The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Whistler

With so many dining options in our small but ‘big’ city, you may be wondering where’s the best place to grab a bite to eat. 

Lucky for you, we’ve made it easy by compiling a list of the best restaurants in Whistler. Curated by locals, here are the best places to eat and drink in Whistler.

The Best Restaurants in Whistler 

Harajuku Izakaya is our go to place to eat in Whistler.

• Harajuku Izakaya

If you’re looking for a wonderful family-style menu to share, Harajuku Izakaya is the place for you. The Japanese gastropub specializes in sharable dishes and serves up slurpable ramen from sister restaurant Ohyama Ramen. We suggest ordering their Tuna Karamiso Ae, Honey Garlic Chicken, and Rock’ n’ Roll. 

• Pasta Lupino 

Enjoy freshly-made pasta, sauces, bread, and more at Pasta Lupino. You’ll leave feeling so stuffed and content, especially after chowing down on their complimentary focaccia bread. We suggest choosing the pasta and salad/soup combo with their veggie lasagna or chicken parmigiana. 

• Splitz Grill 

Vancouver has Five Guys, and Toronto has Chick Fil A. Here in Whistler, we have Splitz Grill, one of the best places to eat in Whistler. It may just be one of the best places to eat in the country. Customize your burger or choose between some of their mega stacks. Of course, you can’t complete your meal without fries and a milkshake. We recommend the Splitz Royale, Legendary Stacker, or Hippie Burger. 

The Best Places to Eat in Whistler Village

• Caramba

Pizza and pasta may not be what comes to mind when you hear the word Caramba, yet the two dishes are what Caramba is known best for. We love the truffle funghi pizza, linguine frutti di mare, and calamari a la plancha. 

• La Cantina

You may think that La Cantina is more of a fast-food spot than a sit-down eatery from the outside. However, while food does come out quickly, the Mexican restaurant deserves a visit. We suggest ordering anything with their pork cochinita and being sure to use their homemade salsas. 

• Purebread

It’s not a visit to Whistler without a stop at Purebread. The bakery is undoubtedly one of the best places to eat in Whistler. When ordering, don’t be sucked in by their gorgeous window spread. Instead, ask the bakers what’s freshest and enjoy the delicious, warm, melt-in-your-mouth treat. 

The Best Takeout in Whistler

• Fat Tony’s Pizza 

If you’re ordering pizza, Fat Tony’s is the way to go. With delivery throughout Whistler, good luck picking between their various classics, vegetarian, vegan, and meat options. We love their beef and blue cheese pizza, as well as the vegan artichoke and sun-dried tomato pizza. Don’t forget the complimentary sauces on each large slice! 

• Main Street Noodles

Whether you have a craving for teriyaki noodles, chow mein, Singapore noodles, or even fried rice, Main Street Noodles can whip it up for you. All you have to do is pick your protein and spice level, and they’ll have it ready for you to take out or pick up at your front door. We love the coconut noodle curry with shrimp and chicken pad thai. 

• Nagomi Sushi

With so many sushi options in Whistler, you may be wondering which to order from. Our favourite is Nagomi Sushi for their fresh fish and spectacular takeout specials. Although they don’t offer delivery, their Blackcomb base location is an easy pickup spot. We recommend the Crystal Combo and Garbanzo Combo Nigiri. 

The Best Places for Brunch in Whistler

Champagne water gun at the Longhorn.

• Alpine Cafe

Alpine Cafe is a true locals spot. It’s one of the best brunch spots in the city, located just ten minutes from the village. The cafe serves breakfast/brunch until 2 pm each day. We promise that your hangover will indeed be cured by their vanilla french toast, breakfast burrito, breaky bowl, and smoothies. 

• Elements

There’s always a lineup at Elements Urban Tapas and Wine Bar, and that’s well within reason. The restaurant serves brunch from 9 am to 2 pm, with each of their dishes coming with a smoothie shot. We love their benedicts, frittatas, and not-so-healthy hash. 

• The Longhorn Saloon

Whistler locals only go to the Longhorn Saloon for apres drinks and the brunch mimosa tower. While their dishes are admittedly subpar, the view and drinks make up for them. That being said, we suggest anything off the cocktail menu and, of course, their mimosa tower. 

Need more ideas for breakfast?

The Best Places for Lunch in Whistler 

• The Brewhouse

Perfect for those seeking a lovely patio, The Brewhouse serves up house-brewed beers, delicious burgers, and tasty starters to share. The best part about The Brewhouse? The people-watching. Being located in the Olympic Village, there’s no lack of view. 

