Banff in Alberta Canada is so much more than just an outdoor destination. Weddings, honeymoon, spa, hot spring, relaxation spots exist in the national park, I am sure you know that. And now add culinary highlights to the mix. Yes, Banff is gastronomic heaven. There are tons of best places to eat in Banff – we have a local distillery, homely cafes, multinational cuisines and restaurants, and, WAIT FOR IT, killer views everywhere!
So if you are planning a trip and wondering where to eat in Banff, then you are in the right place.
We live just a few hours away from Banff and have visited it numerous times and of course, we are eating outside. Hence this handy list of restaurants in Banff where you can eat and enjoy the ambiance.
If this is your first trip to Canada or Banff, try Alberta steak, and poutine – which is loaded fried with cheese curds and gravy, or BeaverTails pastry. Try beer on the tap and don’t ignore our delicious caffeine!
This guide is structured in a way so that you can get the best places to eat in Banff by meal like – breakfast, coffee, lunch, and dinner. We have included restaurants and a menu item or two from each recommendation for you to try.
Best Places to Eat in Banff – Where to eat in Banff?
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Breakfast in Banff Canada
Breakfast in Banff is quite diverse. Whether you are an eggs and sausage person or prefer a taste of Europe or have a sweet tooth, we got you covered.
You will get multi-cuisine breakfast options in Banff, and add spectacular views to the mix and you will be floating amongst the mountain, quite literally.
Typically breakfast consists of coffee, toast or eggs, and sausage.
Bacon strips, pancakes and maple syrup, milk, and cereal, yogurt parfait, bagels (of different kinds), and waffles are common breakfast items in Canada.
JUNIPER BISTRO
The views from the Juniper Bistro are breathtaking. We stayed at the hotel and were delighted to see mountain views in the morning.
Juniper Bistro also offers fine dining options, but the sights that you see in the morning – the misty mountains and the dewy backdrop are missing at dinner time (well you can look into each other’s eyes for the dewy look).
So head to the bistro for breakfast – grab some warm tea or coffee and go for a stroll in their patio area. After the stroll, get seated for a gourmet eggs breakfast with stuffed French toast or steak and eggs breakfast.
Address: Located at 1 Juniper Way, Banff
TOOLOULOU’S
A hearty plate of breakfast in a rustic interior restaurant with red bricks and tablecloth, Tooloulou’s serves pancakes, crepes, eggs/omelets, hash-browns, and the like. You can satisfy your sweet or savory morning meal right here.
Tooloulou’s also serves lunch and dinner – rice and beans, sea sausage, ribs, cajun burgers, etc. Breakfast is open till 2:00 pm. Keep in mind this place is super popular and hence also very crowded.
Address: Located at 204 Caribou Street in Downtown Banff
MELISSA’S MISSTEAK
You would think why a steakhouse for breakfast? Well, Melissa’s Missteak has been serving TRADITIONAL BREAKFAST for years. Breakfast items include eggs of any style, pancakes, Greek yogurt and fruits, sweet treats, and COFFEE.
Address: Located at 218 Lynx St Banff. Breakfast hours from 07:00 – 04:00 pm
BOW VALLEY GRILL AT FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS
Delicious breakfast with amazing mountain views, in a luxurious 5 star Fairmont Springs hotel, Bow Valley Grill offers a generous breakfast buffet, with western-style breakfast and pastries and delicious apple pie.
Tip: If staying at Banff Springs Hotel is out of your budget, head there for breakfast, and experience the luxury for a few hours!
Address: Located at 405 Spray Ave Banff
SKOKIS
Home to delicious crepes, waffles, frozen yogurt, acai bowl, and sweet food items, Skokis will treat you well. Decent prices and a variety of fast food options for (a sweet) breakfast meal. It also serves a variety of hot beverages – perfect for a cold, snowy day.
Address: Located at 109 Banff Avenue, Banff Downtown
Banff Coffee Shops
Our favorite topic – is Banff Coffee Shops. Salil LOVES his coffee. I occasionally take lattes, but I LOVE creamy earl grays and London Fog served in Banff’s cafes. These coffee shops listed below are also best for light breakfast like sandwiches, wraps, soups, baked goods like muffins, loaves, etc.
The ambiance at Banff’s coffee shops is relaxed and best for meet-ups, work, or just world domination aka travel planning (our travel plans have been discussed and finalized always over a cup of coffee. Salil gets his coffee and I get the destination of choice – win-win)!
EVELYN’S CAFE BANFF
LOVE their lattes and cappuccinos. Evelyn’s Cafe is a nice coffee shop in town. It serves premium coffee and sandwiches and soups.
