DINING

Whistler has no shortage of dining establishments and, in fact, it is a food connoisseur’s paradise in addition to being one of the best places in the world for outdoor activities in all seasons.

This stunning Canadian resort town has nature’s adventure right on your doorstep. But, it is also often referred to as the Vegas of the North and it is no secret Whistler is a party town where residents and visitors alike play hard and enjoy the wonderful things life has to offer like enjoying decadent meals.

With that, here are seven fine dining establishments where you can have a total elite gastronomic experience:

Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar

Araxi has an international reputation for excellence in food, wine and hospitality. This upscale restaurant is an early pioneer of farm to table dining, Award-winning Culinary Director James Walt's seasonally focused menus celebrate the eminence of locally sourced ingredients. His innovative and skillfully executed dishes – from savory starters through to delicious desserts – deliver intelligent compositions and unforgettable flavors. 110 - 4222 Village Square.

Must-try: Four-course prix fixe menu choices including roasted pemberton vegetable and prairie grain consommé; fresh oysters; grilled Alberta beef tenderloin with glazed rootdown farm carrots, hakurei turnips, purple carrot puree, king oyster mushrooms, confit onion, carrot top pesto in port red wine jus; and Anjou pear crumble featuring white wine and brandy poached pears, pear mousse, and graham crumble.

The Bearfoot Bistro

Here, you will find modern classics prepared by award-winning Chef Melissa Craig. The experience doesn’t finish with the meal, though. Take part in two unique after experiences you will only find at Bearfoot. Impress your friends by slicing the top off a bottle with a decorative sword during a sabering experience! Or cool down in the Ketel One Ice Room – a space made entirely of ice. Wrap up in a Canada goose parka and enter the -32C bar, where shots of vodka from around the world flow freely. 4121 Village Green.

Must try: The Quebec foie gras parfait to start, followed by Japanese wagyu striploin with celeriac potato puree, truffle caper vinaigrette, chanterelles, and green beans. End with the nitro Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream prepared right at your table. Bearfoot also has classic caviar service if you’re feeling really fancy.

The Rimrock Café

The Rimrock Café has garnered legendary status in Whistler. Since 1986, this restaurant has been serving exemplary dishes to patrons. Owned and operated by long-time Chefs Rolf Gunther and Bob Dawson, Rimrock specializes in west coast cuisine focusing on local ingredients and seasonal seafood. This popular establishment has some of the most experienced and longest-serving staff in town and they are always happy to help with menu choices, including wine pairings and selecting just the right cocktail. 2117 Whistler Road.

Must-try: The lobster bisque to start. Next, we recommend raw oysters with champagne mignonette, vodka, crème fraiche, and tobiko. Move on to venison steak with house made spaetzle, red wine demi, foie gras butter and sauternes reduction. For dessert: macarons and fresh raspberry sorbet.

Il Caminetto

If you’re looking for delicious Italian fine dining, Il Caminetto is the place. The restaurant is overseen by James Walt – one of Whistler’s most recognized and acclaimed chefs. He also oversees the kitchens at Araxi, The Cellar by Araxi and Bar Oso. The restaurant underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, resulting in one of the most modern and comfortable dining rooms in town. 4242 Village Stroll.

Must-try: Start with the carpaccio antipasti of seared beef filet, pickled shimeji mushrooms, egg yolk, arugula and sourdough crostini. As your second course, you will delight in the frutti di mare risotto with scallops, prawns, squid, octopus and clams in a tomato saffron risotto accompanied by castelvetrano olives. For your main, try the Fraser Valley chicken saltimbocca prosciutto and sage wrapped chicken breast with cauliflower purée, crispy cauliflower, baby turnips, and chicken jus.

Chalet La Forja

Chalet La Forja is a spectacular contemporary alpine residence belonging to Whistler's coveted Kadenwood neighborhood. Lauded for its exceptional ski-in-ski-out accessibility, serene quiet, and showstopping mountain views, this luxury Whistler vacation home provides the ultimate luxury chalet experience. Breathtaking winter scenes are delivered to nearly every square inch of prime living space. If you seek private time, the home offers a private office and lounge in addition to an outdoor entertainment area. With seven bedrooms, there is room for up to 14 guests. Amenities include a ski room, sauna, massage room, wine cellar, hammam, gym and cinema room. There is also an outdoor pool and hot tub.

Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar

If you’re one who likes to have meat with your meal, head to Hy’s. This place serves some of the best steaks in town accompanied by incredible sides. The restaurant also offers a delicious selection of seafood dishes, including the famous seafood platter featuring nine seafood variations. You will enjoy the relaxing ambiance of Hy’s dining area or sit at the bar where the talented bar staff will craft one of their famous cocktails for you. 4308 Main Street.

Must-try: The cold-smoked Atlantic salmon with pickled red onion, capers, and dill cream cheese on brioche is a wonderful appetizer. For your entrée, we recommend beef wellington with foie gras and oyster mushroom duxelle baked in puff pastry and served in a red wine reduction.

Red Door Bistro

The Red Door Bistro is currently the #1 rated fine dining restaurant on TripAdvisor. The intimate location features relaxing décor and low lighting, setting the stage for one of the best French meals you’ll ever have outside of France. Enjoy these classics with a west coast twist. The Red Door Bistro offers a generous wine list or you have the option of bringing your own bottle. 2129 Lake Placid Road C.

Must-try: Wagyu beef carpaccio with shaved peppered beef, black garlic aioli, capers, confit shallots, arugula, parmesan, grilled crostinis and olive oil.is a terrific start to the meal. For your main, you might opt for BC Ling cod medallions seared and served with five-spice blended red quinoa, beluga lentil and farro, brandy lobster bisque, snap peas and pickled fennel salad. If you have room for dessert, we suggest the vanilla bean crème brulee.

Teppan Village

Teppan Village is an authentic Japanese Teppanyaki steakhouse in the heart of town. Since 1989, the restaurant has been the ultimate destination for Japanese cuisine featuring freshly prepared ingredients, the finest AAA Alberta steaks, seafood, and sushi. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also on the menu. Experience a casual, lively, and sleek urban atmosphere, showcasing the craftsmanship of the restaurant’s experienced Teppanyaki chefs.

Must-try: Consider starting with the tuna tataki small plates for sharing which includes seared, rare BC Albacore tuna and house made sauce. We suggest the signature Village meal for the main dish consisting of filet mignon, tiger prawns, Hokkaido scallops and teriyaki chicken. We also suggest trying one of their delicious sake cocktails. 301, 4293 Mountain Square.

One of the most memorable parts of a luxury vacation is trying fine dining establishments. If you have been thinking about visiting Whistler in the Great White North, we invite you to reach out to an LVH client relations team member who will provide you with the information you need, so we can start putting the planning wheels in motion. Our main priority is giving you the most memorable time away, including an itinerary bursting with things you love to do. If dining is among them, rest assured, your Whistler adventure will include some of the best restaurants where you will be able to sample the finest cuisine.