Whistler: restaurants
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Eating out in Whistler is likely to add substantially to your holiday costs. Hotels do not include breakfast as standard and half-board accommodation is rare. Taxes and service charge then add at least 20 per cent to your bill. On the mountain, dining is traditionally defined as lodges, alpine huts, grab-and-go and fine dining. There’s little price difference between lodges and alpine huts.
On the mountain
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Glacier Creek Lodge
This is a massive self-service venue, seating over 1,400 people on Blackcomb. Glacier Creek Lodge has an extended menu with everything from dish of the day and a sandwich bar to Japanese udon noodles.
Raven’s Nest
At the base of Red Chair is Whistler’s first ever vegetarian restaurant. The all plant-based menu at Raven’s Nest on Whistler Mountain features a variety of options inspired by flavours from around the world and also includes some specialilty vegan dishes. A cosy spot for simple sandwiches, salads and soups or for carb-loading on macaroni cheese and barbecue fare – and also good for a quick cappuccino.
££
Christine’s On Blackcomb
At the top of the Solar Coaster Express, in the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain. Christine’s On Blackcomb has varied and enticing menu which might include Keralan fish curry or Vietnamese pork burger.
Steep’s Grill
Located in Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler mountain, Steep’s Grill has great views. The menu features produce from British Columbia including cheese from Salt Spring Island. The wine list is extensive, with many wines from British Columbia. Après snacks are served in mid-afternoon.
£££
Crystal Hut
Crystal Hut (001 800 766 449) is a small log cabin with a terrace, best-known for its Belgian waffles. Located at the top of the Crystal chairlift on Blackcomb mountain, it’s also open at night for a candlelit wine and fondue evening reached by snowcat from the base of Blackcomb (C$189 per person sharing a 19-passenger snowcat).
In resort
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The Sushi Village
There are several sushi restaurants in Whistler, so competition is stiff. The Sushi Village has simple but delicious fare with a sushi bar that serves fish imported from all over the world. There’s udon noodle soup, salads, teriyaki dishes and jugs of sake margaritas to wash it all down.
££
Trattoria di Umberto
An Italian gem, tucked away in Whistler Village. Alongside Tuscan classics, you’ll find flash-seared tuna cooked in organic soya sesame vinaigrette, crab risotto and mushroom stuffed pheasant. Plus points at Trattoria di Umberto include great attention to detail, comfy seating, relaxing atmosphere, and an extensive and good value wine list. It re-opens in December 2018 after renovation.
Rimrock Café
Off the beaten track and favoured by locals. This intimate and cosy eatery at Creekside is best known for its seafood – there’s even lobster mashed potato – but lovers of racks of lamb and duck “two ways” will not be disappointed at Rimrock Cafe, nor will fans of STP (sticky toffee pudding). Most hotels provide a free shuttle, otherwise it’s a taxi.
Araxi
One of Whistler's oldest and best restaurants, oozes class, expertise and originality. Don’t miss the excellent value après oyster bar serving some of the freshest oysters in town. Other highlights from the local specialities menu include roasted duck with sesame and rosemary and Parmesan polenta. The wine director at Araxi is Samantha Rahn, a former winner of Sommelier of the Year.
£££
Sidecut
A steak restaurant in the Four Seasons hotel – choose from an array of Canadian prime beef cuts aged for 40 days, a selection of ribs and a wealth of signature sauces. Steaks and braised bison short ribs are cooked on the grill at Sidecut, while lighter options include halibut, salmon and shellfish.
Bearfoot Bistro
Run by husband-and-wife team Andre Saint Jacques and top culinary chef Melissa Craig, Bearfoot Bistro is a gastronomic delight. The five-course taster menu will introduce ingredients you never expected to taste and combinations born of pure innovation. There are special rooms, such as the chef’s table or dining in the wine cellar, part of the largest wine cellar east of Montreal, stocked with more than 20,000 bottles. Try to get born entertainer Andre to demonstrate how to open a bottle of Champagne with a sabre.
