While there’s much for tourists to discover in the Canadian Rockies, most locals already know the mountains’ big bucket-list restaurants. Serious alpine culinary enthusiasts have dipped fondue at Banff’s Waldhaus or Grizzly House, stopped for a luxurious pit stop at Field’s Truffle Pigs and sipped the fine wines at Lake Louise’s Post Hotel. But there’s much more to taste in the Rockies, especially if you’re willing to dig into lesser-travelled nooks and crannies.
Beyond the bounty of food and drink, part of the lure of mountain restaurants is the history of the buildings, many of which date back to the early heyday of Canadian railway travel when the Rockies were emerging as an international tourist destination.
These out-of-the-way restaurants combine great food with interesting locations and will feel like new discoveries, even if they’ve been running for decades or more.
Old Bauernhaus
Kimberley, B.C.
The Old Bauernhaus began life as a farmhouse in Germany in the mid-1600s. Along with its then-owners, Tony and Ingrid Schwarzenberger, it made the move to Canada in 1989 and has operated as a restaurant ever since. After good runs by two sets of dedicated owners, chef Ryan Cain and his family took over the business in 2024, ushering it into a new era.
Cain has cooked in top restaurants throughout Europe and Western Canada, and he’s channelling that experience into the Old Bauernhaus while still embracing the restaurant’s community roots. Traditional Bavarian food — including popular family-style feasts — dominates each season’s menu, with handcrafted bratwurst, dry-aged steaks and plenty of sustainable, locally sourced produce.
280 Norton Ave., Kimberley, B.C., theoldbauernhaus.ca, @bauernhauskimberley
Old School Eatery
Revelstoke, B.C.
The “old school” in the name of this charming Revelstoke restaurant doesn’t only refer to the old-school dishes it brings back, but also to the building, which is literally an old school. The restaurant sits in the former Mountain View School, which opened in 1914 as what was described at the time as B.C.’s “most modern high school.” Veteran restaurateur Chris van der Linden transformed it into the Old School Eatery in 2018, restoring the old brick building with its original millwork and 14-foot ceilings.
Today, it operates under new ownership and offers a contemporary comfort food menu. The eclectic menu changes frequently, focusing on global influences with dishes like Asian sticky ribs and a wild salmon burger.
616 3 St. W, Revelstoke, B.C., oldschooleatery.ca, @oldschoolrevelstoke
Numa Lounge at St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino
Cranbrook, B.C.
In the language of the Ktunaxa First Nation, “numa” means “thunder.” For a restaurant located in a mission building that once housed a residential school, but is now operated by local First Nations, it makes sense that it references natural strength and connection to the land. It may initially feel uncomfortable to dine in a place with a dark history, but the building’s reclamation paints a story of resilience and renewal.
Numa Lounge follows a similar theme, with modern Canadiana classics that carry a hint of Indigenous inspiration. House specialties include the popular wild mushroom ravioli.
7777 Mission Rd., Cranbrook, B.C., steugene.ca, @steugeneresort
Storm Mountain Lodge
Banff National Park, Alta.
Built in 1922 as a bungalow camp for Canadian Pacific Railway workers, the cabins at Storm Mountain Lodge offer postcard-perfect wilderness accommodations, but the main lodge also boasts a fantastic restaurant. Located between Banff and Lake Louise near Castle Mountain, Storm Mountain Lodge is just off the highway, but feels worlds away.
The lodge’s restaurant is open to the public, and chef Corey Fraser — who is also the property manager — focuses on Canadian ingredients and wine. Look for favourites like the braised Alberta short ribs, wild seafoods and the famous game burgers. While the restaurant offers an à-la-carte menu, Fraser occasionally offers special prix fixe chef tastings. Hungry guests can enjoy lighter bites before dinner, such as house-cured meats, local cheeses and house-made bread.
Highway 93 South, Banff National Park, Alta., stormmountainlodge.com, @storm_mountain_lodge