Where's Good to Eat?

The Canadian Rocky Mountain towns of Banff, Canmore, Jasper and Golden are developing a cuisine style all of their own.

Whether its working with local game meats like Caribou, Bison and Elk or seafood from the coast; BC salmon and Digby scallops, or the famous Alberta Beef, chefs are combing local ingredients with fresh seasonal produce to create distinctive meals.

As locals, we are constantly being asked, "where's good to eat?", so here is our list...

Q: I want to take my partner out to a formal dinner, where to go to impress?
A: Banff offers two fine dining restaurants – 5 Diamond awarded Eden at the Rimrock Resort Hotel and The Banffshire Club at the Fairmont Banff Springs. Also worth mentioning is the Le Beaujolais (French) in downtown Banff.

Q: Where can I find the famous Alberta beef?
A: Bumper’s Steakhouse (Banff), The Keg Steakhouse (2xBanff), Saltlik Steakhouse (Banff) and The Bison (Banff),  all will impress.

Q: I love a Sunday brunch. Where would you suggest I go?
A: There is nothing like spending a relaxing Sunday morning (or into the afternoon) at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (be sure to book ahead). For something a little less expensive, but still with great variety try the Banff Park Lodge. The best Eggs Benedict can be found at The Bison (Banff), duck confit with chevre and many others – yummy!

Q: What restaurants are ones the locals would recommend?
A: Let’s ask them...

Melissa: (Banff) The Bison in Banff – very creative, trendy and upscale upstairs and funky and casual lounge downstairs. The Saltlik Bar Lounge is always consistent and has great finger food and martinis.  Nourish in Banff is so good you won't notice that it's vegetarian/vegan.

Karen:  (Jasper) La Fiesta – Mexican meets Spanish and the best sangrias north of the border. Sitting outside in the sun at the Emerald Lounge at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is always a treat.

Lynda: (Canmore) Zona’s is pretty much the local’s hangout, Murrietas has spectacular views and food, the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company is very family friendly.

Rick: (Lake Louise) I’ve had superb meals at the Deer Lodge and Post Hotel. The Walliser Stube (fondue) at the Chateau Lake Louise is unique and fun, but if you just want something cheap and tasty, the HI Hostel café is great.

Wendy: (Golden) Corks is a little restaurant in Copper Horse Lodge (at Kicking Horse Mtn Resort) always consistent with the quality of food and the surprising range of boutique wines. You can’t beat Eagle’s Eye (at Kicking Horse Mtn Resort) for the spectacular views.

Q: What about ethnic food?
A: A hidden treasure is the Thai Pagoda Restaurant in the Clocktower Mall in Banff.  La Fiesta in Jasper is Mexican meets Spanish. There are many excellent Japanese restaurants, Chef’s Studio in Canmore has the best presentation, allow plenty of time as everything is prepared fresh. Giorgio’s (Banff) is still the locals favourite Italian. For anyone who loves a good brew St James Gate (Banff) is the place to be with over 32 beers on tap. Opa! Greek food, dancing, plate breaking and ouzo can be found at the Balkan in Banff.

Q: I have a huge sweet tooth... where can I get my fix?
A: You can’t walk too far in any of the mountain towns without being lured into a candy or fudge store, by either smelling the sweet aroma or watching the candymakers preparing in the storefronts. Fudge is one the most popular souvenirs, with many stores even mailing gifts home, if it can last that long.

Q: Is there anywhere to combine a show and dinner?
A: OhCanadaEh - Canmore offer a five course family style meal with theatre show. The entertainment is up to you at the Grizzly House (Banff). Telephones provided at each table enable you to call other diners throughout the restaurant.

Of course there are many many more, so come by our downtown store and chat with one of our local agents for the best dining recommendations in Banff.