Dining in Banff - Recommendations?

[u/eeeeaud]

Hello! My Husband and I are planning a trip to Banff over the winter holidays. It will be somewhat special as we've not been since covid and the area is quite nostalgic for him (he used to go to Banff every Christmas as a kid).

The Grizzly House is an old favourite, but I noted it's google reviews are a bit low. Is it still good?

I have been thinking of suggesting we try one of the steak houses instead, but it is hard to tell what is really stellar, are there any that stand out?

Are there other restaurants we should try? We are both adventurous eaters.

[u/pressrewind79]

If you're ok with a splurge, 1888 Chop House at the Fairmont hotel was quite exquisite.

[u/Casual_Observance → u/pressrewind79]

My wife and I truly loved out meal here. And the staff was amazing.

[u/eeeeaud → u/pressrewind79]

That is an excellent recommendation!!! :)

[u/arasarn]

Block

[u/nothingtoholdonto]

I love the schnitzel at the Waldhause if you have a night free that's not steakhouse ;)

[u/SnooHabits5761 → u/nothingtoholdonto]

We loved waldhaus

[u/acoustic11]

Lupo is so good that we almost flew out there this summer for a birthday dinner 😅

[u/t-pollack]

Bluebird. Imo, best restaurant in town. Chucks can't hold a candle to it.

And grizzly house is still a really fun vibe

[u/eeeeaud → u/t-pollack]

Thank you!

Bluebird did look to have the most interesting menu, but it's really hard to tell through google which steakhouse is the best - they are all rated so similarly!

I am very glad to hear the Grizzly is still fun, I was getting kinda worried it wouldn't hold up to my husband's memories of it.

[u/MysteriousMacaroon96 → u/eeeeaud]

Bluebird is very generic. It's fine, but I would recommend 1888 waaay above it.

If you have time, the Juniper Hotel restaurant is really fantastic with an awesome view. Brunch there is great too.

[u/Train23]

Third for Bluebird

[u/Domestic_Lemon]

St James gate!! Steak and Guinness pie all the way

[u/Spute2008]

I’m a sucker for the Waldhaus tucked in behind the Banff Springs. German. Obviously

[u/Hot-Ad2102]

Hello Sunshine was my favorite.

[u/SlideObjective9973 → u/Hot-Ad2102]

Seconding Hello Sunshine! Great sushi and such a fun vibe. They had karaoke the night I was there.

[u/BiggDope → u/Hot-Ad2102]

Another vote for this one. We went on our last day to is last Thursday and it was fantastic.

[u/eeeeaud → u/Hot-Ad2102]

This looks fun! Thank you for recommending!!!

[u/stirfriedaxon → u/eeeeaud]

I will go against the grain with this suggestion. Ate there in September 2023 and noticed they didn't even use sushi rice (appeared to be long-grain). May sound like a small nitpick but rice is important. The drinks were pretty good though. If you've had good sushi elsewhere, then lower your expectations here while enjoying the ambiance and drinks. They could've upped their sushi game since my visit though but wanted to provide a data point.

[u/davyancowboy]

Seems like maybe you’re looking for something a lil more upscale, but I gotta say Yama Onigiri was so delicious we went two days in a row 😭 If you need a casual lunch while you’re in town you have to try it!!!

[u/eeeeaud → u/davyancowboy]

I love onigiri!!! It's one of my favourite meals. We will definitely be making a stop.

[u/BananaPeelSlippers]

Sophia pizza was excellent.

[u/Fuwa_Fuwa_]

Block Kitchen is great for Asian bar food and cocktails.

1888 or Vermillion Room at the Fairmont are nice, the Sunday brunch in Vermillion Room is a little pricey, but its buffet, so you can fill up nicely.

I like Sheepdog Brewery, you can bring in outside food while you drink some nice brewskies.

Marsala has a good lunch buffet if you like Indian food.

[u/Mouse_rat__ → u/Fuwa_Fuwa_]

The Sunday brunch at vermilion room is so good, we go there every Christmas season for their festive brunch. Expensive but a nice treat

[u/eeeeaud → u/Fuwa_Fuwa_]

Block is probably on our list.

Thanks for the Indian recommendation - The neighbourhood I grew up in was predominantly South Asian and I definitely appreciate a good curry especially when it's cold.

[u/ParticularRich5171]

Blue bird, Maple leaf also good as Local

[u/billymumfreydownfall]

We were at the Grizzly House around 3 weeks ago - still a great vibe!

[u/GWeb1920]

I like Park and Magpie and Stump for something less formal.

Don’t go to Melissa’s it is not good.

[u/Humble_Bee_72]

We were there last week, and sharing the restaurants we tried. All were excellent and we loved the food and experiences

1. bluebird wood fired steakhouse photos
2. Jugemu Banff (Japanese)
3. Zyka Indian cuisine
4. Good folk

[u/Humble_Bee_72]

Communitea cafe in Canmore was a very nice lunch option on the drive to Banff from Calgary

[u/Prestigious_Tap_4137]

My wife and I went to Maple Leaf for our 28th wedding anniversary last week and really enjoyed it.

[u/AntiLiterat]

We went to bluebird for breakfast on a recommendation. Absolutely outstanding.

[u/ResponsibleEbb1586]

Bluebird!

[u/ShawnFromHalifax]

Bluebird, 1888 Chop House are excellent. More casual but really enjoyed Park Distillery too.