Stirling Grill Location
We visited the Stirling Grill on a Wednesday evening in July at around 6.30pm. Based in the heart of Canmore, this restaurant is based in the Malcolm Hotel which has plenty of street parking available and beautiful views of the nearby mountains from the restaurant.
Restaurant Setting
Although described as upscale and with a very polished and organized interior, there is still a cozy and relaxed atmosphere to it. With a lounge area, an outdoor patio, and a dining section, it is quite a large restaurant.
The patio would have been our choice of seat, but because of the hot weather that day we decided to sit indoors. The bar section had multiple sports showing on screens so there is something for everyone. The lounge was relatively quiet, with only two other booths occupied, providing a peaceful environment for our meal.
The Menu
The restaurant is open 11.30am – 9.30pm daily and is known to have one of Canmore’s best wine lists and in-house cocktails. They have a broad range available on their menu including meat, fish and veggie options, and they have a daily Happy Hour from 2-5pm as well as some daily specials on food and drinks deals.
The Malcolm Burger
The 6oz beef patty was juicy, flavorful, and paired well with the smoky applewood cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickled onion toppings. The bacon was crispy and the brioche bun was lightly toasted. The Malcolm aioli added a tangy, slightly spicy kick but while the burger was delicious, it is on the pricier side.
The Avocado Toast Melt
Intrigued by the creative take on a brunch classic, I ordered the avocado toast melt however it didn’t quite hit the mark. Although a tasty dish, the combination of the asparagus, swiss cheese, and kewpie mayo overpowered the intended star of the dish, the avocado. However the crispy onions provided a nice crunch, and the roasted tomatoes added depth of flavor.
Stirling Salad
The Stirling Salad was a pleasant surprise. The blackberry vinaigrette was delicious and added the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness to the crisp vegetables. I enjoyed the crunch and texture the pistachios added. The presentation was also noteworthy, with vibrant colors making the dish as visually appealing as it was tasty.
Caesar Salad and French Fries
The Caesar Salad featured crisp romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, crispy onions, and bacon. The use of crumbly parmesan added a touch of authenticity and quality and the salad being served with a crostini was a nice touch. The house-made French fries were the perfect side—they were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Final Thoughts
Dining at the Stirling Grill was a pleasant experience. The ambiance and service were great with some delicious meals. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to catch up with friends over a meal, the Stirling Grill at the Malcolm Hotel is definitely worth the visit.
