Where We Ate in Jasper National Park: Honest Reviews of Every Restaurant We Tried
Where should you eat in Jasper National Park? Read our honest reviews of Wafflato, Evil Dave’s Grill, Aalto, Jasper Pizza Place, and other Jasper favorites.
Estimated reading time: 16 minutes
After several days exploring Jasper National Park, one thing became clear: Jasper may be a small mountain town, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to food.
I wasn’t expecting that.
On many national park trips, dining is more about convenience than memorable meals. You eat because you’re hungry after a day of sightseeing, not because you’re seeking out culinary experiences. Jasper surprised me. Between an outstanding fine-dining dinner overlooking Pyramid Lake, a pizza restaurant that became one of our favorite meals of the trip, and a waffle shop so good we went back twice, we ended up eating far better than I anticipated.
If you’re planning a Jasper vacation and wondering where to eat between wildlife tours, lake cruises, and scenic drives, this guide covers every restaurant we personally tried during our visit.
As always, I’m writing from the perspective of a casual national parks traveler. We love great scenery and memorable experiences, but we’re not backpackers cooking freeze-dried meals at a campsite. We stay in lodges, enjoy good restaurants, and appreciate finding places that work well for families, couples, and travelers who want comfort along with adventure.
Quick Snapshot: Where We Ate in Jasper
Best Overall Meal: Aalto
Best Breakfast: Wafflato
Best Casual Dinner: Jasper Pizza Place
Best Fine Dining Experience: Aalto
Best Dessert Stop: Wafflato
Best View With Food: Aalto at Pyramid Lake Lodge
Best Quick Treat: Ice cream at Maligne Lake
Most Unique Restaurant: Evil Dave’s Grill
If I returned to Jasper tomorrow, I’d immediately put Aalto, Jasper Pizza Place, and Wafflato back on my itinerary.
Note: We enjoyed some great meals in Banff, but Jasper actually surprised me more. For a smaller mountain town, the variety and quality of restaurants we found here was impressive, and several meals ended up being highlights of the trip.
Aalto: One of the Best Meals We Had in the Canadian Rockies
If I had to pick a single restaurant from our entire Jasper trip, Aalto would be it.
Located inside Pyramid Lake Lodge, Aalto combines exceptional food with one of the most beautiful dining settings in Jasper.
The restaurant overlooks Pyramid Lake, with mountain views stretching beyond the water. During our stay at Pyramid Lake Lodge, we ate here multiple times and quickly realized this wasn’t just a convenient hotel restaurant. It was legitimately excellent.
Why We Loved Aalto
The atmosphere strikes a wonderful balance between upscale and comfortable.
You don’t feel underdressed if you arrive after a day of sightseeing, but the experience still feels special enough for an anniversary dinner or date night.
Large windows frame the lake and surrounding mountains. Even when the weather isn’t perfect, the views create a sense of place that reminds you exactly why you came to Jasper in the first place.
Unlike some scenic restaurants that rely entirely on their location, Aalto delivers on the food too.
And honestly, that’s what impressed me most.
Dinner at Aalto
Our dinner here ended up being one of those meals that you keep talking about long after the trip ends.
The steak was beautifully prepared and arrived with roasted vegetables and potatoes. Everything tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared rather than mass-produced for tourists.
What stood out wasn’t necessarily one single dish. It was the consistency.
Every plate that arrived at our table looked fantastic.
Every dessert felt like something the kitchen took pride in creating.
And the service matched the quality of the food.
In a region where many visitors are only staying a few days, it would be easy for restaurants to rely on one-time customers. Aalto felt like a restaurant that genuinely cared about delivering a memorable experience.
Save Room for Dessert
The desserts here were outstanding.
One featured strawberries and cream with beautiful presentation and just enough sweetness without being overwhelming.
Another dessert combined berry flavors with crunchy textures and fresh fruit.
These weren’t giant tourist-trap desserts designed for Instagram. They were well-executed desserts that actually tasted as good as they looked.
Is Aalto Worth It?
Absolutely.
If you’re only choosing one special dinner in Jasper, Aalto would be my recommendation.
Between the lake views, excellent service, and genuinely impressive food, it became one of the highlights of our stay at Pyramid Lake Lodge.
Jasper Pizza Place: Casual, Delicious, and Family Friendly
Sometimes after a long day in the mountains, you don’t want fine dining.
You want pizza.
Really good pizza.
That’s exactly what we found at Jasper Pizza Place.
After spending the day exploring Jasper, we headed into town looking for a casual dinner. This restaurant consistently receives positive reviews, and after eating there, I completely understand why.
What We Ordered
We went with a mushroom-heavy pizza loaded with cheese, mushrooms, and red onions.
The crust had that ideal combination of crispy edges and chewy interior.
The toppings tasted fresh.
The pizza arrived hot.
Simple? Yes.
But sometimes simple is exactly what you want.
Why It Worked So Well
Jasper Pizza Place feels approachable.
Families were eating here.
Couples were eating here.
Groups of friends were eating here.
Nobody looked like they were trying too hard.
It felt relaxed, welcoming, and exactly the type of restaurant that works well during a national park vacation.
