If you’re looking for the best Canmore restaurants, you’ve come to the right place. Located in the Canadian Rockies, roughly an hour away from Calgary and just 20 minutes from Banff, Canmore is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada.
It’s known as the more “local” version of Banff but in recent years has become almost just as busy. After all, it’s close enough to be a base for people visiting places like Banff and the Kananaskis, but there are also many things to do in Canmore, such as biking, hiking, climbing, cross-country skiing, caving, and so much more. It’s truly a hub for outdoor adventure.
But with all this outdoor adventure, you’re bound to get hungry, and that’s a good thing because Canmore is home to a wide variety of delicious restaurants, ranging from pubs and breweries to upscale fine dining.
In this Canmore travel guide, we’ll fill you in on the best restaurants in Canmore.
The Grizzly Paw Pub and Brewing Company
It’s been a while since we visited the Grizzly Paw Pub and Brewing Company but I still remember how good my burger was. They also make one of my favourite beers, the Rutting Elk Red, which is almost always in our fridge.
With more than 25 years of service in Canmore, this brewery has become a staple throughout Alberta, not just because of their delicious beers, but also because they make some delicious soda as well.
The restaurant offers burgers, nachos, salads, poutine, and more, along with a variety of beers such as their Beavertail Raspberry Ale, Grump Bear honey Wheat, and Bighorn Nut Brown.
Tank310
Wanting to take things up a notch, Grizzly Paw Brewery decided to add Tank310, an offshoot that’s connected to the restaurant but dives deeper into an adventurous but approachable menu featuring things like Alberta beef, wood-fired flatbreads, Confit Duck Leg, Smoked Sturgeon Rillette, and seasonally fresh salads. Since it’s part of the brewery, the menu is designed to pair well with their Blonde Ales, Full-bodied IPAs, Innovative Lagers, and Signature Barrel finished beers.
Ramen Arashi
If you love ramen as much as we do, Ramen Arashi is the place to go. Also featured in our guide to the best Banff restaurants, Ramen Arashi offers an extensive list of ramens to please all tastebuds. Typically we go for the Tonkotsu Black, but it was here that we tried one with a stronger peanut butter flavour, which was really good. If you’re not feeling like a hot soup, they also do Ramen salads as well as Japanese sweets and snacks.
Crazyweed Kitchen
Blending Middle Eastern and Asian Recipes with Canadian Ingredients has turned this Canmore restaurant into one of the most popular places to eat in town. Masala Ribs, Singapore Prawn Curry, and Chipotle Crusted Bavette are just some of the dishes that make your mouth water. The meals are beautifully presented by award-winning chefs and the restaurant has a sort of fancy but not-too-fancy vibe, making Crazyweed Kitchen warm and welcoming for everyone.
Wild Orchid Bistro & Sushi Lounge
Located inside Silver Creek Lodge, Wild Orchid Bistro & Sushi Lounge serves up a one-of-a-kind menu designed for those with food sensitivities. From tapas to sushi, almost everything has an Asian flair and the entire menu is 100% gluten-free. This was one of the first restaurants in Canmore that we dined at and it was truly delicious. Plus, they have floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the mountain and a lovely patio as well. Open for lunch and dinner, some of the menu items include seared scallops, beef tataki, a teriyaki bison burger, and a variety of mouth-watering sushi rolls and raw fish. They also make a sake caesar that puts an Asian twist on a Canadian classic.
The Sensory
If you’re looking for one of the most upscale Canmore restaurants to bring that special someone, look no further than The Sensory, which truly is a play on the senses with tasty food and panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. Made with the freshest ingredients and a love for the mountains, The Sensory brings innovation to fine dining with dishes such as Baked Coho Salmon, Lamb Shank, and AAA Beef Petite Tender. If it’s too hard to decide, they offer a popular “Trust Me” Journey, which features a surprise 3-course tasting menu for $69 with the option to add a wine pairing for just $35.
