HEADER PHOTO WILD BLUE

For such an idyllic, little, ski town Whistler is simply bursting at the seams with dining options. When hunger strikes, the choice can seem overwhelming but fear not! Let’s take a look at some of the options for different dining occasions, from where to go for a special occasion to more laid-back options, as well as suggestions for brunch and cocktails.

Grab your knife and fork (throw in a spoon too), we’re going in.

For Fine Dining: Wild Blue

Restaurant Director, Neil Henderson gathered together some of Whistler’s greatest culinary minds when he opened Wild Blue this past August. The result? One of the most exciting and beautiful, restaurants Whistler has ever seen.

A shot of the dining room at Wild Blue with its walnut wood and dark blue velvets are the forefront.
A luxury interior to go with their luxurious menu. PHOTO WILD BLUE

A true feast for the senses, Wild Blue’s aesthetic is a delicious palate of stained oak, black walnut, velvet and glass, accompanied by a seafood menu that has, in just four months, established itself as one of Whistler’s best restaurants. The cocktail menu, spearheaded by ex-Bar Oso manager Zack Lavoie, has some stunning creations and the wine list is extensive.

Must Try: The Seafood Tower and a chat with their expert sommelier team about your drink choice.

The Seafood Platter at Wild Blue in Whistler.
The impressive Seafood Tower at Wild Blue. PHOTO WILD BLUE

For a Special Occasion: Bearfoot Bistro

When it needs to be more than just about the food (which is exquisite), an evening at the Bearfoot Bistro is an experience in itself and easily one of the Village’s best restaurants. Choose to dine à la carte or blow the budget with a tasting menu and wine pairing. When the hard decision-making is over, you can head down to their wine cellar and learn how to sabre your bubbly with their experienced sommeliers.

A woman sabers a bottle of champagne with the friends at the Bearfoot Bistro in Whistler.
Think you can do it in one sword swipe? PHOTO BEARFOOT BISTRO

Stretch your legs between courses by slipping into an arctic parka and sampling some of the world’s best vodka in their Vodka Ice Room. Yes, that’s a room made of ice.

Four friends stand in the Bearfoot's Vodka Ice Room having drinks from a shot ski.
Vodka? Sabering? Champagne bar? Bearfoot has it all. PHOTO BEARFOOT BISTRO

Must Try: Chefs or magicians? Featuring swirling vapours of liquid nitrogen, the tableside ice cream is a perfect way to wrap up the evening.

For Cheese Lovers: The Chalet at Fairmont Chateau Whistler

If you’re a fondue fanatic like myself, this Swiss trademark dish is best experienced at the upscale Bavarian-style venue known simply as, The Chalet. Settle in next to a crackling log fire for a classic alpine dining experience.

Hands reach into the fondue pot with skewers laden with bread at The Chalet, in Whistler.
Is there anything that doesn’t taste good when dunked in cheese? PHOTO FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER /  JULIE ZONEY

Practice your skewering skills whilst enjoying a smorgasbord of house-made schnitzels, charcuterie and cook-your-own steak. Don’t miss the option to add truffle to your bubbling, cheese bowl of bliss.

Hands dip biscotti and strawberries into a rich, decadent fondue at The Chalet in Whistler.
A decadent array of sweet treats to submerge. PHOTO FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER / JULIE ZONEY

Must Try: Be sure to save room for the chocolate fondue dessert and a digestif from the traditional schnapps wagon.

For a Dinner (and a Party): Sushi Village

Home to excellent sushi, a signature come-as-you-are vibe and the potential for raucousness, the local’s favourite is Sushi Village. Whistler is home to five Japanese restaurants, all of which are excellent, but Sushi Village is where the party is at.

A plate with one of Sushi Village's famous sushi rolls on it next to a napkin with chopsticks.
Sushi Village’s Box Sushi is a delicious combination of prawn, scallop, salmon and avocado, with a thinly sliced lemon on top. PHOTO SUSHI VILLAGE

Just a stone’s throw from the ski lifts, head to the back of the restaurant to find the low, shoji-walled booths and enjoy a sake margarita. FYI, Sushi Village doesn’t take reservations for groups of less than six and it is a very popular dining spot, so my suggestion would be to go early, secure your spot and then take a walk through Whistler Village while you wait.

Must Try: There is a long-held local tradition of dangling upside down from the rafters whilst having sake poured into your mouth…I’ll leave it there.

