A Dining Guide to Jasper's Best Restaurants and Cafes
Jasper is a small mountain town known for attracting adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts… and with these big adventures comes big appetites. Serving both locals and visitors to the area’s mountains, here is a collection of some of the best Jasper restaurants for fuelling up.
Jasper is a small Rocky Mountain town with big, bold flavours. From the upscale and refined to the quirky and casual, many Jasper visitors are surprised by the massive selection of restaurants and cafes available in this quaint mountain town.
Seek out fresh baked goods for breakfast, savour a juicy bison burger for lunch and then soak up amazing mountain views while enjoying world-class seafood for dinner. In Jasper, there’s something to please every palette.
Small town, major selection
Jasper is home to just 5,000 residents, yet it offers a brew pub, funky cafés and fine dining that has attracted the attention of celebrities. The culinary options are incredibly broad as Jasper’s amazing beauty and reputation as a tourism hotspot has attracted some of the world’s most talented chefs.
Filled with acclaimed eateries
Many Jasper restaurants have received an array of accolades and media attention. From the funky SnowDome Coffee Bar, which appeared on the PBS show Travelscope, to Tekarra’s award-winning Chef Husereau, this Rocky Mountain town continues to attract the attention of foodies everywhere. And while many of Jasper’s long-term eateries will always impress, the town is also luring plenty of new talent. So if you’re planning on dining in the Rockies, check out our list of restaurants and cafés below:
CASUAL DINING
Evil Dave’s Grill
Don’t let the name scare you away. Evil Dave’s is a funky, friendly and super-laid back restaurant that has become a rave-worthy hotspot. Plus it serves up some tasty dishes that are downright ‘wicked.’
After opening in the heart of downtown Jasper in 2006, this quirky eatery has been luring both locals and visitors with some very unique cuisine.
Chef Carlos Medrano and his culinary team use fresh ingredients and creative flare to ensure that every dish they serve stands out. The ‘Sinful Starters’ range from Cowboy Sushi (a battered tempura fried roll filled with grilled tenderloin) to the Luscious Lollipop Shrimp.
‘Evil Entrées’ include the Malevolent Meatloaf, made with Alberta bison and wild boar bacon, and the El Diablo, a marinated chicken dish with a spicy chipotle sauce. Despite the clever names, the ambience of Evil Dave’s certainly isn’t gimmicky.
The vibe is casual enough to bring the kids, but still has a trendy feel that makes it a great spot for a night out with friends.
Details
- Open Monday – Friday, 5pm – 10pm
- Saturday and Sunday, 4pm – 10pm
Location
622 Patricia Street
1-780-852-3323
www.evildavesgrill.com
Fiddle River Seafood Co.
This restaurant pleases even the pickiest of palettes with its acclaimed seafood dishes and variety of alternative options for non-seafood lovers.
The ambience here is warm and casual, with blonde wood pillars and simple table-and-chair setups. But despite the somewhat informal vibe, every dish served at this establishment is five-star restaurant standard. Browse the lengthy menu and don’t forget to look at the specials on the chalkboard, which often feature seasonal cuisine.
Acclaimed dishes at Fiddle River include seafood fettuccini, melt-in-your-mouth trout, oysters, mussels and Pacific salmon prepared in a variety of ways. Not up for seafood? Sample one of the other creative entrées, such as organic bison lasagna or roasted-mushroom ravioli. There’s also a well-selected wine list to complement your meal.
If you’d like to savour stunning mountain views while dining, request a table near the window of this second-floor restaurant. The amazing scenery makes the whole experience even more spectacular.
Details
- Daily seatings from 5pm – 10pm
- Reservations are recommended
Location
620 Connaught Drive
1-780-852-3032
www.fiddleriverrestaurant.com
UPSCALE DINING
Tekarra Restaurant
Continuing a culinary tradition that began more than 60 years ago, the Tekarra Restaurant crafts some of the finest cuisine in the Canadian Rockies.
The experience of this restaurant begins with the setting. Housed in a rustic log cabin, near the confluence of the Athabasca and Miette rivers, this establishment charms upon entrance with a simple, alpine-inspired ambience. However, it’s the entrées you’ll remember the most!