Sauvage
Once known as “Tapas Restaurant”, they’ve since rebranded as Sauvage to bring a community spirit, a charming character, and an exciting array of tapas to the Canmore restaurant scene. Small plates are such a great way to try a variety of flavours while sharing and mingling with friends and family. Some popular menu items include ricotta gnocchi, Formerly called “Tapas Restaurant”, Sauvage’s recent rebrand brings charming character, a community spirit, and, of course, an incredible array of tapas. Small plates are a fantastic way of getting to try a variety of flavours, and Sauvage certainly doesn’t disappoint; past menu items include yak and wild boar meatballs, and elk shortrib. However, it might be best just to go with their Chefs Tasting Menu Sample, which includes a variety of dishes for $90 per person.
Iron Goat Pub & Grill
Located on the north end of town, the Iron Goat Pub & Grill is extremely popular with locals. Offering incredible views of the Rocky Mountains and the Bow Valley, as well as an extensive menu, what’s not to like? Some fan favourites include the Blackened Salmon, Ahi Tuna and Wonton Nachos, Southwest Jackfruit Bowl, and Stroganoff Ravioli. Actually, one of our favourite dishes was their Chipotle Mango Duck Wings. Yummy!
This Pub & Grill is the perfect combination of pub-style, fancy, and mountainous, blending wonderfully into one of the best Canmore restaurants.
4296
An elevated restaurant with an emphasis on cocktails, 4296 serves pop culture cuisine inspired by the ever-changing global food scene. Tucked away in an alley in the heart of downtown Canmore, this warm and trendy restaurant features an Asian-influenced menu with items such as Chick’n Fried Maitake, Tomahawk Tonkatsu, Caviar Truffle Fries, and Vietnamese Tartare. This is also one of the best Canmore restaurants for cocktail lovers, blending Japanese spirits with fresh local ingredients to conduct specialties like their Thaim Out, which features Volcan Tequila Blanco, mezcal, Thai basil, lime, lime oil, green Thai chilli, and chilli black salt.
Graze Food and Drink
For delicious meals in a family-friendly restaurant, look no further than Graze Food and Drink. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with popular items ranging from Eggs Benedict to Butter Chicken and tacos. They’re also known for their friendly atmosphere and a lovely patio, which also welcomes your furry friends. With Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free options, there really is something for everyone at this Canmore restaurant.
Gaucho Brazilian Barbecue
For anyone who really loves meat, you really need to try eating at a Brazilian barbeque restaurant. Thankfully, one of the best Canmore restaurants is Guacho Brazilian Barbeque, which offers meat bursting with flavour. If you haven’t been to a Brazilian restaurant yet, servers will visit your table many times throughout the night, bringing with them massive skewers of meat, including Picanha, Garlic Top Sirloin, Parmigiano Beef, Beef Ribs, Rosemary Pork, Gaucho Sausage, Herbed Chicken Wings, Chicken Wrapped with Bacon, Chicken Hearts, Honey Mustard Lamb, Barbecue Pineapple & Pão de Queijo. They’ll literally keep coming until you tell them to stop. Buen Provecho!
The Market Bistro
Snuggled into the heart of the Canadian Rockies in the neighbourhood of The Three Sisters, sits the French-inspired Market Bistro, serving simple, modern, and flavourful French and Italian Cuisine with stunning views of the Three Sisters mountain range. During the summer months, the patio becomes a popular option to kick back with a cocktail while cooler evenings are perfect for enjoying live music. The menu features casual dishes such as Duck Confit, Risotto Funghi, Mushroom Pappardelle, and a variety of flatbreads.
