A trip to the mountains near Calgary should always include a memorable meal. Flush with options already, diners can now experience further culinary delights from restaurants and bakeries (and one ice cream shop) that opened just this year. Read on to find out what sets each one apart, and don’t be shy to take a chance on one the next time you’re in the Rockies.
Änkôr
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This new bistro in Canmore is perfect for a lavish night out. Its tightly curated food menu is divided into just three categories: first course, main course and dessert. Indulgences include mussels, foie gras, a cheese and charcuterie plate, duck, steak frites and more. Try a martini (gin or vodka) or Manhattan (bourbon or rye) to complete the experience. Private dining is available.
1430 2 Ave., Canmore, 403-675-2424, ankorcanmore.com
Bar Déjà Vu
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Do you revel in the nostalgia of the prohibition era? Then head to Bar Déjà Vu, a new speakeasy within 4296 in Canmore. This new lounge blends speakeasy culture with nods to the ’70s — you’ll find lava lamps and Stones-era rock ‘n roll imagery. Its exact location and a “secret password” are provided upon reservation, via Tock. If you can’t find the time you’re looking for, a reservation at the new-ish 4296 (open since summer 2020) is also a solid option.
3, 626 8 St., Canmore, 403-688-4296, @bardejevucanmore
Daley Bread Bakery
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Located in Golden, Daley Bread Bakery opened this past spring as a destination for baked goods made by former CMH pastry chef Laura Daley. Expect breads, cookies and other goodies. The pedigree of Daley’s CV should be encouragement enough to give it a try. If not, the above image of a feature called “cake scraps in a brown box” undoubtedly will be.
1007 11 Ave. S., Golden, @daleybreadbakery
Grizzly BBQ
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Quarter-century-old The Grizzly Paw Brewing opened a new concept in its backyard this year. Grizzly BBQ — a cluster of picnic tables with its own barbecue menu — is a fresh way to experience a familiar fave. Pair a house-made beer, soda or canned cocktail with brisket, pork ribs or veggies and soak up the sun in casual decadence.
310 Old Canmore Rd., Canmore, 403-678-2487, thegrizzlypaw.com
Hello Sunshine
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Hello Sunshine is the newest restaurant from Banff Hospitality Collective (which has tapped Justin Leboe, previously of Model Milk and Pigeonhole, as executive chef). Chef Kaede Hirooka of Respect the Technique has created a vast menu that includes sushi, yakitori and a distinct style of barbecue that combines Japanese culinary excellence with traditions from the American South. Have dinner in one of the spot’s two private karaoke lounges if you feel like belting out some tunes.
101, 208 Wolf St., Banff, 403-985-7225, hellosunshinebanff.com
Kain Tayo
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Named after the Tagalog expression meaning “let’s eat,” Kain Tayo offers international and fusion fare. From Asia and Latin America to right here in the Rockies, there are dishes both familiar and unexpected — like the tofu tostado and General Tso’s chicken and waffles.
725 9 St., Canmore, 403-675-3345, kaintayocanmore.com
O2 Bubble Tea Obento
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A refreshing, ice-cold beverage for a hike around the gorgeous glacial waters of Lake Louise? Yes, please. Conveniently located at Samson Mall, O2 Bubble Tea Obento is your new destination for a milky cup of bubble tea. Follow along on Instagram for the latest updates.
Samson Mall, 101 Village Rd., Lake Louise, @02bubbletea.obento
One98eight
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Get off the town strips and head to Dead Man’s Flats to experience One98eight, which serves hearty fare like rib eye steak, lasagna, gnocchi, a Moroccan-spiced salmon dish and pad Thai. One98eight takes its name from its location off Highway 1, at exit 98 in District 8 of Alberta.
120 1 Ave., Dead Man’s Flats, 403-609-8901, one98eight.ca
The Prow
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Buffalo Mountain Lodge’s recent renovations include an update to its dining concept, now called The Prow. Its menu features predominantly contemporary Canadian cuisine, with a few twists towards Mexico. Menu standouts include the “Hero Dirt — Whisky PB&J Cocktail” and the macadamia nut and melted-ice cream sauce pancakes on the breakfast menu.
Buffalo Mountain Lodge, 700 Tunnel Mountain Rd., Banff, 403-760-4484, crmr.com
Shoku Izakaya
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There are no reservations at this Japanese restaurant, which helps maintain the izakaya tradition as a place to casually socialize over small plates and cold beer. All the favourites are here: yakitori, karaage, tataki, gyoza, tempura and takoyaki, plus a small menu of sushi, sashimi and maki. It’s an ideal place for relaxed enjoyment.
304 Caribou St., Banff, 403-985-1112, shokubanff.com
Sweet Revenge
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Sweet Revenge, from the team behind 4296 and Bar Déjà Vu, is your new destination for soft serve in Canmore. Its oft-changing menu includes imaginative sundaes like the “Honey Butter” with vanilla soft serve, honey, butter olive oil, black truffle and fleur de sel. There are also elevated cones like one featuring pineapple soft serve and habanero crystals. Sweet Revenge is currently open Thursday through Monday.
4, 626 8 St., Canmore, 403-688-4296, @sweetrevengecanmore
The Uprising Bake Shop
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Canmore’s The Uprising Craft Bakery opened its first dedicated bakeshop this year, right at the heart of the action in downtown Banff. The grab-and-go café has a small patio on Banff Avenue. Inside, guests can order Fratello coffee from the espresso bar, goodies, sandwiches and all the sourdough loaves The Uprising is known for.
735 9 St., Canmore, 403-707-5092, theuprisingbakery.com