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The Fat Ox of Banff, Banff, AB

The Fat Ox of Banff

4.8
4.8
168 Reviews
CAN$51 and over
Italian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 29 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Great for fine wines
Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Northern Italy, The Fat Ox of Banff brings a taste of the Italian Alps to our guests. Our name, "Fat Ox" pays homage to the robust flavors and hearty dishes found in Northern Italian cuisine.

Symbolizing strength, endurance, and the bounty of the land, it reflects our commitment to serving exceptional meals crafted from the finest ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible and prepared with care & expertise. Our view for our guests is: We just want to have fun!



Lunch 11am-2pm
Apertivo 2pm-4pm (only food menu served during this time period)
Dinner 4pm- 10pm
Brunch 11am-2pm (Saturday and Sunday only)
*Reservations are not available for the patio*

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    CAN$51 and over
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Canadian, Wine Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Tue 11:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

Experiences

  • Northern Italian Inspired Wine Dinner

    CA$120.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Mar 28, 2025 only
    6:00 PM
    Join us for an unforgettable wine dinner, where exquisite wines, gourmet food, and the luxurious flavor of truffles from Northern Italy come together in perfect harmony. Indulge in a curated menu that showcases the rich culinary traditions and unique terroirs of this renowned region, elevating courses with the earthy elegance of truffles. MENU: Vitello Tonnato - Classic tonnato sauce, braised veal, lemon, parsley oil. Risotto Bianco - Perigord truffles, Grana Padano, chives. Brasato al Barolo - Braised bison short rib, red wine reduction, gorgonzola polenta. Erins Ricotta Cheesecake - Haskap berry compote, really nice olive oil.

What 168 people are saying

The Fat Ox of Banff reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Calgary / Southern Alberta

    Italian

  • Banff / Canmore

    Innovative

  • Banff / Canmore

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Banff / Canmore

    Great for fine wines

  • Banff / Canmore

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Fat Ox of Banff impresses with "delicious food and exceptional service." Notable highlights include the elk meatballs, "amazing cocktails," and a variety of pasta dishes like the bison tagliatelle. The ambience is "cozy yet elegant," perfect for special occasions. Patrons praise the attentive staff and "wonderful dining experience."

168 Reviews
  1. Michelle VIP

    Calgary35 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved it so much we came back the next day!! We were able to be seated in Mathieu’s section again and he was spectacular…again!! Here is a man who truly loves his job and it shows in EVERYTHING he does! From the wine and cocktail recommendations to all of the food on the menu! We wanted to try something different than the night before and we were impressed yet again! We shared the Winter Bruschetta which was so full of flavour! I never would have thought of using butternut squash for this but it was incredible! Even the flavour of the toasted bread was great! We then had the Roasted Chicken Breast and the Beef Short Rib…bravo! So delicious! The way the flavours were combined to create these dishes was fantastic!! Truly, this restaurant is a gem! We are complete foodies and are really picky when we go out and this place just checks off all of the boxes! Next time we are back in Banff we will for sure be back!! Grazie mille❤️
    The Fat Ox of BanffResponded 2 days ago
    Grazie mille for your incredible review and for dining with us not once, but twice during your visit. We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that both of your experiences were so memorable, and we’re honored to have impressed foodies as discerning as yourselves. It’s wonderful to know you loved the Winter Bruschetta, Roasted Chicken Breast, and Beef Short Rib; our team takes great pride in creating dishes that are as flavorful as they are unique. We’ll be sure to pass along your heartfelt compliments to Mathieu; he’ll be so happy to hear how much his passion, knowledge, and care elevated your experience. We can’t wait to welcome you back the next time you’re in Banff; thank you for considering us a gem and for your kind words. Best regards, Fat Ox Family

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  2. Stan

    San Francisco11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The Fat Ox really is one of the top restaurants in Banff. The menu is very well put together and the food rather excellently done. Well worth a visit while in Banff.
    The Fat Ox of BanffResponded on March 6, 2025
    Hi Stan Thank you for the wonderful 5 star review and the high praise. We look forward to seeing you on your next to Banff

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  3. OpenTable Diner VIP

    Houston4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 3, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Kieran was amazing! Top lad and made the experience great
    The Fat Ox of BanffResponded on March 3, 2025
    Thank you for the 5 star review!

