Best New Restaurant

It was a tough job, but someone had to do it. After sampling new restaurants throughout the region, editors at Where Canadian Rockies chose Canmore’s Habitat for the 2010 Where Magazine ‘Best New Restaurants in Canada’ list. Sleek Habitat Restaurant features a contemporary decor that would not be out of place in New York (although the mountain view is vintage Canadian Rockies) and a sophisticated East-meets-West menu.

The Big Easy

Feel like you're in New Orleans by dining at the French Quarter Café, where local jazz acts often perform (call for schedule). If the music doesn't make you imagine you're celebrating Mardi Gras, the food will. Try classic crab cakes, jambalaya, shrimp Creole or Louisiana bread pudding with whiskey sauce. The open kitchen allows you to interact with chef Michael Raso and see your food being created, right before your eyes.

Small Plates

Sage Bistro’s trendy wine lounge features tapas, small plate cuisine that hails from Spain. Popular choices include charcuterie, cold smoked Alberta trout and jewel box sandwiches. Ash covered, soft surface Le Cendrillon (the Cinderella) goat cheese pairs nicely with port-frozen grapes, candied pecans, fig jam and crackers.

Great Taste without Wheat

Iron Goat Pub offers delicious options. Any dish that is normally wheat-based can be made gluten-free on request (the pizza shown is made with wheat). The ripe tomatoes, artichokes, soft feta, peppers and succulent lamb on their Greek pizza will have you shouting "Opa!" Take in Three Sisters Mountain and Canmore views through enormous windows, or on the raised patio.

Restaurant Makeover

After '88 Winter Olympic
athletes departed, Sand-traps Restaurant & Lounge opened. Celebrated for its three-level patio with 240° Rundle Range and Canmore Golf Club view, their renovated interior debuts this summer. New furnishings and decor complement high-vaulted ceilings. The see-through fireplace offers a glimpse of the outdoors.

Steak in its Prime

Many restaurants serve AAA steaks, but Rustica Steakhouse proudly prepares Canadian Prime Grade Beef. Only the top 0.3% of beef in Canada earns Prime designation. Prepared with a signature dry rub, seared under a 1500°F (815°C) broiler and presented on 500°F (260°C) plates with garlic butter, Rustica steaks are remarkably juicy and tender.