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I have to say getting there was half the fun. We took a gondola up a mountain -- eight or so minutes that seemed a bit longer since I'm not too comfortable with heights. Once at the restaurant we got window seats with amazing views. The service was excellent, as were the meals we ordered (Pappardelle and Sablefish). It's not a fancy place, but eating at a mountaintop restaurant was unique and enjoyable. The ride back down was even better after the cocktails we had during dinner. Needless to say I'm not a skier.
Absolutely amazing food with such an amazing view! I booked the restaurant (very early) requesting a window seat. The restaurant sent me a very polite, detailed message letting me know that most are 2 seats against the window. They were amazing and sat us at the corner seat for 4 with such a majestic view of the mountains of Banff. The view alone was spectacular. Now to the food. Maybe because the restaurant was at the top of the gondola or because it was near hiking trails didn't expect such high quality food. Our lunch was one of our favorites of our Banff/Lake Louise trip. Enjoyed a glass of champagne with the meal and it was superb.
Megan was a superb waitress, the view was spectacular from our window seats and all the food was amazing! We had the summer beet appetizer, Alberta beef short rib and the Lamb chop dinner, along with a blackberry hard cider and pot of tea. And canola cake with raspberry sauce (we splurged). Unforgettable experience and I absolutely recommend this restaurant! We went early (11:15) and got a great table.
Such an amazing view. The food was okay. Our server was wonderful. We made reservations in advance. A bit spendy when you add up parking, gondola ride and the meal.
Delicious food, breathtaking scenery, friendly service! Enjoyed celebrating my birthday here! We got the beet salad to start- very tasty! For mains- we got duck frites and beef short rib- short rib was so tender and flavorful! For dessert, we got the haskap berry pastry- the crust was fantastic! We enjoyed our mocktails as well!
We had great hospitality here with our server, Jorge! He provided really good recommendations, and he also took the time to share with us what to do after lunch! I had a dairy lactose intolerant situation and he was very helpful. We ordered the duck wings as our appetizer, and this blew my wife's mind because she never was into duck, but this dish changed the game for her. Very well prepared and it was super crispy and the presentation was everything. It had a chili Asian crisp taste to it. Our next dish was the vegetable Wellington! Surprisingly, this was really good for something that was vegan. Not that I'm a vegan person, but I just want to try something that was non-dairy. It paired really well with the sauce. The squash and mushroom hit it off. We also ordered some white prawns, and that was really fresh as well! And the most important thing was the view! Try to get an opportunity to sit next to the window because you have an awesome view of the mountains. What better way to enjoy lunch or dinner with the view.
So the view is a given. And what a view! Then I was pleasantly surprised that the food was quite good. We didn't get past the smaller plates, but had a nice assortment. Favorites were the Bison Carpaccio and the Mushroom Pate. The Roe and Chips were also tasty. The cocktails were creative, but we noticed that the bar got pretty backed up quickly. We appreciated our server's honesty about some dishes and the bar and kitchen issues, so all was good. A relaxing and enjoyable experience!
If you go to Banff, this is a must see/do experience. The gondola ride alone is amazing, but let's talk food and dining experience. Drinks were top notch and well curated! I got a smoked OF, and the wife got a mocktail that was amazing. Food selection was very very good as well, the waiter helped me decide on my steak cut, and I went for the bison as it's more unique to Canada. Next would be the vibes and views. Wow. Cannot say enough about it. We sat one row away from The window and it was breath taking. Highly recommend, highly recommend getting a reservation.
What could be better than dining atop a beautiful mountain in the heart of Alberta Canada? During our trip to Banff National Park, I surprised my man with a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain and a tasty lunch at this bistro that comes with phenomenal views. Reservations are a must and make sure you book way in advance. We were there in late September so the season was shifting. Our day up here weather wise was overcast and a little chilly but we had a great time. Ok, let's talk about the food and drink. We started with a loaded Sky Caesar. This drink was perfect to share and it got our taste buds going. To begin our meal, we ordered the Caesar salad which was so light but really good. Next we enjoyed the Canadian Chowder, the beef burger (with delicious Alberta meat), and the Tagliatelle. We really loved our meal and trying the Canadian Chowder was fun. Service was great and our view was panoramic from every angle. I really love the huge windows that allow you to view the gorgeous Canadian Rockies. It was a perfect way to spend our last day here and I highly recommend should you take the gondola up to the top. A great date place!
