Banff Bites: Top 5 Food & Drink Spots You’ve Gotta Try!

Banff National Park is just so famous for its insane natural beauty. Think, soaring mountains and ridiculously turquoise lakes. Very many travelers don’t really realize it also boasts a seriously great food scene. I mean, you know, from cozy cafes that’s almost perfect for warming up after a hike to very upscale restaurants where you can celebrate a summit achieved, Banff really has a bite for every kind of foodie. So let’s explore, very briefly, five absolute must-try food and drink spots in Banff. Each is really chosen to offer a, I suppose, a taste of local flavor with a side of unbelievable mountain views, actually. This selection, you know, could just possibly turn your trip into a true culinary adventure. Read our full review: Banff restaurants Full Review and Details.

1. The Bison Restaurant + Bar: Mountain Views and Modern Canadian Cuisine

If you’re after a dinner with a view that, in a way, matches the sheer awesomeness of Banff’s peaks, the Bison Restaurant + Bar really should be on your radar. Their patio, by the way, looks out onto the mountains. So, like your basically set for some killer Instagram shots while you chow down, alright? The vibe is rather upscale, yet super welcoming. The staff could be offering genuine Albertan hospitality, anyway. The Bison prides itself, in some respects, on crafting modern Canadian cuisine that’s almost all sourced from local and regional farms, I think. It’s that whole farm-to-table concept, yet, you know, very executed with Banff flair. Imagine indulging in juicy, tender Alberta beef. It’s usually prepared with a, more or less, inventive twist. The, let’s say, roasted root vegetables are nearly bursting with fresh, earthy flavors. Each plate, you see, is a tribute to the province’s rich bounty.

To give you a sense, start with the crispy fried Brussels sprouts. Their are typically tossed in a, just a little, sweet and spicy chili glaze. They’re, basically, outrageously addictive, or so they tell me. For a main, the Alberta lamb loin is really a total showstopper, really. Prepared sous vide, so to speak, it is that tender. The rosemary jus almost gives it this great aromatic depth, in short. Don’t you even dare skip dessert, by the way. The chocolate lava cake might be very good. It is served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, so, in a way, it’s the kinda perfect way to cap off the night. I almost forgot, you know. Their wine list also rocks. It really does. They showcase a few choice Canadian bottles that will just really pair seamlessly with your meal, right. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (The Bison Restaurant + Bar).

2. Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar: Spirits and Comfort Food

The Park Distillery is more or less a unique gem. It is nestled, more or less, right on Banff Avenue, right. This lively spot tends to serve as both a, well, craft distillery and restaurant, or so it seems. They are pouring out high-quality spirits alongside very hearty, mountain-inspired eats, in short. The distillery almost boasts a rugged, industrial-chic atmosphere. This really feels inviting whether you’re sidling up to the bar for a tasting or settling in for supper, is that it. Everything is made in-house. They use glacier-fed water. So it seems like it, you know, adds a dash of authenticity to every sip and bite.

Start your meal right with their campfire nachos. This could be fully loaded with pulled pork, black beans, a little jalapenos, or your choice of really everything, you see. The generous portions can be shared with friends. I mean, that’s almost nice after a chilly day exploring the trails, very. Moving onto mains, their rotisserie chicken is the true comfort food. Each, like, juicy bird is slow-cooked. Then the, let’s say, crispy skin makes it downright irresistible. Or, very alternatively, grab the smoked brisket sandwich, very. Served on a toasted bun with house-made BBQ sauce and the, maybe, creamy coleslaw. Pair your meal right with one of their signature cocktails, so. The ‘Glacier Margarita’ is made using their own Park Vodka. They really mix this up with lime and agave, so to speak. You’ll be almost transported to the icy heights of a nearby peak in, at the end of the day, an alcoholic kinda way. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Park Distillery).

