10 minute read
Banff
MEAL WITH A VIEW
There’s nothing more spectacular than the mountains in the summer sun. Enjoy a long evening on a patio or sit by the window with fine food and even finer views! Dine at 7,510 feet with Sky Bistro (p 55). Take the Banff Gondola (p 42) to the mountaintop for some of the best views around. Closer to town, Juniper Bistro (p 55) has an amazing patio with unique views of Mount Rundle. They serve award-winning dishes made with garden-fresh, sustainable regional produce and handcrafted ingredients. Enjoy fine dining in a 5 diamond restaurant with some of the most spectacular views from Eden (p 55). This restaurant is within the luxury Rimrock Hotel, perched on the side of Sulphur Mountain. -TAYLOR JAINE
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EAT PLANTS
Nourish Bistro (p 55) invites Banff to taste their innovative vegetarian cuisine. Their farm-to-table philosophy includes local producers and fresh veggies from the Banff Farmers Market (p 46). Chefs create plant-based comfort food that appeals to the most steadfast carnivore! Try their famous Nachos, which are consistently voted “Best in Banff” by locals. -TJ
EDITOR’S PICK
TASTE THE TRADITION
Good things stand the test of time. Grizzly House (p 55) has been a destination since 1967. From its disco roots to its classic fondues, this iconic Banff experience delights locals and visitors alike. This restaurant has been in the family from the beginning, and it continues to treat guests to delicious food, friendly staff and a unique atmosphere. Ticino (p 56) has been family owned and operated since 1979. Chefs create Swiss-Italian fusion dishes with local ingredients. Visit one of Banff’s longstanding familyrun restaurants and taste the tradition! -KATE BARKER
FINE
1888 CHOP HOUSE Chef de Cuisine Jean-Phillipe Tees celebrates Alberta with foods from local farms and organic producers. Serving prime grade beef steaks and chops including filet mignon, AAA porterhouse, striploin and ribeye as well as Ocean Wise sustainable seafood. Specialties include Black Angus tomahawk, recommended for 2. Cocktail bar overlooks the lobby. Serving dinner from 6 pm. Mezzanine Level 1, Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6860, 1888chophouse.com
EDEN 5 Diamond award restaurant. Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence. 1200 label wine list with sommeliers. Wine pairings for every menu item. Try table d’hôte, or the Chef’s Grand Dégustation. Rimrock Resort, 300 Mountain Ave. 403-762-1848
LA TERRAZZA Serving classic Italian recipes with a uniquely Alberta twist. All meals are prepared in-house by expert chefs. Lounge serves a more casual menu and relaxed atmosphere. Banff Park Lodge, 222 Lynx St, 403-760-3271
THE EVERGREEN RESTAURANT
AND LOUNGE Transforming regional ingredients into memorable moments. Canadian regional cuisine includes elk loin, Arctic char and vegetarian options. Impressive wine list. Casual lounge. Royal Canadian Lodge, 459 Banff Ave, 403-760-6974, royalcanadianlodge.com
UPSCALE
CASTELLO Italiana cooking with wines and service that transports guests to Italy. Modern restaurant-in-the-round design. Dishes are inspired by fresh local ingredients including Veal Parmesan, Mediterranean Sea Bass and Chicken Marsala. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available. Serving Dinner. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6860, fairmont.com/banff-springs/dining
EL TORO Serving Canadian cuisine with Spanish and Mexican flair. All meals are made from scratch for over 40 years. Serving a tapas-style menu at an affordable price. Proceeds from Sunday dining support charities. Irwin's Mountain Inn, 429 Banff Ave, 403-762-2520
DINING IN THE DOME
Private dining just got a whole lot classier with the new 360° Dome at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs. Now, guests can enjoy a completely exclusive experience, surrounded by stunning mountain views and the beautiful Castle in the Rockies. This translucent, frameless structure is the perfect setting to enjoy fine dining under the grandeur of the mountains. The dining experience is completely private, and Executive Chef Robert Ash has created excellent dining experiences for brunch, après hiking and dinner. -KATE BARKER
GRIZZLY HOUSE Family owned and operated restaurant specializing in traditional and exotic fondues. Menu features oil and hot rock fondues, including beef, buffalo, chicken, snake, lobster, shark, cheese and chocolate options. Also serving wild game and Alberta steaks. 100 wines and a large beer and liquor selection. 207 Banff Ave, 403-762-4055, banffgrizzlyhouse.com
JUNIPER BISTRO Superb views through floor to ceiling windows and from the huge, award-winning patio. Creative menu changes frequently. Vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Mt Norquay Rd, 403-763-6219
NOURISH BISTRO Vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Fresh, farm-to-table ingredients and innovative, flavourful dishes for everyone. Featuring “Best in the Bow” loaded nachos, noodles, burgers, tapas and “mac n squeeze.” Specialty artisan cocktails. 221 Bear St, 403-760-3933, nourishbistro.com RUNDLE BAR Newly renovated with views of the Fairholme Range, Bow River and golf course. Upscale dining featuring globally inspired small plates. Signature cocktails with local Wild Life gin. Afternoon Tea with loose leaf teas, finger sandwiches and pastries. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6860, fairmont.com/banff-springs/dining
SLEEPING BUFFALO DINING ROOM
Rocky Mountain cuisine from local produce and game raised on their own ranch. Examples include charcuterie, elk striploin, wild boar, pasta and flatbreads. Kids menu. Award-winning wines. 700 Tunnel Mountain Rd, 403-760-4484, crmr.com/buffalo/dining
SKY BISTRO Dine 2900 ft above Banff. Regionally sourced, Canadian inspired menu, local craft beers and spirits, and Canadian wines. Gondola and dining packages available. Northern Lights Café and Castle Mountain Coffee. Top of Sulphur Mountain, accessible by the Banff Gondola, 403-762-7486, banffjaspercollection.com
OUTDOOR SEATING & TAKE OUT AVAILABLE
view menu online tooloulous.com
A Little Louisiana… A Little Acadiana… A Little Canadiana…
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Downtown, 204 Caribou St just off Banff Ave 403 762 2633 tooloulous.com
TOMANIK RESTAURANT GROUP A FRANCHISEE OF BOSTON PIZZA INTERNATIONAL INC.