If you ever go up the Banff gondolas, then you have probably seen that there a couple places to dine and if you haven't well then let me convince you to go here. Are they a little pricey yes but the portions and the quality are so worth it. Me and my husband ended up ordering the same steak and they were incredible on the side. We ordered some seasonal carrots and they came with this sweet honey mustard sauce on them. Now I am quite a picky eater, and I ate everything. I was so stuffed by the end of this I had to hobble back to the gondola to go down. On top of that we had an amazing waitress named Carla and I don't think that we could've gotten any better service. She cared, she gave advice, she yapped. We let them know that this was our honeymoon and they offered us a little sip of bubbles and a small dessert to share. Now the place is a little small and can get pretty full but for the food and the view, worth it. 10/10
Despite the smoke haze from nearby fires, the ceiling to floor windows overlooking Banff atop Sulfur Mountain was still amazing (even with the haze)! Moreover, the food was top notch. Sure, it came with a price, but it was far better than most top of the mountain foods I've crossed paths with in recent history. I ordered the smoked salmon which was served layered atop and in between potato pancakes. Dill cream cheese, roe, and some pickled onions also added bites of creaminess, richness, and acidity that made the dish very very tasty. My friends ordered a variety of other dishes including the bangers and mash, fried chicken, and a very plant forward pasta. Out of all of those, I do think the bangers and mash were my favorite. We also ordered some drinks and there was a Saskatoon cider that was super tasty! All in all, great experience! Get a reservation if you want a seat closer to the window to enjoy the views. You can take the gondola to this restaurant if you don't want to ascend the 2400m on foot, but my friends and I? We exercise to eat!
We got super lucky! No reservation. Just took a chance and walked in. We were willing to go back down the mountain and find something in town but thought what the heck... let's ask. I think we hit the timing 'just right'. Folks were leaving as we walked in. Plus, we were only 2 people. If you had more than 2... that'was more of a challenge and a long wait. The bar seating is first come, first serve. Of course, there are only like 5 seats at the small bar, and we would have sat there as it looked like people were finishing up, but the hostess said she had a table for 2 open up. Service was very good as was the food. The surprise of the night.... Pistachio Pate. I wanted to give it a try because it sounded different but really was not expecting it to be as good as it was. I mean... you don't even miss the 'meat'. It's rich and creamy and the pickled veg really help cut the richness. It's a creative... innovative dish that really is a delight. My duck was quite tasty although I wish the skin was a bit more cooked ... seared more. It was a bit too chewy. The husband ordered the Bison and it was rich and tender. Quite delicious! All in all... a lovely dinner and experience. If this is someplace you really really want to dine at... highly recommend a reservation. If you want to wing it like we did, I hope it works out as well for you as it did for us.
The views and ambiance-8/10 very beautiful, I recommend to get a reservation if you can Food-4/10 overpriced obviously, but if the quality was good I wouldn't mind. My burger came out well done even tho I told them medium rare....it took 100 years to get too. Service was sooooooo slow. Service -2/10. I understand if ur busy, but when people who came AFtER you get their food before you that is just ridiculous. And I'm expecting the food to be top notch if I wait a million years. The chowder soup we got was very good but it was lukewarm! It tasted like it had been sitting out! So disappointed.
3 years ago
Sky Bistro is my favorite place in the city! The food, drinks, service, and views are world class. The seed food chowder is an explosion of flavor with every bite. Perfectly seasoned beef and bison for the entree the glaze with both was incredible. If you love garlic bread then the bread is a must order! Service is timely respectable and very well trained. Finally you cannot beat the most incredible views. Booking around sunset is the only way to go here. You mean to tell me this place doesn't have a Michelin Star? This is a must do when in Banff read more
2 years ago
Got a last minute reservation for family and it was great! Our waitress was awesome and even gave us recommendations for other things to do around Banff. The food was great but the bar drink of the day was so good! They have a kids menu but don't typically give out an actual menu so you'll have to ask for one. Recommend for sure if you're visiting the gondola and reservations definitely helped because it was busy. read more
3 years ago
Came up on the gondola and hiked to the observation tower. Afterwards, we needed a place to eat for lunch . We opted to come to the Sky Bistro instead of the buffet. We had to wait an hour since we didn't have a reservation. Once we got our table, Luke, our server, came by and took care of us. We ordered a sangria and a hibiscus mule. Both were tasty. For our starters we did soups. A seafood chowder and a roasted red pepper soup. As for our mains, we had a Caesar salad and a strawberry salad. Both were tasty. To finish it off, we had an orange mousse and it was good. Overall excellent experience. Big thanks to Luke for being attentive. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
