Exploring the food on offer at a destination is an incredibly important part of travelling. And, of course, in a place like Banff where you’re likely to have spent the day engaged in physical pursuits such as hiking, biking, and skiing, you’re going to have worked up quite an appetite! Thankfully, there are a number of excellent restaurants in Banff to sate your hunger, from breakfast joints to brewpubs & burger bars to fine dining establishments. Of course, there are far more than just thirteen, but I’ve chosen to list only the ones that I have personally eaten at—and loved.
Please note: many of these restaurants can get very busy, particularly during the summer, or on weekends in the winter months. I recommend making reservations (if possible), or else trying to go during non-peak times, to ensure that you get a table.
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Breakfast & Brunch
Fairview Bar & Restaurant
| $$$$$ | Canadian | lunch / high tea / dinner |
Fairview Bar & Restaurant is one of many restaurants located inside Banff’s world-renowned Fairmont Château Lake Louise. You do pay somewhat of a name tax for the privilege of dining here, but it’s one of those things that you have to do at least once while in Banff. The food, the drinks, and the service are all superb, outdone only by the magnificent views of the lake seen through the floor-to-ceiling windows—views which, in my opinion, are best admired whilst enjoying the Fairmont’s famously British afternoon high tea. Of course, if scones and pretentious finger sandwiches aren’t your thing, then you can still enjoy their Canadian wilderness-inspired lunch or dinner menu (in which case, might I suggest the Pan-Fried Bison Ribeye or the BBQ Lamb Saddle, along with a signature cocktail from their extensive list).
Reservations mandatory for afternoon tea (available for both Fairmont & non-Fairmont guests). Reservations strongly recommended for lunch/dinner (available for Fairmont guests only; other guests are subject to a wait list, so arrive early if possible).
Farm & Fire
| $$$ | Canadian | brunch / dinner |
Farm & Fire is one of Banff’s new(er) restaurants, but it’s quickly making a name for itself. The focus here is on incorporating farm-to-table concepts into the menu, featuring fresh local ingredients wherever possible, and they specialize in cooking over flame, using both slow-roasting and wood-fired cooking techniques. Their “Brunch Bowls” are an absolutely amazing way to start the day; as a smoked salmon lover, I’m particularly partial to the Lox to Look Forward To Bowl with a side of house hollandaise. Not a brunch person? They also serve dinner—try the CAB Beef Tartare, or the Porky-Pine Flatbread (a fancier twist on a Canadian classic: ham & pineapple pizza!)—and their bartenders make a mean cocktail.
Reservations optional.
The Maple Leaf
| $$$ | Canadian | brunch / lunch / dinner |
The Maple Leaf is somewhat of a local landmark, having been operating on Banff’s busiest corner for decades. They take classic steakhouse cuisine, give it a unique Canadian spin, and then raise it to new heights. Their brunch service starts a bit later (10:00am), but it’s worth the wait. At the risk of sounding like a stereotypical millennial, their Avocado Toast—served on rye bread with a parmesan oil drizzle—is some of the best I’ve had. They’re also open for lunch & dinner daily, serving up even more delicious fare (order the Brome Lake Duck Wings; you’ll thank me later).
Reservations suggested.
Tooloulou’s
| $$ | Cajun | breakfast / lunch / dinner |
Tooloulou’s is exceedingly quirky at first glance, but the food itself is to die for. They have a huge variety of both sweet & savoury options to choose from, each taking a little Louisiana, a little Acadiana, and a little Canadiana, and serving it all up on one plate (case in point: the Sizzling Rivalry Eggs Benedict). If the flavour bomb itself doesn’t blow your socks off, they have over 100 different hot sauces to choose from for adding an extra kick to your dish. This is honestly my favourite breakfast/brunch spot in Banff, and I try something new every time we go (I’m particularly partial to eggs benedict or stuffed french toast, both of which they have several varieties of). The secret is out though, and this spot has become super popular with both locals and tourists, so if you’re visiting on a weekend be prepared to wait for a table.
No reservations for breakfast or lunch. Reservations optional for dinner.
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Casual Eats
Banff Ave Brewing Co
| $$ | American | lunch / dinner |
Banff Ave Brewing Co is a cultural touchstone for local beer enthusiasts. The brewpub has been making craft beer right in the heart of Banff for over ten years, and their taproom produces not only traditional Ales & Pilsners, but also wildly creative brews such as Fifty Shades of Earl Grey & Dance of the Sour Plum Fairy. Even if you’re a fellow beer-adverse human, it’s still worth a visit! They serve plenty of deliciously hearty comfort food (along with a variety of non-beer beverages); my husband & I both particularly love their Warm Buttered Soft Pretzels.
Reservations optional.
The Eddie Burger + Bar
| $$ | American | lunch / dinner |
The Eddie Burger + Bar is a great option for those wanting to grab a quick but filling bite, and get a taste of what Alberta has to offer without straying from the comfort of burgers and shakes. Try the Rocky Mountain Burger—an elk patty with blueberry chutney, cheddar cheese, caramelized onion, lettuce, and mayo all served on a brioche bun—and wash it down with a grown-up Shaft on Draft milkshake—laced with vodka & cold brew.
No reservations.
Magpie & Stump
| $$ | Mexican | lunch / dinner |
Magpie & Stump is a little piece of Mexico in the mountains. While it’s not at all what you’d expect to find in Banff, it’s one of the town’s oldest establishments for a reason: the food is fucking amazing. They serve authentic tacos, burritos, enchiladas & more, and honestly, just thinking about their Pollo Tinga Burrito makes me salivate. They make a great Jalapeño Margarita, and if you’re the type that likes your alcohol straight, their bar is stocked with over 60 different tequilas (my husband tries something different each time we visit).
