Our Favourite Locally Owned Restaurants in Canmore and Banff!

We LOVE to support authentic, locally owned and run businesses here at Leavetown.
Banff National Park received a whopping 15 million visitors last year, and for good reason – it’s one of the most stunning places on earth!
Due to the huge number of people coming to the Banff area, there is a vast array of businesses in the vicinity to cater to these visitors. This is great news for foodies who love variety – in Banff and Canmore,  there are a massive amount of restaurants, catering to a wide range of tastes! However, with so many places to choose to eat and drink in Banff Town and nearby Canmore, how on earth does anyone decide where to go?
 
Well, we at Leavetown have a solution: Keep it local!
While in gorgeous Banff or Canmore, avoid the chains you could visit anywhere else in the world, and try some genuine local grub, or a locally-crafted beer in a locally-owned bar. You won’t be disappointed, plus who doesn’t love to explore new places feeling like they’re in-the-know? It’s such a great experience!
We believe it is important to support the locals of these great towns and the amazing services they provide, as their businesses give visitors an authentic look at life in these wonderful places. Plus, these local offerings have ridiculously amazing menus, with unique specialties that you won’t find anywhere else.
So, without further ado, here are Leavetown’s best suggestions for the greatest local restaurants in Banff and Canmore – enjoy!
 

LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANTS IN BANFF

Elk & Oarsman

 

Banff’s Elk & Oarsman offers local charm and delicious Canadian dishes.

 
Elk poutine, elk burgers and maple beer? Could it get any more Canadian?! This fantastic restaurant and bar boasts a large cozy fireplace for winter ambience, and a large rooftop terrace with stunning views for guests to enjoy in summer.  If you’re not in the mood for elk, choose from a great selection of burgers, salads, noodle bowls, pizza and great appys.
Click here to see Elk & Oarsman’s menu.
Leavetown Guests: Enjoy $10 elk appetizers and entrees!
 
Balkan the Greek 

 

Enjoy delicious and authentic Greek flavours at Balkan, a local Banff institution!

You can literally expect a plate-smashing good time at this very traditional Greek restaurant! This fantastic spot has been family owned and run in Banff for three generations. Balkan advertise themselves to be an authentically Greek restaurant with modern Greek flavours – and they are spot on! Expect all the Greek classics like dolmathes, spanakopita, moussaka and gyros, all cooked to perfection. We can’t get enough of the kalamari and breaded feta appetizers.
Click here to see Balkan’s menu.
Leavetown Guests: Receive $10 off your bill!
 
Ticino Swiss-Italian

 

Local favourite Ticino Swiss-Italian Restaurant offers gourmet European-inspired dishes

Ticino is a beautiful restaurant with an abundance of incredible flavours, featuring both Swiss and Italian classics. From glazed venison medallions and roasted duck, to gnocchi and ravioli, this menu is a mouthwatering collection of the most famous and revered European dishes.
Click here to see Ticino Swiss-Italian Restaurant’s menu.
Leavetown Guests: Have 10% off your bill!
 
Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar

 

Campfire favourites with a gourmet twist at local Banff restaurant Park Distillery.

This unique concept for a restaurant is a perfect fit for the Banff life. The menu takes inspiration from campfire classics, but amps them up with gourmet twists. Try the “Millionaire Hamburger Helper” to revisit your childhood camping trips, or the “Wild Tinfoil Trout” to enjoy rustic flavours cooked beautifully.
Click here to see Park Distillery Restaurant + Bar’s menu.
Leavetown Guests: Dig into a $25 Sunday carvery!
 
 

LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANTS IN CANMORE

Iron Goat

 

Enjoy splendid mountain views, cocktails and dinner on Iron Goat’s patio

We can’t even tell you how much we love this place! The soft décor is romantic enough that the Iron Goat often hosts weddings, and the patio has the perfect mountain views to enjoy amazing summer cocktails. Their lamb is absolutely delicious, it literally melts in your mouth, and the Kobe burger with lobster topping is an absolute sensation. Also on offer is a great array of pizza, freshly prepared and stone baked in-house.
 Click here to see Iron Goat’s menu
Leavetown Guests: A generous 20% off!
 
Market Bistro

 

Enjoy an authentic local restaurant with excellent food and service at Market Bistro.

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert (we made dessert it’s own meal because you just HAVE to save room for the famous lemon pie!), this family run restaurant is an absolute delight to visit. The menus is heavily influenced by French cuisine, and guests can choose from European style pizza, mussels, amazing salads, Chicken Marbella, Cassoulet, and much more.
 Click here to see Market Bistro’s menu.
Leavetown Guests: Receive 10% off!
 
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. 

 

Delicious freshly made pizza at the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.

This fantastic flatbread spot has a second location in foodie-haven Vancouver – it’s that good! Choose from a huge spread of traditional flatbreads and artisan offerings, such as fig and brie, or smoked salmon and capers. They’re cooked to order in a woodfire oven, and they’re delicious. Also on the menu are salads, soups, pastas and some great desserts.
 Click here to see Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co’s menu.
Leavetown Guests: Kids eat for 1/2 price on Tuesday evenings!
 
 
PS….Did you know that our Leavetown guests are entitled to tons of different discounts, offers and value-adds at local businesses at their destination?
Check out our full list of Banff & Canmore offers here!