The Best Cheap Eats in Banff
Banff is not a cheap destination, so it’s important to try and save a little money here and there when you can. While this isn’t always possible when it comes to accommodation and tours, it is possible to find affordable food in Banff. Of course you can always hit up the chains like McDonalds or barBURRITO, but there are better, more unique places to find cheap eats in Banff!
Our Favorite Cheap Eats in Banff
Yama Onigiri
Have you ever tried Japanese Onigiri? If you have no idea what I’m talking about, it’s time to head to Yama Onigiri in Banff. In true Japanese fashion this is a tiny shop with a limited menu of different onigiris and delicious miso soup, for dessert you can’t go wrong with their mochi.
For $8 you can get your hands on a range of onigiri selctions, and just one might be enough to fill you up!
Banff Poutine
Along with maple syrup, this is possibly nothing more Canadian than poutine. It’s the ultimate, savory late-night dish that’s become ubiquitous with Canada. The dish’s origins are debated, but it is at least credited as a Quebecois dish. It consists of french fries, gravy, and cheese curds.
You’ll find this dish all over the town of Banff, and it’s most common in the bars. However, if we’re really craving poutine, we usually head to Banff Poutine on Bear Street where you can get a delicious sized serving for $15.
Sushi House Banff
For cheap, authentic, and high-quality sushi, check out Banff Sushi House. It’s a pretty small hole-in-the-wall spot, and there isn’t much of an ambiance, but that’s what makes it a great cheap eat in Banff, especially for kids who need some entertainment while eating quickly. The sushi is affordable and delicious, and the staff is friendly. Plus, we love the fact that the sushi plates ride around on a Canadian Pacific toy train. Bonus that it’s one of the quickest places to eat in Banff.
It’s a local spot that is Japanese-owned and run and has been around for decades now. We love to stop in for a quick bite to eat right when we get off the ski hill as the food is ready immediately if you can get a seat. They offer takeaway if you feel like grabbing sushi, but we prefer it fresh (and did I mention quick?)
Hankki
Fairly new in the Banff restaurant space is Hankki, one of the most affordable places to eat in Banff. This is a place where you can grab a quick meal for lunch or dinner. Their specialty? Korean barbecue and street food! Originating in Calgary, Hankki made waves there and was so popular that it was brought to Banff! Make sure to try one of their signature Hankki Bowls and fries – our favorite is the Korean BBQ bowl!
Anejo
This is a local hotspot in Banff that serves delicious Mexican dishes. Mexican food has long been my favorite cuisine, so they get the nod for my favorite restaurant in Banff. The interior is inviting, and you get a Mexicana cantina vibe the moment you set foot inside.
Order a hearty burrito and pair it with a Cerveza for a tasty apres-ski or snowshoe meal. Make sure to try their $3 classic tacos and $6 margaritas during their twice-daily Happy Hour (3pm-5pm & 9pm – close).
High Rollers
If you’re after one of the best (and cheapest) burgers in Banff mixed with some fun, head to High Rollers for some bowling. It’s a fantastic thing to do in Banff when it’s raining outside, or the weather isn’t ideal.
It’s far from your old-school bowling alley that feels grungy; instead, you’ll find modern decor, craft beer, wings, and delicious NY-style pizza. Don’t miss out on their super tasty wings, waffle fries, or poutine. However, the best deal on their menu is easily Ronnie’s Burger for just $10.
Perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or family, High Rollers has limited hours for kids in the evening as it shifts towards a bar. However, during the day and early evening, it’s definitely family-friendly. Kids even eat FREE at High Rollers with the purchase of a regular-priced beverage or food item on Sundays between 12 and 6 p.m.
Ramen Arashi
This is an excellent, affordable spot to eat in Banff. We love to have ramen after a cold day in the mountains as it’s one of our favorite comfort foods from Japan. Ramen Arashi is located in a small location on the second floor of the Sundance Mall, so it’s good if you’re a small group or if you want to order some takeout, as there is not a lot of seating, and there is often a wait. (Take out is pretty quick).
It’s pretty authentic ramen with your usual base and topping options. We love Black Veggie Tan Tan and Devil’s Arashi ramen. Japanese food is our favorite cuisine, so it shouldn’t be much of a surprise that Ramen Arashi and Banff Sushi House are two of our most frequented Banff restaurants. There’s also a location in Canmore as well that has the same menu but is often less busy.
Happy Hour Deals
I’ve listed a few Happy Hour deals here, but there are plenty of others to be had. In the summer, there are a few Banff restaurants that run happy hour deals for one hour. While in the winter, these deals might run a bit longer. Our favorite happy hour deal in Banff can be found at Hello Sunshine, where you can get half off sushi rolls. But Pizzeria Sophia runs a great one too – half off wood fired pizzas!