The Sky Bistro was the perfect addition to our Gondola ride! It was reservation only, so be sure to submit those ahead of time! The views are beautiful! (Tip- if you are a group of 2, you are seated very close to the window.) We were seated and attended to immediately by very friendly staff. We had an excellent waitress who served us in a timely manor. The food was great! It was cold when we went, so I got a warm bowl of soup and my husband got the pulled bison. Both were delicious!! 10/10 would recommend!! read more
3 years ago
The views are gorgeous and the food matched! I had the pork and my fiancé had the bison. Absolutely delish! The bison is a small portion so be aware. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Service is good, our server was so nice and attentive. Food is good specially the Bison and the beef, my daughter had the ravioli and she wasn't happy, it was in the main dish but when it came out, the size was like a sampler! We couldn't believe it, lol! The view was gorgeous! read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Came here on a Thursday for lunch. We got seated in 5 mins without a reservation. The views were great and the food was very tasty. Especially the seafood chowder which not only had a rich seafood flavor but also a variety of texture. Set I d was great too. Very friendly and approachable staff. read more
2 years ago
Beautiful location. Really tasty food. Very special!. We were a family of four going for lunch. Few things I would point out- 1. They only let party of two sit right next to the window. The view from the middle of the restaurant is good, but not as spectacular as the ones right agains the floor to ceiling glass windows. 2. The burger is great. The dessert is truly special. I had the "Eton mess". 3. The prawns were very good, but undercooked (raw in the middle). They obliged and cooked to again, but then it was overcooked. Aside from this, it's a really great experience. Would recommend it to anyone read more
5 years ago
It happened to be a gorgeous sunny day, so on a spur of the moment decision, I hopped on a bus to the Banff gondola and while waiting in line, booked a reservation at sky bistro. Luckily I snagged one of the last reservations, for which I was grateful after I arrived and saw the amount of walk ins. The design of the restaurant is so beautiful, the large windows giving breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. As far as the food and service, I was expecting to be served overpriced and not very tasty dishes, but happily I was wrong! I got the soup, roasted chicken dish and peach dessert. Everything was very well done and flavorful. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful experience! read more
2 years ago
Beautiful views! Food was good, not incredible. Service was a bit slow. All said, its worth it for the unique setting and views. read more
4 years ago
Really enjoyed our dining experience here at Sky Bistro! I found them via an article on the Banff/Lake Louise tourism site. As soon as I saw the pics of these views, I knew my boyfriend and I had to go! I had done enough research and wanted to book on Open Table, but this restaurant only books out 4 weeks in advance. So I set a reminder on my phone to book this exactly 4 weeks prior. I ended up with no issues. But just a heads' up to make sure you get this booked as I'm sure reservations fill up very fast (especially during peak season). One thing I will say is that it takes a lot to actually get to this restaurant. But once you get there, the views and experience make it worth the hassle. For starters, you of course need a gondola ticket ($50 USD/person). And even though we had our gondola tickets, we were notified that the parking at the gondola base is always full. So then they give you instructions on areas in downtown Banff where you can park and get on the bus (luckily it's free to ride the bus if you show them your gondola ticket). This did require us to ensure we were parked and waiting for the bus at 4:30p for a 6pm reservation. So take note, that dining here could require an additional 90 minutes of time that you will need to plan for. As nervous as I was that we wouldn't make it there in time, we ended up getting to the restaurant at 5:40pm and they sat us right away, even though our reservation wasn't until 6pm. The hostess and wait staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating. I had even put on the Open Table reservation that we were celebrating my boyfriend's birthday and requested a window seat. I assumed they get that request a lot so I didn't actually expect to get seated there. But we sure did and had an amazing view the entire time! I ordered a glass of the Rocky Mountain Cab. it was delicious. We also ordered the bread as an appetizer. It was very scrumptious, but I was surprised they didn't have any complimentary bread here (that may just be a US thing though). I got the Alberta Braised Short Rib and my boyfriend got the Chop and Fries for our entrees. When they brought out our meal, I felt like it was a small plate of food. I was super hungry after hiking all day. But after I finished my meal, I actually felt like it was the perfect portion size! I am so used to places that have massive portion sizes that this seemed underwhelming at first. But upon being a member of the "Clean Plate Club," I realized that all restaurants should be more mindful of portion sizes. It was very delicious and the short rib just completely melts in your mouth. I also liked the potatoes/French fries that came with it. There were only 4 of them, but again, they were the perfect amount and felt like an upscale twist on a classic side dish. Given we were celebrating my boyfriend's birthday, we also ordered the Apple Pie for dessert. They made it really special with a candle and a happy birthday chocolate. Such a great experience! All told, I highly recommend Sky Bistro if you are in the Banff area. It is definitely a dining experience unlike any other! read more
