Whistler attracts people from across the world, of all different ages and professions, and the resort’s dining options reflect just that. So whether money is no object and you’re looking to mark a special occasion during your stay, you’re craving something like fresh pasta and a big, juicy steak or are on a tight budget, Whistler has you covered.
THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE
The Bearfoot Bistro serves up fine-dining style dishes (plus a great drinks list to match), and then some – in fact the fun begins well before you order your food. First things first, head down to the underground wine cellar, which is complete with over 20,000 bottles of wine, and saber your own bottle of bubbles – you’ll even receive the cork in a Bearfoot branded black box as a memento.
Head back upstairs to the restaurant and take a read of the menu, where you’ll no doubt be impressed by executive chef Melissa Craig’s creations – she manages to serve up seasonal dishes that excite the palate again and again. Opt for the Yellowfin Tuna Tartar for entrée, meanwhile the Butternut Squash, Wild Mushroom and Mascarpone Roll is an interesting main dish. If you’re after some local produce check out the Vancouver Island Black Cod, which is served with smoked pork belly, leeks and more.
There’s an option to create your own three course menu for CAD $98, or leave the decision-making process to the kitchen and opt for the Chef’s Five Course Tasting Menu (CAD $168). Add wine pairings by the restaurant’s highly knowledgeable sommeliers for CAD $138.
For dessert, make sure you order the Nitro Ice Cream
(CAD $20 supplement/person). Watch on as your server whips up a fresh batch of Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream in what resembles something of a science experiment – you’ll be amazed by the way the nitrogen disappears into thin air. The ice cream is served with chocolate and caramel sundae sauces, chocolate flakes, fresh raspberries and more.
Once you’ve finished up your meal, head to the adjoining Ketel One Ice Room, which is a cool -31 degrees and stocks more than 50 different types of vodka. A host will hand out super warm Canada Goose jackets, take you in for a tour of the room and serve up four vodka shots from the vast selection.
ASIAN FARE WITH A TOUCH OF THEATRE
Whistler’s Mongolie Grill specialises in the stir-fry, however its unique in that diners each take a bowl, choose their desired ingredients including meat, seafood and a selection of different vegetables and sauces and hand it over to one of the restaurant’s chefs.
They then weigh the bowl (price is charged based on weight) and cook its contents up right in front of your eyes, so you know the dish is super fresh. Choose between Jasmine or brown rice, which will be served at your table.
IF IT'S A STEAK YOU CRAVE
If you’re looking to up your protein intake, head on over to Sidecut, which is situated within The Four Seasons Resort & Residences on Blackcomb (it’s a 5-10 minute walk from Whistler village, or hop on the number 5 village shuttle, its free).
The menu includes a dedicated ‘flamed’ section (CAD $37-$190), where various cuts of aged Canadian Prime, Black Angus, PEI Blue Ribbon and Snake River Waygu beef, plus tuna steak, are cooked on a 1,800-degree infrared grill (its said to cook each and every cut just right). Pair with the restaurant’s range of custom rubs and signature sauces, along with sides such as Parmesan Fries, Creamed Kale Garlic, Chestnut Gnocchi and Braised Cumin Carrots (CAD $7 each).
There are a number of signature dishes, including the Short Rib Bourguignon (CAD $39) and Steakhouse ‘Sushi’ Roll (CAD $21) which is, you guessed it, the venue’s unique take on the Japanese specialty. A daily vegetarian special is available for the non-meat eaters, and there are a range of lighter options including a Beet and Foie Salad (CAD $18) and Goat Cheese & Confit Shallot Parcel (CAD $16) available.
Sidecut’s range of barrel-aged cocktails are a great after-dinner option, and there is an extensive range of other dessert wines and drinks to choose from. Still hungry? Check out the artisan cheese selection or sample a sweet creation, such as the Festive Rum Baba (CAD $13), which features pumpkin ice cream, pepita brittle and more.
CHEAP AND CHEERFUL MEXICAN
Dups Burritos in Whistler Marketplace has been around for yonks, and you can see why. These guys serve simple and affordable, yet filling Mexican fare. They offer Burritos (CAD $8.50-$10) with vegetarian, chicken, spicy beef, chorizo and shredded pork fillings, Enchiladas (CAD $10), Tacos including a Yellow Fin Tuna (CAD $8) option, Nachos (CAD $7.50-$12.75), Quesadillas (CAD $8.50-$10), Taco Salads (CAD $8.50-$11) and more.
If you’re feeling hungry (and you’re game) order the ‘Phatty,’ an incredibly large burrito that costs CAD $20. Finish it and you’ll get a photo on the famous Dups Wall of Fame.
