I have 3 restaurants narrowed down for my visit to Whistler next year: Il Caminetto Di Umberto, Trattoria di Umberto, and Araxi. Which would you pick? Are Umberto's restaurants better in Vancouver?
I'm Italian so want great Italian food or forget it... Anyone been to any of these restaurants recently? Thanks!

Truthfully, the restaurants in Whistler are not that great. I would not be too concerned about planning your dinners so far in advance.

I have to laugh at mrt's response. I don't know his/her qualifications as a food critic, but I have lived in Whistler for years, and have a background in F & B management, having both owned restaurants and managed fine dining facilities. Whistler has some of the best restaurants that can be found in North America. Any of the following restaurants are worth trying: Val D'ISere, La Rua, Sushi Village, Sachi Sushi, Rim Rock Cafe, Zueski's Taverna, Thai One on, Araxi's. and Umberto's , but Sushi Village, and Trattoria Umberto are our two personal favorites. Enjoy, and I'll be interested to hear if your opinion is different than mrt's

Thanks WhistlerAL for your response. I was a little disappointed in reading mrt's response since I was reading the ZAGAT guide and the mentioned restaurants got very good reviews. Any difference (IYO) between Il Caminetto di Umberto and Trattoria di Umberto food wise? Thanks!

Whistler Al is a "homer" who must work for the local chamber of commerce. Al take a trip to New York, Chicago, or California and report back on the quality of restaurants. Just because the restaurants in Whistler over-charge does not make them good. Whistler may not have the best restaurants in British Columbia yet alone North America.

As a New Yorker who is going to Whistler for my first time in February, I'll be curious to draw food comparisons. But whether the food is fantastic or humdrum, a man's gotta eat, so is it necessary to make reservations far in advance? Will we be "closed out" of most restaurants if we just show up?

Thanks

Matt

I don't live at Whistler. I have been to New York many times and I have travelled extensively. I agree with WhistlerAL the upscale restaurants in Whistler are excellent.

Hi Gail,
Caminetto is very good,more formal, but Trat is our favorite. Matty, make your reservations at least a week in advance, and yes, mrt, I am a homer, and love living here. No, I don't work for the Chamber, but I am proud of my home town, and If you read any food reviews , you will find yourself in the minority with your opinions, but at least if you stay away, there will be more room for those who believe we have a world class resort.

Don't get me wrong... Whistler is great but the restaurants are o.k. and nothing th o get excited about.

I'm taking a family of 5 adults which includes a vegan/vegetarian (not so strict anymore)to whistler in Jan. Can you recommend any reasonably priced restaurants for us. Also any good pizza places? We've been to Thai one on and it was great!
Thanks

Amanda, Thai One On has a new chef and is even better than before. Avalance Pizza always wins "the Best Of Whistler" in the pizza division. great pizza but take out or delivery only. Auntie Em's for Breakie, Casa Tapas for appies,Chef Bernard's for lunch(excellent),Splitz Grill for Burgers,Wild Wood Pacific Bistro at the tennis club,lunch or dinner( locals favorite secret spot)Zueski's Med for the best lamb sirloin or full rack of lamb anywhere. enjoy!!!

Thanks a lot Whistler Al - should do us for several meals!!
How's the weather - snow only 74 cm deep according to weather.com. Any sunshine coming or more snow?

Hi gail,
We have had 74 cm's in the past week. the base is at 170 cm's. The weather forecast is for more snow , plus some sunny breaks with cold(-5 to -20 over the next 7 days. So far, the past week has been around -3 to -15, and light snow each day. The mountain is busy but not really over crowded , but the restaurants are all busy and you should try to reserve at least a few days in advance. Have a Happy New Year and a great visit. Cheers, Al

Surprised no one mentioned Caramba for pizza and ooutstanding grilled calamari.

I think we tried Caminetto, and the halibut preparation was fine. But we were staying closer to Val D'Isere and thus preferred it. Didn't try Araxi.

Whistler's great!

This is for Whistler Al. Is there a place in Whistler to which one hikes then dines and hikes back again? We are four couples who will be staying at Edgewater Lodge in July and hiking will be a big part of the trip. Thanks

The Edgewater is a beautiful Lodge on Green Lake( right across from my house)You can hike into the village via the Lost Lake trails, have dinner at any of the restaurants in town, and then hike back via the valley trail along the Golf Course to Meadow Park and the Lodge. It is about an hour walk each way. The Lost lake trails are gravel and the valley trail is paved, so it isn't "hiking" but it is a good walk. If they are serving dinner at the Round House on the mountain, you could possibly hike up, which is a 2000 ft elevation gain, and then take the gondola back down, but check with Whistler Tourism this summer to see if that is a viable alternative. Cheers, Al

I've gone to Whistler for about 10 years in a row and have dined at all above mentioned restaurants.

Caminetto is a little more fancy and pricey than Trattoria. We always eat at Caminetto at least once. I enjoy both. Araxi, while more continental, is also great. Quattro also has great food.

Barvaria is great for german food and fondue. Caramba for mediterranean is a great value. Val d'Isere for french, Sushi Village for sushi/japanese, Monk's Grill for steak/seafood Pacific Northwest, and the Keg for your informal no frills steak/prime rib place. You can't go wrong with any of these places.

Sure prices are steeper in Whistler, but what do you expect? It's a resort! Try finding dining values in Aspen or Vail sometimes. Whistler's restaurants compare extremely well to any ski resort.

Reservations is key for Friday and Saturday nights (or holiday weeks). Some places don't take reservations, and we usually eat there during the weekdays.

I'll be there in two days, and I'm looking forward to eating at my favorite Whistler places.