Banff National Park Restaurants

More than 100 restaurants operate in Banff National Park, from fast-food outlets to award-winning fine-dining establishments. Trout, venison, elk, moose, and bison appear on the menus of even the most modest eateries. It's a good idea to make reservations at popular places, especially during the peak summer and ski seasons. As at most national parks, prices are slightly inflated. Except for the fanciest spots, casual dress is the norm.

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  • 1. Eden

    $$$$

    Ultraluxe decor and magnificent mountain views provide the interior and exterior backdrops for prix fixe, three- to eight-course dinners of regionally influenced French cuisine. The presentation is awe-inspiring, and the food is prepared à-la-minute, so entrées change frequently but have included British Columbia sablefish with tomato, watermelon, and onion; rabbit with nuts, wild berries, and foraged mushrooms; and cinnamon-smoked short ribs. The sommeliers offer two astute wine-pairing options, or you can make your own choices from the impressive list. Dining in this Eden is an experience to be savored. Plan to spend at least three hours.

    300 Mountain Ave., Banff, Alberta, T1L 1J2, Canada
    403-762–1865

    Known For

    • Exquisitely crafted French cuisine
    • Perfect wine pairings
    • A place to linger with a meal

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 2. Post Hotel

    $$$$

    One of the true epicurean experiences in the Canadian Rockies, the Post delivers daring, regionally inspired cuisine accompanied by excellent wines (it's one of only four restaurants in Canada to receive the Wine Spectator's Grand Award). A low, exposed-beam ceiling and a stone fireplace aglow in winter create an in-from-the-cold aura; white napery provides a touch of elegance; and a changing menu keeps things interesting, with dishes that might include Alaskan king crab drizzled with lemongrass-ginger butter, sautéed wild British Columbia halibut in lemongrass-thyme sauce, or Alberta beef tenderloin in bordelaise. With more than 26,000 bottles, the restaurant may well have Canada's best wine collection. For a unique experience with a group of six or more, inquire about the private cellar dining room.

    200 Pipestone Rd., Lake Louise, Alberta, T0L 1E0, Canada
    403-522–3989

    Known For

    • Outstanding wine selection (more than 26,000 bottles)
    • Artful blend of rusticity and elegance
    • Innovative, regularly changing menu

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 3. 1888 Chop House at the Fairmont Banff Springs

    $$$$

    Alberta is world-famous for its beef, and this restaurant is a great place to sample it, along with pork, lamb, and sustainable wild game and seafood. All steaks are hand-cut on-site and grilled on cherrywood, and everything, from the butter to the garnishes, is made in-house. Try the Brant Lake Wagyu beef tenderloin or share the dry-aged Tomahawk rib eye, which is carved tableside. Seafood choices include Arctic char, East Coast lobster, and scallops with zucchini puree and pork belly. There is one vegetarian option on the menu.

    405 Spray Ave., Banff, Alberta, T1L 1J4, Canada
    403-762–2211

    Known For

    • Delicious hand-cut steaks
    • Carefully sourced fish and game
    • Not many vegetarian options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 4. Block Kitchen & Bar

    $$

    Offering everything from curry ramen and poke bowls to mushroom risotto and smoked bison flatbread, this small eclectic downtown tapas bar mixes Asian influences with local flavors. Both large and small plates are served in an intimate space with rough-hewn wooden tables, colorful artwork, and bare-bulb lighting. The drinks menu is equally varied, featuring wines, sakes, craft beers, and creative "blocktails."

    201-5 Banff Ave., Banff, Alberta, T1L1C6, Canada
    403-985–2887

    Known For

    • Trendy vibe
    • Gluten-free and vegetarian options available
    • Great drinks menu
  • 5. Chuck's Steakhouse

    $$$$

    This second-floor restaurant has great views of Banff Avenue and incredible steaks, namely grass-fed, Wagyu, prime beef that's sourced from ranches along the Cowboy Trail—the heart of Alberta's ranch country—dry aged in house, started on a mesquite-wood grill, and finished in a copper pan with herbs and butter. Servers are well-versed in the various cuts of beef, but if steak isn't your thing, alternatives include slow-cooked barbecue chicken, vegan cauliflower cross-cut, and wild British Columbia salmon. Appetizers and side dishes are served family-style. An extensive wine list and an in-house sommelier ensure perfect pairings. Mud pie is the signature dessert, and it's exceptional.

