A Foodie’s Guide to Canmore: Must-Try Restaurants & Cafes
Beyond the stunning scenery and exhilarating adventures, lies a collection of restaurants that are great for satisfying any craving. From fine dines to cozy cafes and international flavors, food in Canmore offers a diverse range of dining experiences and cuisines. Food in Canmore offers a large range of restaurants. It can be tricky picking the perfect spot to eat so we have narrowed it down to our favourite restaurants which we highly recommend!
Fine Dining
Sauvage
Chef Tracy, the mastermind behind Sauvage, has crafted a contemporary traditional Canadian restaurant, putting a modern twist on the hunting and gathering way of finding food. The two set menus are carefully and thoughtfully crafted, to the point where it isn’t just food, but art. The dining experience is unbelievable at Sauvage and we couldn’t recommend it more.
Ankor
Ankor is a contemporary Canadian restaurant. The venue immerses you into a refined and cozy atmosphere and aims to individualize guests’ experiences into one they won’t forget. From the curated wine list to the thoroughly thought through menu, Ankor will be a wonderful dining experience.
Rustica Steakhouse
Located at Silvertip Resort, the golf course isn’t just one of the reasons to visit, it’s for the food too. If you’re a steak lover, this is the spot for you. Rustica Steakhouse offers Tomahawks, Ribeye’s, Tenderloins and much more.
Casual Eats
Bridgette Bar
From pizza, pasta, steaks and fish, there isn’t much that Bridgette Bar doesn’t have to offer. Be sure to get there between 2-5 for their happy hour too where all drinks and pizza are half priced!
Where The Buffalo Roam Saloon
This restaurant feels like you are stepping into a Saloon in the wild west, so put your cowboy hat on! With an extensive cocktail list and an experienced bar team paired with a quirky menu, this spot is great for a drink and a bite.
Après Canmore
After a long day of adventuring in the mountains, Après Canmore is a great place to unwind. Their drinks menu is great and their food is simple yet delicious. It is a phenomenal quiet spot to spend time with friends and family after a long day.
Comfort Foods
Ramen Arashi
For those cold Alberta winter days, Ramen Arashi is the perfect solution in warming you up. They have a variety of different ramen available, all with a deep bodied and flavorful soups which leave you warmed and satisfied.
Das Schnitzel Haus
Das Schnitzel Haus is the perfect spot to grab a beer and a warm, filling meal. With many more German bites such as pretzels or sausages, eating here will feel like a big hug.
The Local
The Local is a space that simply makes you feel like you’re at home. From the cozy atmosphere, to the live music and the friendly staff, The Local is a great place to eat. Get there early and stay for the day so you can complete The Local hattrick: breakfast, lunch and dinner
Pubs and Bars
Tank310
With some of the best views of the mountains paired with many selections of craft beer, Tank310 is an incredible spot. It’s not just the beer that you would come here for but Tank310 boasts a great menu too. Tip: the view gets better the more beers you try.
Georgetown Inn
For all the pub lovers out there, this one’s for you. Georgetown Inn transcends you into a classic English style pub. Grab some fish and chips, smash a few pints, and enjoy the cozy and cheerful environment.
CanGolf
It doesn’t get much better than CanGolf. With golf simulators, a great selection of food and drink, stunning views, a sports bar, it’s safe to say CanGolf is the ultimate hang out spot.
Cafes and Bakeries
Electric Wolf
Electric Wolf arguably serves the best coffee in Canmore. It is seriously hard to beat the coffee that they serve there. With a lounge area, sink into a couch with your coffee and you’ll truly feel at home.
Communitea
Some of the freshest and tastiest breakfasts are served at Communitea. With an extensive and impressive breakfast menu, Communitea is a perfect spot to get your day started.
Bro’kin Yolk
If you want to convene for a coffee and a family meal, this café is the place for you. Here you feel like you are at home greeted by warm and friendly personalities. With a selection of classic breakfast dishes, the morning feed here is going to be glorious.
Gluten Free Options in the Bow Valley that Get Our Vote
While spending time in the Bow Valley you will want to feel at the top of your game. With all the wonderful outdoor activities on offer, the last thing you want is to be slowed down by something you ate. The high altitude and dry climate may already be taking its toll, so if gluten is going to get in the way of you living your best mountain life, it is time to relax and check out some of our staff-tested Gluten Free recommendations!