Chef David Husereau created spectacular dishes here for more than 20 years, utilizing local ingredients while doing his own smoking, curing and baking. From the peppered beef tenderloin with forest mushrooms to the macadamia-crusted rack of lamb with crispy truffle mashed potato, Husereau just added to the fame that was Tekarra. He made guest appearances on many Food Network shows like Chopped, and Burger Wars, as well as being mentioned in many highly-regarded publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
While Tekarra is under new ownership, with the kitchen being headed by renowned Chef Dale Nutt, the creativity of Husereau’s menu still lives on. Chef Nutt has introduced his own flavours and flares, creating new dishes, adding spins on old dishes or simply serving Tekarra classics.
Tekkara has also attracted a long list of celeb patrons over the years, from Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio to John Travolta and Lance Armstrong.
Details
- Breakfast: 8am – 11am
- Dinner: 5:30pm – close
Location
Tekarra Lodge Resort, Hwy. 93A
1-780-852–4624
www.tekarrarestaurant.com
The Raven Bistro
This relatively new restaurant brings a touch of Moroccan-infused flair to Jasper.
With modern and refined décor that still feels warm and homey, The Raven Bistro offers a unique menu filled with a variety of gourmet cuisine. Start with one of the appetizers, which range from oven-baked brie with maple syrup to pan-seared shrimp, and select a drink from the equally impressive wine menu.
The entrées showcase just how talented chefs in this little mountain town are: Almond Nut Butter Schnitzel, savoury Moroccan Lamb and a juicy Steak Frites Argentine are just a few of the highlights. The Raven Bistro also offers a wide variety of vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Past patrons also rave about the desserts, with the Chocolate Tart and home-made ice cream (made from pure organic maple sugar) earning a special mention.
The overall ambience here is upscale, but the vibe is welcoming and comfortable. Forgo the option of a chair and sink into a couch instead, complete with an abundance of throw pillows. Reservations are recommended if you’re planning on dining here on the weekend.
Details
- Open seven days a week, from 5pm – 10pm
- Saturday and Sunday brunch is served from 9am – 1pm
Location
504 Patricia Street
1-780-852-5151
theravenbistro.com/winter-2017-menu
CAFES
SnowDome Coffee Bar
Head out to do your laundry at the local Laundromat and enjoy one of the best cappuccinos in Jasper while you wait! This funky cafe has a quirky setting, yet there is nothing quirky about the coffee and freshly baked goods served up. SnowDome’s aim is to create a friendly, laid-back setting where locals and travellers alike can relax while enjoying a really good cup of coffee. The cafe’s TripAdvisor reviews speak for themselves – and the consistently high praises are well-deserved!
Details
- Inside the Coin Clean Laundry
- Monday, Tuesday and Sunday 7:45am – 5pm
- Wednesday – Saturday 7:45am – 8pm
Location
607 Patricia Street
Jasper, Alberta
1 (780) 852-3852
www.607patricia.com/
Coco’s Cafe
With a commitment to incredibly fresh coffee and espresso (ordered, shipped, delivered and served all in the same week), used by baristas with extensive training, it’s no wonder that this cafe is considered one of the best in Jasper. Gather here with friends for an excellent cup of coffee, or a properly made latte and pair it with one of Coco’s delicious menu items. Coco’s has a strong inclination towards serving vegetarian/vegan and celiac friendly food, while still maintaining plenty of meat-filled options. They try to keep it as local as possible, with making everything they possibly can in-house, and sourcing whatever local and organic ingredients they can find.
Details
- Summer hours: Monday – Sunday: 6am – 6pm
- Winter hours: Monday – Sunday: 6am – 4pm
Location
608-B Patricia St
Jasper, Alberta
1 (780) 852 4550
Thinking about visiting Jasper?
Give our destination experts a call if you’d like to know more about taking a trip to Jasper! You can reach our Destination Experts 7 days a week at 1.877.902.1616. Additionally, you can browse our selection of Jasper vacation rentals online.