Regional Favourite

Most international visitors haven’t heard of Earls, but this trendy-yet-casual Banff restaurant is one of 50+ outlets in western Canada and beyond. Earls is known for its big, innovative, world-fusion menu. The first Earls opened in 1982 as a beer and burger joint in Edmonton. Their “bigger, better burgers” remain popular, but I prefer Hunan Kung Pao—wok fried noodles and vegetables with spicy ginger sauce and peanuts, topped with chicken or shrimp.

The Making of a Great Steak

These restaurants are known for their succulent beef:

The Keg: Well-marbled New York striploins and sirloins are aged 28+ days to be extra tender; signature seasoned and grilled to your preference.

Saltlik: Bodacious Rib-eyes from a 1200°F infrared oven are tender & juicy; topped with citrus rosemary butter.

Melissa’s Restaurant: Five cuts of aged AAA Alberta beef from a 5-oz filet mignon to a massive 20-oz T-bone; four sauce choices.

Eat, Drink & Dance

Join restaurant owner Stavros Karlos and dancer Hala Jamal for an evening of plate smashing, belly dancing and Greek line dancing at Banff’s newly renovated Balkan Restaurant. Traditional and contemporary Greek food followed by shots of ouzo enhances the experience. Greek Night is every Tuesday and most Thursday nights from 8:30 pm.

Hidden View

It’s worth the short drive or walk from downtown to dine at the Three Ravens for the elevated Bow Valley view through enormous windows. The sparkling lights of Banff set against Rundle Mountain, Sulphur Mountain and the Sundance Range is a feast for the eyes, especially when the peaks glow red and yellow at sunset.

Above the Crowds

Ahhhh…dining al fresco. Fresh mountain air and a good meal. While Banff has many patios to entice, why not try one of their more hidden venues? The Elk & Oarsman's sunny rooftop patio is just steps from Banff Ave, yet away from the crowds. And across the TransCanada Highway the Juniper Bistro's huge patio beckons with stunning townsite views where Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain loom large. Both patios are so close to the mountains it seems you can reach out and touch them.