• Crepe Montagne 

People either love crepes or believe that they’re overrated. If you’re more of the former, Crepe Montagne is the perfect lunch restaurant for you. Whether you’re into sweet or savoury crepes, you’re sure to love what’s on the menu. We suggest going out of your comfort zone by ordering the Gratinated Escargot. 

• Tandoori Grill 

Tandoori Grill is an easy spot to miss. Located above Hunter Heather, the Indian eatery dishes out perfectly spiced and shareable plates. We suggest ordering family-style to maximize your experience. Must-orders include the Fish Pakora, Aloo Gobhi, Lamb Tikka, and Chicken Shahee Korma. 

The Best Places for Happy Hour in Whistler

• Pizzeria Antico 

  

  Comfort food – at Whistler’s Finest

With $4 BC craft beers and $8 Margherita pizza, Pizzeria Antico serves up one of the best happy hours in Whistler. In addition to cheese, add on extra toppings for a small fee. We recommend asking for a side of their chilli oil — yum. 

• Hunter Gather

Along with delicious barbecue, Hunter Gatherer is one of the best places to drink in Whistler. Stop by between 3 to 5 pm or 8 to 10 pm for $4.25 beer sleeves, $6 slider sleeves, $11 chicken shawarma, $11 falafel, and $9.50 wings. 

• El Furniture Warehouse

With food ranging in price between $5.95 and $7.95, even the regular menu is a steal. However, between 4 to 5 pm, enjoy $2 beers on top of the classic menu at El Furniture Warehouse. We suggest their burgers, as they’ve genuinely upped the quality.

The Best Place for Coffee in Whistler

A perfect local cafe to grab a quick snack and a great coffee

• Cranked Espresso Bar 

Just north of Whistler Village in Rainbow is Cranked Espresso Bar. Being out of the village, expect drinks brewed for locals by locals. We recommend their flat white, cold brew, and cappuccino. 

• Ecologyst Cafe 

Although it’s known for being a clothing shop, Ecologyst serves up some of the best and bougiest coffee in Whistler. Is bougiest still a word? Ah well, it’s deserving of the title. All the beans are from Bows x Arrows in Victoria, while organic sourdough comes from Whistler’s very own 200 degrees bakery.  

• Mount Currie Coffee Co.  

If there’s one thing to take away from this list, it’s to make a stop at Mount Currie Coffee Co. In addition to breakfast burritos, paninis, and freshly-baked treats, the tucked-away coffee shop serves sustainable brews by baristas who truly care about their craft.   

If might also want to explore

The Best Places for a Pint in Whistler

• Tapley’s Pub

Bingo nights on Tuesday, live music on Fridays, and delicious craft beers on tap are what to expect at Tapley’s Pub. In addition, enjoy free skee ball, darts, and conversation. We suggest grabbing a pint and seeing where the night takes you. 

• RMU Whistler

Part ski shop, part restaurant and bar, RMU Whistler has got it going on. Enjoy the cozy indoors or expansive patio, both of which are perfect for grabbing a pint or pitcher to spare. We recommend sitting out on the patio and enjoying the mountainside views. 

• Cinnamon Bear Bar and Grille

Play a round of pool while sipping back your sleeve of beer at Cinnamon Bear Bar and Grille. Feeling like you’re in a cozy ski chalet, the spot has an excellent selection of craft beers and imports alike. 

The Best Places for a Cocktail

• The Raven Room 

When locals want great cocktails, they go to The Raven Room. Although quite pricey, the cocktail lounge uses only the best spirits to produce incredibly delicious and fancy bevies. We suggest dressing nicely, ordering from the house cocktail list, and enjoying an impromptu Instagram photoshoot. 

• Stonesedge Kitchen 

Those looking for delicious sangria by the jug should visit Stonesedge Kitchen. In addition, the spot also serves up several classics, mules, and house concoctions. We love the Hummingbird, San Cristobal, and classic Moscow Mule. 

• The Brickworks Public House

With over 30 gins to choose from, The Brickworks Public House slings more than just your standard gin and tonic. We recommend going with the gin and tonic tasting flight, which includes five spirits of your choice. If you’re not a fan of the G and T, don’t worry, Brickworks has other cocktails on the menu, too. 

A Quick Note About Staff Shortages in 2021

When eating at the best restaurants in Whistler, it’s essential to know that there are currently staff shortages throughout the city. 

With this in mind, do call ahead asking about reservations, expect wait times to be a little longer than usual, and try to tip whenever possible. Kindness goes a long way, too. We’ve got more COVID-19 updates in Whistler as well.