Kain Tayo
Kain Tayo (ka-een ‘ta:yo), which translated from the Philippine Tagalog language simply means “Let’s eat”, focuses on international street fare with a wide array of vibrant flavours from across the globe. If you love travelling as much as we do, this is a great way to do it through food, with dishes from the Philippines, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, Peru, and more. There’s always something new at Kain Tayo, which is why it’s one of the top restaurants in Canmore. Some of the items you’ll find on their dinner menu include Sri Lanken Fish & Shrimp, Filipino Braised Beef, Chinese Roast Crispy Pork Belly, and Chilaquiles, just to name a few. They even do a Sunday brunch as well, featuring some delights like Tiramisu Waffles, Chilaquiles, and Croque Madame.
Rustica Steakhouse
Located at Silvertop Golf Resort, this is one of the best restaurants in Canmore for a mouth-watering perfectly prepared 100% Canadian Prime Steak. Representing the top 0.3% of beef in Canada, Canadian Prime is renowned for its outstanding flavour and tenderness and is the only beef served at Rustica Steakhouse. Whether you’re ending a stunning day on of the best golf courses in Canada or visiting just to tantalize your tastebuds, this fine dining establishment offers much more than beef, including freshly shucked oysters, braised lamb shank, creamy truffle and vegetable risotto, and seared Pacific salmon.
Cabeza Grande
Inspired by the rich flavours of Mexico, Cabeza Grande brings the spirit of Mexico to the mountains with an inviting atmosphere, local hand-painted murals, delicious food, and tasty cocktails. They’re known especially for their tacos, such as chicken tinga, barbacoa, and carne asada. They also serve a variety of margaritas, and if you like them as spicy as we do, you may want to order the Hot Tamale, which features Espolon Blanco tequila, triple sec, Ancho Reyes, charred jalapeno & fresh lime.
Bella Crusta Foods
When it comes to fresh bread, sandwiches, and gourmet pizza, Bella Crusta is practically an institution when it comes to restaurants in Canmore. They’re world-famous for their Focaccia bread, which of course can be paired with a number of toppings to form a mouth-watering sandwich. Some that stand out for us is their Health Freak sandwich, which features cream cheese, hummus, olives, lettuce, mushrooms, green pepper, tomato, and cucumbers, as well as their Donair, which features tzatziki, tomato, onions, and tender donair meat.
Blake Brewhouse and Distillery
What else could you possibly do in a car garage besides fix cars? Well, you could convert it into an award-winning chic modern Canmore restaurant serving international fusion food and drinks, which is exactly what Blake Brewhouse and Distillery did. Spacious and modern, their flagship location at 810 Bow Valley Trail offers panoramic views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and an ever-changing creative menu that features dishes such as maple cider yam salad, miso habanero ribs, and Vietnamese beef carpaccio. They also serve a wide variety of cocktails and their own signature beers and in-house spirits.
Stirling Grill and Lounge
Located in the lovely Malcolm Hotel in downtown Canmore, the Stirling Grill and Lounge features both a casual, cozy dining experience with Scottish cuisine and contemporary favourites, as well as a more luxurious experience for those seeking a three-course Chef-prepared feast.
Where the Buffalo Roam Saloon
From lunch and dinner to a Sunday brunch, look no further than Where the Buffalo Roam Saloon. With a passion for community and great food, this Canmore restaurant showcases the best of Alberta ingredients.
Located on the bustling Main Street of Canmore, local farms and producers are at the core of their menu. They source high-quality, seasonal ingredients from Canadian suppliers to serve up a delicious array of dishes such as Waygu Meatballs, Brome Lake Duck Wings, and Drunken Calamari.
Änkôr
Änkôr may be small in size, but it packs quite a punch. Opening in the crazy year of 2020, änkôr has been showcasing its vision of contemporary Canadian cuisine, letting you indulge in an approachable yet refined atmosphere that delivers an experience that resonates with each guest. This fine-dining experience is always on the list featuring the best restaurants in Canmore and features local Alberta ingredients, including elk, salmon, mackerel, and duck, as well as seasonal vegetables such as mushrooms, squash, beets, and parsnip. Toss in an array of delightful cocktails, European wines, Canadian beers, and wonderful service, and it’s easy to see why this Canmore restaurant has become such a sensation.
