Places to eat in Banff
Banff, one of the oldest national parks in Canada is visited by thousands of tourists yearly. The scenic expanse is popular for its unique landscape that features lakes, mountains, glaciers and lakes. Beside the amazing scenery, Banff is also known for its diverse eating spots that offer different types of cuisines to park visitors. Although the places to eat in Banff are many, there are some that are popular for several reasons. Below are some of the “must visit” spots to eat when in Banff.
TooloulousThe best way to start your day in Banff is by eating a filling breakfast at Tooloulous. The restaurant is popular for its incredible spread that included both sweet and savory dishes. It has a diverse menu that goes beyond the seafood and burgers that many visiting Banff love to eat. Revelers also get to enjoy several hot sauces that can spice up any meal served at the restaurant.
The dine-in restaurant serves breakfast opens for breakfast from morning until 2pm. If you cannot make it early, plan to enjoy brunch instead and choose dishes from the breakfast and lunch menu.
- Ramen Arashi Banff
If you love ramen, look no further than the popular restaurant Ramen Arashi in Banff. The Japanese eatery is popular for its delicious ramen that is presented in several bowls. In the bowls are a selection of ramen that include Shoyu, Tonkotsu, Miso, curry, Vege Miso, seafood, Tan Tan, Yuzu Shio and Devil’s spicy. Spice lovers have the opportunity to choose from different levels of heat when it comes to their ramen bowl. The levels are from one to five, with the first three being the popular choices by patrons.
Ramen Arashi is open throughout the week and serves visitors from 11:30 am to 8pm daily. The restaurant is strictly take- away with the menu displayed on their website allowing Japanese food lovers to order their preferred meal online.
- The Juniper Bistro
Juniper Bistro which is located within Juniper hotel is open to both residents and outside guests. Its scenic setting on Mount Norquay provides guests with spectacular views of Banff town, Vermillion Lakes and Mount Rundle from the outside terrace. Besides the amazing view, the restaurant also has za wide menu that lists both international and local dishes. The meals are made from fresh ingredients made in the presence of patrons.
Although the menu has several meal options for guests, its classic dishes are the most popular. Some of the dishes you can sample is the Juniper burger filled with a variety of tantalizing ingredients. The dishes can be eaten at the restaurant or bought as take-away depending on your preference.
- Sky Bistro
Looking for places to eat in Banff with an amazing view and tasty meal options? Try Sky Bistro. The restaurant is located on top of Sulphur Mountain summit and is accessed using a gondola. It takes about eight minutes to reach the restaurant and it is operational from 10am to 7pm. From the restaurant, you get to see the Bow Valley whose banks are lined with numerous reeds.
Sky Bistro offers a unique experience with its menu comprising of high-end Canadian meals. The dishes have unique flavors thanks to the use of local meats and produce. Guests can also enjoy a wide range of wines and cocktails with their meals. For an all-round experience, consider purchasing the Sky Experience Package, comprising of an entrée, appetizer and gondola ride for one price.
- The Bison Restaurant
The Bison has a rustic interior that is seen on the roof, concrete floors and a copper kitchen. Its large side windows allow guests to enjoy great views of the Rundle Mountain when sitting inside or outside on the terrace. The restaurant specializes in Canadian cuisine that includes several gourmet dishes made from organic ingredients sourced locally.
Ensure you sample the signature meals at the restaurant that have bison as the main meat. These meals include the bison burger and bison short ribs which are served with a variety of accompaniments. Guests can also select drinks from their wide range of cocktails and wine that complement the food menu. For a unique experience, visit the restaurant on Sundays and choose from the a la carte brunch menu.
- Three Ravens Restaurant
Fine dining is a great way of enjoying the nightlife in Banff. The Three Ravens Restaurant which is arguably the best restaurant for fine dining offers an exciting menu to guests. The hidden gem has a seasonal menu that features different dishes all through the year, but some dishes are available regularly. The dishes include golden beet coulis, octopus carpaccio, allumette potatoes and glazed sablefish among other types of meats. You can also sample their broad wine list that can be paired by most meals on the menu.
Aside from an excellent menu, you will enjoy a breathtaking view from the restaurant’s location on the highest level of the Sally Borden building. The large windows are strategically placed to allow guests to view beautiful mountain sunsets while ordering their meal.
- Indian Curry House
An Indian Curry House may sound strange in the middle of Banff, but the restaurant is quite popular with locals and tourists. It is the go-to place for classic entrees, biryani, seafood curries and sweet desserts which are part of the menu. Other curry dishes like tandoori chicken and butter chicken are also popular with dine-in and take-away customers. Besides, offering a wide array of Indian dishes the restaurant also has a range of beers that you can order with food.
Indian Curry House opens its doors from 11am to 11pm every day for customers, with establishment accepting reservations during those times. If you want to plan for a special occasion at the restaurant, you only need to plan with the management in advance.
- Bear Street Tavern
Bear Street Tavern is a great place to hang out in the afternoon in Banff. The restaurant has an amazing courtyard patio that draws in patrons that want to enjoy their food under the sun. Its menu is extensive and includes food, drinks, specials and specialized kid meals. To be all-inclusive, the eatery also has a dog menu making it one of the best places to go with your pet.
Although the eatery has a wide menu, it is a popular spot for pizza and beer. Its pizza menu includes creative options such the Wheeler Hut and Godfather that are sold at affordable prices. The beer and cocktail selection includes most of the famous brands that can be consumed in-house or as take-out.
- Maple Leaf Grill
When mentioning top upscale places to eat in Banff, you must mention the Maple Leaf. The restaurant which is located in the town’s busiest corner is a landmark in the downtown area. It is popular for its Canadian cuisine which is served in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The dishes offered at the restaurant are original and unique with the chefs using quality ingredients to achieve typical Canadian flavors.
The menu at the Maple Leaf is diverse and includes dishes for brunch, lunch, dinner and wines. Most meals on the menu give emphasis to sea food, Alberta beef, fresh fish and wild game. The walls in the alpine decorated restaurant are lined with six hundred wine bottles that represent the restaurant’s wine labels.
- BeaverTails
If you love eating delicious pastry made with loving hands, then you have to stop by at BeaverTails. The Canadian fast food restaurant is a household name since its establishment in 1978. Pastries sold at the eatery are original recipes made from premium ingredients thus guaranteeing a tasty outcome.
At BeaverTails, you can be assured of whole-wheat pastries that are hot, chewy and crispy. Besides pastries, the establishment also sells snacks such as ice cream, fries, smoothies and hotdogs. The flavor combinations in the delicious assortment of treats is unforgettable, making it one of the best places to eat in Banff.