They are also open for light lunches. Includes street-side seating areas.
Address: Located at 215 Banff Ave.
WHITE BARK CAFE
Considered one of the FINEST coffee shops in Banff, the White Bark Cafe serves coffee from ethically sourced beans, tea, and light (sweet) treats.
They are open from 06:30 am to 06:30 pm.
Address: Located at 401 Banff Avenue by Aspen Banff Lodge
K BAKERY CAFE
K Bakery Cafe is a cute little coffee shop that serves the delicious black tea that I LOVE – creamy earl gray tea. They also offer specialty coffees, teas, light snacks, and baked goods.
They are open from 08:30 am to 05:00 pm.
Address: Located at 229 Bear St by the movie hall in Banff
Their Canmore location also serves light Indian snacks like samosas, vada, and Kathi rolls. The location is 1514 Railway Avenue Canmore.
WILD FLOUR BAKERY
Wild Flour Bakery offers specialty coffee, baked goods like croissants, and sweet treats. The coffee shop doesn’t have a ton of space to sit, but they serve coffee on the go, and it’s delicious.
They are open from 07:00 am to 04:00 pm.
Address: Located at 211 Bear Street #101 in Banff
GOOD EARTH COFFEE HOUSE (CANMORE)
Good Earth Coffee House serves coffee, iced beverages, and freshly baked food. We love their ambiance – it’s warm and inviting. I could sit there for hours. They have outside seating arrangements as well.
They are open from 07:00 am to 08:00 pm (on Fridays, they are open till 10:00 pm).
Address: Located at 718 8 8 St, in Canmore
Banff Lunch Places
Tons of lunch places in Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise. During the summer months, you can opt to sit outside and soak in the sun or rooftop. Head to multi-cuisine restaurants for an international taste right here in Banff.
MAGPIE AND STUMP RESTAURANT
One of the first restaurants we tried out in Banff and LOVED it. And it’s Mexican, what’s not to like? The Magpie and Stump is a great place for lunch – try tacos or burritos with Jarrito or Margarita on their rooftop patio.
You can choose to sit by the street and admire the lovely Banff Avenue.
Magpie and Stump is also a great place for dinner. Their roasted chicken is fabulous. For dinner, sit inside in their rustic setting restaurant.
They are open from 11:30 am to 02:30 am.
Address: Located at 203 Caribou Street in Banff
PARK DISTILLERY RESTAURANT AND BAR
A hip and happening bar and restaurant, Park Distillery is a Banff local distillery that produces vodka, spirits, and gin. It also offers light lunch options.
You can choose the restaurant for dinner as well. BUT – head their lunch and sign up for a FREE distillery tour – every day at 03:30 pm.
The operating hours are from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Address: Located at 219 Banff Ave in Banff
NOURISH BISTRO BANFF
Nourish Bistro in Banff offers brunch, lunch, and dinner spots featuring vegan and vegetarian dishes, including co*cktails. Their cheese-less cheesecake is YUM.
They are open from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm.
Address: Located at 211 Bear Street in Banff
BANFF SHAWARMA
One of the best Middle Eastern places in town – is Banff Shawarma. Although prices are a tad higher than any Shawarma place in Calgary or Edmonton, nevertheless if you are craving some garlic potatoes and hummus and pita, with a loaded shawarma place, then this is your place.
Address: Located at the Cascade Shops on 202 Wolf Street in Banff
RAMEN ARASHI BANFF
Located inside the Sundance Mall on Banff Avenue, Ramen Arashi is a nice spot for lunch. They serve all kinds of Japanese food, and you can also opt for a vegetarian meal.
Their food is delicious and affordable.
Address: 3rd-floor #213 Sundance Mall, 215 Banff Ave Box 4153, Banff
SPICE HUT (CANMORE)
One of our favorite restaurants in Canmore – Spice Hut is an East Indian restaurant. Decent prices and great taste, offering all sorts of Indian dishes, curries, and bread, with drinks.
Our favorite is Chicken Marsala – very delicious. Try it. They are open from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm (except weekends open from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm)
Address: Located at 1310 Bow Valley Trail in Canmore
Best Places for Banff Dinners
Whether you are looking for fine dining options or comfort food for the night with drinks – you won’t be disappointed with Banff’s culinary affair. Most diners are open till 10:00 pm and a handful of them are open until late at night.
PARK DISTILLERY RESTAURANT AND BAR
Park Distillery is a great dinner and drinks option in Downtown Banff. I LOVE their Vanilla Vodka. Ask for the day’s special for tap, and you won’t be disappointed. Once we tried their Ale and it was mind-blowing.
