Maclab Bistro
Maclab Bistro things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Description
Airy restaurant & bar offering eclectic eats, including specialty burgers, plus scenic views.
attractions: Fairmont Banff Springs, Bow Falls Viewpoint, Banff Visitor Centre, Cascade of Time Garden, COWS Banff, Central Park, Surprise Corner Viewpoint, Tunnel Mountain Trail, Brewster Mountain Lodge, Banff Pedestrian Bridge, restaurants: Indian Curry House-Banff, The Grizzly House, The Old Spaghetti Factory (Banff), PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar, Magpie & Stump Mexican Restaurant + Bar, Saffron Indian Bistro, Melissa's MisSteak, Tooloulous, Bear Street Tavern, St James's Gate Irish Pub
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Description
Airy restaurant & bar offering eclectic eats, including specialty burgers, plus scenic views.
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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 expectations.
Vikas Raj BhagatVikas Raj Bhagat
10
Loved this lunch experience. Spectacular views Stylish decor, attentive friendly quick service, reasonable price. We sat inside due to rain , feel on a nicer day the patio would be delightful. We are Vegan- menu had number of clearly labeled vegan options : We chose three: tempura green beans ( our favourite ) basket of sweet potato fries, vegan burger.The salad side order with the burger was fresh and colourful. Each dish presented well, generous portions, amazing taste. Loved the folky music. Clear and not to loud to interfere with our conversation We are not used of overly spicy dishes, Maclab Bistro had perfect spice level for us We enjoyed our experience so much. We return the next day. And tried the grilled char Sui tofu bowl. - Loved this dish !! Bursting with flavor , and a great. Touch to have the raw veggies, and the oranges slices. This is by far the most relaxing, zen eating experience in Banff. Well worth the trip to the Banff center.
Ken KlattKen Klatt
00
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 we received.
Paul MartinPaul Martin
00
I tried the steak and suggest you don't. You can't get fries as a side, separate side order is a giant bowl of fries. Beautiful mountain scenery is all this location has IMO. Update - Owner replied to my review saying fries are "available" as a side. One our visit (march 13 2024) I double checked with our serving staff (because it was so weird) and they confirmed you can not sub out Caesar for fries. The only option for fries was to order the Korean fries for $10, it's too much for one person but would work good to share. Currently their online menu states fries are now allowed, so they might have changed, if so smart move, you don't need a Caesar salad when your steak is covered in arugula. It's also worth noting you are not given any preference to how the steak is done (also confirmed with server on our visit). Check the picture, if you know meat you'll know why that steak was not good. I also suspect that beef was imported rather than Alberta beef.
Jason YaremchukJason Yaremchuk
00
I was at the Banff Centre for several days and I have to say: MacLab had great service, atmosphere and food! Good gluten free (GF) options - I was pleasantly surprised to see GF chicken strips and fries on the menu! I had those for lunch one day (with sweet potato fries) and wow, not only are they delicious but the portions are huge. You may want to share it with a friend (sorry forgot to take a pic)! I also had the GF baked yoghurt from their grab-and-go menu for breakfast one day. One night I had the GF mushroom & truffle oil pizza - so good. Their cheeseburger was delicious. I had it with a side salad and was expecting some small, limp, iceberg lettuce deal but no! The side salad was fresh and tasty and there was a nice large serving of it. They have a cider on tap plus another available in cans for us GF folks. Two things would have pushed this to a 5-star review: availability of GF beer and having the grab-and-go menu available earlier than 11am.
Sarah HSSarah HS
10
I ate here twice during my stay at Banff Center. Both times the food was solidly good. There are lots of vegetarian options. The portions are large. I was a little disappointed that the halloumi shishito appetizer had only three peppers :/ but otherwise it was tasty! Veggie burger was good. Sweet potato fries and fried green beans were also both good! Views are absolutely great. I can't imagine many places in Banff that could have a better view while eating. There is lots of room inside and outside on the patio (see photos). However, the second time I came was before a show at the Jenny Belzberg theatre and it was packed. They don't take reservations and recommended getting there around 5pm, which was great advice, otherwise I don't think we would have been able to eat there before the show.
LaurenLauren
00
Nearby Attractions Of Maclab Bistro
Fairmont Banff Springs
Bow Falls Viewpoint
Banff Visitor Centre
Cascade of Time Garden
COWS Banff
Central Park
Surprise Corner Viewpoint
Tunnel Mountain Trail
Brewster Mountain Lodge
Banff Pedestrian Bridge

Fairmont Banff Springs
4.7
(5.8K)Click for details

Bow Falls Viewpoint
4.7
(2.4K)Click for details

Banff Visitor Centre
4.6
(1.6K)Click for details

Cascade of Time Garden
4.7
(1.4K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Maclab Bistro
Indian Curry House-Banff
The Grizzly House
The Old Spaghetti Factory (Banff)
PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar
Magpie & Stump Mexican Restaurant + Bar
Saffron Indian Bistro
Melissa's MisSteak
Tooloulous
Bear Street Tavern
St James's Gate Irish Pub

Indian Curry House-Banff
4.4
(1.9K)Click for details

The Grizzly House
4.3
(1.9K)$$$
Click for details

The Old Spaghetti Factory (Banff)
4.3
(1.8K)Click for details

PARK Distillery Restaurant + Bar
4.4
(1.5K)$$
Click for details