Communitea Café, Canmore
Kale Caesar Bowl with Smoked Salmon
Best for Breakfast and Lunch!
Think healthy bowls, filling burritos/wraps and tasty paninis that you can wash down with a smoothie. The Big Breakfast Bowl is more than suitable way to start the day, while the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Quesadilla is tasty choice for Lunch.
403.688-2233 Website
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company, Canmore & Banff
Best for Pizza
While strictly not a pizza, a flatbread is about 95% of the way there, and boy are they great! The Fig, Bison & Brie Flatbread is a highlight, as well as the excellent Maple Bacon Mac & Cheese (yes, gluten free mac & cheese that isn’t lame!)
(403) 609-5508 Website
Spice Hut, Canmore
Best for Indian! Duh!
Wonderfully, most of their food is Gluten and Lactose Free. Start off with a few Pakoras, then the Tandoori Malayi Chicken with the Eggplant Bharta and you can’t go wrong. For the gluten-eaters in your family, the Coconut Naan is a must try!
403-609-9997 Website
FOUR TWO NINE SIX, Canmore
Best for Fine Dining!
A relative newcomer to the Downtown Canmore dining scene, it is certainly a contender to be the best meal out you can have out in the Valley. The menu does change regularly, but current favourites include Popcorn Tofu for an appetizer, Patatas Bravas and Koji Aged Wagyu Flank for mains and the Yuzu-Strawberry Magnum for dessert. The cocktails are an event at “4296”, so don’t be afraid to splash out because it is worth it!
403-688-4296 Website
The Iron Goat Pub & Grill, Canmore
Best for Selection!
An excellent selection of pub grub and drinks, along a view that is tough to beat. We would go for the Game Burger with a BC Fruits Peach & Pear Cider. But there’s no need take our word for it, just listen to “celiacmomma” on TripAdvisor:
403-609-0222 Website
Nourish Bistro, Banff
Best for Vegetarian/Vegan!
With a cool atmosphere and an awesome variety of flavours, Nourish does not have to be just enjoyed by vegans and vegetarians. The Poutine is Cajun Spiced with a Panang sauce and shredded cheese curds that you won’t forget in a hurry, while the Kimchi Burger is certainly worth a repeat visit. Their Wild Mushroom Ravioli should keep the non-GF’ers happy too!
(403) 760-3933 Website
Rocky Mountain Bagel CO, Canmore
Best for On-the-go
Want to grab something easy on the way to Lake Louise? Maybe load up for lunch on EEOR? A GF Bagel from Rocky Mountain Bagel CO will hit the spot every time! There is a varied selection of fillings to choose from and they take cross contamination very seriously, with separate knifes/toasters etc. An Eggle with Bacon is a great way to start the day, while the Mountaineer (pastrami, pickles, cream cheese ect.) is a personal favourite. Their Cold Brew coffee is excellent too!
403-678-9968 Website
Wild Orchid, Canmore
Best for Sushi!
There are a few places to get sushi in Canmore, but Wild Orchid is most definitely a step up from the rest. A delicious selection of Asian Tapas and Mains are on offer, the Beef Tataki and Pork Tan-Tan Noodle Soup being particular favourites. But the sushi is where it is at! The Crunchy Salmon Roll is a great place to start, and they have a fine selection of Sake to knock back too.
403-675-0755 Website
Fergie’s Bakery and Convenience, Canmore
Best for GF Bread!
If you’re looking for really great gluten free bread, Fergie’s is the best we’ve found in town. It is worth calling ahead to make sure that they still have some in stock though, as it is quite popular.
403-678-9565 Website
Laggan’s Mountain Bakery & Delicatessen, Lake Louise
Best for Chicken Fingers!
And also, finally, shout out to Laggan’s in Lake Louise for their GF chicken fingers, which have saved many a Celiac on their way out of town.
403-522-2017 Website
There are plenty of other restaurants and bakeries around the Bow Valley that have gluten free options, so don’t be afraid to try new places and always let their staff know beforehand if you have any issues with gluten.