We visited Market Bistro in Three Sister’s Village on a Saturday around noon. Located just under 10 minutes from Canmore, the restaurant is easily accessible by car or bus from the Trans Canada highway or via Three Sisters Drive. The restaurant had just opened for the day and was relatively quiet with only two tables occupied inside, but we decided to sit on the spacious outdoor patio. By the time we left around 1:45 pm, the patio was starting to fill up with more people.
The interior is spacious with a mix of high and low-top tables, well-lit with natural light, and cozy ambiance. We seated ourselves outside, and we were quickly greeted with waters. Our waiter was friendly and attentive, proactively offering to set up the heat lamp for us as it was a bit chilly.
The Menu
The menu has a great variety of wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, and pastas, with a focus on French and Italian cuisine. There were eight different types of salads on the menu. While tempted to try a pasta dish, we opted for sandwiches to avoid a heavy lunch. Given the quality of the food, we are eager to return for dinner to sample their entrees and pasta, especially the highly recommended Duck Confit.
The pricing is slightly higher than some other restaurants in town, but the portions and quality justify the cost. Sandwiches are reasonably priced and come with a choice of house green salad or soup of the day, with an option to upgrade to a Caesar salad or French Onion Soup for an additional $5. The restaurant’s atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed patio lunch, attracting a local crowd.
Our Order
We ordered a Caesar, Salmon Tartare, Italian Panini with a side of the house green salad, and Italian Beef Dip with a side of French Onion Soup.
Well-crafted with balanced flavors, the Caesar had the perfect amount of spice and garnish.
Salmon Tartare
Atlantic salmon, avocado, and sofrito, served with crostinis. The presentation was colorful and eye-catching. The salmon, tossed in a flavorful sauce made with mayo, onion, cucumber, vinaigrette, and capers, was very fresh. The creamy avocado added a rich texture, and the crispy crostinis were a good addition.
Italian Beef Dip & French Onion Soup
The beef dip included roast sirloin, garlic aioli, caramelized onion, mushroom, mozzarella, and beef jus. The roast sirloin was tender and juicy, and dipping the sandwich in the beef jus before each bite was a must.
The French Onion Soup was a classic comfort dish with good flavour and the melted Emmental cheese on top was rich and gooey.
Italian Panini & House Green Salad
This sandwich had Italian cured meats, Fior di latte, pesto, arugula, and tomato. The cured meats were perfectly seasoned, complemented by the Fior di latte cheese. The pesto and arugula added a fresh taste. The bread was toasted perfectly, and each bite was delicious.
The House Green Salad was a refreshing side with crisp artisan greens, pickled onions, fennel, and cherry tomatoes. The vinaigrette was nicely balanced with the juicy cherry tomatoes.
Worth the Visit
Market Bistro offers a super tasty meal with fresh, high-quality ingredients. With plenty of nearby street parking, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to escape the busy downtown area and enjoy a leisurely meal in a serene setting.
