When you think of Banff, Alberta, picturesque mountainscapes, luscious hiking trails and powdery fresh ski slopes probably come to mind first. But along with some of Canada’s most breathtaking nature come some seriously excellent restaurant options, too. After all, what better way to fuel up after a long day outside? Read on for our top picks for restaurants in Banff.
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Bluebird Wood-fired Steakhouse
Address: 218 Lynx St, Banff, AB
This modern steakhouse might just offer the best brunch in Banff. Their elevated menu includes Alberta specialties like prime rib and fried egg (featuring tender, slow-roasted prime rib), Bluebird eggs benedict (featuring Alberta country ham) and even jiggly soufflé pancakes. On the drinks menu, you’ll find cocktails that include spirits from the nearby Park Distillery, including a Mountain Joe Hard Coffee inspired by the iconic Alberta Shaft cocktail — it’s a must try! Bonus: the gorgeous interior is combines rustic log cabin and chic après ski vibes.
Brazen
Address: 138 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
Located in the heart of downtown Banff attached to the historic Mount Royal hotel, this upscale restaurant serves up playfully elevated fare like their Grilled Cheese Benedict topped with tomato hollandaise (a play on grilled cheese and tomato soup) and their classic Mount Royal burger. The popular burger features an Angus beef patty loaded with Montreal smoked meat, then topped with melty Swiss cheese, crispy-thin potato chips, poutine gravy, Dijon aioli, and a dill pickle for a little tang. If you only eat one burger in Banff, make sure it’s this one (and don’t forget to order a side of Parmesan truffled honey butter potatoes!).
Juniper Bistro
Address: 1 Juniper Way Unit 2, Banff, AB
A short ride away from Banff’s bustling downtown you’ll find the peaceful Juniper Bistro, attached to to the Juniper Hotel. Dedicated to paying tribute to the Indigenous land the restaurant and hotel sit on, the hotel hosts the annual circle of Indigenous elders meeting each year, showcases a contemporary Indigenous art collection featuring art from First Nation, Métis and Inuit artists across the country, and the restaurant offers a menu that includes Indigenous specialties and local ingredients. For a true taste of Alberta, be sure to try their Juniper Benny, which features braised rabbit, buffalo mozzarella, and juniper berry glaze over fry bread. Topped with two poached eggs, hollandaise and potato hash, this dish is pure breakfast perfection.
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Park Distillery
Address: 219 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The first and only distillery to ever exist in a national park, Park Distillery is something special. They offer a wide range of housemade spirits, including standouts like the Bird’s Eye Chili Vodka and Maple Rye, which you can try along with their other spirits as a “tasting flight” or shaken into their signature cocktails. They also offer lunch and dinner menus, including fun bites like hickory truffle fries (featuring their signature hickory spice), cornbread with maple whiskey butter, a bison burger with blueberry aioli and more.
Rundle Bar
Address: 405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB
With one of the best restaurant views in all of Banff, this historic bar located in the heart of Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (AKA the castle) is the perfect spot for a leisurely sip after a long day of hiking. Aptly named after the nearby Mount Rundle, the award-winning bar looks out onto Banff’s stunning mountainscape and serves up signature cocktails, including their Mountain Series, which pays homage to the different Fairmont locations across the Canadian Rockies. The short but well-curated menu includes everything you could need while sipping on a nice cocktail. Think: chilled Canadian oysters, wagyu beef carpaccio, caviar and more.
While the bar’s outdoor views can’t be missed, the interior is seriously stylish, too: it recently went through an extensive $5 million renovation, and the revamped space boasts an impressive two-story main bar equipped with a rolling library ladder and custom bronze and wood engraving. Plus, be sure to check out the speakeasy-style private room on the main level, cleverly concealed by bookshelves.
Shoku Izakaya
Address: 304 Caribou St, Banff, AB
Banff’s first Izakaya restaurant, Shoku Izakaya provides a welcome breath of fresh air to Banff’s typically “Canadian” foodie offerings. Helmed by well-known Banff chef Stephane Prevost (of Block Kitchen + Bar), the restaurant offers authentic sushi, ramen, and more Izakaya-style small plates. Some of those menu items include grilled skewers, takoyaki, and the standout Red Devil Calamari, which features tender, juicy Humboldt squid that’s deep-fried to perfection and then tossed in a fiery gochujang sauce. Chef Stephane enlisted the help of four trained Japanese sushi chefs to ensure he was bringing authentic Izakaya flavours to Banff, and the results are a seriously satisfying menu with endless options.
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Sky Bistro
Address: 100 Mountain Ave, Banff, AB
Featuring views of six Rocky Mountain ranges as a backdrop, Sky Bistro offers a farm to summit dining experience that is (literally) a sight to behold. Located at the top of Sulphur Mountain 2,900 feet above Banff, you’ll either need to take the Banff Gondola up or do the 90 minute hike if you’re feeling up for it. We promise it’s worth it! With a focus on Canadian cuisine from coast to coast, the restaurant offers everything from locally sourced Alberta beef (the tartar is a must-order) and juniper-braised bison to a hearty seafood chowder that’s loaded with Canadian mussels and clams, Kuterra salmon, BC prawns, tobiko and bacon to top it all off. Go for the views and stay for the menu. A visit to Sky Bistro is an experience in itself.
Wild Flour
Address: 211 Bear St #101, Banff, AB
Beloved in Banff since the late 1800s for their fresh baked goods and charming neighbourhood feel, pop into Wild Flour for a quick midday bite or breakfast on the go. While their fresh breads are the core of their business (they also supply many nearby restaurants!), they offer a solid selection of organic soups, sandwiches, salads and pastries that are prepared fresh daily. To top it all off, they also serve a seriously good cup of coffee.
Zyka Elevated Indian Restaurant
Address: 211 Banff Ave 2nd floor, Banff, AB
A newcomer to the Banff food scene, Zyka has quickly developed a loyal following thanks to their authentic Indian flavours and extensive vegetarian offerings. On the menu you’ll find classic biryanis, street food favourites like pani puri, chaat, samosas and more, plus heartier meat dishes like beef korma, lamb saag and more. Their tandoori chai (AKA piping hot chai made in their tandoor) is a must-try specialty, and you can also drop in on their lunch buffet to try a little bit of everything.
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