Tavern 1883
If you’re looking for a cozy family-friendly neighbourhood restaurant and bar, Tavern 1883 is the place to go. Built within a home from the 1900s and featuring Canadian staples like burgers, wings, ribs, and poutine, Tavern 1883 excuses character. They also have a delightful 80-person patio with views of the beautiful mountains surrounding the town of Canmore and regularly host live bands, DJs, and weekly entertainment.
Communitea
From tasty bowls to fresh coffee and tea, Communitea is all about keeping Canmore fresh, healthy, and vibrant. It’s quite popular among the very active Canmore locals and is a great place to get breakfast, lunch and supper, with dishes ranging from a Kale Caesar Bowl to Pad Thai and Vegan Burritos. They also sell all sorts of cafe-style hot drinks and even sell loose leaf tea to take home with you. Located right in downtown Canmore, the atmosphere is bright and open, and they also occasionally host live music. In addition, they have partnered with TreeEra to plant thousands of trees, planting a tree for every order placed at the cafe.
Red Rock Pizza
Located in Canmore and Okotoks, Red Rock Pizza has become one of the top pizza restaurants in Alberta. Voted as the Best Pizza in Canmore in both 2020 and 2021, Red Rock pizza is great for eating in or taking out. We’ve eaten here many times and truly love their True North pizza with maple-soaked bacon as well as their Buddha Gouda, which features Mozza, mushroom, onion, smoked gouda, black sesame seeds, and chili oil. For those not craving pizzas, they also offer pasta, salads, and a range of appetizers to please all.
Rocket Pie
Yet another extremely popular pizza restaurant in Canmore is Rocket Pie. Created by a pizza-loving father and son duo, they specialize in Neapolitan-style pizzas as well as lasagna, meatballs, calzones, and both vegetarian and gluten-friendly options. For their tomato-based pizzas, we can recommend the Capricciosa with fior de latte, prosciutto cotto, and artichoke hearts, while for their fancy-base pizzas, the Mortadella with a cream garlic anchovy base sounds delicious.
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company
Located in Vancouver, Calgary, and Canmore, the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company has become quite famous for their wood-fired flatbread pizzas and homemade pasta, all made with organic, fresh, farm-to-table ingredients, including Ocean Wise seafood and free-range organic meats. They’re also a nut-free restaurant that offers gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Harvest Cafe
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, coffee, or dessert, this locally owned and operated cafe is sure to delight you. Their sauces, soups, and baked goods are made in-house, as they strive to provide the freshest ingredients in all of their products. Harvest Cafe also offers a lot of vegan and gluten-free options and is quite well-known for its scrumptious cinnamon buns and carrot cake.
The Summit Cafe
Offering breakfast, lunch, and delicious fair-trade coffee, The Summit Cafe is a fully licensed, family-friendly establishment offering a number of gluten and dairy-free options. They also offer a lovely patio when the sun is shining and are quite popular for their Breakfast Burrito, Spicy Mexi-Eggs, and Huevos Rancheros.
Want More Things to Do?
With so many incredible Canmore restaurants, you’re probably gonna need some activities to burn off all those calories. Have no fear, we’ve got you covered with many travel guides to Canmore, Banff, and the surrounding area.
Would love to go back to Canmore this summer!
Wing Shack is my favourite place for wings in Canmore! My kids LOVE their Doritos coated chicken burger! There are so many flavour choices and they are always so grateful for our business!
That does sound good! Thanks for sharing!
Can’t wait to travel again this year!!
Great article! Attending a wedding in Canmore this fall!
This list of restaurants definitely beats my go-to mcdonalds run whenever I’m in Banff!
I’m always apprehensive about restaurants in the Canmore/Banff area because I don’t know if they’re actually good or just bleh tourist food. This list really helps!
Glad we could help. We love a good McGriddle for breakfast but definitely better food at these places 🙂