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The 10 Best Restaurants in Waterton
Feasting your eyes on Waterton’s breathtaking views is something to remember, but let’s be real – scenic beauty won’t satisfy your hunger.
Worry not, though! We’re here to spill the beans (and maybe a little gravy) on the town’s culinary gems. From cozy bistros to chic eateries, get ready for a taste bud extravaganza at the hottest restaurants in town!
Waterton Park Cafe
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Address: Waterton Lakes National Park of Canada, 110 Waterton Ave, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Contact details: +1 403-394-6966
Opening hours: Monday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM; Thursday to Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturday to Sunday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Pricing: $$
In the heart of Waterton Village, check out Waterton Park Cafe – they’ve got the whole day covered with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And don’t worry, they’ve got a kid’s menu, too!
Now, let’s talk about the menu – the real stars are the burgers featuring patties straight from grass-fed cattle. And guess what? The whole menu is about keeping it natural, so expect some seriously fresh bites!
We also love that they’ve got options for everyone, whether you’re gluten-free or vegetarian. It means everyone can dig into something tasty and enjoy their meal!
Not to mention, the owners are a friendly bunch, always up for a genuine chat to make you feel right at home.
Pro tips:
Make sure you try their Swiss mushroom burger and beef stew – they’re absolute must-haves! And don’t forget to save some space for dessert because their homemade ice cream sandwich and carrot cake are delicious.
Lakeside Chophouse & Wine Bar
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Address: 111 Waterton Avenue, Suite 101 – Box # 38, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Contact details: +1 403-859-2211
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $$ – $$$
Lakeside Chophouse & Wine Bar has that classic chophouse vibe with a modern twist and sports TV while you dine. This spot is known for its delicious food and killer lake views.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they’re a foodie’s dream come true. Craving a hearty bowl like the West Coast Bowl with turkey sausage or eyeing those mouthwatering banana chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast? They can hook you up with some.
And when it comes to starters, they’ve got everything from crab cakes to tortilla soup to baked brie. Plus, there’s a whole array of salads, sandwiches, and some tasty signature dishes like braised short ribs and grilled dijon salmon.
Lastly, here’s a juicy tidbit: all their steaks are Alberta-certified Angus beef, aged for at least 32 days, ensuring top-notch tenderness and flavour.
Pro tips:
You’ll want to reserve or grab a spot on the patio during the summer – it offers the best views of the mountains and the lake, making your meal an unforgettable experience!
Red Rock Trattoria
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Address: 107 Wind Flower Ave Box # 51, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Contact details: +1 403-859-2004
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Pricing: $$$
Red Rock Trattoria is inside the Waterton Glacier Suites. It’s known for serving mouth watering Italian dishes made with the freshest ingredients around, from appetizers to pasta, and it even has an impressive selection of Italian wines.
What’s cool about Red Rock Trattoria is that it’s one of the few restaurants in Waterton Village that remains open all year round. It makes the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventuring in the park.
As a heads up – get ready to make a good sweep of their menu and give a go to a variety of starters like calamari, mussels, and minestrone. And when it comes to pasta dishes, they’ve got some real winners – think seafood fettuccine, ricotta gnocchi, and even bison lasagna made with local Alberta bison.
Pro tips:
Don’t forget to save some room for dessert because Red Rock Trattoria serves up an amazing tiramisu that you won’t want to miss!
Thirsty Bear Kitchen and Bar
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Address: 111 Waterton Ave, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Contact details: +1 403-859-2211
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM; Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Pricing: $$
Check out Thirsty Bear Kitchen and Bar for locally microbrewed beers on tap and a mouthwatering menu made with fresh local ingredients. This gastropub is always buzzing with life, thanks to its pool tables, foosball, and nightly specials.
Their menu is packed with starters and sharing plates like nachos, Korean lettuce wraps, chicken wings, and a tasty shishito queso dip.
For the main course, they’ve got mouthwatering pub classics like burgers, fish tacos, beef brisket, and an incredible grilled cheese sandwich loaded with smoked pork belly and halloumi cheese!
Plus, the Canadian decor adds to the cozy vibe, with plenty of wood accents and dark leather. As the only pub in Waterton Lakes, it’s the perfect spot to grab a drink, dig into some delicious food, and soak up the local music and entertainment!
Pro tips:
If you’ve got dietary restrictions, no worries – their menus are nicely labelled, with options like vegetarian dishes and gluten-free offerings!
Pizza of Waterton
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Address: 305 Wind Flower Ave, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Contact details: +1 403-859-2660
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Pricing: $$
If you’re in Waterton Lakes National Park and in the mood for casual dining, check out Pizza of Waterton. They’re famous for their deep dish pizzas and refreshing craft brews, creating the perfect laid-back atmosphere after a long hike. Locals and visitors love it alike!
