Searching for the top restaurants in Whistler? You’ve arrived to the correct location!
Whistler is a popular weekend getaway for many Vancouver residents owing to its magnificent scenery and convenience. The 90-minute trip along the Sea to Sky highway is one of the most gorgeous drives in the Pacific Northwest, if not in the world. The roadway runs beside the Pacific Ocean, and BC Ferries often travel from the mainland to Vancouver Island. Shannon Falls, the third-largest waterfall in British Columbia, is also visible from the roadway.
Whistler was little unknown to the rest of the world until it was chosen as the Olympic host city in 2010. Whistler has two mountains: Whistler and Blackcomb. The mountain is well known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, but it is also available for downhill riding, hiking, and sightseeing during the summer months.
Whistler offers something for everyone, whether you come to ski, bike, or just enjoy the beauty. This includes food. There are several taverns with outside patios where motorcyclists may have aperitifs while sitting around fire pits. We’re not talking about them in this post, but rather about the exquisite eating available in Whistler when the skis come off.
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- The Six Best Steakhouses In Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Whistler’s 7 Must-Try Restaurants
Restaurant & Oyster Bar Araxi
Whistler, BC 1-604-932-45404222 Village Square #110
Araxi is THE place to eat, according to anybody who has wined and dined their way through Whistler. Everything is perfect, including the location, service, ambience, and, of course, the cuisine.
When I last visited Araxi, they had a $49 prix fixe menu. I began with the Qubec Foie Gras Parfait, which was wonderful. My only issue is that there wasn’t enough served warm with their house-baked brioche. My dining companion and I both had the Carpaccio and were blown away by its presentation. That was almost too beautiful to eat.
My main course was the Prawn Risotto, which was really luxurious. The buttery garlic prawns were the perfect compliment to the thick and creamy texture of the risotto.
Araxi is notorious for being booked months in advance, particularly during peak seasons, so make your bookings well in advance of your Whistler vacation. You do not want to miss out on this eatery.
Christines
Whistler, BC 1-604-938-74374545 Blackcomb Way
If eating with sweeping, panoramic views from 6,102 feet high is on your bucket list, Christines is the place to go. They are available for lunch in both summer and winter and are located at the top of the Blackcomb Gondola at the Rendezvous Restaurant on Blackcomb Mountain. You’re out of luck if you visit Whistler during the shoulder season.
You don’t have to be a skier to eat here, despite its location at the summit of the mountain. You may ride the gondola whether or not you are on the slopes. But, if you come in the winter, you need dress appropriately since you will be walking through snow to get to the restaurant.
Christines provides a seafood-forward cuisine as well as a superb wine selection to complement your meal. If you don’t like shellfish, they have a range of different items to choose from, like a Peking Duck Salad. My favorite meal is the Orecchiette pasta with 18-hour red wine braised short ribs. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up before hitting the slopes.
The Hys Steakhouse
Whistler, BC 1-604-905-55554308 Main St
You must begin your meal at Hys Steakhouse with their Cheese toast for two. It’s been a fan favorite since 1955, and you’ll understand why after your first mouthful. After that, I strongly advise you to get their Caesar Salad. The legendary Caesar salad is made at your table, as is a Hys tradition. Your waitress arrives with a cart with all of the ingredients for making your salad and dressing right in front of you.
This is my go-to appetizer while eating at Hys Steakhouse since it is one of the few places that serves Escargot. My boyfriend and I split the 32 oz. bone-in rib eye for my main course, and it was possibly one of the greatest steaks I’ve ever had. The crust was tasty and wonderfully complimented the soft, juicy steak, which had been cooked to perfection. We had mashed potatoes with brown butter pecan carrots and crispy Brussels sprouts for sides. Everything was delectable.
If steak isn’t your thing, don’t worry; Hys offers a broad choice of different foods. I’m wondering about the Prosciutto Wrapped Sablefish, so please let me know how it turns out if you get it. I’ve also never ordered dessert since I’ve never had enough space.
