Scenic Restaurants in Banff and Lake Louise
- Published
- Jul 2, 2024|
- Last Updated
- May 26, 2025|
- Food & Drink
Dining and sky-high views go hand-in-hand with the Canadian Rockies. Both Banff and Lake Louise boast restaurants with spectacular outlooks over lakes, mountains and valleys.
The views are amazing on their own. When paired with a delicious meal, they create an unforgettable experience.
You'll definitely want to add this list to your itinerary, so you can dine at the most scenic restaurants in Banff National Park.
1. Banff Gondola Restaurants
A visit to the Banff Gondola is more than just a scenic ride. Beginning at the base of Sulphur Mountain, you'll ascend on an 8-minute gondola ride.
At the summit you will be greeted with a multi-level interpretive experience that features a theatre, Parks Canada ecology exhibit, gift shops, and a rooftop viewing platform and the boardwalk experience to Sanson Peak.
Sky Bistro
Sky bistro offers an elevated dining experience, literally and figuratively.
With floor to ceiling windows showcasing the Rocky Mountains, it's the perfect setting for a leisurely lunch or romantic dinner.
The locally inspired menu highlights regional ingredients, and the atmosphere strikes a balance between upscale and approachable.
Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen
For a more casual dining option at the summit, Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen delivers a relaxed buffet-style while still offering the panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies.
Ideal for families and guests looking for a quick and satisfying meal.
Local tip: Go for dinner in the colder months when the sun sets early. Nothing beats a Rocky Mountain sunset from the top of Sulphur Mountain at these two restaurants.
2. Juniper Bistro
Another one of three Banff restaurants on OpenTable Top 100 is the Juniper Bistro at the Juniper Hotel.
Perched at the beginning of Mount Norquay Road and overlooking Banff town, Mount Rundle, Vermillion Lakes, and the Bow Valley, the Juniper Bistro is the perfect place to relax after a day of adventures.
In winter, it offers a unique après menu to compliment a day of skiing, and in summer, the patio offers breathtaking views over the valley.
3. Eden at the Rimrock Hotel
The last of the three Banff restaurants to be featured in OpenTable Top 100 and the only five-diamond restaurant west of Ottawa, Eden is a fine dining experience like no other.
The butler-like service at Eden remarks a past-time era of elegance and class. Located on Sulphur Mountain, Eden overlooks Mount Rundle, the Fairmont Banff Springs, and the Bow Valley.
Eden has an inspired chef who has brought a unique flair from his years of international experience at top restaurants worldwide to the Rockies.
You'll find Eden in the Rimrock Hotel right beside the Banff Natural Hot Springs on the side of Sulphur Mountain.
4. Cliffhouse Bistro
Mt. Norquay's Cliffhouse Bistro is especially popular with the locals of the Bow Valley and is open early summer through fall and with limited hours in the winter.
This former tea house was renovated and reopened in recent years. During the winter, Mt. Norquay hosts moonlight dining experiences under the full moon.
Diners can enjoy three-course dining with wine pairings and local brews at the top of the mountain with views over Banff and Mount Rundle.
5. Lakeview Lounge
Located at the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the Lakeview Lounge gives you a million-dollar view of none other than Lake Louise itself.
Perfect for winter dining before or after a skate, sleigh ride or snowshoe on Lake Louise, the Lakeview Lounge is where you can capture the perfect dining experience at one of the world's most famous lakes.
6. Whitehorn Bistro
Located at Lake Louise Ski Resort and Summer Gondola, Whitehorn Bistro is open from spring to fall, and reopens when the ski season starts in November at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Enjoy elevated views of Victoria Glacier, Lake Louise, and the valley bottom below across into British Columbia. If you want to really keep it local, they features local beer and a menu to suit any adventurer.
7. La Terrazza
Nestled inside the Banff Park Lodge in the heart of downtown Banff you will find La Terrazza.
The Italian menu features an Albertan twist that is sure to leave your taste buds wanting more.
The panoramic windows and glass ceilings offer views that span from Sulphur Mountain to Mount Norquay.
Enjoy a glass of fine wine and savour dinner with a view.
8. MacLab Bistro
If you're like us, you love a hidden gem. MacLab Bistro at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity definitely fits the bill for both scenic and hidden!
Maclab have panoramic views that can be enjoyed from the outdoor patio, or from behind the comfort of floor-to-ceiling windows.
They open early for coffee and baked goods but word on the trail is that they do one of the best burgers in town for dinner!
9. Rundle Bar
Mt. Rundle is one of Banff's most impressive mountains, and there is no better vantage point than the bar named after it.
You'll find Rundle Bar in the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel , which is a must-see location in and of itself.
Book yourself in for Afternoon Tea, or order one of their many bespoke cocktails, and soak in the unique atmosphere that only the Fairmont can.
10. Lookout Lounge
Tucked inside the Sunshine Mountain Lodge at Sunshine Village Ski Resort, the Lookout Lounge offers a cozy alpine atmosphere year-round.
In the winter, it's the perfect apres-ski spot to warm up with a cocktail or casual bite after carving fresh turns right from Banff's only ski-in, ski-out hotel.
During the summer months, the lounge becomes a relaxed retreat for hikers and sightseers looking to unwind with mountain views after exploring Sunshine Meadows.
To learn more about the incredible dining options in Banff and Lake Louise, visit our Eat & Drink page.