It shares space with Pearls Cafe, so you can grab some lovely breakfast options and snacks for your early morning adventures. a
And don’t be fooled by the name – Pizza of Waterton offers more than just pizza! Their menu has a bit of everything, from appetizers like nachos and salads to wraps, sandwiches, and even pasta dishes.
Pro tip:
You can’t go wrong with their pizzas, they rarely miss the mark! But whatever you do, don’t skip the garlic bread – it might just become the only thing you miss more than the stunning views!
Wieners of Waterton
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Address: 301 Wind Flower Ave, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Contact details: [email protected]
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Pricing: $
Wieners of Waterton is no ordinary hot dog joint – the line outside says it all, and trust us, it’s worth the wait! Tucked away amidst the gorgeous mountains of Waterton Lakes National Park, this spot sizzles up locally-made sausages on fresh-baked buns topped with unique flavours.
Since it kicked off in 2010, it’s been a favourite among locals and visitors. And don’t forget the tasty sides like sweet potato fries and poutine – they’ll fuel you up for your next Waterton adventure!
Their menu has options for everyone – from smokies to 1/4-pound hot dogs and even kid-sized portions. And don’t even get us started on the sauce selection – it’s a game-changer!
But here’s where it gets exciting: the toppings are out of this world! Picture house sauerkraut, ginger carrot, pickled onion, banana peppers, and creamy coleslaw, all waiting to be paired with your favourite dog.
Pro tips:
Don’t let their hotdogs fool you – they’ve got veggie options, too, like the anti-dog. Picture round falafels in crunchy, delicious buns baked right in the store.
Pearls Cafe
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Address: 305 Wind Flower Ave, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Contact details: +1 403-859-2660
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pricing: $$
In the heart of Waterton, Pearls Cafe is a haven for hikers, found right between a charming pizza shop and the Rocky Mountain General Store.
Opening its doors bright and early at seven in the morning – this cozy cafe offers an array of tasty dishes to start your day off right.
From the indulgent Stuffed Blueberry French Toast with cream cheese to the satisfying Hungry Hiker Wrap, loaded with scrambled eggs, cheese, sausage, and fire-roasted salsa. It’s the perfect spot to refuel and relish delicious bites before or after your hike!
Pro tip:
If it’s your first time here, we highly recommend trying their Pearl’s Eggs Benny to kickstart your day on the right note!
Zum’s Eatery and Mercantile
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Address: 116 Waterton Ave, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Contact details: +1 403-859-2388
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Pricing: $$$
Head over to Zum’s Eatery & Mercantile on Waterton Avenue for a diverse menu that’s sure to please everyone.
Whether you’re craving a hearty Canadian breakfast with pancakes and omelettes or international dishes like French toast, they’ve got you covered. Lunch options range from burgers to salads to fish and chips, while dinner boasts even more choices like Zum’s Famous Fried Chicken and Hearty Homemade Chili.
And don’t forget to browse their selection of unique Canadian souvenirs while you’re there, from jewelry to Christmas ornaments to maple syrup. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience!
Pro tip:
Feel free to bring your furry friends along! They’re welcome to join you on the outdoor patio at Zum’s Eatery & Mercantile.
The Taco Bar
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Address: 320 Wind Flower Ave, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Contact details: +1 403-915-2294
Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Pricing: $
If you’re craving authentic Mexican cuisine in Waterton Lakes National Park, then you can head over to The Taco Bar! They prepare slow-cooked meats, sauces, and salsas from scratch right before your eyes.
It’s also a plus that if your taste buds are calling for shredded chicken, garlic pork, beef, or fresh veggies, The Taco Bar has options to satisfy everyone. Kids can enjoy burritos and quesadillas, while adults can treat themselves to craft beers and desserts.
And with a menu that’s mostly gluten-free and caters to both vegetarians and meat lovers, there’s something delicious waiting for every palate.
Pro tip:
Their guacamole is seriously good – it’s even award-winning! But be quick since they whip it up fresh every morning with real avocados, and it flies off the shelves in no time.
Waffleton
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Address: 301 Wind Flower Ave, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0
Contact details: Instagram: @waffletoncafe
Opening hours: Thursday to Monday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Waffleton is your go-to spot for Belgium Liège waffles, known for their yeast dough and pearl sugar that caramelizes on the surface. Plus, their waffles are made daily from scratch.
They also offer a selection of heartier meals for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. They even featured a special dish with basil-poached oranges, whipped mascarpone cream, orange curd, candied orange zest, and a basil leaf garnish served on their famous liege waffles.
And before we forget, they also have coffee and other beverages, including lattes, espresso, and more—now, we can’t have waffles without a cup of joe, eh?
Pro tips:
You should give their savoury options a shot; the combination of flavours is truly delightful.