Try their Rotisserie Chicken or Blu Dog, hearty meal, and delicious. Our all-time favorite is loaded Dirty fries.
The operating hours are from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Address: Located at 219 Banff Ave in Banff
TICINO’S
Swiss Italian restaurant – Ticinos serves a delicious breakfast buffet and dinner – mostly European multicultural dishes (of Swiss, Italian, and Spanish cuisine). Warm ambiance and great hospitality. Speaking of warm – try their famous cheese fondue.
The hours are 05:30 – 10:00 pm for dinner.
Address: Located in Banff at415 Banff Ave
THE MAPLE LEAF GRILL AND LOUNGE BANFF
The Maple Leaf Grill and Lounge in Banff offers Canadian cuisine ranging from seafood to Alberta beef, in a unique rustic-modern setting.
They are open for brunch and dinner (05:30 to 09:00 pm).
Address: Located at 137 Banff Ave.
EDDIE BURGER BAR
Eddie Burger bar is a casual relaxed dining place serving delicious comfort food – burgers, poutine, milkshakes, and other drinks.
Address: Located at 137 Banff Ave in Banff
AROMA MEXICAN RESTAURANT (CANMORE)
A casual dining restaurant in Canmore, Aroma Mexican is a great place for a laid-back supper with margaritas. The restaurant (with its decorated bar) will transport you to Mexico. They have Mexicana hats and blankets, wear them and take pictures, if you like.
I LOVE their Mexican beer – Chelada – salty and spicy BEER!
Dinner starts at 05:00 pm.
Address: Located in Canmore at 101-837 8 Street
THE GRIZZLY PAW TAPROOM (CANMORE)
Great views and beer – matched! The Grizzly Paw Taproom (Brewery Location) makes for a perfect little activity where you can check out the brewing process, sample different beers, and then dine after!
The brewery tour is paid ($25 CAD per person) and includes one free full can of beer along with the tastings. When you dine there, you get a 10% discount.
The view from the restaurant and balcony are gorgeous and so is the beer! Food portions are decent.
Address: 310 Old Canmore Road, Canmore
Fine Dining Banff Options – Banff Restaurants
Heading to Banff for romance or hosting a formal event? These fine dining options in and around Banff will make the RIGHT impression with food and mesmerizing views.
THREE RAVENS RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR
Elegant and upscale restaurant in Banff, offering seasonal meat, seafood, and a wine bar. Try their elk meat, pork appetizers, or duck platter. The Three Ravens restaurant is located in a great place at the top of the Sally Borden Building, offering scenic views.
Friendly hosts and great service. They are open for dinner from 05:00 – 09:00 pm. Make reservations ahead of time for dinner.
Address: Located at 107 Tunnel Mountain Drive in Banff
WALLISER STUBE
Walliser Stube is located at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. It is exclusively open for dinner at 06:00 pm. Try their delicious steak and enjoy the ambiance.
The hours are 06:00 – 09:00 pm.
Address: Located in Lake Louise at 111 Lake Louise Drive
JUNIPER BISTRO
Juniper Bistro is a great place for romantic dinners. They also have accommodation, so keep that in mind while you do your trip planning for Banff.
Address: Located at 1 Juniper Way, Banff
SKY BISTRO – BANFF GONDOLA
Located atop the 7,510-ft. summit station of the Sulphur Mountain with panoramic views, Sky Bistro is great for lunches and dinners. It is highly rated for dinners and it serves high-end Canadian cuisine.
Head to the Sky Bistro to celebrate a special occasion, or your Canadian Rockies trip, in style!
You can choose from 2 types of services at the bistro – Sky Experience (includes gondola admission, meal/appetizer & entrée and it starts at $80 CAD), or you can reserve a spot via Open Table and pay for the food, and gondola ride separately.
Address: Mountain Ave, Banff
THE GRIZZLY HOUSE
The Grizzly House is a uniquely quirky spot to try out fondue of all kinds along with meat (yes of all kinds like an alligator, steak, and rattlesnake). This Banff restaurant is always busy with guests and is lively and a wonderful spot to hang out!
Address: 207 Banff Ave, Banff
Best Pizza places in Banff
Craving pizzas? We recommend the following pizza places in Banff.
BEAR STREET TAVERN
The best pizzas in town are served at the rustic, laid-back hangout place called the Bear Street Tavern. It is a Canadian pub house offering thin-crust pizza, steak, and other bar food.
You can also take out food to relish pizzas in the comfort of your hotel room. They are open from 11:30 am to 10:00 pm.