After spending the day chasing wildlife sightings or driving the Icefields Parkway, sitting down with a great pizza and a cold drink felt pretty close to perfect.
Would We Return?
Without hesitation.
In fact, if we’d had another night in Jasper, we probably would have eaten here again.
That’s usually my test for a vacation restaurant.
Was it good enough that I’d willingly spend another meal here when there are dozens of other options?
For Jasper Pizza Place, the answer is definitely yes.
Wafflato: So Good We Went Twice
You know a place is good when you visit twice during a relatively short vacation.
That’s exactly what happened with Wafflato.
Originally, we stopped because the menu looked fun.
After the first visit, we came back because we genuinely wanted more.
The Waffles
The waffles here aren’t your typical hotel breakfast waffles.
They’re over-the-top creations loaded with toppings, whipped cream, fruit, sauces, and enough sweetness to satisfy almost anyone.
One waffle featured fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and chocolate drizzle.
Another included bananas, berries, and maple syrup.
They looked almost too pretty to eat.
Almost.
Why Families Will Love It
If you’re traveling with kids or teenagers, Wafflato is practically guaranteed to be a hit.
The portions are generous.
The presentation is fun.
And there are enough options that everyone can find something appealing.
It’s the kind of place where people start taking pictures before anyone takes a bite.
The Milkshake
The chocolate milkshake was every bit as indulgent as it looks.
Loaded with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, it was more dessert than beverage.
No regrets.
Vacation calories don’t count, right?
At least that’s what I told myself.
More Than Just Waffles
One thing I appreciated was that Wafflato wasn’t exclusively a dessert stop.
There were savory options available too, making it possible to stop by for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat.
Still, let’s be honest.
The waffles are the main attraction.
And they’re worth it.
Ice Cream at Maligne Lake
Sometimes the best food memories aren’t full meals.
Sometimes they’re simple moments.
After our Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island, we stopped for ice cream near the lake.
Nothing fancy.
Nothing complicated.
Just ice cream on a beautiful summer day in one of the most scenic places in Canada.
Why This Stop Stands Out
Travel memories are often connected to timing.
The weather was beautiful.
The lake was stunning.
The cruise had exceeded expectations.
And the ice cream felt like the perfect way to end the experience.
Could you find ice cream somewhere else?
Of course.
Would it taste quite the same without Maligne Lake sitting nearby?
Probably not.
The Maligne Lake Restaurant
We didn’t eat a full meal here, but it’s worth mentioning that there is a restaurant at Maligne Lake.
If you’re spending several hours in the area or taking the cruise, it’s a convenient option without needing to drive back into Jasper town immediately.
The setting alone makes it appealing.
Evil Dave’s Grill: Creative Food in Jasper
If Aalto was our best overall dining experience and Jasper Pizza Place was our favorite casual dinner, Evil Dave’s probably wins the award for most creative menu.
This restaurant has been a Jasper favorite for years, and after eating here, it’s easy to understand why.
A Different Kind of Menu
The menu feels more adventurous than many mountain-town restaurants.
There are unexpected flavor combinations, interesting ingredients, and dishes that encourage you to branch out a little.
Without becoming pretentious.
That’s a difficult balance to achieve.
Evil Dave’s manages it well.
What We Thought
The food was excellent.
The atmosphere was lively.
The restaurant felt energetic without being chaotic.
It had more personality than many tourist-town restaurants, and that personality is part of its appeal.
If you’ve spent several days eating burgers, sandwiches, and pizza during your national park vacation, Evil Dave’s provides a nice change of pace.
Who Should Eat Here?
I’d especially recommend Evil Dave’s for:
- Couples
- Foodies visiting Jasper
- Adults looking for something different
- Travelers celebrating a special occasion
Families can certainly enjoy it too, but compared with Jasper Pizza Place, the menu is slightly more adventurous.
My Ranking of Every Place We Ate in Jasper
Obviously, food is subjective. But if you handed me a plane ticket back to Jasper tomorrow and told me I could only revisit these restaurants in order, this would be my list.
1. Wafflato
Yes, I’m putting the waffle shop at the top.
And yes, I’m completely serious.
We went twice during a relatively short trip, which tells you everything you need to know. The waffles were huge, loaded with toppings, and absolutely delicious. The chocolate milkshake was basically a dessert in a cup, and every visit felt fun rather than rushed.
Sometimes the best vacation food isn’t fine dining. It’s the place you immediately start planning to revisit before you’ve even finished eating.
For us, that was Wafflato.
2. Evil Dave’s Grill
If Wafflato was the most fun meal, Evil Dave’s was probably the most memorable dinner.
The menu felt creative without being intimidating, and everything we ordered was excellent. It had personality, which is something a lot of tourist-town restaurants lack. The flavors were unique, the atmosphere was lively, and it felt like a restaurant that genuinely belongs in Jasper rather than one that could exist anywhere.
If you’re looking for a special dinner in town, this would be my first recommendation.
3. Aalto
Putting Aalto at number three probably says more about how much we loved the top two than anything negative about the restaurant.
The food was excellent. The service was outstanding. The views over Pyramid Lake were spectacular.
