From gourmet dining to traditional Canadian food, there are a lot of great restaurants in Banff National Park that offer tasty options to feed your appetite.
Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. However, the park is also home to a variety of culinary delights that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning foodie. From quaint cafes and bistros to upscale restaurants with panoramic mountain views, Banff National Park offers a diverse range of dining options for visitors.
If you’re looking for the best places to eat in Banff, here is a look at our favorite restaurants.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a gourmet meal, this guide to the best places to eat in Banff National Park includes restaurants in Banff, Lake Louise and even Canmore.
Family-friendly restaurants in Banff National Park
Although we travel with a child, we still enjoy a fine dining experience from time-to-time. Luckily, dining in Banff National Park is as family friendly as it is exquisite. So, if visiting Banff National Park with kids, all of these restaurants – even the breweries are kid-friendly.
Best places to eat in Banff town
Many of the best places to eat in Banff National Park are located in the town of Banff, one of only 8 towns or villages in the park. It is the commercial center of the Alberta park and offers the widest range of restaurants to suit different dietary needs and food preferences.
Banff Avenue Brewing Co.
Pub style food is the specialty at Banff Avenue Brewing Co.
If you want a casual dining restaurant in Banff, head to Banff Avenue Brewing Company. This is one of the best places to eat in Banff if you want to relax, have a few craft beers, and order some appetizers for the table.
They offer a full dinner menu with pub-style food. Like soft pretzels, nachos, burgers, fish and chips, and of course, a Canada favorite, poutine.
Although it is a brewery, Banff Ave. Brewing Co. is a family-friendly establishment, and offers a kids menu with all the child-friendly favorites like spaghetti and chicken fingers.
For those with certain dietary restrictions, there are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, as well all specified on the menu.
While the food is great, the most appealing thing about the brew pub is the atmosphere. The two-store pub located on Banff Avenue has a great laid-back vibe and genuinely friendly staff.
On a nice day, there is also an outdoor patio on the second floor that offers great views of Banff and the mountains while you enjoy your meal.
Balkan
Balkan is one of the best restaurants in Banff for Greek food. | Photo by Anu Agarwal from Destination Check-Off
Banff town is bustling with unique and amazing restaurants which cater to a variety of cuisines and tastes. Fine dining is one of the most popular things to do in Banff.
Balkan is an amazing restaurant for anyone looking for delicious, authentic Greek cuisine in the heart of Banff Town. This charming eatery offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with traditional décor and friendly staff.
The menu at Balkan is packed with classic Greek dishes that will satisfy any appetite. You can start with an appetizer like tzatziki, hummus, or spanakopita before moving on to hearty entrees like moussaka or lamb chops. Their Mediterranean salad bowls are also delicious.
Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Once a week, Balkan has nightly entertainment with music and dancing, which is a great treat and fun to participate in! Make sure to finish off your meal with Baklava, which is a traditional Greek dessert, and some Greek Coffee.
Recommended by Anu Agarwal of Destination Check-Off
Bear Street Tavern
Bear Street Tavern offers both craft beer and craft pizza.
Of course, every family-friendly dining guide must have a pizza restaurant on the list!
Bear Street Tavern in Banff serves up delicious and unique pizzas, calzones, sandwiches and other yummy concoctions. This is another great place to visit if you love craft beer, because nothing goes better with pizza than beer.
The pizzas at Bear Street Tavern range from traditional – such as margherita or pepperoni – to craft-style – including some with toppings like maple syrup and smoked bison.
Although Bear Street does not currently offer gluten free pizzas, there are gluten free options like chicken wings, pulled pork nachos, and salads.
The tavern also boasts an outdoor patio that is dog-friendly, so if you’re traveling with your four-legged family members, this is one of the best places to eat in Banff.
Block Kitchen and Bar
Block Kitchen + Bar offers small, shareable dishes that are Asian-inspired. | Photo by Karen from Forever Karen
Located at 5 Banff Avenue in downtown Banff, The Block Kitchen + Bar offers an intimate setting with tasty selections. While this small restaurant doesn’t take reservations and gets very busy in summer, the food is worth the wait.
Block Kitchen + Bar is one of Banff’s best gluten-free eateries if you suffer from celiac or have food allergies. The staff is knowledgeable about food allergies, and the chef can adapt most dishes to suit your needs.
The menu consists of smaller shareable dishes and larger entrée selections. Their food is Asian-inspired with a twist. Gluten-free and vegan options are clearly marked on the menu.
For Celiacs, you can’t go wrong with KaraAge Chicken Skewers served with spicy mayo or wheat-free Naan bread with three tasty dips.
If you prefer a larger plate, their daily specials of Thai curry are great for sharing. Not only are the curries gluten-free but lactose-free too.
Their “Blocktails” are equally inspiring with names such as Before and After, Lavender Mule, and Samurai. Alternatively, you can wash your food down with a Canadian craft beer.
