This article was published on October 31st, 2020

A trip to any destination wouldn’t be complete without one key ingredient: Food. It’s the sole reason some people travel. Exotic cuisine gives us a unique view of the people in the areas we visit.

We’ve raved about how Banff should be at the top of your bucket list. And with good reason. The town and its environs offer unparalleled sights and activities for the adventurous soul.

If the scenic sights and activities blow your mind, the food from Banff’s famous restaurants will warm your belly and melt your heart. While in Banff, head over to these iconic restaurants for fantastic craft cocktails and incredible fare.

Block Kitchen + Bar

Are you looking for a restaurant with a Global menu in the middle of the Canadian Rockies? Look no further than the Block Kitchen + Bar. This dynamic, hip and vibrant restaurant caters to a broad palate, including creative cocktails, all within an urban yet rustic setting.

Talking of the space, the Block Kitchen & Bar features birdcages, fun bare bulb lighting hanging from the ceiling, adding to the fun, playful vibe.

Chef Stéphane Prévost (Typhoon, Café Soleil) brings the place to life with his signature brand cuisine from Asia and beyond. The menu, which you can enjoy in small plates, full meals, or even a cocktail, reflects Izakaya influences, with plenty of curries, use of locally sourced products, and a commitment to sustainability.

Banff Ave. Brewing Co.

Founded back in 2010, five years after its sister brewpub Jasper Brewing Co., Banff Ave Brewing Co., has developed a fanatic beer culture among locals and tourists alike. The Banff community inspires this pub with the same ethos of strength, dynamism, and openness that characterize the town. If you want a taste of the unadulterated Rocky Mountains life, Banff Ave Brewing Co. is a central hub not to be missed.

Park Distillery

Park Distillery and Restaurant offers the charm of campfires as the original restaurants. Prepare to have your cravings satiated with wood-fire, spit-roasted, and smoked-savory meals, all locally sourced and served with the best small-batch spirits distilled right there. It’s also the home of Park Distillery, where they made vodka, gin, and whisky spirits on site, and craft those spirits into mouth-watering, lip-smacking cocktails. Gather round and enjoy what the Canadian Rockies have to offer.

Rundle Bar

Rundle Bar traces its history to as far back as 1928. It was initially designed and used as the front lobby for the historic Banff Springs Hotel up to the late 1990s.

After renovations, the bar now boasts an impressive two-story main bar, complete with a rolling library ladder, custom bronze engravings, and a cocktail bar with epic views of the Cascade Mountain. The cozy, intimate, and inviting interior creates the perfect atmosphere to sit back, relax, and take it all in.

If the decor is anything to go by, the food is to die for. Executive Chef Robert Ash has put together an exquisite menu of classic lounge favorites, including globally-influenced Pan Asian dishes. On the other hand, the bar serves both traditional and unique hand-crafted cocktails, including craft beer, rotating cocktails on tap, and an expansive wine list.

There’s one other unique feature about The Rundle Bar: Afternoon Tea. It includes a well-curated traditional menu and hints of Canadian cuisine that continues the 132-year-old ritual at the Castle.

As part of its grand opening celebrations, The Rundle Bar, in partnership with Canmore-based Wildlife Distillery, launched a signature Rundle Bar Gin that can be tasted throughout the hotel or purchased at STOCK Food & Drink.

The Radiant 

Kick back at The Radiant after long days of adventure and exploration around the Bow Valley. Owned and operated by a group of friends that call Bow Valley home and the Harmon family that owns the building that houses it, The Radiant serves up a dynamic mix of cocktails and drinks, including a select menu of shareable food options.

The establishment also features live entertainment and holds a special place in Banff for celebrating arts, culture, and community through its bold decor and cozy spaces.

The Vermillion Room

From delicious hors-d’oeuvres to mouth-watering desserts, The Vermillion Room serves up French elegance and Canadian charm. It welcomes you with open arms into its beautiful interior with a bustling atmosphere and a delectable menu to delight your taste buds.

The charm offensive extends to the drinks as well, with an intriguing selection of wines, your favorite beer on tap, and of course, cocktails.

Start Planning Your Trip to Banff

From sunrise to sunset, you’ll always find a place to relax and refuel your mind and body in Banff. Whether you visit in winter, fall, spring, or summer, there is still something to experience, food to sample, and of course, drinks to savor.

You can visit Banff at any time of the year. Indeed, with the borders closed because of the COVID19 pandemic, Canadians can enjoy Banff and the greater Bow Valley without crowds of international tourists. Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to discover a classic Canadian destination. 

For those outside Canada, Banff should be at the top of your bucket list. The incredible sights, welcoming community, and of course, fantastic food and drinks from these excellent restaurants will make your trip unforgettable. Get itineraries, travel advise, and more information from the Visit Banff Lake Louise website.