In fact, if someone asked me where to book the nicest dinner in Jasper, I’d still recommend Aalto without hesitation.
But when I think back on the restaurants I’m most excited to revisit, Wafflato and Evil Dave’s edge it out slightly.
That said, Aalto is still one of the best restaurant experiences we had anywhere in the Canadian Rockies.
4. Jasper Pizza Place
Being fourth on this list isn’t a criticism.
Jasper Pizza Place served exactly what we wanted after a long day of sightseeing: great pizza in a relaxed atmosphere.
The pizza was delicious, the restaurant was family-friendly, and we’d happily eat there again.
The other restaurants simply stood out a little more as unique experiences.
If you’re traveling with kids, teenagers, or picky eaters, Jasper Pizza Place might actually end up ranking much higher on your own list.
5. Maligne Lake Ice Cream
Not really a restaurant ranking.
More of a vacation memory ranking.
But it was still a great stop.
Pro Tips for Dining in Jasper
Make Reservations for Aalto
Particularly during summer, reservations are a smart idea.
The combination of lodge guests and visitors coming specifically for the restaurant means tables can fill quickly.
Eat Earlier Than Peak Hours
Jasper gets busy during summer.
An earlier dinner often means shorter waits and a more relaxed experience.
Don’t Skip Wafflato
Even if you’re trying to eat healthy.
Especially if you’re trying to eat healthy.
Vacation is vacation.
Pair Restaurants With Nearby Attractions
Aalto pairs perfectly with an evening at Pyramid Lake.
Maligne Lake’s restaurant and ice cream stand pair naturally with the Spirit Island cruise.
Planning meals around your sightseeing helps maximize your day.
Budget for One Special Meal
If you’re watching costs, make Aalto your splurge meal and balance it with more casual options elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in Jasper National Park?
For us, Evil Dave’s and Aalto were both standout restaurants. I give a slight edge to Evil Dave’s on the food. But for the overall experience, Aalto rises to the top. The food, service, atmosphere, and lake views created one of the most memorable dining experiences of our Canadian Rockies trip.
Is Jasper Pizza Place worth visiting?
Yes. It’s one of the best casual dining options we found in Jasper and works especially well for families and travelers looking for a relaxed meal.
Is Wafflato worth the hype?
Absolutely. We visited twice during our trip, which probably tells you everything you need to know.
Are there good restaurants near Pyramid Lake?
Yes. Aalto at Pyramid Lake Lodge is located directly on Pyramid Lake and offers excellent food along with beautiful mountain and lake views.
Can you eat at Maligne Lake?
Yes. Maligne Lake has dining options near the cruise departure area, along with snacks and ice cream available during your visit.
Do you need reservations in Jasper?
For popular restaurants during summer, reservations are a good idea, particularly for dinner.
What happened to some of Jasper’s famous restaurants?
One thing worth knowing before you start planning your dining reservations: several beloved Jasper restaurants and businesses were lost during the devastating 2024 Jasper wildfire.
Because of that, some older travel guides, Yelp reviews, TripAdvisor recommendations, blog posts, and even YouTube videos may still recommend restaurants that no longer exist.
Before building your entire dining itinerary around a highly rated restaurant you found online, double-check that it’s still open. Jasper’s restaurant scene is continuing to recover and evolve, which means some longtime favorites are gone while new restaurants and cafés are stepping in to fill the gap.
The good news is that we still found plenty of excellent places to eat during our visit. Just make sure you’re looking at recent reviews and current information rather than relying on recommendations that were published before the wildfire.
Final Thoughts
One of the pleasant surprises of our Jasper trip was how much we enjoyed the food.
I expected incredible scenery… wildlife, beautiful lakes, and mountain views.
I didn’t necessarily expect to remember the restaurants months later.
Yet here we are.
Aalto delivered one of the best meals of the entire Canadian Rockies vacation. Jasper Pizza Place proved that casual food can still be memorable. Wafflato became an instant favorite, and Evil Dave’s added something a little different to the mix.
If you’re planning a Jasper itinerary, don’t treat meals as an afterthought.
Build a few of these restaurants into your plans.
The mountains may be the main attraction, but the food can be pretty wonderful too.
Section: Planning Your Jasper Trip
If you’re still planning your Jasper itinerary, these guides can help you make the most of your visit. From wildlife viewing and scenic lakes to trip planning and sightseeing, these articles cover many of the highlights that made our Jasper vacation so memorable.
Jasper Travel Guides
- Best Things to Do in Jasper National Park – Our favorite attractions, viewpoints, lakes, and experiences for casual travelers.
- Jasper for First-Time Visitors – Everything you should know before your first trip to Jasper.
- Jasper in 3 Days – A realistic itinerary for seeing Jasper’s biggest highlights without feeling rushed.
- Jasper Wildlife Tour Review – One of our favorite experiences in Jasper, including bears, elk, and other wildlife sightings.
- Maligne Lake Cruise Review – Our experience visiting Spirit Island on one of Jasper’s most iconic excursions.
- Pyramid Lake Guide – Why Pyramid Lake became one of our favorite places in Jasper.