Recommended by Karen from Forever Karen
The Grizzly House
The Grizzly House is a fun fondue restaurant in Banff. | Photo by Courts from Postcards by Courts
The Grizzly House is a unique and iconic fondue restaurant located in the heart of Banff. This cozy restaurant is known for its rustic atmosphere and has been serving up delicious meals and memories for over 50 years. Whether you spent the day hiking the mountains, or exploring the village, this restaurant is a must-try for anyone visiting Banff.
The restaurant features a wide variety of different fondue options, from traditional fondue dinners to exotic alligator and rattlesnake.
We highly recommend the Original Fondue Dinner. This selection starts off with a cheese fondue that is made with a blend of Swiss cheese, white wine, and seasonings and served with bread cubes and vegetables for dipping.
The meat fondue features a selection of meats, including beef, chicken, and bison, which are cooked in hot oil or broth at your table. And the chocolate fondue is a sweet and decadent way to finish off your meal, featuring melted chocolate and fresh fruit for dipping. All in all, this 4-course dinner is a delicious delight, and not to be missed!
In addition to fondue, the Grizzly House also offers a range of other menu items, including steak, seafood, and wild game dishes, an extensive wine list, and not to mention it also serves up a variety of cocktails and beers.
Recommended by Courts from Postcards by Courts
Park Distillery
Park Distillery offers cocktails and campfire-inspired cuisine. | Photo by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
Whether you’re visiting Banff in the summer or in the snowy winter, Park Distillery is a wonderful place to relax in the evenings after your outdoor adventures.
True to its name, it’s a working distillery in downtown Banff, crafting spirits, like maple rye or barrel-aged gin, from local glacial water. You can enjoy some of these spirits in a flight or a cocktail or even take a bottle home with you.
Beyond just bougie alcohol, though, its restaurant offers what it calls “campfire-inspired cuisine”, which translates to staples with unique twists, like smoked tomato vodka soup, and upscale comfort food, like truffle fries. Better yet, the menu is inclusive, with plenty of options for everyone from vegan to gluten-free diners.
The restaurant’s interior feels perfect for a casual date night out, with lots of dark wood, stone accents, and a roaring fire. Order up a classic cocktail with an Alberta twist, like a Moraine 75 or Alpine Spritz, or just a good old-fashioned homemade root beer and soak up one of the vibes of one of the coziest restaurants in Banff.
Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
Sky Bistro
Sky Bistro allows you to dine with a view. | Photo by Alanna from Periodic Adventures
Located at the Gondola Summit of the Banff Gondola, you’ll find Sky Bistro, an upscale restaurant with stellar mountain views and unique dishes that will impress!
Sky Bistro is found on the third floor and is infused with a sense of history and adventure with their wood décor and historic photos.
You can’t miss the incredible mountain views outside the floor-to-ceiling windows – a perfect place to watch the sunset over Banff and the Canadian Rockies.
The food is all delicious with unique flavor combinations that will make this an unforgettable meal in Banff. The menu rotates seasonally, so ask your server for their recommendations. Some examples include honey chili glazed duck wings with berry compote, beef with truffle and dried bison mashed potatoes, and sweet potato bisque soup.
Appetizers cost around $20 CAD while mains average at $40 CAD.
Finally, don’t skip their house-made cocktails inspired by the mountains, such as their Mountain Mule or their Sulphur Mountain Bramble with gin, port, and haskap.
Before visiting Sky Bistro, you will need a Banff Gondola ticket to get to the Gondola Summit. You can also purchase the Sky Experience for $135 CAD for dinner, which includes Banff Gondola admission and an appetizer and entrée from Sky Bistro.
Another great option for casual dining, Three Bears Brewery is among the best restaurants in Banff. | Photo by Marianne from The Journeying Giordano’s
Located on Bear Street (ironically enough) in the heart of downtown Banff, is the Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant. The restaurant is surrounded by incredible shops and cafés and is within walking distance of several popular hotels, attractions and hiking trails.
The Three Bears Restaurant is actually situated inside a working brewery. However, don’t let that dissuade you from venturing in.
Inside, you will find a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere with incredible décor. And if you are seated on the upper floor of the restaurant in the evening, you can enjoy the starry night sky through the glass roof. They even have an outdoor patio!
But enough about the décor. The menu at The Three Bears is just as awesome! From burgers to pizza, curry, fish and chips, waffle fries, and elk sausage, you will surely find something that tempts your taste buds.
They also offer vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. So if you have any dietary restrictions, you won’t have a problem finding something on the menu that you like.
Of course, the beer menu is pretty awesome, as would be expected. They have their house-made beers, including a rotating selection of seasonal beers, gluten-free and alcohol-free beers, and ciders.
Prices are on the higher side, but definitely on par with other eateries in the area.
Recommended by Marianne from The Journeying Giordano’s
The Keg
If staying in the town of Banff, you have several options for fine dining.The Keghas a central location in downtown Banff, in walking distance to most of the hotels, including the iconicFairmont Banff Springs.
