Nestled within the Grande Rockies Resort, Grande Kitchen and Bar is a casual yet exceptional dining spot in Canmore. Known for its fusion of Eastern influences with classic French and Italian cuisine, the restaurant has earned numerous accolades, including several first-place awards in the “Best of the Bow 2024” hosted by the Rocky Mountain Outlook. Despite its unassuming location, this family-friendly establishment consistently delivers great food and service, making it a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.
Atmosphere and Setting
We visited Grande Kitchen and Bar on Monday, December 30th, arriving around 5:45 p.m. Contrary to our expectations for a quiet Monday evening, the restaurant was nearly full, with a lively crowd that included many families with young children. It seemed that several guests were returning from a day of skiing and staying at the adjacent hotel. By the time we left at 7:00 p.m., every table was occupied, showcasing the restaurant’s popularity.
The dining area is compact and narrow, with a small bar near the entrance. To reach the dining room, patrons walk through the bar area. It was a busy evening for the staff who seemed to be a little stressed however despite this, our server remained attentive and accommodating throughout our meal, demonstrating professionalism under pressure.
Parking is convenient, with designated spots for restaurant patrons separate from hotel guest parking. In warmer months, the restaurant expands its seating with a patio, while in winter, it offers takeout and curbside pickup.
Awards and Specials
Grande Kitchen and Bar’s reputation is backed by an impressive list of accolades from the 2024 “Best of the Bow” awards, where it secured first place in categories such as Best Service, Best Breakfast Menu, Best Lunch Menu, Best Dinner Menu, and Best Steak. It’s also celebrated for its vegetarian options, healthy eats, and as a top spot for first dates.
The restaurant’s daily specials and happy hour deals further enhance its appeal:
- Happy Hour (2:00–5:00 p.m.): $6 drinks and small bites, including meatball subs, dry ribs, poutine, and pizza slices.
- Rib Mondays: $6 off all rib dishes after 5:00 p.m.
- Burger Tuesdays: Three burger options with signature chips for $16.95, plus $2 off draft beer.
- Wine Wednesdays: $5 house wine pours and $5 off wine bottles.
- Pasta Thursdays: Five pasta options for $17.95, served with garlic bread.
The Menu
Grande Kitchen and Bar’s menu features a wide variety of options, including breakfast dishes, pasta, handhelds, and appetizers. While we didn’t sample the breakfast menu on this visit, its reputation has us eager to return. For dinner, we opted for the Pork Schnitzel and Root Beer BBQ Ribs.
Our Order
Pork Schnitzel The Pork Schnitzel, described on the menu as “panko-crusted loin with caramelized onion, mozzarella, tomato sauce, roasted baby potatoes, and chef’s vegetables,” was a satisfying dish. The panko-crusted loin was well-executed, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a touch of mozzarella adding a nice flavour boost.
The dish’s presentation was visually appealing, though the ketchup smear on the plate felt out of place. I substituted the roasted baby potatoes for fries, which turned out to be an excellent decision. The fries were perfectly crispy and flavorful, thanks to their battering before frying. Paired with a caramelized onion gravy, they were the highlight of the meal. The chef’s vegetables, a mix of broccoli, corn, carrots, and zucchini, were underwhelming. They were slightly firm and lacked seasoning, adding little to the dish overall. Despite this, the generous portion size made the meal feel like good value.
Root Beer BBQ Ribs The Root Beer BBQ Ribs were a standout. The Alberta pork ribs were incredibly tender, with the meat falling off the bone. The root beer BBQ glaze struck the perfect balance of sweet and sticky, coating the ribs beautifully.
The dish came with wedged potatoes and coleslaw. The potatoes were well-seasoned and crispy, complementing the ribs perfectly. The coleslaw was standard but provided a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours of the ribs. The portion size was generous, featuring a full rack of ribs.
One issue arose with sesame seeds garnishing the ribs, which weren’t mentioned in the menu description. Due to a sesame allergy, we initially tried to scrape them off but found them on both sides of the ribs. After alerting our server and apologizing for not mentioning the allergy earlier, he quickly rectified the situation. The kitchen prepared a new, sesame-free plate of ribs within 10 minutes. We appreciated the swift and gracious handling of the situation, which allowed us to fully enjoy the meal.
Final Thoughts
Grande Kitchen and Bar offers an inviting atmosphere, attentive service, and a menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. While the dining area can get noisy during peak times, the quality of the food and the professionalism of the staff make it a worthwhile experience. Both the Pork Schnitzel and Root Beer BBQ Ribs delivered on flavour, with the ribs standing out as a must-try dish.
With its impressive awards, diverse menu, and appealing daily specials, Grande Kitchen and Bar is a hidden gem in Canmore that deserves recognition. Whether you’re stopping by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or happy hour, this restaurant delivers on its promise of great food and service. We’re already planning a return visit to explore more of the menu—particularly their breakfast and pasta offerings.