounge and enjoy a signature cocktail, local draught or a glass or two from the extensive wine list. 213/211 Bear Street. Telephone: (403) 762-5550
Bumper’s The Beef House
Exuding a warm, Western hospitality, Bumper’s cuisine is centred on local Alberta beef offered in a creative variety of dishes including great steaks and prime rib. They also include a freshly prepared, all-you-can-eat salad bar with your main course. The Old West theme is further enhanced by the restaurant being located in a cedar, A-frame style building reminiscent of mountain chalets of yesteryear. A comfortable lounge occupies a loft overlooking the dining room, and contains a collection of artifacts from Banff’s past. The lounge offers guests nightly drinks specials. 537 Banff Avenue Reservations accepted: (403) 762-2622.
Meatball Pizza & Pasta
Lively Meatball Pizza & Pasta aims to fulfill every diner’s desire-whether that be for a quick bite to eat, a drink in the glow of the huge, welcoming fireplace, or a full meal. The lively enthusiastic staff enhances the restaurant’s friendly atmosphere, as does the feature of an open kitchen, where guests can watch their meal being prepared. Its Italian-influenced menu keeps everyone happy with a wide choice of pastas, pizzas and salads. 337 Banff Avenue - at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn. Telephone: (403) 762-3667.
Coyotes
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Coyotes’ successful fusion of the best of the South Western USA with the Mediterranean imbues the restaurant with an innovative feel, from its décor to its cuisine. Wooden beams and a New Mexican colour scheme add to this mix. The creative menu uses fresh, healthy ingredients to good effect, the food is both delicious and competitively priced. Gluten free options are available. 206 Caribou Street - Reservations recommended Phone / Fax (403) 762-3963.
Earls
This busy bar and restaurant offers something for everyone. Their menu includes food choices from around the world, from curries to pastas, steaks to sandwiches. 299 Banff Avenue, Upstairs - Tel: (403) 762-4414.
Grizzly House
Fantastic fondues and a sizzling hot rock collection are the mainstay of the exciting Grizzly House. Their range of fondues is awe-inspiring - from the exotic-shark and rattlesnake, to the more traditional (but no less delicious!) cheese. For the non-fondue-eating foodie, there is wild game or Alberta beefsteaks. With a similarly delicious accompanying selection of appetizers, Grizzly House offers a true treat for the taste buds! 207 Banff Avenue / Reservations accepted: 403-762-4055.
The Keg
A relaxed atmosphere, helpful staff and superior steaks await you at The Keg. Diners can choose to eat in the welcoming dining room, or opt for the more casual and lively bar. Visiting either will inevitably result in a highly enjoyable experience.Two Locations: 117 Banff Avenue and The Banff Caribou Lodge Reservations accepted: Downtown (403) 760-3030 Caribou Lodge: (403) 762-4442
Melissa’s Missteak
A popular haunt in Banff since the 1920s, Melissa’s was designed as a restaurant from the very start and is proud to be locally owned and operated, exemplifying the heritage of Banff National Park. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Melissa’s opens at 7am and is located just across from the Banff Park Lodge. Their freshly prepared menu offers a wide selection of reasonably priced options that will appeal to everyone. 218 Lynx Street - across from the Banff Park Lodge. Reservations accepted: (403) 762-5511.
Miki
Miki’s is an excellent Japanese restaurant, which can be found on the second floor of the Inns of Banff. Open daily for dinner, it features a menu offering fine Japanese cuisine, including sushi. 600 Banff Ave - Reservations Accepted : (403) 762 0600.
Nourish Vegetarian Bistro and Tea House
A relative newcomer to the Banff restaurant scene, Nourish has quickly established itself as a favourite among locals and tourists alike, with its wonderful food, great atmosphere and helpful staff. 110 Bison Courtyard, 211 Bear Street. Reservations accepted : (403)760-3933.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
A favourite in Banff for over three decades, the Old Spaghetti factory offers a fantastic value for money menu. Each entrée is accompanied by a fresh green salad or soup, sourdough bread, coffee or tea and spumoni ice-cream, all at no extra charge. 2nd Floor - Cascade Plaza 317 Banff Ave. Reservations accepted: (403) 760-2779.
Park Distillery & Restaurant
Campfire inspired cuisine, perfect after a day's exhertion on the slopes. Serving up a wide array of roasted, grilled, bbq'd fayre, with spirits distilled on site, Park is one of Banff's quirkiest eateries.
Saltlik
For a night to remember-experience Saltlik! Offering Banff’s largest choice of top-quality ‘AAA’ and Canadian Angus beef, complimented by a diverse wine list, Saltlik offers guests a memorable evening in elegant surroundings. If steak is not your meal of preference, Saltlik also features a wide selection of other entrées, including seafood and salads. 221 Bear Street - Reservations accepted for parties of 8 or more Phone: (403) 762-2467.
Samurai Sushi Bar and Restaurant (Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel)
Experience an authentic taste of Japan at the Samurai Sushi Bar and Restaurant. A genuine Japanese ambiance surrounds diners as they tuck into fresh sushi and Japanese specialties. 405 Spray Avenue - Reservations accepted: (403) 762-6860.
Silver Dragon
Enjoying an awe-inspiring backdrop of Banff’s awesome mountains, Silver Dragon offers guests an extensive menu featuring a variety of Cantonese and Peking dishes. Diners can choose to eat indoors under the skylight roof, or admire that mountain view from the front window. 211 Banff Avenue - 3rd Floor Reservations accepted: (403) 762-3939.
The Sushi House
This charming and original sushi house is a popular Banff destination. Sushi choices are delivered by train, and colour-coded to make selections both easy and cost-effective for the diner. Consistently winning great reviews, it is not hard to see why. The Sushi House does not accept reservations. Sushi House Banff - 304 Caribou Street (403) 762-4353.
Tooloulou's
A casual Louisiana style cafe, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Great for breakfast with a huge choice of options.