For Perfect Pasta: Il Caminetto

Il Caminetto, which means the fireplace in Italian, is the place to go when you’re craving a hearty plate of pasta with all the luxuries of a fine dining experience. The food, which includes rich pasta, tender risottos, and slow-roasted meats is paired with attentive service, which never disappoints.

A rich, pasta and lobster dish available at Il Caminetto in Whistler.
Eat pasta, ride fasta. PHOTO IL CAMINETTO / LEILA KWOK

With an excellent wine list and subdued ambiance, Il Caminetto provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, romantic evening full of subtle extravagances.

Must Try: The Mushroom Risotto and house-made focaccia (but save room for your entree!).

For an On-Mountain Treat: The Crystal Hut

The Crystal Hut on Blackcomb Mountain has a winning combination of excellent location and waffle mastery. A must-do as part of any Whistler Blackcomb ski experience, this cozy, on-mountain hut is the perfect mid-morning breakfast or lunch stop.

A child smiles as she tucks into a huge waffle topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles at the Crystal Hut at Whistler Blackcomb.
Waffles = smiles. PHOTO MIKE CRANE

Home to a bustling atmosphere and the irresistible smell of baking batter, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate whilst enjoying epic vistas over both mountains.

Must Try: The waffles: huge, fluffy and loaded with whatever toppings you choose.

Best for a Fancy Cocktail: Raven Room

Founded by four Whistler locals, The Raven Room is home to a refreshingly passionate team of expert mixologists who love to share their time-honoured techniques and creative flare. Expect innovative cocktails you won’t find anywhere else in Whistler and an excellent food menu to boot.

A group of friends dine at The Raven Room in Whistler, it looks warm and inviting with plates of good-looking food and full wine glasses.
Warm and welcoming. PHOTO THE RAVEN ROOM

Must Try: The happy hour food menu is from 3 – 5 PM and has a delicious variety of dishes, my favourite being the Spicy Thai Fried Chicken.

One of The Raven Room's fresh and colourful salad dishes.
Crafted with care, just like their cocktails. PHOTO THE RAVEN ROOM

For a Gourmet Breakfast: Hunter Gather Eatery & Taphouse

For the breakfast gourmands, Hunter Gather has an authentic community vibe and is known for large portion sizes and farm-to-table quality dishes. With a come-as-you-are vibe and an inviting open space, this eatery is a casual taphouse, that serves lunch and dinner, but its breakfast menu is one of the best-kept secrets in town.

A man and woman share food with beers outside on the patio at Hunter Gather in Whistler.
The back patio of Hunter Gather is a hidden gem. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Must Try: The Chicken & Waffles or The Bacon Benny served on a potato rosti.

For When Everyone in the Group (Annoyingly) Wants Something Different: Portobello

Portobello is one of Whistler’s culinary cornerstones, and is one of the best restaurants for providing the solution to any and all tummy rumbles. Tucked away in the picturesque Upper Village, this hidden gem caters to all the different needs of your group. Sit down and enjoy a breakfast bowl, construct your own legendary, made-to-order sandwich, grab a donut to eat in the lift line, or enjoy one of the world’s most indulgent hot chocolates at a leisurely pace.

Two work colleagues at Portobello in Whistler stand behind a counter packed with delicious-looking sweet treats.
Visit Portobello for some friendly faces and a smorgasbord of sweet and savoury indulgences. PHOTO FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER / KEVIN CLARK

Open for a pre-ski coffee at 6.30 AM, they provide all-day dining until evening service wraps up at 9 PM with their Smokehouse Dinner menu. Options include their signature brisket, porchetta and rotisserie chicken served with a range of sides, as well as share board options for four people.

Must Try: The Maple Bacon Donut and The Dirty Breakfast Bowl.

Are you hungry yet? Whether you are donning your finest formals or something of the elastic waistband variety, Whistler has an amazing selection of gastronomical delights to suit every budget and taste. Syrupy or spicy, bougie or boozy, whatever your cravings – they can be satiated by the hugely passionate and talented hospitality community here in Whistler. Whistler takes food pretty seriously!

This spring, for every third night you book between March 1 - April 30, 2024, receive a free $75 CAD Whistler Après Voucher. Book your summer stay by April 30, 2024, and save up to 30% on lodging and 20% on activities. Plus, you’ll receive a free $150 Activity Voucher on stays of 3 or more nights. Secure your mountain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team

Author

Skier, mountain biker and adventurer based in Whistler, BC, Christie loves to explore the hidden nooks of BC. She is usually found hanging out behind everyone because she's busy taking photos and is definitely not, totally out of breath.