Ready for Pacific Northwest cuisine with a French twist? Try the Brie and carrot soup or the fried free-range egg sandwich with aged cheddar and bacon on toasted granola bread. For breakfast, the cinnamon pecan buns or buttermilk pancakes with Quebec maple syrup can't be beat. Take advantage of the takeout counter and grab a picnic lunch for your day of mountain biking or skiing. Casual.

Grazers are in for a treat here! Not only is Elements stylish and trendy, with a cascading water wall, warm golden woods and copper accents, it also has a fantastic array of internationally-inspired tapas. Order a hip cocktail and then choose from inventive options like grilled chorizo with honey-onion relish, panko-crusted goat cheese with orange infused honey, green curry mussels, handheld Caesar salad bites, mini pulled pork brioche, and lettuce cups stuffed with hoisin pork, prawns, spicy tofu, tuna sashimi or duck confit. Groups will enjoy sharing platters of assorted cheeses, charcuterie or vegetables. Surprisingly, Elements is also fabulous for breakfast, when they serve everything from yogurt-granola Parfaits and baked egg frittatas to stuffed French toast and six different varieties of eggs Benedict.

GLC is one of those places with a split personality. By day, it's a busy and popular stop for hungry skiers who are in a rush to get back on the mountain. (It is, after all, situated right atop the Whistler gondola station.) Favored foods include poutine, the interestingly-named "sex cheese," nachos, burgers and the like. Once night settles, however, the place takes on an all together different ambience, becoming a happening nightspot. After about 11pm, some of the best DJs from the Pacific Northwest spin reggae and ambient house music, and the sound system is impressive to say the least. It's the place to get your party on!

Before all the fancy hotels and upscale restaurants, there was Dusty's, an unassuming little place in what is now known as Creekside. The original building has been demolished, but luckily the food didn't change and the regulars kept coming back. One of those places where people stop in for a barbecue beef sandwich and end up staying for a few hours, drinking beer with the locals. Dusty's "Backside" (out back) is open for breakfast and to-go lunches.

A longtime Whistler institution, Citta's (pronounced "Cheetahs") is a much favored local hangout. The setting is casual and fun, and there's a great patio where you can wile away the day people watching. The food is satisfying and affordable, with enough variety to please just about everyone. Thin crust pizzas are great, and there is a nice selection of share-able appetizers. Other options, such as burgers and regional specialties like maple garlic pork ribs, are perfect for satiating that appetite you built up during a day of skiing or snowboarding.

Splitz is known for doing something extraordinarily well: Burgers. But not just the humble beef burger (though they do that as well). Here, you have a choice of chicken, salmon, sausage, lentil, veggie and a few others. So, start off by choosing a burger, and then select a few from a list of about twenty toppings. Accompanied by a heap of fries – or even poutine, if you're so inclined – and you have a meal fit for a... very hungry winter sports enthusiast!

Victorian decor detailed with oak woodwork, stained glass, and an abundance of memorabilia sets the scene at this casual restaurant. The menu consists of reliable favorites but nothing too exotic. Spaghetti with a variety of sauces is available, along with lasagna both vegetarian and with beef. There's also linguine with seafood, Chilean langostino penne, and chorizo cannelloni. Meat lovers will appreciate the Hunters Chicken, topped with mushrooms and Hollandaise, the Veal a la Parmigiana, and the New York steak. All entrees come with bread, soup or salad, ice cream, and coffee too, so make sure your appetite's substantial.

Caramba! is a real crowd pleaser. The Mediterranean-inspired menu includes grilled calamari, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive selection of pasta dishes – something to satisfy everyone in your group. Local favorites include the platter of three cheese macaroni, and the rainbow trout served over bacon and onion mashed potatoes. The upbeat atmosphere and the delicious smells wafting from the open kitchen let you know immediately that you are in for a memorable dining experience. Smart-casual attire. Reservations accepted.

A casual, family restaurant with warm country atmosphere and historic West Coast décor. Featuring an open kitchen concept, it has an energetic and interactive environment. A great eclectic menu selection offers soups & sandwiches, a salad garden, daily specials, pastas, pizza, seafood, vegetarian options...the variety is endless.

A rustic air pervades this popular chain, where diners can relax at a table in front of the cozy fireplace or take in the view from a window seat. Earls' menu takes cues from all over the world, so along with burgers and steaks, you're likely to find Hunan kung pao pasta, tandoori chicken satay, and Thai green chicken curry. Ribs, chicken and pizzas are also on the agenda, along with a nice selection of wines and beers. Earls is particularly ideal when you want comfort, reliable food, and just to hang out in a relaxing environment.