    101 Banff Ave., Banff, Alberta, T1L1B3, Canada
    403-762–4825

    Known For

    • Prime steaks and family-style side dishes
    • Excellent wine list
    • Signature mud pie for dessert
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  • 6. Cliffhouse Bistro

    $

    Breakfast or lunch at this mountainside restaurant involves a ride up the sightseeing chairlift to a cool retro-style chalet. The food is delicious and unpretentious; brunch is served all day, the salads are meal-sized, and the nachos and the charcuterie board are great for sharing. Local craft beers, sodas, and Canadian wines are also on offer.

    2 Mount Norquay Rd., Banff, Alberta, T1L1B4, Canada
    403-762--4421

    Known For

    • Amazing views
    • Unique atmosphere in a retro chalet
    • Fantastic nachos and charcuterie board for sharing

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-Sept.--mid-June; no dinner
  • 7. Coyotes Southwestern Grill

    $$

    A small restaurant decorated with log beams and bathed in warm Santa Fe colors, Coyotes serves healthful Southwestern-style dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Scrambled eggs and salmon, stuffed French toast, and warm seven-grain cereal topped with fresh berries, pecans, and yogurt stand out among the breakfast offerings. Lunch and dinner favorites include the black-bean burrito, polenta with ratatouille, pan-roasted honey-glazed salmon, and several vegetarian selections.

    206 Caribou St., Banff, Alberta, T1L 1A1, Canada
    403-762–3963

    Known For

    • Wholesome food
    • Extensive breakfast menu
    • In-house deli for picnic fixings
  • 8. Farm & Fire

    $

    Canadian flair is the hallmark of this modern, airy restaurant—a recent addition to the Elk + Avenue Hotel—where ingredients sourced from small, local, organic farmers are used in appetizers such as barbecue "pig wings" (made from pork shanks and served with celery and buttermilk-blue-cheese dressing) and entrees like slow-roasted rotisserie chicken, mushroom orecchiette pasta, and flatbread pizza. The drinks menu features Canadian wines, local craft beers, and unique cocktails made using the best Canadian spirits. Brunch includes classic breakfast dishes and cocktails as well as breakfast bowls and sandwiches.

    333 Banff Ave., Banff, Alberta, T1L 1B1, Canada
    403-760–3298

    Known For

    • Farm-fresh ingredients prepared in a wood-fired craft kitchen
    • Patio dining area with propane heaters
    • Children's and extensive brunch menus
  • 9. Juniper Bistro

    $

    Ask for a table on the engaging patio or inside near one of the dining room's walls of windows to enjoy some of Banff's best views while dining on dishes made from fresh local ingredients. The brunch menu features stuffed French toast, huevos rancheros, and several kinds of eggs Benedict; lunch options include burgers, sandwiches, and pulled-pork poutine. Many dishes can be made gluten-free, vegetarian, or both.

    1 Juniper Way, Banff, Alberta, T1L 1E1, Canada
    403-762–2281

    Known For

    • Popular brunch spot
    • Great views, indoors and out
    • Gluten-free and vegetarian options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Mon.-Tues.
  • 10. Nourish Bistro

    $

    Vegan-friendly Nourish lives up to its name with intricate and diverse plant-based cuisine. Twenty different ingredients power the explosion of flavors in each bite of Banff's most intriguing nachos: strawberries, toasted quinoa, smoked blackberry sauce, garlic gherkins, six kinds of beans, Monterey Jack, and nine more items. Other inventive dishes include curry poutine; vegan mac and cheese made with quinoa noodles and a coconut-based sauce; and wild mushroom ravioli with garlic, red pepper, and lavender cream sauce.

