Banff

COMMUNITY CARES

EDITOR’S PICK

When the pandemic shut down the national parks this spring, Banff was closed for business. But that didn’t stop the kitchen of Grizzly House (p 55), which continued to make unique meals throughout the closure – just not for paying customers. “We identified a need to deliver meals in the community,” says owner Francis Hopkins, “Especially for seniors and those with limited mobility.” For two months, the staff at Grizzly House prepared and delivered 60 meals, every other day, to those in Banff who needed it most. “We had great support from the community,” says Hopkins, “The Town of Banff was very helpful in getting us a list of people who needed this, and the Bow Valley Food Alliance helped support a significant amount of the cost.” Hopkins says, “It was the most rewarding experience.” -KB

GET IT TO GO

Get your favourite meals delivered with ToGo Canada (p 59). Choose your favourites from the full menus of over 40 restaurants. Get your texmex fix from Chili's (p 57), Vietnamese dishes from Pho House (p 58) or something sweet from Skoki's (p 59). Simply order online or give them a call and enjoy contactless delivery of your favourite meals! -TJ

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Banff’s dining scene is getting a refresh with some hot new restaurants! Seed N Salt (p 58) brings fresh bowls, salads and smoothies to Banff’s downtown core. Farm & Fire (p 57) is the latest restaurant by Pursuit, and they work closely with local farms to bring fresh, innovative meals to the table. Try Chef David Ryc's fire-cooked creations. In Harmony Lane, The Radiant (p 56) brings a 1920’s Art Deco style parlour and lounge to the dining experience. The all-inclusive space hosts regular performances from burlesque to live music. No two dining experiences are the same! -TJ

FINE

1888 CHOP HOUSE Executive Chef Robert Ash celebrates Alberta with foods from local farms and organic producers. Prime grade beef steaks and chops: filet mignon, AAA porterhouse, striploin and ribeye plus lamb and elk. Rocky Mountain trout, and East Coast scallop and lobster. Specialties include Black Angus tomahawk, recommended for 2. Cocktail bar overlooks the lobby. Serving dinner from 6 pm. Mezzanine Level 1, Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-2211, 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 a table d’hôte, or the Chef’s Grand Dégustation. Rimrock Resort, 300 Mountain Ave. 403-762-1848

THE EVERGREEN Restaurant and Lounge. 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

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

UPSCALE

CASTELLO Italian cooking with wines and service that transports guests to Italy. Modern restaurant-in-the-round. Dishes inspired by fresh local ingredients include veal parmesan, lobster ravioli, pacific halibut and chicken piccata. Vegetarian and gluten-free options. Serving Dinner. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6860, fairmont.com/banff-springs/dining

EL TORO Canadian, Spanish and Mexican cuisine made from scratch. Serving a tapas-style menu. Proceeds from Sunday dining support charities. Irwin's Mountain Inn, 429 Banff Ave, 403-762-2520

RENOVATED RUNDLE BAR

The Fairmont Banff Springs has a new elegant dining space with their recently renovated Rundle Bar (below). Formerly, the Rundle Lounge, this space features a stunning new interior designed by Frank Architecture and an updated menu, carefully crafted by executive chef Robert Ash, accompanied by fun and creative cocktails. Try the Wild Flower, a cocktail designed around Rundle Bar’s signature gin, specially distilled by Canmore’s Wild Life Distillery (p 64). -KATE BARKER

GRIZZLY HOUSE “For lovers and hedonists.” Local's favourite, family owned and operated restaurant specializing in traditional and exotic fondues. The interior reflects the restaurant’s heritage as a local disco. 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 of Mount Rundle and Tunnel Mountain through floor to ceiling windows, and from the huge, award-winning patio with fire pits and fireplace lounge. Creative menu changes frequently to go with the seasons. Examples include expertly prepared tenderloin and boar rack as well as vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. Excellent brunch and après skiing options. Mt Norquay Rd, 403-763-6219, thejuniper.com/dine NOURISH BISTRO Vegetarian and vegan cuisine for everyone! Fresh, farmto-table ingredients and innovative, flavourful dishes mean even carnivores will love eating here. Featuring “Best in the Bow” loaded nachos as well as noodles, burgers, tapas and “mac n squeeze.” Also serving 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 casual dining featuring globally inspired small plates. Signature cocktails with local Wild Life gin. Afternoon Tea with loose leaf teas, finger sandwiches and pastries. Singer, guitarist or pianist often on-site. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6860, fairmont.com/banff-springs/dining

SALTLIK A rare steakhouse. Using only AAA Prime and Certified Angus Beef steaks, flame-grilled in a 1200°F infrared oven that quickly seals in juices for tender, flavourful results. Craft beers on tap. 221 Bear St, 403-762-2467

NOW OFFERING TAKE OUT

view menu online tooloulous.com

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Visit us in Banff, Canmore and Kananaskis: • 100 Gopher St, Banff • 1729 Mountain Ave,

