Maclab Bistro — Restaurant in Banff

Nestled in the highlands of Banff , Maclab Bistro offers an exquisite culinary journey that transcends the ordinary. During our recent visit, we indulged in an array of shareable plates and mains that left us utterly captivated.

To start, the Falafel & Trio of Dips presented a tantalizing fusion of flavors. The chickpea falafel was perfectly crispy on the outside and delightfully tender on the inside, complemented by the creamy textures of hummus, ajvar, and smoked eggplant dip. The addition of garlic sauce and bursts of pomegranate seeds elevated the dish to new heights, creating a symphony of Middle Eastern flavors on the palate.

Next, the Fried Halloumi Cheese & Shishito Peppers transported us to a realm of culinary bliss. The harmonious marriage of harissa maple glaze and green onions infused the crispy halloumi cheese with a delectable sweetness and a hint of spice. Each bite was a revelation, a delightful interplay of textures and tastes that left us craving for more.

The Mushrooms and Truffle Oil flatbread showcased the chef's mastery of flavors and ingredients. The caramelized onions, sweet peppers, and arugula pistou danced in harmony atop a canvas of crispy flatbread, while the creamy garlic sauce and shredded mozzarella added a touch of indulgence. Every bite was a symphony of earthy flavors and delicate aromas, a testament to the Bistro's commitment to culinary excellence.

For mains, the Classic Maclab Burger proved to be a culinary masterpiece in its own right. The succulent beef patty, adorned with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and a medley of mushrooms and caramelized onions, created a symphony of flavors that delighted the senses. The addition of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, dill pickle, and horseradish aioli further elevated the dish, resulting in a burger experience that was nothing short of extraordinary.

Lastly, the Grilled Char Sui Tofu Bowl offered a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The perfectly grilled char sui tofu, nestled atop a bed of sushi rice and black quinoa, was complemented by creamy avocado, tangy orange segments, and crisp carrots and cucumber. The vegan XO sauce added a depth of umami flavor, while sesame seeds and rice crisps provided a satisfying crunch. Each spoonful was a revelation, a harmonious blend of ingredients that showcased the Bistro's commitment to innovative and flavorful cuisine.

In conclusion, Maclab Bistro is a culinary gem that delights the senses and captivates the palate. From the shareable plates to the mains, each dish is a work of art, meticulously crafted to showcase the finest ingredients and flavors from around the world. Whether you're a culinary connoisseur or simply looking for an unforgettable dining experience, Maclab Bistro is sure to exceed your...

Worst Service I ever had. We asked if we could get a normal table because I had my son with me and he was using a high chair, the person we asked, she asked the manager and he ssid no. So we had to sat on a high table with my son on the high chair, very uncomfortable. I couldn't believe the "manager " didn't want to give us the table it was available. He could have give our table to the customers th hey were waiting. Very poor and unprofessional management. Then when we ordered our food, I was going to order a burger and I had questions about the burger and it looks like the server didn't like that I was asking questions, just because it was busy, so I just order a beef sandwich just to make things easier. We got the food, the server never asked as, how was the food or of we need anything. He didn't give us cutlery, no napkins, sweet potatoes fries didn't come with chipotle dressing so I had to ask twice for it and at the end, they ended up charging for it. This is the first place I have been where they charge you for the dressing of the sweet potato fries. I had to go and get my own Hp sauce and tabasco from the bar and the bartender was rude because I was grabbing myself, so if my server would have been there, I probably didn't have to do that but like I said, he never checked on us, he didn't served our food, he didn't clear our places, the only time he was quick enough was when we asked for the bill and then immediately he wanted to take our payments. Really bad service, I did hear the service wasn't good there and they always get so many complaints but I decided to give it a try. Worst decision ever. I just saw such a poor customer service from the whole team. I don't recommend this...

I'm writing this review as I'm sitting here at this restaurant.

Inattentive server, ordered a drink and it's been almost 20 minutes of us sitting here with our menus closed, decided what we'd order but haven't been acknowledged yet. The server took the drink and food order of the table next to us, who arrived after we did. I spoke up to get some acknowledgement, but server the kind of shrugged me off and said your server will be with you shortly, despite the fact that he was our server, but apparently not anymore.

Our actual server we received a few minutes after was much more attentive and apologetic regarding the experience thus far. Even the other server came over to explain and haphazardly apologize. After this debauchle things were a little better! The food was quite wonderful, and well presented. We thoroughly enjoyed the view, too.

We waited for a long time after finishing our meals and drinks, and no sign of the current server, so we just decided to go up to the front and try to pay our check, which was also difficult.

All in all, it was a awkward, confusing, and troublesome experience for us.

Despite all the trouble, the view and the food was good enough for me to give this place another chance to change my mind on the service experience...