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Jul 11, 2019

7 min. read

Banff is famed for its sweeping landscapes and outdoor activities, but did you know that it also boasts a burgeoning food scene? Here are the sweet spots we think you’ll love.

Local favourite: Block Kitchen and Bar

Two buns with meat and vegetables on a plate.

Small but mighty Block Kitchen and Bar is in the heart of downtown and sources its ingredients locally; the aim of the game in Banff is sustainability, after all. Try the golden beet za’atar, a tasty flatbread topped with beets, sumac oil, arugula and asiago, and give the taste buds a zippy jolt with a vibrant cocktail made with fresh beet juice.

Après-ski: Cliffhouse Bistro and Lone Pine Pub

Two women sitting at a table with beer and food.

Mount Norquay is a hotspot for year-round fun. Take the chairlift to Cliffhouse Bistro (once visited by Marilyn Monroe) and enjoy unhindered views of the Canadian Rockies. The relaxed bistro is styled like a European chalet and offers seasonally inspired dishes and creative tea-infused cocktails. For pub-style comfort food, visit the Lone Pine Pub. The loaded legume hotpot is a perfect blend of creamy, spicy and hearty, and the arancini are a must.

Taste the castle: Fairmont Banff Springs

A chef is preparing food on a wooden cutting board.

Alberta Food Tours offers a culinary tour of the Fairmont Banff Springs, served with a side of history. Sample drinks at Stock Food and Drink, enjoy artisanal charcuterie and hand-picked vintages at Grapes Wine Bar and sweeten the adventure with decadent profiteroles from the beautiful Vermillion Room. The grand finish comes from tasting the area’s famous beef when steak tartare is served at the hotel’s signature restaurant, 1888 Chop House.

Dazzling view: Sky Bistro

A restaurant with large windows overlooking the mountains.

Sky Bistro is situated on top of Sulphur Mountain at about 2,300 metres, and its award-winning chef, Scott Hergott, brings farm-to-summit dishes as impressive as the panoramic views. The salmon filet from Kuterra Farms is a menu hit, and the house-made gnocchi is spectacular. The wine list is plentiful, and watching the sunset over the Rockies with a drink in hand is a special kind of magic.

More food inspiration

Read about the best things to eat on a cruise along the Rhine and which Mexico City restaurants to put on your list.

Image credit: courtesy of restaurants

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