THE TRADITIONAL FINE DINER
Araxi is arguably Whistler’s most famous fine dining restaurant – it picks up a slew of prestigious awards each year, and head chef James Walt is considered one of the nation’s top chefs. The restaurant even has its own cookbook, Araxi: Seasonal Recipes from the Celebrated Whistler Restaurant, which includes dishes from Walt and his pastry chef Aaron Heath.
So what can you expect? There’s an oyster bar (it boasts 11 different varieties) as well as raw seafood offering, which is a great place to start if you’re a fan of the ocean’s delights. If not, fear not, there’s a number of other entree options available, including a Beet Salad (CAD $16.50), which resembles more of an artwork on a plate than something you’d eat (in a good way), Grilled Neon Squid (CAD $17.50) and a Dungeness Crab Sushi Roll (CAD $17.50).
Mains are predominantly meat based, and include duck, beef, rabbit and venison, as well as seafood. The Canada Triple A Beef Tenderloin Steak (from CAD $43.50) and Pan Roasted Yarrow Meadows Duck Breast (CAD $33.50) are particular highlights.
Expect all the typical sweet indulgences for dessert, including a Black Forest Cake (CAD $13.50) with dark and white chocolate mouse and a Lemon Tart (CAD $13.50), plus there’s a selection of artisan cheeses for diners who prefer to end their evening on a savoury note.
FOR THE HEALTH NUTS
Up your intake of greens at the aptly named The Green Moustache in Whistler’s Marketplace, which is around a 10-minute stroll from the base of the mountain.
Founded by Whistler locals Nicolette and Pierre Richer, the buzzing cafe serves up a wealth of healthy, nutritious and incredibly tasty meals and beverages for customers. Tuck into the Oatmeal Bowl (CAD $6.50) for breakfast, which is made with homemade almond/cashew milk, or head in for lunch, where you’ll find a number of scrumptious options. The Buddha Bowl (CAD $9.95), which is brimming with brown rice, quinoa, beetroot, sprouts, avocado, nuts and more is particularly amazing and very filling, meanwhile the Healing Kitchari (CAD $9.95) is a great option for those cooler days.
Freshly squeezed (CAD $5.25-$7) and cold-pressed (CAD $6.5-$8) juices, as well as smoothies (CAD $6.50-8) feature prominently on the menu. If you’re new to the health bandwagon, start off with the Hook smoothie, which is made using cacao, mint, goji berries, banana, honey and almond mylk a try. It’s a pleasantly sweet, tasty and filling (it doubles as a meal) beverage.
ITALIAN, THE WAY IT SHOULD BE
Trattoria di Umberto (otherwise known at The Trattoria or The Tratt) is the brainchild of Italian-born chef, restaurateur, cookbook author and media personality Umberto Menghi. Tucked away behind the main Village Stroll, this restaurant is not be missed – it’s got amazing Italian fare and a great, relaxed atmosphere to match.
Entrees range from the traditional Mozzarella di Bufala salad (CAD $19.95) to a fresh and delicious Ahi Tuna and Avocado Tartar (CAD $19.95) - the dish is paired with a soya vinaigrette, which complements the main ingredients perfectly.
In true Italian style, a large section of the menu is dedicated to pasta, which is made in house, of course! Seafood lovers should try the Taglierini di Mare (CAD $28.95), which features calamari, prawns, and scallops, meanwhile the Penne Sausage Ragu (CAD $22.95) is great for those looking for a simple yet flavoursome dish that isn’t too heavy. The Veal Scaloppini & Jumbo Tiger Prawns (CAD $39.95) is a must-try main dish, and the Pistachio Crusted Diver Scallops (CAD $36.95) offer a fresh take on the humble clam.
The restaurant can get pretty packed, so its best to book in advance – just make sure you ask for a table in the front room, ideally by the window.
THESE BURGERS MEAN BUSINESS
Soon after it opened its doors in 1997, locally owned and operated burger joint Splitz Grill gained a reputation for serving up arguably the best burgers in Whistler and beyond. Each burger patty is cooked fresh to order, and customers select from a number of accompanying ingredients and tasty sauces.
If you’ve got a soft spot for the classics, opt for The Legendary Splitz Burger (CAD $6.75, or $9.75 for the combo which includes fries and a soft drink), which contains a 1/3 pound seasoned beef patty, meanwhile the Spicy Lentil Burger (CAD $6.50-$9.50) packs a punch, whether you're a meat eater or not. There are also chicken, buffalo, turkey, lamb and salmon options, among others.
A word of warning: these burgers are big! If you’re starving, this is the place to go. If not, you might want to consider sharing a combo meal.