The Fat Ox turns a former Banff Italian address into an alpine-Italian room with handmade pasta, Alberta game, imported antipasti, weekend brunch and daily aperitivo. Executive Chef Joseph Lavergne gives the menu a clear Banff angle without losing the Italian comfort-food spine.

Bear Street Tavern is a Banff pizza tavern built around personal 11-inch pies, cast-iron comfort food, craft beer and a dog-friendly courtyard patio. The strongest orders are The Bison, The Godfather and The Big Bird; the visit works for casual full-service dining, takeout, kids and dogs.

Pizzeria Sophia is a Caribou Street modern-Italian room built for pizza, pasta, cocktails, and a tight weekday happy hour. The strongest calls are 50 Layer Lasagne Bolognese, Pizza alla Vodka, Linguine Vongole, Honey Chili Ricotta & Focaccia, and a reservation-friendly Banff room that still works for takeout.

LUPO is a reservable Banff Italian restaurant on Wolf Street with house pasta, wood-fired pizza, family-style meats, seafood, a mountain-view patio, and a daily 3 p.m. happy-hour window. The strongest order runs through Spicy Rigatoni Alla Vodka, Uncle Morty, and The James Tiramisu.

Coyotes Southwestern Grill is a long-running Banff Southwestern room built around breakfast-through-dinner utility, scratch-made details, blue-corn enchiladas, Chimayo chile salmon, vegetarian depth, and a daily happy-hour window.