While Alberta, a province in Western Canada, is known for its beautiful landscape of mountains and prairies, it boasts more than just breathtaking scenery. Find culinary gems that span from Edmonton to Calgary, and from Banff to Lake Louise. Here’s 10 of the best restaurants in Alberta.
Tekarra Restaurant
Restaurant, Canadian, Vegetarian, Gluten-free
Since its opening in 1952, Tekarra has been repeatedly labelled as one of the best culinary destinations in Alberta. Chef David George Husreau never fails to deliver with his creative combinations and world class cuisine. The décor is simple with traditional Rockies wood and a cosy atmosphere, which suits the beautiful setting upon which the restaurant itself is located, pine trees, free-roaming elk and deer all make for a picturesque dining experience inside the Jasper National Park.
Nourish Bistro
Nourish, a vegetarian bistro and teahouse in Banff, offers tapas-style dishes (small plates meant to be shared) with the idea that guests should taste a little bit of everything, sweet and savoury. With a philosophy aimed to ‘nourish the mind, soul and body’ of visitors, this eclectic restaurant serves fresh, healthy, and high-quality cuisine, with vegan, vegetarian and non-vegetarian options in an ultra-modern and sleek atmosphere. All ingredients are hand-picked, and dishes made to order with options like yams, olives, pizza, gnocchi, curry, noodles and pastries.
At Lakeview Lounge, guests have the opportunity to gaze at the beautiful scenery of Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier while while dining on a seasonally inspired lunch and tapas menu. There’s also a tempting cocktail menu and afternoon tea. During winter, this spot is cozy, but shines during warmer months with the sun beaming on the outdoor patio. Situated in a little valley before the sprawling Lake Louise, the views from this Canadian hamlet are truly breathtaking, and make for a memorable experience.
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Duchess Bake Shop, a beautiful, quaint café and shop, has the tendency to transport visitors straight to Paris, with its distinctly Parisian-Bruxellois vibe. This haven for sugary treats has a clean and elegant décor, a perfect backdrop to the brightly-colored macaroons and viennoiseries like the pain au chocolat, a fan-favourite. This spot also has a delicious selection of sandwiches, soups, salads and quiches, all prepared in-house with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. There’s even vegetarian options available.
Wieners Of Waterton
Wieners of Waterton, also known as WoW, specialises in gourmet hot dogs, using only freshly baked buns and the best in meats. Located in the Waterton Lakes National Park, the beautiful scenery isn’t the only memorable part of WoW. Smoky sausages grilled to perfection, sticky buns, house-churned ice creams and crispy sweet potato chips. Head to this spot and find yourself gazing at glacial waters, mountainous terrain, and a horizon dotted with lush trees while dining on the perfect outdoor meal.
OEB Breakfast Co.
OEB, a critically-acclaimed breakfast joint, prides itself on using only the freshest in local ingredients, with a chicken coop in the backyard, the eggs are always guaranteed to be the best in town. The menu, designed by owner and chef Mauro Martina, changes twice a year and uses European influences and techniques. The bread is baked daily, the breakfast potatoes cooked in organic duck fat, and all of the meats are hormone-free. OEB was nominated Best Brunch by Where Magazine, and was voted Best Brunch by the Calgary Herald reader’s choice awards. This one is not to be missed.
La Brezza Ristorante
La Brezza Ristorante is one of the many loved restaurants in Calgary, with traditional, ‘home-cooked style’ cuisine that emphasises the power of simplicity through taste. Highlights include the lasagna bolognese and cannelloni, hand-made by Owner Marco Abdi’s mother-in-law, Angela. The pasta selection is quite long, but there’s also options for meat, fish and vegetables. There’s even gluten-free pasta available for substitution; don’t miss the garlic prawns and crème brûlée, house-favourites!
Padrino’s Italian Ristorante
Padrino’s, set in the Best Western Grande Prairie, delivers traditional-style Italian cuisine with highlights including pizzas, pastas, and oven-roasted meats. There’s vegetarian and gluten-free options available, along with daily specials. Go for the cannelloni, or the calamari, and be sure to head there early, this spot tends to fill up fast.
Make your way to Boulevard, where award-winning and internationally renowned chef Emmanuel David (who once cooked for Queen Elizabeth II) shows off his culinary talent. With a wide-ranging array of menu options available, find anything from pasta and sandwiches to seafood and noodles. Here, the dessert is favoured, coconut-lime cream tart and the bacon sundae are crowd-favourites and are not to be missed. Take advantage of the swanky cocktail lounge, dine in style in the upscale dining room, take part in Prime Rib Night (Saturdays) or indulge in the Las Vegas-style brunch served on Sundays.
A Cardiff-born writer, James Norman is a professional wordsmith, creating content across several different sectors. A BA English (Hons) graduate, James has interviewed key figures in Welsh communities relating to the environment, health and tourism. His passion for writing began at an early age, contributing to collections of poetry published throughout his childhood. A keen traveller and photographer, James is equally happy trekking through historical ruins, or dining inside neon-dipped skyscrapers. His travel highlights include journeying through the People’s Republic of China and working in Edinburgh and Brussels. James’ cultural highlights include walking the Great Wall of China, and standing face-to-face with Munch’s masterpiece, The Scream, in Oslo. Follow James on Twitter @jamesnorman7_ for more of the above.
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