Maclab Bistro

A friend recommended this hidden bistro that serves nothing fancy but good food. It is a comfortable place with a breathtaking view. The menu is not extensive, but it includes a list of special diet options. I was intrigued by the vegan cobb salad with tofu bacon and decided not to try the vegan burger this time. Very disappointed with the vegan cobb salad. The salad greens & the dressing were ok, but the sliced avocado was mushy and did not taste like the fruit. Tofu bacon was a bunch of burnt julienne of extremely salty substance not suited for consumption. I left most of that tofu bacon on the plate and gave the serves my review. The side sweet potato fries were ok, and so were my friends' orders of beef burger, regular meat cobb salad, and chicken salad. The bad experience convinces me not to return to try their vegan burger. The service was fine, although the place was almost empty.

Come for the View - Great place to gather Here’s the thing - the food is not why you go here. It’s THE best gathering spot to have a drink and connect with people on the whole Banff Centre campus. In good weather that patio at night, with the fire features going? It’s a slice of heaven. The food can be good, but it’s a little hit or miss. I had a dry overpriced Bison burger, then the next day a fantastic Duck salad. One thing that is sadly consistent is the fairly poor service. What they lack in sharpness they overdo with grace, warmth and kindness and that never goes out of style. Come for the view, stay for the company. Want good food? Go to the “Vistas” dining room steps away.