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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Downtown, 204 Caribou St just off Banff Ave 403 762 2633 tooloulous.com

© Tim Hortons, 2020

SLEEPING BUFFALO DINING ROOM

Rocky Mountain cuisine featuring local produce and game raised on their own ranch. Relaxing and inviting fireplace lounge. Menu changes regularly. Examples include charcuterie, elk striploin, wild boar, cod, pasta and flatbreads. Kids menu. Award-winning wines. 700 Tunnel Mountain Rd, 403-760-4484, crmr.com/buffalo/dining

SKY BISTRO Mountaintop dining 2900 ft above Banff with spectacular views. 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

TICINO Swiss, Italian and Canadian influenced cuisine. Serving fondues, game meats, poultry and pasta, all made in house from scratch. Secondgeneration family-owned and operated. Excellent dining with a friendly and inviting atmosphere. 415 Banff Ave, in the High Country Inn. 403-762-3848

THE BISON Featuring seasonal cuisine from local farmers including Alberta raised bison, Bow Valley trout and produce from Broxburn and Highwood Crossing. 211 Bear St, 403-762-5550

THE RADIANT New restaurant in Harmony Lane with 1920's art deco styling and a parlour, lounge and stage. Boutique cocktails and drinks with a dynamic menu of sharable dishes. Live entertainment in 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 Castle in the Rockies. The menu designed by Executive Chef Robert Ash features seasonal ingredients from local purveyors. The drink menu includes beers on tap, limited edition beverages and an intriguing wine list. Serving breakfast, dinner and brunch. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6860, vermillionroom.com

CASUAL

CHILI’S Take your taste buds to whole new level! Bold flavours and classic meals such as house smoked ribs, craft burgers, Fresh Mex and handcrafted margaritas. No one does Margarita’s better! Dine in or takeout. Excellent après-ski warm-up potions. The Fox Hotel & Suites, 461 Banff Ave, 403-760-8502, foxhotelandsuites.com

COYOTES SOUTHWESTERN GRILL Homemade Canadian cuisine with a southwestern flair served in a cozy, inclusive atmosphere. Everything is made from scratch in an open kitchen by expert chefs. Gluten-free items and kids menu. 206 Caribou St, 403-762-3963

CRAVE MOUNTAIN GRILL Beautiful views of Sundance Range through floor to ceiling windows. Casual, relaxed dining caters to all ages, budgets and tastes. One of Banff's best brunches, according to locals. 2nd floor, Banff Park Lodge, 222 Lynx St, 403-760-3255,

FARM & FIRE A remarkably simple wood-fired craft kitchen serving only the freshest ingredients from Canadian farmers. Homemade flatbreads, locally produced pork, specialty cocktails and more. 333 Banff Ave, 709-760-3298, farmandfirebanff.com

INDIAN CURRY HOUSE Authentic Indian cuisine and south tiffin specialties prepared by chefs from India. Menu includes Madras curry, butter chicken, and dosa-idli with lentil sambhar and coconut chutney. Vegetarian, vegan, halal, jain and gluten-free dishes available. Also serving specialty Indian cocktails and lassi. 2nd Floor, 225 Banff Ave, 587-222-8779, banffcurry.com

OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY Spaghetti classics including lasagna, Thai curry linguini, manicotti and chorizo cannelloni, chicken Parmigiana, ribs, steaks, and entrée salads. Vegetarian options. Gluten-free dishes from a separate cooking area. All meals include unlimited hot sourdough bread, starter soup or salad, ice cream, and coffee or tea. Lunch and kids pricing available. 2nd floor, Cascade Shops, 317 Banff Ave. 403-760-2779, oldspaghettifactory.ca

Good looking and bold, The Vermillion Room welcomes you with open arms, a delectable menu and effortless charm. Step into a grand space that sweeps you off your feet and into a beautiful brasserie with a bustling atmosphere and a menu to delight in.

LOCATED IN FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS VERMILLIONROOM.COM | @VERMILLIONROOM

/Jtvl{f·Canada 134 Banff Ave. (403) 760-3493

PACINI Wholesome Italian cooking including antipasti, pizza, pasta, alla griglia and Italian feast for two. Glutenfree and vegetarian dishes. Bread bar serving fresh grilled bread. $1 to charity for every lasagna served. Gluten free and kids menu. Dine in or takeout. Moose Hotel & Suites, 345 Banff Ave, 403-760-8580, moosehotelandsuites. com/pacini-restaurant

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 and skylight in this third storey restaurant. 3rd floor, 211 Banff Ave, 403-762-0334, thediningguide.ca/dining/pho-house

SEED N SALT Quick service that's friendly, delicious and served with kindness. Locally and sustainably sourced ingredients make delicious food including wraps, bowls, smoothies and more. 202 Caribou St, 403-985-7258 SEOUL COUNTRY Family owned and operated for over 20 years. Healthy, authentic Korean cuisine made with local Alberta meats and fresh vegetables. Menu features traditional Korean dishes made from family recipes. Also serving a selection of wines, Korean beer and sake. Dine in and takeout available. Sundance Mall, 215 Banff Ave, 403-762-4941