No reservations.
Park Distillery, Restaurant & Bar
| $$$ | Canadian | lunch / dinner |
Park Distillery, Restaurant & Bar is one of those restaurants that manages to effortlessly straddle the line between “casual” and “fancy”, so you’ll feel welcome whether you’ve just gotten back from a monster of a hike, or if you’re out for date night. As evidenced by its mouthful of a name, Park is a wearer of many hats; and yet, they all merge seamlessly together for an amazing experience. Their distillery produces award-winning spirits, which their bar uses to craft incredible cocktails, while their restaurant serves up campfire-inspired dishes that pair perfectly with the drinks on offer. My personal favourite order is the Rotisserie Chicken with a side of Mac N’ Cheese and a Park Caesar (the Canadian version of a Bloody Mary, only a hundred times better), while my husband always opts for the Prime Rib with a glass of red wine for dinner, and the Smoked S’more with an Observation Peak cocktail for dessert. Be sure to go on the free distillery tour while you’re here (optional tasting experience extra)!
Reservations suggested.
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Fancier Fare
The Bison
| $$$$ | Canadian | brunch / dinner |
The Bison is one of the best fine-dining restaurants within the town of Banff. They focus on a farm-to-table approach, making use of local & seasonal ingredients, and in 2020 they were announced as one of Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Best Fine-Dining Restaurants in Canada. Their menu is fairly small as a result of their ethics, but it’s constantly changing, so there’s always something new & delicious to try. Of course, bison is always present in some way, shape, or form, but they also create incredible vegetarian dishes, and when I bit into their Wood-Fired Brome Lake Duck, I think a part of me died and went to heaven. In addition to daily dinner service, they also offer Sunday brunch—a great option if you happen to be celebrating a special occasion, or if you want to make your last meal in Banff especially memorable.
Reservations strongly recommended.
Block Kitchen & Bar
| $$$$ | Asian Fusion | lunch / dinner |
Block Kitchen & Bar is a relative newcomer to the Banff restaurant scene, but this tiny cocktail bar is quickly proving itself to be a major contender. The tapas-style menu features “Izakaya” (Japanese bar food) influences, along with elements from other Asian countries, and showcases primarily local ingredients. My personal favourite things to order are the Duck Spring Rolls, the Pork & Kimchi Gyozas, and the Ahi Tuna Tataki, but there are many other great choices too—and since they’re small plates, you can sample more of them! They also serve a variety of creative cocktails to compliment the food on offer (as well as beer, wine, and saké); their Lavender Mule and the Strawberry Sous are particularly inspired.
Reservations recommended.
Grizzly House
| $$$$ | European | lunch / dinner |
Grizzly House is one of Banff’s most famous restaurants. They bill themselves as the choice “for lovers and hedonists”, and back it up by serving one of the most romantic and indulgent foods from around the globe: fondue. You can order à la carte, or opt for a four-course meal consisting of a soup or salad to start, followed by three different styles of fondue. They also pride themselves on having an astounding range of exotic meats on offer, including the Banff staples of bison, caribou, elk, and venison, as well as international options such as alligator, ostrich, rattlesnake, and more. Even if you’re (gasp!) not a cheese lover, you can still have a great meal—my husband is severely lactose intolerant, and he loved the Buffalo Steak Tartare appetizer and the hot rock cooking style for the main course. For those of us who can’t get enough ooey gooey melty cheese in life, the traditional Swiss Neuchâtel hits the spot. And they of course serve a decadent chocolate fondue for dessert.
Reservations strongly recommended.
The Post Hotel Dining Room
| $$$$$ | European | breakfast / lunch / dinner |
The Post Hotel Dining Room is, hands-down, our favourite restaurant in Banff National Park. It’s won myriad awards, including Condé Nast’s “Best Food in the Americas” designation, and Wine Spectator’s “Grand Award” for the size & scope of their wine collection. The fact that it has somehow been overlooked for a Michelin star is, quite frankly, criminal, because the experience of dining here is nothing short of sublime. From the luxurious décor to the impeccable service to the exquisitely delicious food itself, it honestly feels like a little piece of heaven on Earth. Their breakfast and lunch options are lovely, but dinner here is truly divine. Choose from two equally-enticing four-course menus: either a Table d’Hôte selection (which changes daily based on the freshest ingredients), or a traditional Swiss fondue dinner (particularly enjoyable during the cold winter months). Every single bite of food we’ve had here has been incredible, but our absolute stand-out favourites are the Bison Tataki, the Duck Spring Rolls, the Rainbow Trout à la Zug, and the Buttermilk Pudding.
Reservations mandatory for dinner (bookable in advance for guests of the Post Hotel; other guests can call the day of to inquire about availability).
Storm Mountain Lodge
| $$$$ | Canadian | dinner |
Storm Mountain Lodge is the place to go in Banff for an authentic mountain experience. Just off of Highway 93S, halfway between the town of Banff and the village of Lake Louise, this cozy log cabin truly is in the middle of nowhere, but it’s worth the drive. Their sustainability-focused, all-Canadian menu is a delightful (and delectable) combination of rustic hunter’s fare and haute cuisine, and when it’s combined with the crisp mountain air, a crackling wood fire, and excellent service, it becomes something truly special. You really can’t go wrong when ordering, but a couple of our favourite choices are the beautifully-balanced Bison Carpaccio, and the decadent Chocolate Trio.
Reservations mandatory.
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What’s your favourite restaurant in Banff?
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