The Banff has been a fixture on St Kilda’s iconic Fitzroy Street since 1942. Originally, 145 Fitzroy Street served as an army barracks for American and Canadian soldiers during World War II, with what is now the Banff restaurant functioning as a mess hall to prepare their meals.

Over the years, the restaurant has undergone many transformations in both name and style, but it has thrived in its current form since a change in management in 2008. Today, Banff is a local favorite, renowned for its excellent value and particularly its warm, homely atmosphere. The interior evokes the cozy charm of a mountain cabin, a theme reflected in its name, Banff, which is also the name of a picturesque ski town nestled in the Canadian Rockies.

Banff has earned a strong reputation, regularly appearing in food guides, and was recently named one of the top picks in Melbourne’s Cheap Eats Guide! The Banff