The Caminetto
Whistler, BC 1-604-932-44424242 Village Walk
Il Caminetto combines Italian and regional cuisines with an artistic flare. James Walt, the Culinary Director, was formerly the Executive Chef at the Canadian Embassy in Rome, Italy. To be sure, it’s an incredible accomplishment that has influenced the way he prepares now.
Their chef collaborates with local farmers and producers to deliver the freshest meals, and they are known for producing Italian recipes using local, seasonal ingredients. I recommend beginning with the Carpaccio. It’s elegantly packaged and sumptuous.
I’m a big admirer of Italian pasta, especially Tagliatelle Bolognese with Brant Lake Wagyu meat. It’s delicious because it’s Alberta-raised, grain-fed, and hormone-free. Their pasta noodles are prepared in-house every day and are always cooked al dente. If you have space for dessert, their Tiramisu is unbeatable.
The Bearfoot Bistro
Whistler, BC 1-604-932-34334121 Village Green
If you’re searching for a one-of-a-kind and amazing evening of celebration, the Barefoot Bistro is the place to be. They not only offer a restaurant, but also a Ketel One Ice Room vodka bar, a Champagne Lounge, and a fairly remarkable wine cellar.
Your party may book a table in the kitchen for front-row service from the Chef. Another alternative is to dine in their wine cellar, which has 15,000 bottles of wine. You may also schedule a Champagne sabering with your preferred bubbly for a fun and unique experience. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing a Champagne sabering ceremony, and it’s every bit as entertaining as it sounds.
Executive Chef Melissa Craig’s seasonal selections at Bearfoot Bistro will take you on a gourmet adventure. Local components are given an international spin and presented attractively. Whichever restaurant you select, you will have a meal that you will not soon forget.
Quattro
Whistler, BC 1-604-905-48444319 Main St
Quattro is a traditional Italian fine-dining establishment housed inside The Pinnacle hotel. With its painted walls and ceilings, the entranceway quickly takes you to Italy. It also has one of Whistler’s best-kept secrets, so if you come in the summer, ask for a table outdoors, surrounded by greenery and flowers.
At Quattro, they want you to feel as though you’ve joined their family for supper. Fine eating in a relaxed and enjoyable setting is available here. Their menu is mostly composed of Italian foods, so much so that the description under Spaghetti Quattro specifically specifies Italians exclusively.
Since their menus fluctuate with the seasons, they always use fresh, local ingredients in their recipes. Certain goods, such as their Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, are always available. If you haven’t had this dry-aged porterhouse steak yet, I strongly suggest it.
Fortes, Joe
Whistler, BC 1-604-932-58584417 Sundial Pl
The newest addition to Whistler’s dining scene is also one of Vancouver’s top restaurants. This legendary Seafood and Chop House, a fan favorite for over 35 years, has recently launched its second location in the spring of 2022.
Since Whistler is famed for its aprs, Joe Fortes provides an Aprs Hour from 4-6 pm everyday instead of a Happy Hour. At this time, I recommend getting their Seafood Tower with a glass of wine for $1 per ounce.
I always start my evening with their half-shell oysters. Kusshi, a premium West Coast oyster from Baynes Bay on Vancouver Island, is my particular favorite. My favorite main course is Miso Marinated Sablefish with Sesame Quinoa. It has a mellow, buttery taste that is somewhat sweet with a very luscious texture. Joe Fortes, an Ocean Wise partner, is devoted to sustainable seafood that supports healthy oceans.
That concludes our list of the top seven restaurants in Whistler. It’s worth noting that one of Whistler’s best restaurants, Bar Oso, is presently closed. It’s scheduled to reopen in late 2022. Although we didn’t list it here, if Bar Oso is open when you visit Whistler, you should absolutely stop by. They are a Spanish-style tapas bar that is routinely rated highly. I haven’t had the chance to eat there yet, but whenever they reopen, I would without a doubt since I am certain they deserve a position on this list.
Which of these Whistler restaurants will you visit first? Please share your thoughts in the comments box below!