Tucked away in the southwest of Alberta, the Town of Waterton offers not only awe-inspiring landscapes but also a vibrant and diverse culinary scene. From quaint cafes to scenic lakeside dining, we’re sharing our favourite Uplift-approved spots to tantalize your taste buds through some of the best dining spots Waterton has to offer.
From fine dining to casual eateries: Discover the top restaurants in Waterton
This is one of Waterton’s go-to spots for waterfront dining. Located right on the shores of Waterton Lake, the highly-rated Lakeside Chophouse is a culinary gem offering breathtaking views and a delectable dining experience. Chef Brian Long serves West Coast cuisine specializing in certified Angus Beef. His signature dish is the 54-ounce bone-in Tomahawk Rib Eye.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate dining experience or a celebration with family and friends, Lakeside Chophouse is a welcoming establishment with a comfortable and cozy atmosphere.
Attached right to Lakeside Chophouse is the Fireside Lounge and Wine Bar, offering an array of fine wines, craft beers and creative cocktails, as well as entrees and appetizers. It’s a great spot to unwind with a drink and listen to the nightly live music.
Indulge in an iconic Canadian treat that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth like no other – the famous BeaverTail pastry. The Classic BeaverTail is their best-selling flavour (whole wheat dough, hand-stretched, float fried and then covered in a blend of cinnamon and sugar), but there are nine other creative tastes to choose from, like Mehple (maple-flavoured spread with maple sugar crunch) and Avalanche (cheesecake spread, Skor bits, and caramel sauce).
“Something people might not know about us is that we also serve Beaverbites. This is our take on Timbits but, trust me, they are way better than Timbits. Plus, we make them to order, so they’re still warm when you get them,” owner Bob Cruickshank tells Uplift.
Another fun reason to visit is that this year, BeaverTails is celebrating its 45th anniversary!
Step into an ambiance accented by rustic charm, exposed brick walls and cozy wooden accents at the Red Rock Trattoria. This quaint Italian restaurant serves an array of Italian delights, including mouthwatering pasta dishes and hearty meat and seafood creations, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Open year-round, it makes everything from scratch and is best known for its homemade gnocchi.
Is Waterton Lakes National Park worth visiting? We say: absolutely! Discover three reasons Waterton is a must-see in our blog post.
The original Kilmorey was built in 1926, so this is a Southern Alberta institution that has been welcoming and serving guests for almost 100 years. The new lodge, rebuilt and re-opened in August 2022, has a separate Pub that offers more casual fare and a dining room and lakefront patio that offers upscale fine dining. Great steaks, salads and old favourites are all on the menu. The lakeside tables offer stunning views of the famed Prince of Wales Hotel, Upper Waterton Lake, and the surrounding mountains.
We recommend the mouth-watering bison steak, but other stand-out items are the elk meatballs and sambuca mussels – and be sure to save room for their must-try Homemade Saskatoon Berry Pie for dessert!
Zum’s is family-owned and operated and has been since 1982. This vibrant and welcoming eatery is known for its fried chicken (cooked according to a top-secret family recipe!) which you can get as a meal for dine-in or a bucket for take-away.
The restaurant boasts an extensive collection of license plates adorning its walls, showcasing all states, provinces, and territories from Canada and the U.S. Not stopping there, they’ve begun curating an impressive international plate collection that is rapidly expanding. A really cool backdrop to our Waterton meal.
After working up an appetite exploring the stunning trails of Waterton Lakes National Park, make Pizza of Waterton your ultimate destination to cap off your adventure in a carb-licious way. Satisfy your cravings with a mouthwatering pizza with a perfect combination of cheese, hearty toppings, and a carby crust that will leave you feeling fully satisfied and recharged.
Pizza of Waterton has been serving visitors to the park for over 30 years. What makes the restaurant extra special are its fun events like Trivia Night and Open Mic Night – it’s the most “happening” spot in Waterton most evenings!
Located in Waterton Lakes Lodge Resort, Vimy’s is a casual dining spot with a great bar and patio. Serving mouth-watering burgers, pasta dishes and appetizers, there’s something on the menu to satisfy everyone, with take-out, daily specials, breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
Pop into Pearl’s for breakfast and brunch. Coffee, healthy snacks and baked goods – all served with a smile by friendly staff.