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  4. Jeremy

    Norfolk/Suffolk4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A great meal, lovely atmosphere, staff were very friendly. I would definitely recommend ‘ The Fat Ox ‘ as it was recommended to me :)
    The Fat Ox of BanffResponded on March 5, 2025
    Hi Jeremy Thank you for the 5 star review! We are happy to hear that we lived up to the recommendation. See you on your next visit.

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  5. Kim

    Columbus8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was great. Had the winter bruschetta and pork and scallops. Very nice place.
    The Fat Ox of BanffResponded on March 3, 2025
    Hi Kim Thank you for the 5 star review!

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  6. Jennifer VIP

    Tallahassee22 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 26, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious meal top to bottom. Fun cocktails, great wine rec from our awesome server. The elk meatballs!
    The Fat Ox of BanffResponded on February 26, 2025
    Hi Jennifer Thank you for the amazing 5 star review! We are delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your experience. See you on your next visit.

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  7. JENNY

    New York City13 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 25, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    The restaurant had a dusty haze when we walked in for our 6:45 dinner reservation. I had Asked the hostess if there was a problem with the kitchen ventilation- After we were seated, the hostess came to explain that it was an incident with the ongoing construction on the other side of the restaurant wall. She even offered for us to leave, if we didn't feel comfortable staying. But we stayed - Food was very good- we shared a kale Caesar, which was interesting and good- but nothing like a Caesar. My husband had the slow cook pork and I had the spaghetti with elk meatballs- very tasty; and a bottle of Italian red wine. So yes, a very nice meal with good service (after a waiter mix-up which delayed us being helped)- but I believe the restaurant should have offered us some consideration for the dust issue.
    The Fat Ox of BanffResponded on February 25, 2025
    Hi Jenny Thank you for the review. Our apologies about the construction, it was definitely an unexpected nuisance. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit to Banff.

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  8. Catalina

    Calgary1 review

    4.0

    Dined on February 24, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Really tasty food and wonderful drinks! I went with my husband for the first time to celebrate our anniversary. We loved the brushetta! The main dish was really good, (we would like more vegetrarian options, but was fine) the service was excepcional!! Mateo was so nice, he helped us a lot with the menu and the talk with him was incredible. The drinks and wines were amazing!
    The Fat Ox of BanffResponded on February 26, 2025
    Hi Catalina Thank you for the feedback. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience. See you on your next visit.

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  9. Peckish

    Vancouver36 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on February 24, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    We enjoyed our meal at the Fat Ox. The endive & radicchio salad with blue cheese & walnuts was refreshing & light. The winter bruschetta with squash was flavour & the bread for the bruschetta was tasty. The Arctic Char was delicious, particularly the fennel salad on top & the beans. The waiter was friendly & attentive at first, but as the room filled up, they seemed a bit stretched & they may have had a few too many tables to manage. But they were friendly, professional & helpful when accommodating an allergy. The design of the room is lovely. However, I suggest not sitting at one of the tables near the door. As the 2nd, inner door, was open, it let a cold draft in intermittently. We plan to return again this week, as the menu has so many interesting options & the meal we had was delicious.
    The Fat Ox of BanffResponded on February 24, 2025
    Hi Peckish Thank you for feedback about your experience. We look forward to seeing you again this week.

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  10. Kira

    Vancouver7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 23, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful ambience with soft light, classy furniture, attractive decorations. Exceptional service, best we have had in a long time (Matthieu). Mussels were divine and the mains were delicious.
    The Fat Ox of BanffResponded on February 24, 2025
    Hi Kira Thank you for the 5 star review. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed the personable service, warm atmosphere and delicious food. See you on your next visit.

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FAQs

The Fat Ox of Banff offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (403) 762-3848.

The Fat Ox of Banff is rated 4.8 stars by 168 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 29 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Fat Ox of Banff

415 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B5

Additional information

  • Phone number
  • Price
    CAN$51 and over
  • Cuisines
    Italian, Canadian, Wine Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Tue 11:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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