    211 Bear St., Banff, Alberta, T1L 1B4, Canada
    403-760–3933

    Known For

    • Exceptional vegan food
    • Truly unique nachos
    • Dishes that even die-hard carnivores can love

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 11. Park Distillery

    $$$

    With water from six Canadian Rockies glaciers and grain sourced from high-altitude family farms, Park Distillery produces spirits with aromas and flavors like no others. Its restaurant features a fun campfire-cuisine theme with classic coleslaw, warm potato salad, or mac and cheese served alongside rotisserie chicken, salmon, ribs, burgers, or steaks. There's a nice selection of vegan and gluten-free options as well. Sprawling over two floors, the restaurant has picnic tables and wall decorations that look right out of a kids' summer camp, though the lively main-floor bar reminds patrons of the grown-up pleasures to be enjoyed.

    219 Banff Ave., Banff, Alberta, T1L 1A7, Canada
    403-762–5114

    Known For

    • Banff's first and only distillery restaurant
    • Dining room has a playful, summer-camp vibe
    • Distillery tours and tastings daily at 3:30
  • 12. Shoku Izakaya

    $$

    Opened in 2021 by Chef Stephane Provost, Shoku Izakaya is Banff’s first Japanese pub. This friendly and fun izakaya-inspired restaurant serves small plates and snacks with an extensive selection of saki, Japanese-inspired cocktails, and beers. The space is decorated in dark colors with a wood beam ceiling, a long bar, well-spaced tables, and minimalistic Japanese art and adornments. The creative menu is made for sharing and includes a variety of skewers, sushi and maki rolls, sashimi, and other yummy snacks like sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken, steamed bao buns, pork-kimchee gyozas, and Tokyo fries with smoked bonito shavings. Maple miso crème brûlée and black sesame ice cream make uniquely delicious dessert choices.   

    304 Caribou St., Banff, Alberta, T1L1A1, Canada
    1-403-985--1112

    Known For

    • Nice selection of saki, wine, and mixed drinks
    • Great variety of small plates
    • Japanese Izakaya ambience
  • 13. Sky Bistro

    $$$ | Vegan

    You can't beat the panoramic mountain views from this restaurant on the third floor of the Banff Gondola at 2281 meters (7,486 feet) above sea level. There are floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides and the cuisine is just as elevated as the scenery with a regularly changing menu that features local ingredients like Alberta beef, British Columbia salmon, and prairie-grown vegetables complimented by local craft beers, craft spirits, and Canadian wines. There are vegan, gluten-free, and vegetarian menu choices as well as a children's menu. You can also purchase packages that include the Banff Gondola ride and dinner. Reservations are recommended; request a window seat if you can!

    Banff Gondola, Banff, Alberta, Canada
    1-403-762--7475

    Known For

    • Floor-to-ceiling windows on a mountaintop
    • Locally sourced ingredients
    • Craft beers, craft cocktails, and Canadian wines
  • 14. The Bison

    $$$$

    Not only is the "Rocky Mountain comfort food" served here made with organic local ingredients, but there's also an emphasis on slow cooking, with everything—down to the ketchup and mustard for the bison burgers—prepared from scratch. The contemporary decor, with hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings, focuses attention on the open kitchen, where the chefs prepare signature dishes such as bison onion soup and braised bison short ribs with roasted potatoes. Wild British Columbia steelhead trout, poached halibut, and Alberta lamb also grace the menu.

    211 Bear St., Banff, Alberta, T1L1E4, Canada
    403-762–5550

    Known For

    • Locally sourced Rocky Mountain cuisine
    • Bison specialties
    • Popular à la carte Sunday brunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays, Reservations essential
  • 15. The Nordegg Cantine

    $

    This casual little restaurant serves all-day breakfast, sandwiches, snacks, baked goods, house-made donuts, salads and picnic lunches to go. It's a great place to stop for a hot dog, French fries, poutine, ice cream, house-made ice pops or house-made marshmallows for ultra special camping s'mores. They also offer a wide variety of beverages including coffee, tea, kombucha, craft sodas, craft beer and wine. 