In need of a caffeine fix? Head over to Starbucks – the classic coffee spot that never disappoints. With its friendly and skilled employees, you’ll be greeted with a warm smile and served a perfectly brewed cup of joe.
Wieners of Waterton is a beloved hot spot among locals, known for serving up gourmet hot dogs, fries, and other mouth-watering delights. Treat yourself to their signature topping-loaded hot dogs or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try their vegan-friendly anti-dogs, a delightful twist on the classic.
Focusing on quality and authenticity, they use fresh-baked buns, locally-made sausages, and homemade toppings.
For a memorable dining experience that blends rustic charm with contemporary flair, Thirsty Bear Kitchen + Bar is a must-visit restaurant. Their menu showcases a fusion of Canadian and international influences, featuring an array of mouthwatering small plates, enticing mains, and refreshing cocktails – they also often have live music.
Our menu recommendation: go for the fish tacos!
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Wake up your senses with a visit to Windflower Corner Coffee, a delightful coffee shop located in the heart of Waterton. This little café has a great pre-hike breakfast and also offers a delectable selection of smoothies, pastries and baked goods.
Prepare to be swept away on a culinary experience fit for royalty at the Prince of Wales Hotel, which offers dining experiences at the Royal Stewart Dining Room, Windsor Lounge and Afternoon Tea.
This national historic site offers an unforgettable dining experience immersed in an atmosphere of elegance and old-world charm. The menu boasts a variety of delectable dishes that artfully combine local flavours with international flair. And let’s not forget the panoramic views! Enjoy your meal while gazing out at the stunning vistas of Waterton Lakes National Park.
Our recommendation: ask about the ghost stories!
The Taco Bar is a fast casual dining option serving Mexican flavours with a twist. Some of what you can expect includes the Big Burrito (a flour tortilla wrapped around greens, black beans, rice, homemade salsa, and sour cream), Bowl in a Bag (a burrito bowl served in a bag of nacho-flavoured taco chips) and make-your-own tacos – all using fresh ingredients.
Satisfy your BBQ cravings at Trappers Mountain Grill. From ribs and smoked bison meatloaf to pan-fried walleye and blue cheese burgers, their menu proudly showcases a variety of meats and fish prepared in different styles. They also have outdoor seating on the patio, perfect for soaking up the Waterton sunshine.
This classic fast-food chain offers a wide variety of made-to-order sandwiches and salads. Whether you’re fueling up for a hike or looking for a quick bite, Subway has got you covered with a convenient location and customizable options
Stanley’s BBQ Grill House – Waterton Golf Course Clubhouse
You don’t need to be a golf enthusiast to enjoy the BBQ menu options and scenic views at Stanley’s BBQ Grill House, located in the Waterton Golf Course Clubhouse. Choose from a tantalizing menu that boasts a wide range of sandwiches, casual fare, and BBQ favourites, from chicken dinners to steaks and ribs. The restaurant is open 6 days a week in the summer, they even have an Early Birdie Breakfast served from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. if your adventures start earlier in the morning. Tuesdays it is closed, but you can still order hot dogs, sandwiches and beverages.
Have fun exploring Waterton’s food scene
Discovering the vibrant culinary scene in the Town of Waterton is almost as fun as discovering the surrounding mountains and landscapes. Whether you’re hungry for lake views, gourmet hot dogs, casual comfort food, fine dining, or a bit of it all, the culinary options at Waterton have something to offer every discerning food lover.
Are you more eager to explore your way through Waterton than to eat your way through Waterton? Book a private trip with us or join our Waterton Wildflower Walk, taking you to some of the most beautiful wildflower-studded spots in the park – and teaching you flower identification techniques so you can impress all your friends. See when our next hike is!
Did we miss any of your favourite spots? Let us know in the comments!
Comments 2
Good list, but Twin Butte’s General Store & Restaurant, & their new Smoke Shack, and Grumpy Goat really should be included…
Author
We 100% agree! Not technically Waterton, but worth the short drive and a must stop for anyone passing through! Delicious!