Cliffhouse Bistro Banff | Mountaintop Dining

Alpine Dining

Our 1950’s Tearoom Turned Modern Bistro

Originally opened in the 1950s as a tearoom, Cliffhouse Bistro is now a modern alpine dining spot perched at 7,000 feet. Reached by chairlift, it offers an unforgettable lunch setting in the Canadian Rockies, with just 50 seats and panoramic views of Mt. Rundle. A longtime gathering place once visited by Marilyn Monroe during the filming of River of No Return, the space now blends mid-century character with contemporary alpine dining.

Enjoy local beers, shareable bites, and all-day breakfast crafted to elevate every moment.

Our menu is thoughtfully curated with Alberta inspired dishes with subtle urban influences, prepared fresh in house. It’s refined yet approachable, with a focus on quality ingredients and mountain forward flavours.

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Ride to the Cliffhouse Bistro

The way to reach the Cliffhouse Bistro is by taking our scenic chairlift up the mountain. As you ride, soak in the breathtaking views that make this dining experience truly unique.

Visitor Reviews

      
   Cliffhouse Bistro
   83 Tripadvisor reviews 
  Write a review 
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   vikingschick80 
 
 
 Verified Food only outdone by the views, 10/10 for both Very much enjoyed this restaurant for both the views and food. We ate here after doing the via ferrata and were not dissapointed! We made reservations because it is peak tourist season, I don't know that they were necessary, but tables did fill as we were eating. We got a couple of flatbreads and a chicken sandwich, everyone enjoyed their order. The prices were also very fair, and the portions generous. The views can't be beat and I am really glad we decided to stay on the mtn after the via, instead of returning down the hill to the hustle and bustle of town. Our server was also very nice, and staff was friendly.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jim B 
 
 
 Verified Great Views With a Good Meal We had a mid afternoon meal of nachos and beer while at the top of Mt. Norquay. The setting is nice in a refurbished 1950's teahouse and the views are amazing. The nachos were very good and our server was very friendly. FYI...the portions are very large. We split the small nachos and couldn't finish them. The burgers at the next table were also very large.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   aroaringmouse 
 
 
 Verified Amazing View You ride up the ski lift to get to the top - doing this in summer is different experience from either doing this in winter or even a gondola as you are not shut in at all. At the top the bistro is picturesque, the wait staff is excellent as is the food and the atmosphere. Not your everyday experience, but as a treat or something new to try - worth it.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jiroflée Filion 
 
 
 Verified Good The service we had wasn’t very good but the food was good and this restaurant has vegan options. Overal okay. The view is amazing though.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jane 
 
 
 Verified Amazing! The food was awesome, the view was great, and the waitress was absolutely amazing! I absolutely loved the Los TexiCanado Salad.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jenny O 
 
 
 Verified Amazing view! We took the chairlift up to the Cliffhouse, bought some beers and sat outside admiring the view! This is worth the trip. Cheaper than the Banff Gondola but the views are just as good. The staff working the chairlift and in the bistro are lovely!
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Kelsey C 
 
 
 Verified Best Nachos Literally the best Nachos I have ever had. The atmosphere and the staff were also awesome. But seriously, those nachos are worth hiking all the way up the mountain for.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Nagesh Karkera 
 
 
 Verified Trip to Mount Norquay!!! It was my Third visit to the Cliff house Bistro. And each time i was as amazed and mesmerized by the view as i was the very first time. The food and the service matched the scenic view, Tully and Katey looked after us well. Will definitely be back soon ❤
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jacqui P 
 
 
 Verified Norcho average nachos A great place to have a meal with a view. The menu wasn't extensive, but it had enough variety. The nachos were not your standard nachos, more like a gourmet Italian take. They were very nice and even that half nachos were plenty for two people.
  
 
     Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Paranoid56 
 
 
 Verified Wow, super surprised, amazing food Thought this would be a just ok place, but wow. this place was over the top. The view was amazing. we had the meat an cheese platter and wow, have never had anything so perfect and good.