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Food Vancouver Select Guide: Whistler Dining
While Whistler might be best known for its ski hills and summer hiking trails, its restaurants are also a huge draw for visitors looking to add a culinary experience to their mountain vacation. Food Vancouver will take a trip through the village and point out several worthy of your dining dollar.
As you drive up to Whistler from Vancouver, just before the Creekside neighbourhood, you could make your first stop Le Gros for some truly authentic French cuisine. In Creekside itself, you can enjoy country BBQ at Dusty’s Bar and BBQ. For more fine dining try Morgan’s or the Rim Rock where both concentrate on sourcing local ingredients. Sushi fans can stop by Zen Restaurant for some innovative dishes with also a wide “cooked” variety for those not into the raw fish craze. They’ll also be more sleeping and dining choices in Creekside once the Nita Lake Lodge opens its doors this season.
In the main Village, I like to stay at the Adara Hotel. The rooms are modern and it’s central to all your needs. One of my top choices there is always the Bearfoot Bistro. I start with oysters on the half shell and then linger while sampling wine from their award-wining list. If you’re wanting Greek food, there’s Kypriakis just around the corner, and for casual fine dining try Ric’s Grill. Araxi is another choice for that special evening out whose kitchen will delight you with its ever-changing seasonal menus. Il Caminetto Di Umberto brings modern Italian cuisine into the mix.
Across the Village you might choose the Summit Hotel for accommodations and dine in one of Whistler's newest restaurants, Elements. Great brunches and lots of share plates keep this place hopping. Saachi Sushi is also in this building and the nearby Mountain Club is known for their mini-burgers, mac and cheese and a great cocktail list too. Nearby, you’ll find fine French cuisine close at hand at Apres, German cuisine at Bavaria and worthy Italian in Quattros. And for the meat lovers - don’t miss Hy's as their steaks are legendary.
In the upper Village, a stay at the Fairmount Chateau Whistler or the Four Seasons will make you feel like royalty. The Chateau is known for its Wildflower Restaurant and the Four Seasons has the refined Fifty Two 80 Bistro Bar. More casual dining can be had a Ciao-Thyme (with lots of local ingredients), Portobello (market style) and BBK’s Pub. Thai One On has exquisite Thai food, La Rua hits a Mediterranean note and Monk’s Grill is on hand with West Coast cuisine.
In winter you’ll find the après ski crowd sipping beers at the Garibaldi Lift Bar and Grill at the Whistler Gondola base or at Merlin’s at Blackcomb. The Longhorn Saloon has an outdoor patio for those summer days, and Dubh Linn Pup serves up Celtic music and gastro-pub fare in the Pan Pacific Hotel. Citta’s is also a popular pub in the Village Centre. For those looking for something more “polished” try the Chateau Whistler’s Mallard Bar.
There’s also many cafes, take out pizza places and grocery stores if you want to just “grab and go”, but since you’re on vacation, get to know the locals. Book a table and enjoy your meal. You’ll be sure to find something on the menu that will stick in your mind well after the trip is over.
By Cassandra Anderton
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