5 years ago
Lunch & a view! My husband and I stopped in after hiking up Sulphur mountain and we were rewarded with great food and an even better view. We ordered the chicken (chicken and waffles) and cheese (lux grilled cheese) and both were delicious. We particularly enjoyed the chicken and waffles and raved about it for most of the day afterwards! Service was super friendly and quick, but not rushed. We took our time at the windows edge and really enjoyed our lunch! read more
2 years ago
One off the best experiences in my time at Banff. Granted it took us 3.5 hours to hike up the mountain where the restaurant is located, so we were starving. But the place is magnificent and if you would prefer, there is a beautiful gondola that can take ypu up instead! The food was absolutely top notch, the menu was very thoughtfully made with fresh ingredients and interesting but delicious flavor combinations. Each dish was a work of art and the decor inside honestly didn't matter as you have the veiw of a mountain range to look at instead. read more
5 years ago
We ate at the Sky Bistro after hiking up Sulfur Mountain. It was a really lovely spot on the top of the hill and we had a chance to watch the sunset as we ate our meals. If you decide you'd like to eat here we recommend the starter bread (it is so good) perhaps our recommendation may be hindered by the fact that we were starved after our hike. Regardless, this place was amazing and it is a key memory of our stay at Banff. read more
5 years ago
While travelling the Western Provinces for our anniversary we took a trip up the Banff Gondola for dinner at the top. We were greeted by the pleasant staff at the front and seated at a window table. The views alone are worth the trip, but the service and food is exceptional. We couldn't have asked for a better server than Robert. He knew the menu inside out and could easily recommend something to our liking. Throughout the meal, he would check in with us without being overbearing, and even offered to take our photo for us. As for the food, we started with the Pan Seared BC scallops served with compressed peach Salsa which was prepared perfectly making me wish there were more than two.. For entrees we ordered the Sable Fish which my wife said was buttery smooth, and I had the Tomahawk Pork Chop with Torched Cauliflower Florets which was delicious and perfectly portioned. Dessert comprised of two Peach Cobblers that did not disappoint, although I did find the ginger a touch heavy with certain bites. Drinks were a simple Coke and a Sangria. While the Sky Bistro certainly ranks up there in terms of price, it is definitely worth it for a special occasion or romantic dinner. read more
Five star views. Three star food. I 100% recommend the experience and would say it's a must during any visit to Banff for a scenic pre-sunset dinner (if you're eating at normal winter dinner hours, you'll be missing out on those stellar views!) There are a few vegetarian items that can be veganized, which is very much appreciated if not executed to their fullest potential. I started with the Chef's Winter Salad, which was my favorite of the two items that I ordered. Featuring baby kale lightly tossed with just the right amount of vinaigrette, the roasted root vegetables added a complimentary texture and sweetness to the slightly bitter kale. The pan-fried polenta cake, my entree, was a little less exciting. Don't get me wrong, it's beautifully arranged on the plate, but I definitely needed to add salt. I rarely say this, but damn, that was a meager portion, especially in comparison to what I saw being brought out to others at my table. Just because one is vegan doesn't mean they demand bird-sized portions (given similar price points)! I was so bedazzled by the experience, I didn't care all that much about the fact that I was not in love with the food. Experience is sometimes more important, y'know? read more
3 years ago
The food was really good and the cocktails were amazing! Since we were a party of 2, we were seated next to the window (looked like only 2-person tables were right up to the window but you can enjoy the views from anywhere in the restaurant really). Our server, Holly, was very friendly! read more
Our family of eight (8) had a really great meal here during our visit to the mountain. We had to book two tables of four (4) for 6:30 pm on our reservation, but they were able to get us in about an hour early and seat all eight (8) of us together once we were in person. Great food and great service. And of course you cannot beat those beautiful views. read more
Second time I've been here, and it's pretty much what you expect. The food is slightly above average and the view is spectacular. The service is good, the only complaint I have was that the food took awhile to come out. The seafood soup was pretty good- very seafood -y in taste but filled with lots of seafood bits. I ordered the grilled cheese and it was great, but my sister ordered the chicken and waffles and I was blown away! Overall, I'll be back! read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
The view is astounding in this place. We went in July, and if you could get a view near the window, it's definitely an experience. The service alone was a delight. Sasha was pleasure, she definitely made the experience even better. Very involved, and loved to strike conversation. Had celebrated a bday and she made it special. Their Lamb Chop had flavor and was a decent portion, was satisfied after that alone. I also had their old fashion and presentation alone was amazing. Was a smooth finish and well balanced old fashioned., you don't really get in too many places believe it or not. If you are in this area definitely try and get a reservation and experience it. read more
