Banff & Lake Louise Dining Guide
Banff and Lake Louise pack an absurd amount of good eating into a small mountain footprint, which is both a gift and a logistics problem when you're only in town for a few days. The short version: reservations are recommended if anything is really calling to you, and the range runs from fondue at a Swiss-style institution to Korean fried chicken to a steakhouse inside a century-old castle hotel.
Banff Dining - My Top Picks
Lupo - the view is as good as the food!
Lupo: Italian spot with some of the best food I've ever had! Highly recommend the Malfaldine and the Spicy Vodka Rigatoni.
Park Distillery & Brewpub: Park has great ribs, delicious wings, and a good steak frites - but the service, drinks, and happy hour really stand out.
Bluebird Steakhouse: My favorite steakhouse in Banff! They've got cheesy fried donuts on the menu right now, and they are absolute perfection.
Eddie Burger: This spot is small, but it's the place to go for the best burgers in Banff. Reservations highly recommended, just because of the limited space.
Rundle Bar: Awesome spot at the Fairmont Banff Springs for fancy cocktails and bar bites. The skillet cookie is so good!
BeaverTails: You'll have more of these than you think - they're a Canadian dessert pastry that's basically fried dough with toppings. There are a few locations in town as well as one slopeside at Banff Sunshine.
BeaverTails slopeside at Banff Sunshine! My reward for making it down Goat Chicken Gully.
Breakfast & Brunch in Banff
Breakfast at Juniper Bistro
Wild Flour Artisan Bakery: Cozy bakery café known for excellent sourdough, pastries, and coffee, good for grab-and-go.
Evelyn’s Coffee Bar: Bright, modern café serving quality espresso, breakfast sandwiches, and baked goods.
Tooloulou’s: New Orleans–style breakfast institution famous for hearty portions and Cajun flavors. The wait is worth it.
Coyote's: Southwestern breakfast - hearty and delicious.
Sudden Sally: Retro diner feel serving classic brunch plates, milkshakes, and comfort food.
Juniper Bistro: Scenic brunch spot overlooking the Bow Valley, offering refined Canadian cuisine with mountain views. Limited menu, but the view is amazing.
Dinner in Banff
Bluebird Steakhouse - Cheesy Doughnuts Appetizer
1888 Chop House: Upscale steakhouse inside the Fairmont Banff Springs featuring prime cuts and an elegant setting.
Bluebird Woodfired Steakhouse: Modern mountain steakhouse with wood-fired cooking and a polished alpine vibe.
Chuck’s Steakhouse: Casual, lively steakhouse known for approachable prices and classic cuts.
Añejo Restaurant: Mexican spot serving tacos and tequila flights. At first the menu seems small, but you’re here for a taco flight, and they have plenty of options.
Grizzly House: Swiss-style fondue that's a Banff staple - very fun spot to enjoy a traditional ski trip meal.
Lupo Italian Ristorante: Handmade pastas, Italian comfort food, and a warm, cozy dining room.
Magpie & Stump: Fun, colorful Mexican restaurant with massive margaritas and laid-back energy.
Masala Authentic Indian Cuisine: Flavor-packed Indian dishes with plenty of vegetarian options.
Hello Sunshine: Trendy Japanese-inspired restaurant serving sushi, ramen, and playful cocktails.
Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar
Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar: Canadian comfort food paired with house-distilled spirits and a rustic-chic interior.
Elk & Oarsman: Contemporary Canadian pub serving elevated comfort food and craft beer.
Banff Poutine: Casual late-night favorite specializing in loaded poutines and quick bites.
Eddie Burger + Bar: Gourmet burgers, boozy shakes, and casual fun.
High Rollers: Bowling alley meets pizzeria with arcade games, cocktails, and shareable plates.
Melissa’s MisSteak: Banff classic serving steaks, ribs, and pub favorites in a lively setting.
Coyote’s Southwestern Grill: Southwestern-inspired menu with bold flavors and margaritas.
Hankki: Korean-inspired street food with craveable fried chicken and comfort dishes.
Best Cocktail Bars & Nightlife
Rundle Bar - Image courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs
Banff Ave Brewing Co.: Banff’s original craft brewery with small-batch beers and pub fare.
Banff Social: High-energy cocktail bar with DJs, late-night crowds, and a party atmosphere.
Rundle Bar: Iconic Fairmont Banff Springs bar known for classic cocktails and dramatic mountain views.
Canadian Brewhouse: Large sports bar with tons of TVs, beer, and casual eats.
Park Distillery Bar: Craft cocktails made with house-distilled spirits in a cozy, rustic space.
Lake Louise Dining Guide
Most of these spots are right in the Chateau Lake Louise, but there are a few other places in this area worth leaving the resort for, so take note!
Chateau Lake Louise
Breakfast & Brunch
Louiza: Lake Louise’s newest dining experience featuring an elegant space and a seasonal menu highlighting local ingredients that evolve with the mountain seasons.
The Guide’s Pantry: Casual grab-and-go café inspired by the hotel’s mountaineering heritage, offering fresh salads, sandwiches, baked goods, and desserts.
Lake Louise Inn: If you’re looking for a no-frills Continential breakfast, Legends Restaurant at the Lake Louise Inn is always a nice surprise. They offer a buffet or an a la carte menu packed with fresh, house-baked options.
Afternoon Tea: A classic Fairmont tradition served with spectacular views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier, featuring fine teas, pastries, and elegant savories.
Dinner
Cilantro on the Lake at Emerald Lake Lodge
Fairview Bar & Restaurant: Elegant dining showcasing a local produce and thoughtfully crafted dishes, paired with award-winning beverages in a glamorous space with an incredible view.
Walliser Stube: Intimate European restaurant and wine bar specializing in Swiss, German, and Alpine cuisine, including fondue and regional specialties.
Mount Burgess Dining Room at Emerald Lake Lodge: This is one of my favorite restaurants in Alberta - reservations recommended. The stunning backdrop of Emerald Lake is as much of a treat as their seasonal Canadian menu.
Cilantro on the Lake (Summers only): The views alone are worth a visit. Outdoor patio vibes here - handhelds, flatbreads, and fun cocktails.
Drinks & Lounges
Lakeview Lounge - Image courtesy of Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Lakeview Lounge: The perfect spot to relax with craft cocktails and locally inspired cuisine while taking in breathtaking views of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. In the summer, its iconic lakeside patio offers one of the most scenic dining experiences in the Canadian Rockies.
Alpine Social: Inspired by the golden age of Canadian mountaineering, this lively space is perfect for après-adventure comfort food, cocktails, and social energy.
Ice Bar: A truly unique experience constructed from hundreds of hand-carved ice blocks, where guests sip warming cocktails surrounded by a frozen alpine landscape (seasonal).
