I was craving a rich pasta dish and wine after a long day of being a tourist. ALBA delivered with flare! I opted for the lobster ravioli, a dish flambéed with Canadian Whiskey at the table, which left the rich lobster cream sauce and fresh arugula warm and toasty. The large raviolis were filled with tender chunks of fresh lobster, and the dish paired well with the Jackson-Triggs Cabernet Sauvignon. I really enjoyed how filling the pasta was without feeling too heavy.

My dining partner chose the Carbonara alla Jasper, a classic Italian dish with spaghetti, pancetta, cured egg yolk, parmesan, and pecorino. The dish was finished with fresh cracked pepper, and the egg yolk added a wonderful creaminess to the pasta. ALBA is very generous with their portions, and with mid-range pricing, the restaurant is a nice complement to Jasper’s dining scene.

Though I enjoyed the food, I was most impressed with the service. I watched Regina, the owner who was helping serve, interact with guests and graciously take the time to answer their questions about where she was from (India) and about her experience living in Jasper. After making her rounds with other tables, she came back and asked for our feedback and if there were any improvements ALBA could make. Regina’s friendly demeanour and candid interactions with guests adds to restaurant’s positive atmosphere.

If you are looking for a restaurant with generous portions, friendly service, and tasty Italian food, book a table at ALBA. I recommend making a reservation through OpenTable, because the restaurant can be busy during peak dining times.