Where to dine after a day on the slopes in Whistler
For the ski bunnies and snow bros hitting the slopes at Whistler Blackcomb, the après ski activities are just as important as the downhill runs – maybe even more important. The Village is home to dining destinations of all sorts, ranging from elegant upscale eateries to laid-back chalet-style pubs. Check out these local restaurants when you’re craving a hearty meal after an action-packed day outdoors.
Araxi Restaurant & Bar
4222 Village Sq, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4Araxi might be centrally located right in the Village, but you’ll definitely want to change into something formal for an evening out at one of Whistler’s finest dining rooms. A sleek in-house oyster bar and an extensive wine program featuring more than 1,000 labels from B.C. and abroad make this restaurant a chic destination for upscale après ski dining. Executive chef James Walt, a forerunner in the farm-to-table movement on the West Coast, uses locally sourced ingredients to prepare ever-changing menus that feature chilled seafood towers, seasonal salads, and meaty mains like beef tenderloin, roasted duck breast, rabbit and venison.
Whistler Tacos La Cantina
129-4340 Lorimer Rd, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4Hungry skiers and snowboarders can dig in to delicious south-of-the-border flavours at this casual cantina just a 10-minute walk from the Blackcomb Excalibur Gondola. Specializing in Mexican street food, the menu includes an assortment of tacos and sauce-drenched burritos stuffed with fish, pork belly, chicken, pulled pork, brisket, and numerous veggie options. You’ll also find a number of different dairy-free, vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives to accommodate diners with dietary restrictions. Almost all meals are priced under $10, making this an affordable spot for a savoury snack after a day on the slopes.
Crêpe Montagne
116-4368 Main St, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4You’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked away to the Alps at this authentic French crêperie. Open from 8:00 am to 10:30 pm throughout the week during the winter season, Crêpe Montagne is a convenient (albeit pricey) spot to grab a bite to eat before or after you hit the hill. Meal-sized buckwheat crepes are stuffed with your choice of savoury ingredients: simple ham and cheese, sausage and béchamel sauce, mushrooms in pesto cream, and succulent seafood. In keeping with the Alpine theme, the menu also features cheese, meat and chocolate fondue options to share as well as Swiss raclette.
Mongolie Grill
201-4295 Blackcomb Way RR 4, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4Hungry guests of all ages will love the interactive dining experience at Mongolie Grill. Situated right in the Village, the mountainside dining room promises an evening of great eats and sizzling entertainment. Diners start by selecting their choice of meat and seafood, fresh veggies, and accompanying sauces and then watch as in-house chefs theatrically prepare their customized meals on an oversized grill-top. Served with steamed jasmine or brown rice, these savoury Asian-inspired dinner bowls can be as healthy or indulgent as you’d like.
21 Steps Kitchen & Bar
10-4433 Sundial Pl RR 4, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4This second-story dining room is located – you guessed it – 21 steps above the main Village and boasts a cozy atmosphere and great views of the surrounding mountains. The comfort theme continues with the home-style menu offerings, which are designed to warm you up after eight hours in the snow. Start off with a handcrafted cocktail and move on to meaty mains like pork chops, roasted chicken and braised lamb shank. Hearty pasta dishes such as short rib pappardelle and smoked chicken linguine with cream sauce will help replenish your energy after a serious downhill calorie burn.
El Furniture Warehouse
40-4314 Main St RR 4, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4Cheap eats, boozy beverages and a rowdy atmosphere attract a young crowd at Whistler’s infamous El Furniture Warehouse. When you’re looking for wallet-friendly prices and large portions, this dive bar is the place to be. The pub grub menu features dozens of items (burgers, wings, poutine) all priced at $4.95 all day long; of course, the party really gets going once the sun goes down. This popular hangout gets packed pretty quickly so you’ll likely have to wait for a table. On the plus side, the chill vibe means you won’t be out of place in your snow gear.
Grill & Vine
4090 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4We all know the best part of a day out on the slopes is rewarding yourself with a decadent meal afterwards. If a day full of mogul runs has you craving some carb-heavy comfort food, Grill & Vine is sure to satisfy with its menu of rustic Italian favourites. The swank trattoria at the Westin Resort serves up thin-crust pizzas prepared in a stone oven, house-made pastas and risottos, meaty entrees and fresh salads. A dedicated kids menu includes healthful options like grilled chicken with whole-wheat pasta or Asian salmon with soba noodles served in smaller portions for pint-sized diners.
The Rim Rock Cafe
2117 Whistler Rd RR 2, Whistler, BC V0N 1B2Reservations are recommended if you’re hoping to enjoy a sophisticated night out at this upmarket restaurant with a cozy, cabin-like interior. Rolf Gunther, the owner and chef at the helm at this fine dining establishment, has worked at prestigious kitchens throughout Canada and Europe. Gunther’s elevated menu takes an innovative approach to seasonal fare and features fresh oysters, sumptuous seafood dishes, and beautifully prepared game meat. Keep in mind that the prices here are in line with the restaurant’s esteemed reputation (mains run from $40 to $60) so you might want to save this splurge-worthy spot for a special occasion.
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