The 19 Best Places to Grab Dinner in Whistler

With more than 130 restaurants in Whistler, you could say there is an extensive culinary scene. However, deciding where to have dinner in Whistler is a mind-boggling decision. From casual restaurants that won’t break the bank to award-winning fine-dining establishments, choosing the best restaurant in Whistler is no easy task.

We’ve devised a list of what we believe to be some of the top restaurants in Whistler, with options for:

High-End Restaurants
Restaurants With a Patio
Best for Date Night
Local Favourites
Dinner on a Budget

COVID-19 Update: Due to the ongoing pandemic and associated staff shortages, many restaurants in Whistler are operating with restricted hours and sometimes limited staff. Please have patience, the service industry is working hard to meet expectations in an unprecedented time.

Top Restaurants in Whistler: High End

Araxi Restaurant and Oyster Bar

110 – 4222 village square
$$$$

You know you are in good hands when you step into Araxi. The atmosphere, presentation, and flavours are unparalleled in Whistler. As a restaurant boasting its own cookbook, it’s an extraordinary occasion to dine here.

The Araxi team, led by Chef James, pride themselves in sourcing hyper-local fare. As per their website, they are purveyors, “The philosophy at Araxi is defined by a commitment to quality – and the promise of creative flavours, aromas and textures delivered to each of our guests.”

Check their website regularly for special events, like the long table series, multi-course holiday menus, and more. For those so inclined, they also offer private dining.

Alta Bistro

104-4319 Main St
$$$

If you are seeking modern, upscale, and French, you’ve come to the right place. Alta Bistro is nestled in the heart of Whistler Village and has long been the go-to for memorable evenings out.

They specialize in offering a fresh take on French cuisine with a seasonal alpine influence. Expect Slow Cooked Beef Shank, Veal Sweet Bread alongside Seared Albacore Tuna. Not to your liking? You’ve likely never had anything like the elevated Alta Cheeseburger.

Once again, it’s worthwhile exploring their seasonal menu offerings, catered dinners, and in shoulder season, don’t miss out on their three-course specials.

Bearfoot Bistro

Perhaps the top restaurant in Whistler, if the deciding factor is extravagance.

4121 Village Green
$$$$

If you are going all out on a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience in Whistler, you’ll likely find yourself at the Bearfoot Bistro. This is Whistler fine dining at its best and most extravagant.

Whether you find yourself sabering champagne in the fantastical wine cellar, getting ice cream prepared tableside, or tasting the world’s best vodka in the ice room, nothing beats a night at Bearfoot.

As they detail on their website, “Dining at the Bearfoot Bistro is more than a meal: It’s a culinary journey.” And Chef Melissa Craig is taking you there.

Best Restaurants in Whistler with a Patio

Hunter Gather

101 – 4368 Main St
$$ – $$$

One of our favourite spots for dinner in Whistler is the laid-back locals haunt Hunter Gather, which opened its doors in 2017. They bill themselves as a casual counter-order eatery and taphouse, with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a place where you can easily spend an evening with friends.

These folks clearly know a thing or two about craft beer. Their rotating selection of delectable BC taps is carefully curated and always on point. Hunter Gather also prides itself on sourcing the finest local ingredients in season, and their creative menu reflects this.

The patio, which opens in late spring, is intimate and rustic, and the mini-herb gardens planted within the tables are a unique touch. In terms of an all-around experience, Hunter Gather has got to be up there with the best restaurants in Whistler.

Beacon Pub & Eatery

4154 Village Green #7
$$

Smack bang in the middle of Whistler Village, you’ll find Beacon Pub and Eatery. Their large patio, which sprawls over the Village Square and surrounds the restaurant, is the perfect place to sip on a cold one, and people watch as the world goes by.

Outdoor heaters and red blankets will keep you warm even on a cold day, making Beacon’s patio a very popular winter choice too. When it comes to grub, their menu is hearty and wholesome.

A particular stand-out is their Beacon burger, made with fresh ground Canadian Kobe beef, with aged white cheddar and Steamworks pale ale braised onions generously slapped on.

Milestones Grill + Bar

These may look familiar to anyone who knows Milestone’s

4555 Blackcomb Way
$$ – $$$

Head to the base of Blackcomb Mountain, and you’ll find Milestones. Its huge patio overlooks the ski out of Lower Cruiser is an ideal location. So step out of your skis and enjoy some après-ski food and beverages on a sunny afternoon.

Their menu is huge, but from our experience, they do everything well. And our favourite night to visit is a Monday when they offer a ‘Girls’ Night Out’ deal.

Their coconut calamari, served with mango chilli dipping sauce and crispy rice noodles, is outstanding, and we’d go as far as to say it rivals that which you’d find on the Mediterranean coasts. So head over to the Upper Village and check it out for yourself.

