Whistler's dining scene is among the best of the North American ski resorts, and it's drawing attention from around the world.
There are dozens of Whistler restaurants to choose from. Experience fine dining with champagne sabering at Bearfoot Bistro or savour carefully sourced local ingredients at Araxi. At Edgewater Lodge, admire lake and mountain views with dinner, or chow down on waffles at Crystal Hut on Blackcomb Mountain.
Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay recently declared Araxi to be the top restaurant in Canada. In fact, a grand prize on his TV show, Hell’s Kitchen, was a Head Chef position at Araxi, joining Executive Chef James Walt.
Having trouble deciding where to start? Try a Whistler Tasting Tour and visit multiple restaurants in a single night.
West Coast Cuisine
For top-notch west coast cuisine, look to Bearfoot Bistro – home to Executive Chef Melissa Craig, winner of the 2008 Gold Metal Plates' Canadian Culinary Championships. Saber a bottle of champagne with the restaurant's proprietor, who also happens to hold the Guinness World Record for champagne sabering!
At Araxi, sample eco-friendly seafood that's approved by the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise program, or visit Sidecut at the Four Seasons Resort to browse menu options such as local seafood and Canadian prime steak.
Whistler Après-Ski
Garibaldi Lift Co. (or GLC) was named "Best Après-ski Venue on the Continent" by UK-based Hardy's Skiing and Snowboarding Guide (2009), and it often has great live music shows.
Dusty's Bar & BBQ, established in 1965, is home to Whistler's sunniest patio. At Merlins, indulge in some staff-encouraged bar-top dancing, or join the party at Longhorn Saloon & Grill, which has hosted the Whistler après crowd for more than 25 years.
Local Favourites
Enjoy people-watching from the patio at Citta' Bistro, located in the heart of Whistler Village. For excellent sushi, visit local institution Sushi Village, which The New York Times described as having “some of the best Japanese artistry east of Tokyo.” Check out its "Wall of Fame" – a huge wall with drawings and autographs from famous people who've dined there.
Elements Urban Tapas Parlour is as well-known for breakfast as it is for creative tapas. Hungry for a hamburger? Visit Zagat-rated Splitz Grill, which offers nearly a dozen different gourmet burger options (there's a Splitz in Vancouver, too).
Fine Dining
Umberto Menghi, one of Vancouver's original celebrity chefs, has a restaurant in Whistler; Il Caminetto has graced the village with fine Tuscan cuisine since 1981.
At the Rimrock Café, consistently rated as one of Whistler's top restaurants, try fresh seafood and tender game meats, or dine at La Rua Restaurante to savour Ocean Wise seafood options. The elegant Quattro at Whistler tempts the palate with mouth-watering Italian dishes.
Dining with a View
Aura at Nita Lake Lodge (a short drive from Whistler Village) offers a refined dining experience highlighted by gorgeous views out over the lake.
The Edgewater Lodge sits on a peninsula jutting out into Green Lake, just north of Whistler Village, so diners can take in floor-to-ceiling views of incredible water and mountain scenery while enjoying a meal.
On Blackcomb Mountain, try the famous all-day waffles at Crystal Hut, a cozy log cabin perched mountainside. Steeps Grill in the Roundhouse Lodge at the top of Whistler Mountain offers views of the Whistler Valley coupled with a west coast-inspired menu – at an elevation of more than 1,800m/6,000ft!
Whistler Food Events
Come in November to experience Cornucopia, a huge multi-day celebration of gourmet food and fine wine with gala evenings, parties, tastings and seminars.
From May to June, take part in the Dine in Whistler event and enjoy three-course meals at some of Whistler's finest restaurants for a low, fixed price.
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