Banff has no shortage of wood-paneled pubs and Bavarian eateries where skiers and tourists come by the busload. The Bison Restaurant and Lounge is a hip alternative worthy of its local reputation as one of the best restaurant in town. Located amongst the sprawl of Banff's main thoroughfare, visitors arrive to a lively dining room of earthy colors and open kitchen revealing a wood fire oven under an open-frame ceiling suspended in retro pendant lighting. Enveloped by large panel windows, the dining room is a casual collection of ski tourists and local snowboarders in their dressiest Quicksilver sipping local wines from high-end stemware before slipping away to a an outdoor smoking terrace. A small lounge with wrap-around sofa under windows-full of mountain views features a counter-style bar with late evening bar scene for casual dinners as well as patrons flowing in and out of the restaurant.
The Food
We were instantly won over by the fresh seasonal menu that begins with smoked trout with warm potatoes and dollop of chevre noir, seared venison carpaccio with truffle oil or crab n’ shrimp mini tacos with thai curry dressing that is a welcome break from ski food staples of soggy Buffalo wings and microwave nachos that require a knife. Classic cheese fondue and trail mix salad of dried fruits and toasted nuts are also crowd-pleasers, better than the lackluster Caesar and rather un-gourmet baked potato skins. Main course is a return to what Alberta is best known, namely meat dishes like pan-roasted bison tenderloin with grainy vinaigrette, grilled beef rib eye with chickpea fries and daily venison recipes as well as seasonal specials like Grilled pork rack with summer bean salad and cast iron chicken.
Last Word
Local dining hotspot with regional dining room, lounge and terrace for all-year dining in Banff. Don't miss a weekend brunch menu that's one of the best around.
