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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team
Last updated February 23, 2022
The town of Banff is most famous for what surrounds it – it’s certainly hard to deny the appeal of the lofty Rocky Mountains that the town snuggly sits in. But what some people don’t realize is how diverse and simply delectable the food scene is as well. Some of the best restaurants in Alberta are in Banff. In fact, finding a Banff restaurant should be easy for anyone.
The town attracts a large and international crowd, and there are a great number of fantastic Banff restaurants that have risen to feed the people. Personally, it is hard for us not to fixate on our one or two favourites every time we visit, but we also do try to venture out and try something new as often as we can. (The problem now is that our list has grown a little long and unwieldy!)
Heading to the jewel of the Canadian Rockies sometime soon? Then be sure to mark these popular restaurants in Banff National Park on your “to eat at” list and let us know what your favourites are!
Try these Top Rated Restaurants in Banff
Grizzly House
Address: 207 Banff Ave
This has to be at the top of our list as this place is an institution among Banff restaurants. The Grizzly House is quirky, full of character, and in this modern age, it inexplicably still has old-school phones at every table so you can call another. Because, why not?
If you like fondue, then this is an excellent place to indulge. They offer the standard cheese fondues but for the adventurous eaters they have exotic meats along with a lot of local game that should be tried at least once when you visit Alberta. Pro tip: don’t wear your wool jacket unless you plan on getting it dry-cleaned soon anyway – the smell of grill will sink in and be hard to remove.
- Grizzly House Menu
- Call 403-762-4055 to make a reservation
Three Ravens
Address: Sally Borden Building, 3rd Floor, 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive
**Currently closed due to COVID-19**
This is a fave of ours for fine-dining. Situated on the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity campus, Three Ravens offers spectacular views and high-end dishes. They specialize in local and organic fare, with impeccable attention to detail in their presentation. Try the seared Alberta bison tenderloin, served with black truffle marinated portabella mushrooms and more.
Bear Street Tavern
Address: 211 Bear Street
If you’re craving good pizza and brews in a laid-back atmosphere – then look no further than this popular restaurant in Banff – The Bear Street Tavern – as the pizza especially doesn’t get any better than this.
“The Godfather” is a must-try, topped with prosciutto, confit garlic, olives, herbed panko, truffle oil, and more and don’t forget to choose a dipping sauce to go with it. Also, you’ll want to save room for dessert. Their sweet menu is set daily, and while we certainly haven’t tried them all, if their cast iron apple crumble is available, be sure to get it in your belly.
- Bear Street Tavern Menu
- The Bear Street Tavern does not take reservations (get there early)!
The Maple Leaf
Address: 137 Banff Ave
Another high-end option, this time right in downtown Banff, The Maple Leaf offers a uniquely Canadian experience with a rustic log-cabin interior and fresh ingredients brought in from coast-to-coast. Their steaks are particularly stellar, but this is also a fantastic place to indulge in seafood. The Maple Leaf’s cocktail game is also very strong.
Ramen Arashi
Address: 215 Banff Ave, Sundance Mall 213
Ramen Arashi is an excellent low-budget option for a restaurant in Banff, without any sacrifice on food quality. They offer take-out only, and a wide menu to serve many tastes. Try the “Black Arashi Tantan Men” – the sesame base and melt-in-your-mouth pork belly make this a stand-out. The smaller rice bowls on offer are of incredible value – a perfect slightly-larger-than-snack-size serving can fill the void for only $6. There’s a location in Canmore too!
Juniper Bistro
Address: 1 Juniper Way
This is a certified local’s favourite for the food and the spectacular mountain views. A frequent award-winner among other Banff Restaurants (including Best Breakfast Menu and Most Romantic Place to Eat), Juniper Bistro is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, but their brunch in our opinion is their specialty! If eggs benedict is a fave of yours (as it is ours), then opt to try the “Juniper Benny” with braised rabbit and smoked cheddar.
Reservations are definitely recommended for this popular Banff restaurant.
The Balkan
Address: 120 Banff Ave
Indulgent Greek food, makes this a popular choice among all Banff restaurants. The Balkan lunch special of a pork shoulder gyro and fries is hard to beat at only $14. Their menu items read like a definitive list of favourite Greek foods, and the “Ultimate Greek Feast for Two” is something to behold.