SILVER DRAGON A taste of China in the Rocky Mountains! 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. Private room available. Offering dine in, takeout and delivery options. Reservations recommended. 109 Spray Ave, 403-762-3939, silverdragonbanff.ca THE KEG Steaks are aged, seasoned and grilled to perfection. Feature cuts include peppercorn New York, sirloin Oscar with shrimp and scallops, and blue cheese filet. Slow-roasted prime rib, pistachio salmon, chicken supreme and dinner salads. Gluten-free items and kids menu. Two locations: 521 Banff Ave, 403-762-4442; 117 Banff Ave, 403-760-3030, kegsteakhouse.com

TOOLOULOU’S A small, cozy restaurant serving a little Louisiana, a little Acadiana and a little Canadiana. Generous menu includes classic Canadian breakfasts, po'boy sandwiches at lunch, 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. Enjoy some of the best seafood in Banff! Local's favourite breakfast and brunch spot. 204 Caribou St, 403-762-2633, tooloulou’s.com

Going out should feel this safe.

Best Bar None establishments do everything they can to make sure you have a safe night out.

BestBarNone.ca

WALDHAUS Original 1927 clubhouse. Mountain, golf course and river views with a heated patio and lower level pub. Serving Dinner. Try the 3 course Waldhaus Experience with wine pairings. Minimum 2 people. Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6860, fairmont.com/banff-springs/dining

FAMILY

CASCADE SHOPS FOOD COURT

Open during renovations. Banff Shawarma: falafel, shawarma. Yan’s Bistro: Chinese food. Edo Japan: teriyaki chicken, sukiyaki or yakisoba beef. Subway: subs, wraps, salads. Second Cup: espresso, baking. 317 Banff Ave

PATRINO’S FAMILY RESTAURANT Homemade pizza and pasta. Classic breakfast, eggs benedict, pancakes, and combos. Kids’ menu. Fireside Lounge with HDs. 537 Banff Ave, 403-762-2622

CAFÉ, BAKERY & ICE CREAM

COWS “Canada’s best ice cream,” according to Reader’s Digest. Serving premium ice cream in handmade waffle cones. 34+ flavours. Sundaes and milkshakes. Original shirts and souvenirs. 134 Banff Ave, 403-760-3493, cows.ca

GOOD EARTH COFFEEHOUSE Fresh baking, flatbreads and deli sandwiches. Barista drinks with fair-trade coffee and tea. Hot specials and combos. 333 Banff Ave, 403-985-0989

SKOKI’S Now under new ownership! Serving delicious waffles, crepes, frozen yogurt and acai bowls, organic coffee, hot chocolate and tea. Hot options include traditional Vietnamese dishes. Gluten-free options. Eat in or takeout. 109 Banff Ave, 403-985-2220, skokis.ca

STOCK FOOD & DRINK A scratch bakery with made-to-order sandwiches, salads homemade soups and pastries from premium seasonal ingredients. Feature evening meals including vegetarian and meat options. Barista drinks, beer and wine. By the Lobby, Fairmont Banff Springs, 403-762-6860, fairmont.com/banff-springs/dining TIM HORTONS “Proud to serve Canada’s favourite coffee.” Hot and cold beverages, breakfast and lunch sandwiches and wraps, salads, soups, doughnuts, muffins and cookies. Also selling signature ground coffee, tea, mugs and more. Bus Station, 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

PUB

ELK & OARSMAN Casual cuisine includes wild game steaks, burgers, pizza, ribs and wings. Excellent hospitality and food. Banff Ave, 403-762-4616

ST JAMES’S GATE Built in Dublin, assembled in Banff. 24 beer taps, 30 scotches and Irish whiskeys. Steaks, Irish stew, steak and Guinness pie, shepherd’s pie, seafood, burgers and all day breakfast. 207 Wolf St, 403-762-9355

TOMMY'S NEIGHBOURHOOD PUB

Locally owned and operated. Good food, good beer and good cheer! Menu includes wings, shepherd's pie and burgers. Kids welcome to 10 pm. 120 Banff Ave, 403-762-8888

DELIVERY SERVICE

TOGO CANADA Online food and liquor delivery service featuring local Banff restaurants. Deliveries to hotel rooms. Participating restaurants include Skoki's, Subway, Athena Pizza, Chili's, Earls, Masala, Indian Curry House, Ramen Arashi, Banff Ave Brewing Co. and more! See togocanada.ca for details. Superb Chinese Cuisine

serving banff since 1988 109 Spray Avenue 403-762-3939

En route to the Banff Springs Hotel, five minutes from downtown Banff Calgary Chinatown location: 106 - 3 Avenue SE, 1-403-264-5326

Fondue & Hot Rocks for Lovers & Hedonists

since 1967

207 Banff Ave 403.762.4055 Seating 11:30 am to Midnight Reservations Appreciated banffgrizzlyhouse.com