6 Best Restaurants in Whistler, British Columbia

Well-chosen antiques and original artwork create a vibrantly chic atmosphere for what has always been one of Whistler's top fine-dining restaurants. Local farmers grow produce exclusively for Araxi's chef, who also makes good use of regional cheeses, game, and fish. The food is fresh and innovative, best described as Pacific Northwest cuisine. Seafood is a specialty, so while you can certainly order a superbly prepared beef tenderloin, it's dishes like alder-smoked Arctic char or handmade pasta with wild prawns, scallops, and mussels that steal the show. The two-tier seafood tower is a must-try for seafoodies who love to graze and share. Wine aficionados take note: the wine list is 43 pages long. A heated patio is open in summer, and the lounge is a popular afternoon and après-ski spot, especially for its oyster bar.

Located right in the heart of the Village, this deli has a great assortment of sandwiches, wraps and pre-made charcuterie boxes. The boxes are at the heart of what they do: they have an OG Box, with a selection of meats, cheeses, fruit, and vegetables, as well as a Brunch Box. Added bonus: they can accommodate any dietary restriction. Can't eat gluten, nuts, dairy, or meat? They've got you covered.

"The Brass," as it's known, has one of the area's best patios, situated in the square where people-watching is as entertaining as the street performers and free concerts. Get well-priced bistro fare, from burgers to steaks. It opens for breakfast with an assortment of egg dishes and keeps going until the après-ski crowd finally departs. As popular as this place is, tables turn over quickly so getting a seat doesn't take long.

Although it's atop Whistler Mountain, you're likely to see as many non-skiers as skiers in the crowd dining here. That's because Steeps Grill & Wine Bar is located inside the enormous Roundhouse Lodge at the top of Whistler Village Gondola, and lots of the visitors are simply sightseers. While other mountain dining outlets tend to cater to the grab-and-go crowd, this venue is a stay-a-while, full-service dining affair offering lots of west coast favorites like smoked salmon chowder and sockeye salmon and succotash.

Located inside the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre, this cozy café serves contemporary food with a First Nations twist—think venison chili, bannock tacos, fish chowder, or smoked salmon panini. You don't need to purchase admission to the museum to access the eatery (but we do recommend checking it out!). It's also located next to the gift shop, so after your meal you can take a stroll through the store.