Also, “Fried Feta Balls”? Where have you been all of my life?
Park Distillery
Address: 219 Banff Ave
Cocktails are a meal…right?
KIDDING (kind of). They have good food too. But start your visit off right with a delicious spirit to lift yours, using alcohol distilled right onsite. Start with the “Hard Rootbeer” for you sweet-seekers, or the “Sawback” to get a taste of their distinct chili vodka.
Park Distillery food is campfire-inspired, with an exciting array of simple dishes that will fill you up after an epic outdoor adventure. The “Rotisserie Chicken” is certainly something to write home about.
Tooloulous
Address: 204 Caribou Street
Self-described as a little Louisiana, a little Acadiana, and a little Canadiana…we call it pretty deliciousana. (Okay, bad joke, sorry.)
Tooloulous is a Banff restaurant that uses their menu to plot the connection of the Acadians who left Canada for Louisiana and helped forge the Cajun culture. Everything is made of fresh and natural ingredients, and expect diverse items like a “New Orleans Breakfast” (with Canadian bacon!), “Red Neck Grits” and the Taste N’Awlins Jambalaya.
Their breakfast menu is especially what this place is known for and may just be the perfect spot after a big night out. Their “10am Eye Opener” drink menu may help you through a rough morning.
Fairmont Banff Springs Restaurants
Address: 405 Spray Ave
Experiencing fine-dining at the majestic Banff Springs Hotel is something that shouldn’t be missed on your visit to the Canadian Rockies. There are a number of options when dining here. Their Rocky Mountain Afternoon Tea is a must-do experience.
A tradition that dates back MANY years, you will indulge in some of the finest loose leaf teas, and relieve that hunger with an assortment of fancy finger sandwiches, Victorian scones, and lots of other tasty sweet treats. The afternoon tea is served from 11:30am – 3:00pm
Book the Banff Springs Afternoon Tea
Looking for an evening meal instead, book a table at any one of the different restaurants at the Banff Springs Hotel including the 1888 Chop House, The Vermillion Room, Waldhaus Restaurant or Castello Italiano. With so many choices, there really is a restaurant at the Banff Springs Hotel for every taste.
- Banff Springs Hotel Restaurants:
Sky Bistro Banff
Address: Mountain Ave, Banff
There may not be a more gorgeous setting for a meal and a glass of wine than at the Sky Bistro. Nested atop Sulphur Mountain, a meal here will be one to remember. Eating here is a “world class taste of the Canadian Rockies” and their menu features dishes that have been inspired by food produced by the top farmers and producers in Western Canada.
There are 2 ways to experience the Sky Bistro. You can dine a-la-carte, but note that you will have to book your Banff Gondola Experience separately. Or you can book the Sky Experience (from $80 per person) – which includes a Banff Gondola / Sulphur Mountain admission and dining at the Sky Bistro for lunch or dinner with a choice of appetizer & entrée.
Nourish Bistro
Address: 110, 211 Bear St
If you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan cuisine, Nourish Bistro is where you want to head. They’ve been around since 2005 and have been committed to providing their clientele with fresh and dishes .
Their globally inspired plant-based comfort food is sourced local and is simply delicious. And their drinks are fabulous as well. From cocktails to local craft beer, and also their in-house juices, sodas, smoothies, there is something for everyone.
Farm & Fire
Address: The Elk + Avenue Hotel – 333 Banff Avenue
One of the top-rated restaurants in Banff National Park is Farm & Fire. Food that is simple, slow roasted and wood-fired. Their intent is to bring out the natural flavours from the best locally sourced ingredients.
For brunch we recommend Classic breakfast or their “Lox to Look Forward To” bowl. For dinner be sure to try their smoked beetroot tartare, low and slow lamb neck, or even a scotch egg! Also, if you’re craving pizza, they’ve been chosen as one of the top places in Banff for their wood-fired creations. Don’t forget about dessert either, their nanaimo bar which does Canadian heritage justice.
More to Do in Banff National Park!
- Here is our complete guide of things to do in Banff.
- Driving there for the first time? We’ve got route guides from Calgary to Banff and Jasper to Banff.
