Chez François, located in Canmore, Alberta, is a well-regarded French-inspired restaurant celebrated for its breakfast and brunch offerings. Adjacent to the Chateau Canmore hotel, the restaurant’s accessible location and ample parking make it a convenient choice for both locals and visitors. Known as the best breakfast spot in Canmore by many locals, Chez François combines a cozy atmosphere with thoughtfully prepared dishes that reflect French culinary influences.
The Atmosphere and Setting
Chez François offers two distinct dining areas: the main dining room and a private section reserved for group gatherings. While the private section is not always open, the main dining area is the hub of activity. The restaurant also features a patio that becomes a popular spot during the summer months. On our Sunday visit at 12:45 p.m., the restaurant was about one-third full, offering a quiet and relaxed experience. The restaurant is reportedly much busier earlier in the morning, especially around 10 a.m.
The interior is warm and inviting, creating a cozy and intimate setting ideal for a leisurely breakfast or brunch. The friendly and attentive staff enhance the welcoming atmosphere, contributing to the restaurant’s reputation as a cherished local spot. While prices are on the higher end for breakfast, the quality of the food and the overall experience justify the cost for most patrons.
The Menu
Chez François specializes in breakfast and brunch dishes, with a menu that highlights both classic and French-inspired options. Diners can choose from crepes, eggs Benedict, pancakes, waffles, classic breakfast platters, French toast, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches. The French influence is evident in the use of ingredients like brie, fresh herbs, and rich sauces. Despite its focus on quality over quantity, the portion sizes are generous—a notable value in the region.
What We Ordered
During our visit, we sampled several items: The Mountaineer, The American Combo, an extra side of bacon, and two yogurt smoothies (Strawberry Mango and Peach Mango).
The Mountaineer The Mountaineer is a hearty breakfast platter featuring three eggs (we chose over-easy), crispy bacon, sourdough toast, sausage, and homestyle potatoes. The eggs were perfectly cooked, with yolks that oozed just right. The bacon was crisp without being overly greasy, and the sourdough toast was lightly buttered and toasted to perfection. The homestyle potatoes, sliced thin rather than cubed, were flavorful but slightly underwhelming in texture, as they lacked crispness. The sausage was average, resembling standard breakfast sausage without any standout qualities.
The American Combo This dish offered a mix of sweet and savoury elements: scrambled eggs, a pancake, French toast, bacon, sausage, homestyle potatoes, and a side of fresh fruit. Unfortunately, the scrambled eggs were disappointing, resembling powdered eggs in both taste and texture. A substitution for real eggs, even at an additional cost, would have significantly improved this dish. The French toast, on the other hand, had a tasty cinnamon flavour and was well-prepared. The pancake was the highlight—fluffy, sweet, and perfectly cooked. The bacon and sausage were consistent with what we experienced in The Mountaineer: good but unremarkable. The side of fresh fruit, consisting of a few slices of melon and a piece of orange peel, was underwhelming and largely untouched.
Smoothies We tried the Strawberry Mango Yogurt and Peach Mango Yogurt smoothies. Both were flavorful and refreshing, with a pleasant yogurt base. However, the consistency was more like juice than a smoothie, even after requesting extra ice to thicken them. While the taste was enjoyable, those expecting a traditional thick smoothie might find this offering unsatisfactory.
Overall Impression
Chez François delivers a solid breakfast experience with a mix of hits and misses. The Mountaineer is a reliable choice for those seeking a hearty and satisfying meal, while The American Combo provides a variety of sweet and savoury items. However, the scrambled eggs were a notable letdown, and the smoothies fell short of expectations in terms of texture. Despite these minor shortcomings, the overall quality of the food, combined with the cozy atmosphere and attentive service, makes Chez François a worthy destination for breakfast or brunch in Canmore.
As a beloved local spot, Chez François continues to charm diners with its blend of classic and French-inspired dishes. Whether you’re a visitor exploring the Canadian Rockies or a local seeking a dependable breakfast spot, this restaurant offers a welcoming and satisfying start to your day. For those who prioritize quality ingredients and generous portions, Chez François is the answer.