Address: Located at 211 Bear Street in Banff
ROCKY MOUNTAIN FLATBREAD BANFF
Delicious flatbread and pizzas offered at a food joint in the Cascade Mall, Rocky Mountain Flatbread is hard to miss.
Closes at 09:00 pm (except Sunday closes at 06:00 pm)
Address: Located at 317 Banff Ave, Cascade Shops, Banff
Information on Banff Steakhouse
After a FULL day of outdoor activities – hiking or skiing, you deserve some awesome STEAK. Head to these steakhouses for dinner when in Banff.
SALTLIK
At the Saltlik, you will have tons of dining options – (light) soups and salads to mains and STEAK. For steak, choose from bison tenderloin, 8 oz prime sirloin, or bone-in rib eye. They also offer co*cktails and wine.
Address: Located at 221 Bear Street in Banff
1888 CHOP HOUSE
1888 Chop House is located inside the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, and it is a wonderful way to experience world-class culinary delights in a historic property with views!
You can choose from high-quality Alberta steak to seafood and a wide collection of wine to choose from at the 1888 Chop House.
Address: 405 Spray Ave, Banff
CHUCK’S STEAKHOUSE
Chuck’s Steakhouse is a relaxed and laid back restaurant – that allows you to focus on – STEAK. They serve Alberta-raised Wagyu beef grilled over hardwood and mesquite, abundant ranch-style dinners, with amazing views.
Address: Located at 101 Banff Ave in Banff, serving dinner from 05:00 to 10:00 pm
BANFF AVE BREWING CO.
Banff Ave Brewing Co. is the place to go for beer and a plate full of steak! Their menu has the popular Canadian classics and a variety of ales to choose from. I am not a big beer gal, but Salil is into craft beers and he loves it.
Address: Located at 110 Banff Ave, Banff, and they are open from 11:00 am to 12:00 am.
Sweet Treats in Banff
This section is just an add-on. Well, I was tempted and had to include a few sweet treat places in Banff.
- BeaverTails – Try the SWEETEST Canadian pastries and snacks at the BeaverTails in downtown Banff. Obama went to one in Ottawa, when he visited Canada. You should try the one in Banff, with amazing views (see, score!)
- Banff Sweets – Well, you will find tons of candy stores in Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise. Get in there and try some.
- Mary’s Popcorn – Located in downtown Banff, try their sweet (or savory) popcorn. Our favorite – Chicago popcorn.
Fast Food Restaurants in Banff
Banff and Canmore have fast-food restaurants, perfect for cheap and budget eats.
Banff has McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Tim Hortons.
Canmore has an A and W, Starbucks, Boston Pizza, Subway and Tim Hortons as well.
Boston Pizza is located in Banff Avenue and it offers a 2nd-floor seating area with amazing views of the mountains and the little church in Banff town.
Map of Best places to eat in Banff National Parkand nearby areas
Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise – Special Food Events
As mentioned, Banff is gastronomic heaven. Hence you will find culinary events across the national park at different seasons.
BANFF FARMER’S MARKET
Organized in the summer months only and on every Wednesday, Banff Farmer’s Market brings in locals with their delicious food and artwork and photography. Read more about it here
CASTLE FOOD AT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL
At the iconic, Banff Springs Hotel, you can eat Alberta’s signature foods from over 25 local farms all in the comfort of a luxurious hotel/restaurant.
You will also learn how delicacies are prepared from scratch. This is a 2.50-hour food tour – sort of, where you get to devour amazing food at an amazing location. Learn more about the castle food experience here
CANMORE UNCORKED
Canmore hosts a food fest every year in late April to early May, called the Canmore Uncorked. Craft beer fests, wine fests, and delicious local dishes – try them at the Canmore Uncorked food fest.
COCHON 555 CULINARY WEEKEND
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism hosts the Cochon 555 Culinary Weekend offering brunches and an amazing foodie experience with local and international guest chefs.
BANFF BEER FESTIVAL
Banff Beer Festival is considered as one of the world’s stunning Beer Fests, taking place at the cradle of the Canadian Rockies. This event is organized in Banff National Park in November. In 2019, the beer fest will be held in an underground cave!
So that’s a wrap. And I am hungry. I hope you found the post useful. If you have any additional questions about food in Banff, let us know in the comments below.
Additional Banff Banff National Park Resources for Trip planning
- Get itinerary inspiration for Banff National Park here
- Get Banff – Things to do in Winter here
- Find the best areas and hotels for Banff and nearby areas here
- Guide to the town of Canmore here
- Prepare for your trip to Banff – get tips here
- Find the best time to visit Banff National Park here
- Guide to Jasper National Park here
Pin – Best Places to Eat in Banff – Where to eat in Banff?