4 years ago
Such beautiful views while enjoying our delicious dinner! Our waitress, Sasha, made it an even more amazing and fun experience! Definitely worth eating here if you're lucky enough to get a reservation. We went to celebrate my birthday and my whole group got complimentary champagne. Absolutely wonderful experience and would love to go back! read more
Wait was long but expected. The brisket I got was extremely flavorful and tender. Loved the chimichurri sauce. Nice kick to balance out the richness. Amazing view. Great service. Would definitely come back if I ever hike the Sulphur mountain again but I would make a reservation next time. read more
4 years ago
Delicious and beautiful! The experience riding up to the restaurant had such amazing views and was the perfect start to a delicious dinner. Make sure to make a reservation because it was packed! For a starter I got the seafood chowder and wow was it delicious. Perfectly creamy and had a great variety of different seafood. For a main I got the beef and it was delicious as well! Our waiter (Ian) was so kind and took time to chat with us about our travels and also answer any questions we had. He was so quick and made sure we had a great dining experience! Would definitely recommend eating here! read more
9 years ago
Hike up Sulphur Mountain or take a gondola ride up to Sky Bistro for the view alone! Subpar food but excellent views and atmosphere. Service was okay. But it's the views you come here for. The butternut squash soup was super salty and the seafood chowder had the most peculiar flavour - quite brothy and vinegar like. Of the 5 people at my table, only 1 person liked their soup and would order it again. The spicy Asian noodle bowl was yummy but overpriced. You really are paying for the view here so next time I'd probably just order appetizers and wine to share and revel in the gorgeous views. read more
7 years ago
Great location with one of a kind views. Gondola ride to the restaurant adds to the experience. The food was above average and just needed some extra tweaks to take it up a notch. We had the best seat in the corner window with great vistas. Arrive early than booked and request a window seat it's worth the wait. The over all package was excellent with regards to all the components, arrival, views, food and service. read more
2 years ago
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4 years ago
This Indian reception guy is so rude and unprofessional. Had a such terrible experience because of him! read more
Very pricey and what you're paying for is the view and location. Ordered two appetizers and two entrees: watermelon salad; pea soup with Canadian bacon; lamb chops; and ravioli. The only thing that was good (and by good I mean delicious and the reason this is a 3 stars and not 2) was the Pea Soup. The watermelon salad was literally watermelon tossed into an otherwise middle of the road salad; the lamb chops were the smallest things I've seen (and no mint jelly - what?!?!), and the ravioli? When they say ravioli, they mean one, singular, huge ravioli. The sauce was clear and more brothy than ravioli sauce - very unusual and I didn't finish eating it. I'm sure there were other better dishes (especially a seafood concoction I saw the couple next to me were partaking in) but for me, this place was not worth the money (again, other than the Pea Soup). I'd save the money and eat in Banff instead - so many options. read more
7 years ago
Amazing views, amazing service. We started with Bison Tartar and the Halibut and Prawns they were outstanding. Then had the chowder, beet salad and berry salad again phenomenal. For our entrees we had beef and halibut and holy smokes they were just as good. For dessert we had the chocolate pate, it was good but not as good compared to the rest of the meal. Service was incredible. Tips: If you park, it's tough finding parking. But there are shuttles that leave at designated times from a couple different locations, check the Banff Gondola website for times. The gondolas go every 5 seconds and is about an 8 minute ride up to the top. Call if you're running late they were very accommodating. If you buy the dining package (which I recommend) make sure to tip on the full amount not the discounted amount. (We ordered extras and drinks). Lastly, go inside to get your tickets, we waited outside unnecessarily lol. read more
7 years ago
I really wanted to LOVE this place.. It fell short. Let me start by saying we thought we would get a seat with a view. However, we understand the more people that arrive the more people you have to cramp into a small place. It was disappointing. They sat us next to window that oversees what looks like solar panels. Didn't offer to wait for sitting with nicer view or anything.. Finally, sitting at our table hoping the food will make up for it. We sat down ordered wine. Looked over the menu and decided to order the starter/appetizer. It took more than 20 minutes to get that. In their defense the Chowder was very delicious. Moving on.. we ordered out entrees.. My brother and I had the 10oz House Smoked Alberta Angus Striploin, Olive & Cauliflower Tapenade, Grilled Asparagus. It took another 30 minutes to get our meal. Long story short, it was so dry and flavorless. Once again the views are incredible and you already get that from coming up on the gondolas. The restaurant really had nothing special. Would not recommend this restaurant. read more
3 years ago
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