    4 Stuart St., Nordegg, Alberta, T0M2H0, Canada
    403-986--6190

    Known For

    • Craft beers and pop
    • House-made donuts
    • Good stop for a quick bite
  • 16. The Station Restaurant

    $$$

    Dine on the patio or inside at this restaurant serving classic Canadian food in a unique setting: the original Lake Louise Railway Station. Daily lunch specials round out the menu of salads, burgers, steaks, and salmon. Save room for the rhubarb-strawberry pie, just like grandma used to make—if your grandma made really good pie from scratch.

    200 Sentinel Rd., Lake Louise, Alberta, T0L1E0, Canada
    403-522–2600

    Known For

    • Set in the oldest building in town
    • Casual atmosphere
    • Fantastic rhubarb-strawberry pie

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.–late-Nov.
  • 17. Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant

    $$

    This brewery restaurant is designed to feel like you're in the middle of a forest---complete with a 25-foot pine tree, wood features, plants, leaves, and a retractable rooftop patio. The menu is casual and includes a variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and mains that all pair nicely with a flight of craft beer made on site. Pizza, stone-baked in a wood-fired oven to provide the perfect amount of crispiness, is one of the specialties; the sourdough pizza crust takes 72 hours to make using a reverse ice water fermentation process. The smash burger, made with Benchmark ground chuck, is one of the better burgers in town. For a more substantial meal, try the slow-roasted beef rib. The "million-dollar onion"---a roasted onion section baked in herb cream sauce and then broiled with cheesy bread crumbs---goes well with almost anything and only costs C$5.

    205 Bear St., Banff, Alberta, T1L1B1, Canada
    403-985--8038

    Known For

    • Nice rooftop patio
    • Great pizza
    • Good beer made at onsite brewery
  • 18. Three Ravens

    $$$$

    A corner location and floor-to-ceiling windows make this a great spot to catch spectacular mountain sunsets while enjoying carefully crafted dishes. The menu changes twice yearly but might include Alberta bison strip loin with crispy kale and a charred shallot and Merlot glaze, Spanish paprika–crusted British Columbia halibut, or grilled Alberta beef tenderloin with truffle mac and cheese rissolé (small croquette). Gluten-free and vegan choices are clearly marked on the menu. The ample wine list showcases the output of top Canadian producers.

    107 Tunnel Mountain Dr., Banff, Alberta, T1L 1G7, Canada
    403-762–6300

    Known For

    • Hidden gem with wonderful views and fine dining
    • In-house preparation of everything, from bread to spiced butters and fruit sorbets
    • Stellar selection of Canadian wines
  • 19. Trailhead Cafe

    $

    Local work crews, mountain guides, and park wardens love this small café for a hot breakfast, lunch, or early dinner (until 6). Baked goods, made-to-order sandwiches, wraps, and salads are the specialties, and the coffee is excellent. This is a good place to pick up a meal to go if you're driving north on the Icefields Parkway. There are only a few seats along the window and a few chairs outside.

    Hwy. 1, Lake Louise, Alberta, T0L 1E0, Canada
    403-522–2006

    Known For

    • Loved by locals
    • Quick stop for picnic fixings
    • Limited seating
  • 20. Walliser Stube

    $$$$

    For something fun and a little different, try this restaurant's three-course Château Experience, consisting of a mushroom-and-shallot cheese fondue to start, an eight-ounce beef tenderloin with farm vegetables and whipped potatoes for the main course, and chocolate fondue with banana bread and fresh fruit for dessert. If fondue isn't for you, other classic Swiss, German, and Alpine dishes are served à la carte. The comprehensive wine list roams the globe but favors vintages from Canada and California.

    111 Lake Louise Dr., Lake Louise, Alberta, T0L 1E0, Canada
    403-522–1818

    Known For

    • A taste of the Alps in the Rockies
    • Excellent fondue options
    • Robust wine list favoring Canadian and California vintages

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Reservations essential

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