Here to make you happy
$10 off any purchase over $40
Valid only at Banff location
201-225 Banff Ave, AB
TICINO Swiss, Italian and Canadian cuisine. Serving fondues, game meats, poultry and pasta, all made in house from scratch. Second-generation familyowned and operated. 415 Banff Ave, in the High Country Inn. 403-762-3848
THE RADIANT 1920's art deco styling, parlour, lounge and stage. Boutique cocktails with a dynamic menu of sharable dishes. A space that's both comfortable and audacious. Inclusive atmosphere welcomes everyone. 101, 111 Banff Ave, 403-985-0730
VERMILLION ROOM French-inspired brasserie in Banff’s own Castle in the Rockies. The menu is specially designed by Chef de Cuisine Brett Stecyk and it features fresh seasonal ingredients from local purveyors. The extensive drink menu includes beers on tap, limited edition beverages and an intriguing wine list with something for everyone. Serving breakfast, dinner and brunch. Located in the Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6860, vermillionroom.com
CASUAL
CHILI’S Bold flavours and classic meals such as house smoked ribs, craft burgers, Fresh Mex and handcrafted margaritas. Dine in or takeout. The Fox Hotel & Suites, 461 Banff Ave, 403-760-8502
COYOTES SOUTHWESTERN GRILL Canadian cuisine with a southwestern flair served in a cozy, inclusive atmosphere. Made from scratch in an open kitchen. Gluten-free items and kids menu. 206 Caribou St, 403-762-3963
CRAVE MOUNTAIN GRILL Beautiful views through floor to ceiling windows. Casual, relaxed dining caters to all ages, budgets and tastes. 2nd floor, Banff Park Lodge, 222 Lynx St, 403-760-3255,
FARM & FIRE A remarkably simple craft kitchen serving only slow roasted and wood fired cuisine, bringing out the flavours of the freshest ingredients from Canadian farmers. Homemade flatbreads, locally produced pork, specialty cocktails and more. Dine in, patio, takeout and delivery. 333 Banff Ave, 709-760-3298, farmandfirebanff.com INDIAN CURRY HOUSE Authentic Indian cuisine and south tiffin specialties prepared by chefs from India. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, jain and gluten-free dishes. Also serving specialty Indian cocktails and lassi. 2nd Floor, 225 Banff Ave, 587-222-8779, banffcurry.com
MASALA Banff’s first Indian restaurant combines tradition and passion creating authentic cuisine from the northern and southern parts of India. Vegetarian specialties, biryani, tandoori, indo-Chinese and more. 229 Bear St, 403-760-6612, masalabanff.com
OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY Spaghetti classics, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Meals include sourdough bread, soup or salad, ice cream, coffee or tea. Lunch and kids menu. 2nd floor, Cascade Shops, 317 Banff Ave. 403-760-2779
SAFFRON INDIAN Brand new restaurant! Named after the most precious spice in the world, mainly cultivated in the region of Kashmir, India, Saffron Indian offers tradiditonal Indian cuisine including vegetarian, gluten free and jian options. 205 Wolf St, 403-985-2005
PACINI Italian cuisine with mountain views. Bread bar. $1 to charity for every lasagna. Gluten free, vegetarian and kids options. Moose Hotel & Suites, 345 Banff Ave, 403-760-8580
PHO HOUSE Traditional Vietnamese cuisine made with care. Delicious meals for all tastes including pho, tofu, stirfries and more. Gluten-free and vegetarian items. Fantastic mountain views from huge windows. 3rd floor, 211 Banff Ave, 403-762-0334, thediningguide.ca/dining/pho-house
SEED N SALT Delicious and served with kindness. Local and sustainable ingredients make wraps, bowls and smoothies. 202 Caribou St, 403-985-7258
SEOUL COUNTRY Family owned and operated for over 20 years. Healthy, authentic Korean cuisine from Alberta meats and fresh vegetables. Traditional dishes made from family recipes. Also serving a selection of wines, Korean beer and sake. Dine in and takeout. Sundance Mall, 215 Banff Ave, 403-762-4941
