The Balkan Mediterranean Restaurant
Reviews of The Balkan Mediterranean Restaurant
from GoogleIf Jeremy suggests in a very polite way to order the Arni, order the Arni. No hesitation! It’s been on menu since they opened for a reason. It was a solid 10/10, truly one of those dishes you keep thinking about after you leave. The lamb was perfectly cooked, fall-off-the-bone tender, rich and deeply flavourful, balanced beautifully with bright, fresh elements. I genuinely could’ve licked the plate. Sharing it felt like a challenge because it’s just that good. The Arni Psito is an absolute must. We also had the chicken souvlaki, and as two gluten-free diners, we really appreciated how easily the kitchen accommodated us. The dish was delicious, well-seasoned, and satisfying. A touch heavy on the red onions for my personal taste, but it didn’t take away from how enjoyable it was. The labneh alongside it was a standout, creamy, tangy, and the perfect complement to the chicken. We started with the warmed olives, which were generous and so flavourful, we even had some left to take with us for the drive back to Calgary. My only regret is not saving room for dessert. I had my eye on the gluten-free brownie and the house-made frozen yogurt, so clearly I’ll just have to come back. This is not a place to pass by when you’re in Banff. Thoughtful, flavourful, and genuinely memorable. Highly recommend.
Excellent food, and some of the best service we had while in Banff. Unfortunately we cannot remember the waiters name but he said he is from Perth, Australia. Very friendly, helpful and attentive. The spicy feta dip was sooo good, I highly recommend. Would definitely come again - but would love to see a shrimp souvlaki option added to the menu!
Had a great meal in Banff today. While not everything on the menu is halal, there are halal-friendly options available. The food was so delicious that we ended up ordering more dishes. This was definitely the meal we enjoyed the most during our time in Canada so far. The drinks were also excellent, refreshing, and paired perfectly with the food. Highly recommended if you’re visiting Banff!
We stopped in around midday after a morning of sightseeing and were glad we did, the cevapi platter was outstanding and generous enough for both of us to share. The owner came by our table to chat about the recipes, which felt like a genuine welcome rather than a sales pitch. It's a small, cozy spot with warm lighting that made a nice break from the mountain cold outside. Parking was easy to find nearby too, so if you're in Banff for a few days this one is well worth adding to the list.
Balkan is such a lively, fun spot if you want a more energetic dinner in Banff. The atmosphere feels festive and social, and it is one of those places that turns dinner into a bit of an experience. We had the souvlaki, both beef and lamb separately, and both were really flavorful and well cooked. The portions were generous, and everything came out with that classic, comforting Greek style that makes it easy to share and enjoy slowly. A great choice if you want something hearty, relaxed, and a little more fun than a typical sit down dinner in town.
We stopped in for a late breakfast on a Sunday morning and ended up staying almost two hours just chatting over coffee. The cevapi platter was hearty and perfectly grilled, way more food than we expected for the price, and it fueled us for a full day of walking around town. Our server was patient while we asked about half the menu, explaining each dish like she genuinely wanted us to enjoy it rather than just rushing us through. Parking was easy to find right out front that early, and the cozy, old-world atmosphere made it a nice slow start before heading out to see the mountains.
I’d give these guys 10 stars if I could. Delicious food, all the servers obviously Aussie’s, so kind!!! I loved the food, been craving Greek and this definitely hit the spot. Kalamari and souvlaki are my go tos.
The lamb shank was so delicious, the meat was cooked perfectly. We also tried the Alberta beef souvlaki—the beef was a bit salty to me, but it tasted great! We missed the food so much that we returned to the restaurant on our way back to Calgary. The calamari and spiced lamb souvlaki are highly recommended! For drinks, you should definitely try the chili Pineapple!
Enjoyed our food tonight, our waitress, Shanon was very sweet and attentive. She helped us with our food allergies as well. Thank you!
Great tasting food and portions. Daily drink special deals are decent.
Fantastic date on Greek night! We came here for Greek night and were not disappointed. The menu is really strong here and the service was particularly good. They have a great staff that answer any questions and make the experience really fun. There a many Greek favorites here to choose from and the cocktails are also delicious. There are belly dancers for Greek night on Fridays so make sure you’ve had an ouzo or two before they get to the table! Would 10/10 recommend and will definitely be coming back.
This restaurant had some of the best food available in Banff, as someone who has had the pleasure of frequenting Banff often I cannot believe I did not know of these guys before. The meats were tender, juicy, and well done. The portion sizes were massive, almost too big. Everything was delicious. The service was exceptional and quick. The restrooms were cleans. A must visit. Though to note, it is slightly expensive, but with every penny.
About The Balkan Mediterranean Restaurant
Long-running Greek restaurant at 120 Banff Ave in Banff, with some halal options. Not everything on the menu is halal, so ask about the specific dish you want before you order.
What to order
The Arni, a slow-cooked lamb that has been on the menu since the restaurant opened, is what staff steer people towards, and one diner says it is the kind of dish you keep thinking about. Confirm with staff that the dish you pick is one of the halal ones. For a starter, add the spicy feta dip and the warmed olives, which are generously portioned. Moussaka, gyros, grilled lamb and the cevapi platter round out the menu, and the calamari and souvlaki are popular.
Before you go
Portions are large, so sharing a few plates works well. It suits a group or a family dinner, and beer, wine and cocktails are served, with a drink special some diners find good value. Book ahead for Greek night if you want the lively version, when the belly dancers come out, rather than a quiet dinner.
The atmosphere
The atmosphere is festive and social, and staff are attentive and patient with questions about the menu. Parking is easy to find nearby.
| Saturday | 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Monday | 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Thursday | 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |
| Friday | 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m. |