3. Block Kitchen + Bar: Small Plates and Big Flavors

Block Kitchen + Bar offers you a change. A bit from the, I suppose, more traditional, like, Banff eateries. This cool, kinda chic restaurant really is a, kinda, perfect place for anyone craving something innovative. It has that cool ambiance that may suit friends and maybe even couples, you see. I mean, they want to try a bunch of different tastes, right? The kitchen is basically focusing on small plates. This almost means that you get to sample all kinds of flavors and textures without fully committing to just a big single dish, of course.

The menu, literally, rocks the whole global vibe. They have, for example, Korean fried cauliflower with a gochujang glaze. To another plate, they’ve even got bao buns stuffed full of, maybe, some crispy pork belly. So too their grilled halloumi skewers, for instance, are just a total must. They almost drizzle on the honey and they hit them with chili flakes, I think. Just remember to save some room. You might need it for their epic charcuterie board, almost. It features cheeses and the curated meats from a local supplier. This plate just matches well with anything, to be honest. Their drink list features some classic cocktails and the, like, new creative concoctions, obviously. This may make it great for matching to whatever plates that your eating. It’s just nice that way. In, at the end of the day, a picky foodie can actually feel like their in control with what their putting in their mouth and not feeling silly about it. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Block Kitchen + Bar).

4. Tooloulou’s: A Taste of New Orleans in the Rockies

Want some brunch or something? Well then head to Tooloulou’s! You want some tasty Cajun food, in short. Tooloulou’s is very good! I am just gonna tell you the, well, place doesn’t pull any punches. From the, just a little, spicy jambalaya to maybe some sweet beignets that make you feel really warm inside, this place always delivers big. Walking in Tooloulou’s is something else, really. The colorful décor might have paintings that depict the scenes of New Orleans that set the stage. The atmosphere, like, often feels buzzing. I think there are many people. Lots of, kind of, happy and energetic chatter kinda filling up the place, clearly.

The most loved thing at Tooloulou’s is just definitely the seafood. You will see people basically eating mountains of fried crawfish tails. There is also very blackened catfish. It can be topped with a creamy, yummy Creole sauce, or so I hear. Those are their, basically, best, if you catch my drift. The shrimp and grits, in fact, is always another one that makes peoples bellies feel just good. These shrimp are almost swimming in a, more or less, flavorful sauce served over a bed of a nice, fluffy grits, by the way. Finish everything up with the beignets. They’re doused with powdered sugar and are warm. The place gives, basically, a lil taste of NOLA while you’re up in the Canadian Rockies, ok. Tooloulou’s is like always crowded. They almost expect lineups here and they’re actually prepared, as I was saying. Just to get some bangers. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Tooloulou’s).

5. The Eddie Burger Bar: Gourmet Burgers and Shakes

The Eddie Burger Bar sounds good if your more easy going. A total must stop for a, well, casual, fun dining experience that is all about amazing burgers. Plus the shakes? Basically, this isn’t your chain fast-food stop, actually. Their whole vibe, by the way, revolves around using gourmet ingredients for seriously inventive burger creations, even.

There are just so many on their, basically, burger menu, that its worth going, I think. Start right with ‘The Canadian’. That basically comes stacked, as I was saying, with peameal bacon and cheddar cheese, clearly. This plate really represents some pure Canadiana between the bun, ok. Those after, kind of, a little extra kick tend to try ‘The Volcano’, if that kinda makes sense. It’s very loaded with the spicy jalapeños, pepper jack cheese and very zesty chipotle mayo. It’s like wow, very, really very wow, or so some say. Veggie lovers too. ‘The Veggie Eddie’ burger includes the black bean patty topped. Plus fresh avocado just to give an extra yum factor. Top your dinner order too, by the way. Their crazy shakes. I would even recommend trying ‘The S’mores Shake’, actually. Topped, you know, with torched marshmallows. Its crazy what these places dream up, by the way. Even kids and you may both want it. So anyway remember, the Eddie. If some family loves a, well, great burger without pretension, then this place does things that most cannot. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (The Eddie Burger Bar).