Earls Kitchen and Bar

4295 Blackcomb Way
$$ – $$$

Although it’s a chain, we couldn’t talk about dinner in Whistler without mentioning Earls. In the heart of Whistler, Earls patio looks over the village stroll and is an ideal location for an après-ski drink.

Their patio is one of the last to catch the rays as the sun goes down for the day and fades behind the mountains, at which point a number of patio heaters will keep you toasty long into the evening.

This place is extremely popular, and in peak season, you’ll more than likely face an hour’s wait. So factor this in, put your name on the list, grab a beer someplace else, and they’ll give you a text when your table is ready!

Their menu is extensive and delicious. Our go-to is chilli chicken and wontons to start, followed by their salmon zen bowl, a tasty, healthy option.

And get stuck into a s’mores chocolate cheesecake for dessert. Our top tip: dine here on a Tuesday, when bottles of wine are half price! You can thank us later.

Looking for a with a view? Check out Table Nineteen in Whistler

Table Nineteen Lakeside Eatery

8080 Nicklaus N Blvd
$$

If you’re looking for something a little different, away from the hustle and bustle of Whistler Village, make the short five-minute drive to Nicklaus North Golf Course. Sit outside and enjoy spectacular views of BC’s mountains and the glacial-fed Green Lake.

When it comes to winter, they have a reputation for serving the best fondue in town. Their delicious cheese fondue is served with heaps of Yukon gold potatoes, French bread, and crudités. For dessert, dip marshmallows, fruit, and banana bread into a delectable dark chocolate fondue.

Best Restaurants in Whistler For Date Night

Il Caminetto

4242 Village Stroll
$$$$

We can’t rave enough about Il Caminetto, Whistler’s iconic Italian and certainly up there with the best restaurants in Whistler. So step inside this elegant, contemporary restaurant and give your taste buds a treat.

Their mouth-wateringly good menu features a host of pasta dishes (all of their pasta is freshly made in the restaurant daily) along with a wide selection of meat and fish options.

Their menu changes often – one of our current favourites is their tuna, with charred octopus, tomato fondue rapini and Gigante beans. They even transform a classic rigatoni bolognese into a fine-dining dish of dreams.

While this is one of Whistler’s most upmarket restaurants, visit in either of the shoulder seasons (May – June, or October – November) and lap up their killer deal.

Rimrock Cafe

2117 Whistler Rd
$$$$

Love seafood? Love game? Welcome to Rimrock Cafe. An upscale, warm mountain-town atmosphere, this is the perfect spot to bring that special someone.

Chef and owner Rolf Gunther was trained in Europe and has impressive experience in some of the top kitchens in Canada and beyond. Expect a little something for everyone, with particular attention to seafood and fine cuts of meat.

Plus, if you visit in the shoulder season, you’ll find they offer a pretty special three-course meal, for an excellent affordable price.

SIDECUT Steakhouse

A carnivores dream, welcome to SIDECUTS

4591 Blackcomb Way
$$$$

Are you looking to impress your date tonight? SIDECUT is one of Canada’s premier steakhouses. If you are a carnivore, this is a bucket-list destination for date night.

One look at the steak-stacked menu, with Wagyu, New York Strip, and Black Angus, and the carnivore inside you will start to start to roar. Why not make that steak even more extravagant with freshly shaved truffles, seared foie gras or a lobster tail.

Don’t forget to explore the extensive wine list or order a one-of-a-kind cocktail from the resident mixologist. Needless to say, this is a meat lover’s paradise. Vegetarians are forewarned.

The Living Room at the Pangea Pod Hotel

4333 Sunrise Alle
$$

Pangea Pod Hotel opened its doors in 2018, offering designer pod accommodation that is chic, shared and central. Located a minute’s stroll from the bottom of the Whistler gondola, this hotel’s boutique design is modern and fun. It’s hip. It’s modern. And it’s an impressive space for a date.

The Living Room is a restaurant and bar located in the pod hotel that overlooks the village stroll. Whether it’s an early morning feast or a late date night snack, Pangea has you covered.

Along with flatbread pizzas, they offer a wide range of soups, salads, and sandwiches, all of which are reasonably priced. Even their most expensive dish, a meat and cheese board, comes in for a very affordable price. After dinner, why not head up to The Rooftop Patio and sip on an Espresso Martini.

Whistler Restaurants Beloved by Locals

Mongolie Grill

4295 Blackcomb Way
$$

Locals love Mongolie Grill because of the portions. Pile up your ingredients, watch it grilled, and always leave fully satiated. Choose from a huge selection of vegetables, raw meat, and fresh seafood, smother it all in your favourite sauce and hand it over to be cooked.

Just remember, the cost of your meal is done by weight. It’s very easy to get carried away with piling every option onto your plate. Bear in mind that when you get back to your table, there will be rice (your choice of jasmine or brown) waiting for you, so our top tip is to try and restrain yourself a little!

Pasta Lupino

4368 Main St #121
$

Pasta Lupino is a long held Whistler favourite for pasta, bread, and all-things in the American-Italian tradition. This is where we go to carb load, and it’s so worth every single bite. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable restaurants in the Village.