Valid only at Banff location
Bring This Ad in for a FREE Rootbeer 601 Banff Ave, Banff AB
Fondue & Hot Rocks for Lovers & Hedonists
since 1967
Seating 11:30 am to Midnight Downtown, 207 Banff Avenue Reservations Appreciated 403.762.4055
SILVER DRAGON Banff’s favourite Chinese restaurant since 1988. Authentic Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine from accomplished chefs includes crispy chicken, ginger beef, seafood chow mein, sizzling hot plates, hot pots, Peking duck and more. Offering dine in, takeout and delivery. 109 Spray Ave, 403-762-3939, silverdragonbanff.ca
TACO N TIKKA New restaurant downtown Banff! Serving an enticing mix of Mexican and Indian cuisine alongside classic sandwiches. Menu includes tacos, quesadilla, butter chicken, paneer tikka masala, tuna melt, Montreal smoked meat and more. 211 Banff Ave, 403-958-1980, tacontikka.com
THE KEG Steaks are aged, seasoned and grilled to perfection. Gluten-free items and kids menu. 2 locations: 521 Banff Ave, 403-762-4442, and downtown, 117 Banff Ave, 403-760-3030
TOOLOULOU’S Local's favourite serving a little Louisiana, a little Acadiana and a little Canadiana. Generous menu includes classic Canadian breakfasts, po'boy sandwiches, crab cakes, Creole jambalaya, shrimp and lobster etouffée, black fish, smokehouse chicken sourdough pizza, Bourbon Street ribeye steak, and steamer bucket with crawfish, clams and mussels. The best seafood in Banff! 204 Caribou St, 403-762-2633, tooloulou’s.com
WALDHAUS Original 1927 clubhouse. Mountain, golf course and river views with a heated patio and lower level pub. Serving Dinner. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6860, fairmont.com/banff-springs/dining
FAMILY
A&W The Burger Family has moved to Banff! Hearty, all-day breakfasts, classic burgers from grass-fed beef, chicken burgers and strips from antibiotic-free farms, and pork from Canadian farms, also raised without the use of antibiotics. Classic root beer and organic fair trade coffee. Environmentally friendly initiatives. 601 Banff Ave, web.aw.ca BOSTON PIZZA Family restaurant and sports bar. Extensive menu featuring gourmet pizzas and pastas, juicy burgers and famous BP wings. Enjoy signature recipes like bourbon BBQ chicken or spicy perogy pizza, smoked gouda and poblano pepper ravioli, parmesan shrimp alfredo, Thai chicken wrap, ribs and more. 201, 225 Banff Ave, 403-762-2192, bostonpizza.com
CAFÉ, BAKERY & ICE CREAM
COWS “Canada’s best ice cream.” Serving premium ice cream in handmade waffle cones. 34+ flavours. Sundaes and milkshakes. Original shirts and souvenirs. 134 Banff Ave, 403-760-3493
GOOD EARTH COFFEEHOUSE Exceptional coffee, excellent tea and wholesome food, with a down-to-earth attitude. 333 Banff Ave, 403-985-0989
PEAK CAFÉ New restaurant on Banff's Main Street. Selling pay-byweight frozen yoghurt with lots of fresh toppings as well as Vietnamese Bánh mì, gourmet coffee and bubble tea. 109 Banff Ave, 403-985-2220
TIM HORTONS “Proud to serve Canada’s favourite coffee.” Hot and cold beverages, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, wraps, soups, doughnuts, muffins and cookies. Also selling signature ground coffee. 100 Gopher St, 403-762-8701, timhortons.com
WHITEBARK CAFÉ Espresso drinks from fair-trade, organic beans. Tea steeped with premium Banff Tea Co. loose leaves. Made-on-site pastries. Yogurt parfaits and light fare that reflects the season. Award-winning café. Banff Aspen Lodge, 401 Banff Ave, 403-760-7298, whitebarkcafe.com
WILD FLOUR BAKERY Fresh pastries, cakes, cookies, muffins and artisan bread. Gluten-reduced, vegan and raw options. Breakfast all day, grilled sandwiches, salads, soup and espresso. Friendly staff and loyalty cards. Bison Courtyard, 211 Bear St, 403-760-5047. Also Little Wild, 119 Banff Ave, 403-762-0329, wildflourbakery.ca