Family Friendly Restaurant Guide for Whistler
Breakfast:
Before you hit the slopes, stop by Wildflower Grill at the Fairmont Hotel. I had a hard time deciding between the buffet, or the mouth-watering menu items. The buffet featured pastries, fresh smoothies, roasted potatoes, eggs, fresh fruit, pancakes, waffles, an omelette station, carved meats/fish and cheeses, hard boiled eggs, and homemade yogurt and muesli. Not too shabby. However, if you're willing to bypass all this for the menu, you won’t be disappointed. My two favorite dishes were the honey buttermilk pancakes, and the avocado toast with poached eggs and red onion marmalade.
Lunch or Apres-ski:
Don't miss the energy and food at the Fairmont's Mallard Lounge. It was our daily spot for an apres-ski drink (the best hot chocolate too!), or a heartier meal. The nacho’s were delicious and large enough for 2 or 3 people. And the chef’s weren’t scared to get creative with vegetarian dishes -- it was my first time having a fried artichoke sandwich with eggplant “bacon.” If you are in the mood for a warm-the-bones winter soup, the red pepper soup or cream of cauliflower are both delicious too. We used Mallard Lounge as a go-to lunch and dinner spot, and I highly recommend checking it out on a night when they offer live music.
If you prefer to head into town for apres-ski snacks, don't miss Araxi for happy hour oysters, cheese fondue, and truffle fries. Their happy hour runs from 3-5pm and the line is usually out the door (I start circling like a vulture around 2:50pm).
If you're on the mountain during lunch, you will find plenty of grab-and-go options. If you prefer something a bit nicer, check out Steeps Grill and Wine Bar (located on Whistler) and Christine’s (located on Blackcomb). You need reservations for both.
Dinner:
Whistler features restaurants to hit every food craving and occasion type! If you need a more casual joint, head to Creekbread for some killer pizza. Go early, as the line builds and they don’t take reservations, but the pizza was scrumptious and worth the wait. They do things with a twist over there, like pizza with pineapple...and rosemary.
Next up, try Rim Rock Cafe for great seafood, and don’t miss the goat cheese pie and sticky toffee pudding. However, if you want to bring the little ones, it's important to know that they don’t offer highchairs (only booster seats). Claire basically ended up on my husband’s lap the whole time. She was cool with it.
Last, but not least, my go-to favorite restaurant in Whistler is Araxi. They offer both a happy hour (see above) and regular dinner menu, and the dinner is not be missed! I recommend it for a date night, or special occasion! The butternut squash bisque and cheese souffle were some of my favorites. Also, the arctic char with crispy brussel sprouts melted in our mouths. Don’t forget about dessert and just choose the apple beignets.
Bon appetit!
Start gathering your future travel ideas now! Sign up to receive exclusive travel itineraries and tips.