Although The Keg is a chain restaurant with two locations in Banff and several more locations across Canada and the United States, the food makes this steakhouse worthy of inclusion on the list of best restaurants in Banff.
Although it’s primarily a steakhouse, The Keg offers plenty of different options for those who are not big red meat eaters. Their pistachio crusted salmon is incredible and gluten free. Additionally, their vegetarian meatloaf makes for a great vegan option.
The Keg is both a restaurant and an upscale bar, but they welcome kids of all ages and offer a kid’s menu with options ranging from cheese pasta to a kid’s sirloin, making this a great option for family-friendly dining in Banff.
1888 Chop House
The Fairmont Banff Springs allows guests to stay and dine in a castle-like atmosphere. | Photo by G Poulsen from Pixabay
Another option for fine dining in Banff, 1888 Chop House is located at the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, one of the best places to stay in Banff National Park.
Serving farm fresh vegetables, locally raised beef, and sustainable seafood, the restaurant is on the pricey side, but the food is worth it! Everything at 1888 Chop House is made in-house, from the butter to the salad dressing.
While this is one of the fanciest and most expensive places to eat in Banff, the a la carte restaurant welcomes families. Their kids’ menu has fish, chicken, steak, and cheese pasta options for the picky eaters in the family.
Best Places to Eat in Lake Louise
Although dining in Banff offers more variety, the food in the nearby village of Lake Louise is definitely a pleasant surprise. The town, located about 40 minutes northwest of Banff on the Trans-Canada Highway, has some of the best places to eat in Banff National Park.
The Post Hotel
The Post Hotel’s restaurant may be a splurge, but it is well worth it!
The Post Hotel is not only one of the best hotels in Banff National Park, this charming Swiss chalet hotel boasts a wonderful restaurant, as well. Named the #1 resort in Canada, the restaurant on the Lake Louise property has been awarded the prestigious title of “Best Food in the Americas” by Conde Nast Traveler.
Located adjacent to a sparkling creek, the restaurant’s setting adds to the ambiance. While it is admittedly a splurge at $123 CAD per adult and $80CAD per child, the four course meal prepared by a Swiss-trained chef and his team will be a memorable dining experience.
If you’re looking for something a little less expensive or with a more laid-back atmosphere, the Outpost Pub is also located on the hotel property. It’s a great place to stop for dinner after exploring some of the beautiful lakes in the park without having to worry about getting dressed up for a nicer dinner.
Reservations are recommended if you plan to dine at any of the restaurants at The Post Hotel.
The Station Restaurant
Rhubarb pie is a delicious specialty at The Station Restaurant.
The Station Restaurant is one of the most unique places to eat in Banff National Park, primarily because of its history and preserved charm.
If you are looking for a restaurant in Banff with tons of character,The Station Restaurant is where you need to go! The restaurant is housed in an old train station, built in 1910. It is the oldest building in Lake Louise, and much of the original charm remains, from the original hardwood floors to the wood-burning fireplace.
While anyone can eat inside the Great Room or the East Room at the Station, larger parties can reserve the Delmere at The Station, a restored Canadian Pacific Railway dining car that is available for special functions.
The restaurant serves contemporary Canadian cuisine, including bison burgers and duck chops. Reasonably priced and family-friendly, it is a great place for lunch or a casual dinner. Don’t leave without having their rhubarb pie!
Canmore is the gateway town to Banff National Park. While not technically in the national park, many people decide to stay in Canmore vs. Banff because it generally offers more budget friendly accommodations.
It also has a wider variety ofVRBOs and vacation rentals ideal for those who are staying longer than a few days or simply prefer an apartment instead of a hotel. And for foodies, there are plenty of great places to eat in Canmore, as well.
Grizzly Paw Brewing
Grizzly Paw has great, pub-style food and an even better atmosphere.
Although there are so many great things to do and places to eat in Banff National Park, Canmore’s Grizzly Paw is a worthy option. Located in the heart of downtown Canmore on Main Street, The Grizzly Paw features pub food, locally brewed beer, a large outdoor patio, and 2 stories of indoor seating.
The atmosphere of the pub is vibrant, bright and fun, and they have a good variety of foods that are both gluten friendly and vegetarian. They even have plant-based chicken alternatives and gluten free buns if you want to customize your meal.
Final thoughts on the best places to eat in Banff
Banff is a wonderful place for foodies looking to sample everything from farm fresh food to craft beer and Canadian specialties. While these 13 restaurants are among the best places to eat in Banff, you’ll find plenty of other restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world.
From ramen restaurants to Indian food and curry houses, there are a lot of restaurants located inside and nearby Banff National Park that are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Have a question about any of the best places to eat in Banff, Canada? We’d love to hear from you. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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This guide to the best places to eat in Banff National Park was first written in February 2016 but was most recently updated in April 2023 for accuracy and current information on these best Banff restaurants.