The small dine-in area is always full of locals chowing down, but don’t worry if you have to wait. They do an excellent take-out. So call on your last run of the day, and have a piping hot slice of lasagna or saucy spaghetti ready when you arrive.

Southside Diner

Mmmmm, who can deny a fresh stack of pancakes?

2102 Lake Placid Road
$

As they state on their website, “Serving the tastiest homemade breakfast & burgers in town – it’s comfort food at it’s finest in a fun old-style diner atmosphere.”

Southside is Whistler’s oldest diner, and it leans into the Americana Diner aesthetic. Located in Creekside, it’s the perfect spot to get breakfast or a burger after you finish up your First Tracks ticket.

Expect traditional breakfasts, hash browns, and bennies galore. Or, for lunch, poutine, clubhouses, and one of our favourite burgers. We always give this place five stars for service and food and will keep coming back for more.

The Raven Room

4299 Blackcomb Way
$$-$$$

Hidden away from the hoards, this classy establishment with its dim lighting and a sophisticated menu is certainly a place that we keep to ourselves. Food and drink are served daily from 3 pm until midnight, and it’s all delicious.

Their cocktail menu is well thought out, and their food menu has options for everyone. They operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, and although this restaurant is hidden away, it’s a popular choice, particularly on the weekends.

One of our Raven Room favourites is their chowder style Salt Spring Island mussels served in a white wine cream sauce with grilled ciabatta.

And for a sweet treat, you can’t go wrong by ordering the passion fruit and mango ‘cheesecake’ made from cashew cream with a date and walnut base.

Whistler Restaurants on a Budget

Harajuku Izakaya

4000 Whistler Way #205
$$

Eating sushi doesn’t have to blow the bank. A short hop from the main square, hidden away on the edge of the Village, is Harajuku Izakaya. In our opinion, it’s one of the best restaurants in Whistler. The quick, tapas-style Japanese food is delicious, and the décor of the place makes you feel as if you’re in a Japanese village from the early 1900s.

They’ve got cozy nooks for couples or large booths if you’re visiting with the whole gang. The crispy tuna roll at $14 is our go-to dish every time. It’s large enough to fill you up or pair it with some vegetarian spring rolls ($7) if you’re super hungry. Other favourites include their popcorn calamari, breaded deep-fried Brie cheese and chicken karaage.

Splitz Grill

4369 Main St
$$

Splitz Grill is a favourite spot among locals to grab a quick bite. This burger joint makes all of their patties fresh daily, and they’ve been serving up handmade burgers in Vancouver and Whistler since 1997.

We’d recommend the Legendary Splitz Burger, with cheese and grilled pineapple as extras if you’re a meat-eater. Once they’ve grilled your chosen meat, select from over 40 house-made sauces and toppings.

For the veggies among us, you’ll be pleased to hear that they’ve recently added Beyond Meat burgers to their menu! This is the world’s first plant-based burger, and even the biggest beef lovers around will be hard pushed to tell the difference.

While most people take away their meals, they do have a dining area at the back of the restaurant, and we love the diner atmosphere. Check out our Cheap and Delicious guide for even more tips on where to eat in Whistler on a budget.

This town offers diverse dining options, from restaurants to grab a quick après-ski bite to those where you can enjoy an extravagant dinner. From steak to sushi, Mexican to Indian, and much more, Whistler boasts an extensive array of dining establishments.

El Furniture Warehouse

A long time locals favourite, and not just because of the price. El Furnie is where to find comfort food in Whistler

3565 St Laurent Blvd
$

A cheap but tasty option for dinner in Whistler is El Furniture Warehouse. This casual bar and restaurant has an upbeat vibe, and it’s got to be the cheapest place to nom down a meal in Whistler. All food is $5.95, all day, every day.

Yes, you read that correctly! They’ve got burgers, tacos, grilled cheese and more. And they’re not stingy on the portion sizes either! Our top dishes? We love the braised beef spaghetti or the Warehouse crispy mac n’ cheese, followed by mini donuts with toffee to dip for dessert.

While certainly not gourmet, this restaurant delivers a hearty meal at an exceptionally low price – great if you’ve got lots of little mouths to feed! There’s almost always a line outside, so do bear this in mind and be prepared for a short wait.

What’s the Top Restaurant in Whistler? You Decide.

Whether you try one or try to hit them all, there is something exceptional about the restaurants in Whistler. From high-end establishments like the Bearfoot Bistro to the casual fare of Hunter Gather Whistler to cheap eats at El Furnie, there is the perfect dinner for all budgets.

We do recommend booking a reservation in advance, especially in the middle of the busy season (winter and summer). And, with the current staff shortages lingering from COVID-19, patience may be required to get into the restaurants of your choice.

But when you do step through the doors of one of the best restaurants in Whistler, you’ll see what all this hype is about.