Top Banff Food & Drink Spots: A Detailed Review
Banff, which sits nestled in the Canadian Rockies, not only has seriously breathtaking landscapes, but too it’s got a really cool food and drink scene. Thinking of visiting? Basically, this review will introduce you to spots where the vibe is pretty awesome and the tastes are basically unforgettable, to show the area’s diversity. From homely coffee shops to really fancy restaurants, hopefully, you’ll find something seriously amazing for every mood and palate. Come taste some Banff favorites!
1. The Bison Restaurant + Lounge: Local Flavors with a View
The Bison Restaurant + Lounge offers a dining experience that celebrates Canadian cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. You see, it’s a spot that does Canadian cuisine in such an interesting way by highlighting all the local ingredients in their dishes, actually. That includes Alberta beef and wild game! Anyway, there’s something incredibly amazing about eating food when it comes straight from somewhere nearby. The ambiance, yet, provides an appealing backdrop with mountain views and a rustic yet very upscale interior, literally. When you eat at The Bison, actually you’re supporting the community, getting high-quality meals, and like getting that full, unique, and very cozy Banff feeling. In many respects, it is awesome for dinner.
It has been on my list for quite some time and I made a reservation for a window seat for a special meal with the family, at the end of summer, actually! As a matter of fact, they got it exactly right! We were seated at a lovely window table with a fantastic view of the mountains. When we eat here, too it’s always fantastic food with impeccable service and, obviously the views really do make it all the better. I had the pleasure of experiencing the most outstanding meal paired with the most perfect bottle of Pinot Noir at the restaurant, almost. The servers make it a priority to listen to our requests with extreme patience and did not try to make us choose the most costly item off the menu, surprisingly.
The menu changes seasonally, as I was saying, which means that there is an opportunity to sample only what is at its very freshest. We really loved the steak – perfectly prepared with mouthwatering jus, pretty much. Oh and, I almost forgot, we had a lovely charcuterie board with lots of pates, breads and pickles, in short. So, if you find yourself in Banff, this very excellent restaurant will provide the highest quality service and food. To summarise, in my opinion The Bison is the top restaurant in Banff – basically for food, ambiance and views.
Read our full review: The Bison Restaurant Lounge Banff Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find a Table)
2. Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar: Spirits and Ales
Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar stands out because they distill their own spirits and offer a menu inspired by campfire cuisine. When you’re in Banff and wanting something kind of strong, like maybe wanting a bit of fire water, Park Distillery is where it is at, at the end of the day. Here, they produce the alcoholic beverages onsite – vodka, gin, whisky – so naturally, this really does complement a hearty, meat-and-potatoes menu, surprisingly. It’s kinda like stepping into the Canadian wilderness, basically with their cocktails and very satisfying comfort foods. At any rate, they use distilled glacial water and they locally source the ingredients, which helps provide a unique dining and drinking place. The design of the restaurant reflects an outdoor cabin, or just rugged appeal in general – a great choice following an amazing day of exploring the amazing mountain scenery! A bit like the kind of reward that feels so much more earnt.
Last week, when it was raining heavily for hours on end, we tried the Park Distillery. To be honest we were really unimpressed with the restaurant area because there was very limited booth seating; there was mainly rows of high stools. At any rate, the cocktail I ordered came very quickly. Actually the cocktail itself was nice, yet nothing tasted special. The waitress, even if she tried to be as engaging as she possibly could, still failed in creating an environment in which we felt completely welcome. We skipped dinner here.
Nevertheless I could be swayed into coming back and having some campfire-inspired dining and local crafted spirits that taste like the Rockies with your buds here! Read our full review: Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar Banff Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book a Table)
3. Tooloulou’s: A Cajun & Creole Experience
Looking to mix it up? Instead, make sure to check out Tooloulou’s – bringing the tastes of Louisiana to Banff Avenue. Cajun and Creole spices and very fresh seafood dishes will leave you wondering if you’re still in the Rockies, really. Breakfast gets spicy with unique flavors as this location offers an energetic, warm environment. That said, the food is full of soul and is very well received! Be sure to pop by!
As a matter of fact, people keep raving about Tooloulou’s. And people like the generous portions that pack the food! They boast authentic Cajun Creole taste right on Banff Avenue, which makes sure this area comes alive with spice, honestly. Now, my personal tip: you really do gotta grab that shrimp po’boy – just imagine that bread with all the creole sauce!
And seriously, do go earlier on so that you skip long waiting times; it is so well worth it. And their breakfast?? It could just possibly be the talk of the town! Actually it really just gives your morning routine such a fun upgrade with delicious options like waffles and those super zesty omelets that seriously will jump-start your entire day. Seriously good.
Read our full review: Tooloulou’s Banff Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Order Food)
4. Banff Ave Brewing Co: Pub Fare and Craft Beer
Want really cool pub vibe, combined with beers brewed on-site? Then naturally, this could be the exact place to go. That is because this really great, casual area to get with friends or wind down after going exploring provides comfort foods just like wings and burgers. The beers brewed here reflect those refreshing Rockies and make sure that the visitors get what is very memorable, in Banff’s beer culture. It gives one experience beyond a restaurant, really, which helps establish local flavors and the area to get cozy, literally.
You might enjoy Banff Ave Brewing Co, for example. They’ve been kicking about since way back in 2010, and clearly they do some pretty alright beers. Anyway the tasting paddles provide variety! After that, enjoy snacks over there too, at the same time, especially once you have been snowboarding. A nice way is always to end your afternoon and head down to Wolf street for one flight there. When we travel, generally we head to craft breweries that could give some sense of locality through beers!
You do gotta get here so you enjoy great views plus some awesome beer and fare! Read our full review: Banff Ave Brewing Co Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Reserve Now)
5. Evelyn’s Coffee Bar: Cozy Cafe Delights
Evelyn’s Coffee Bar is known for having like warm, welcoming and pretty homey vibe to get your coffee and tasty snacks. Their area for coffee really gives that inviting touch for a spot of afternoon rest as much as you take it easy through any of your adventures here, and I recommend that! If it does bring up light breakfast goods or light eats during lunches, it might just well serve those touring Banff in a positive way during mornings and afternoons.
I can picture grabbing that brew or having sandwiches ready. Plus the pastries over there are worth a mention! You might well find Evelyn is this excellent, quiet, tucked corner perfect to recharge, for instance, during your exploring!
They do light fare in a charming location here! So check them out now! Read our full review: Evelyn’s Coffee Bar Banff Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (See Menu)
Exploring the culinary scene in Banff is quite like venturing on your adventure with tastes. Actually the local dining ranges between comfortable restaurants through to amazing dishes and everything really creates the flavor. Every dish, by all accounts, highlights its rich culture here from this part of a town. Whatever your preferences turn to – being savory, sweetness or your cozy tastes: make the flavors from these dining establishments completely complete your adventure when here!
