The Best Restaurants in Whistler, from a local (2023)

Whistler British Columbia is a great place to visit for many reasons. In addition to all the amazing outdoor pursuits, there is an abundance of great food to enjoy. The list of the best restaurants in Whistler is constantly changing but many of them have been popular for decades, and for good reason. The best places make use of the incredible local ingredients, fresh seafood and seasonal fare.

In no particular order, the best fine dining restaurants in Whistler are: Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar, Red Door Bistro, Alta Bistro, Rimrock Café, Bearfoot Bistro, Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar, and The Grill Room. Whistler’s best restaurants for breakfast are: Southside Diner, Elements Urban Tapas Parlour, and The Wildflower at Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Below are the details on each restaurant.

Best Whistler Restaurants: Fine Dining

Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar

A newcomer to the Whistler restaurant scene, Wild Blue Restaurant is a show-stopping fine dining restaurant in the heart of Whistler village. From the craft cocktails to a menu comprised of Pacific Northwest cuisine complemented by an extensive wine list, Wild Blue is hands-down one of the best places to dine in British Columbia. Lead by a team of industry veterans formally at BC’s top restaurants, this is so much more than a special occasion restaurant – although it is the perfect place for that, too! Be sure to try the seafood tower with a glass of champagne, the Fish Soup Provencale, and the Sablefish.

Updated: Since opening, Wild Blue has been awarded #2 Best New Restaurant by Air Canada enRoute, Best New Restaurant in North America by World Culinary Awards, and #4 Best New Restaurant by Canada’s 100 Best.

Red Door Bistro

Next to Nita Lake Lodge in Whistler’s Creekside Village, Red Door Bistro is a local favorite. The kitchen is run by long-time Whistlerite, the talented Chef RD Stewart. It’s an intimate venue with delicious food and a friendly atmosphere. For something really unique, try the Wild Boar Terrine. Given the size of the space, you’ll want to make reservations well in advance.

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Alta Bistro

Located on Main Street in Whistler, Alta Bistro is an award-winning restaurant that has a reputation for working closely with local farmers. The menu is interesting and often has a variety of game meats to try. If you’re visiting in the summer months, ask for a table on their intimate outdoor patio. They also have a great happy hour.

Rimrock Café

The room at Rimrock Cafe might seem old-school but that only adds to the charm. It’s been open since 1987 however the menu is anything but outdated. Whether its the fresh oysters or seared foie gras calling your name, Rimrock makes the list of best restaurants in Whistler time and again for good reason. It is a good place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy good food with great friends.

Bearfoot Bistro

Executive Chef Melissa Craig has been at the helm of Bearfoot Bistro for some time and she is an incredibly talented chef who highlights west coast cuisine with a global influence. As one of the more high-end restaurants in Whistler, the menu price is reflective of that. Located just off the village square, the restaurant’s design is outdated but their offerings are a bit more flash, like sabering champagne in the wine cellar and doing shots of vodka in the ice room. Go for the food but stay for the entertainment, if that’s your jam.

Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Araxi has been a cornerstone in Whistler’s dining scene for decades. Known for his use of local ingredients, Executive Chef James Walt’s menu highlights the bounty of the season and changes frequently. Walt also oversees Bar Oso, known for it’s Spanish-influenced small plateshouse-made charcuterie, and Il Caminetto, offering modern Italian fare. Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Bar Oso and Il Caminetto can all be found on the village stroll in the heart of Whistler village.

The Grill Room

This fine-dining restaurant at Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the perfect spot if you’re a meat lover looking for the best steak in Whistler. The Grill Room is a popular restaurant for classic dishes but has some interesting takes on comfort food, like the Tomato Gin Soup made tableside. Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, The Grill Room is the ideal place to enjoy dinner and a glass of wine next to the fireplace after a day on Whistler mountain.

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Whistler’s Best Restaurants: Breakfast

Southside Diner

The Southside Diner in Whistler creekside village is the only “greasy spoon” in Whistler (and I say that lovingly) and a favourite local’s breakfast spot. The list of best things on the menu is too long to list but if you’re hungry or hungover, the Southside Slam or the Big Ass Pancake with loads of maple syrup will make you feel whole again. And don’t forget the hair of the dog! I’m partial to the Mother’s Little Helper but the Sketcher Caesar is also next level or go with one of the local beers. 10/10 recommend as a great spot for breakfast.

Elements Urban Tapas Parlour

Another Whistler institution, Elements is known for its frittata and eggs benny. It’s also a great place for gluten-free and vegan items if you have dietary restrictions. The venue is small and they don’t take reservations but the turnaround is quick so don’t be dissuaded if you see a line at the door.

Wildflower Restaurant at Fairmont Chateau Whistler

If you’re searching for the best breakfast buffet in Whistler, look no further. Wildflower Restaurant has everything you could possibly want from fresh smoothies to a wagon of pastries, eggs made to order and a fresh fruit, yogurt, cheeses and more. Wildflower is known for using local produce and the delicious food reflects that. It’s also one of the only restaurants in Whistler that has a beautiful view as it looks out to Whistler Blackcomb. Located off Blackcomb Way, Fairmont Chateau Whistler is the largest ski-in ski-out hotel in North America.

When to Visit Whistler’s Best Restaurants

The busiest time in Whistler is during the peak winter months, particularly over the festive period and other holiday weekends. Summer is also super busy with vacationing families and such. If you’re looking for great value, visit Whistler during the shoulder seasons in the spring and fall. Often restaurant have 3- or 4-course menus for under $50 plus wine pairings. Regardless of when you visit, you will always want to make reservations at Whistler’s best restaurants.

Have you tried any of the best restaurants in Whistler? Let me know in the comments.

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