Whistler's Best Lunch

Attracting a well-heeled crowd, Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar is one of the best spots in town. This high-end restaurant serves incredible food and has been a leader in the farm-to-table movement over the years. At the helm is Chef James Walt, a passionate locavore. Chef Walt lives in nearby Pemberton where he works with local farmers to source and pick the ingredients that show up on Araxi's menu. Because of this, you'll find local and seasonal ingredients throughout each dish. Here, it's not just about eating and enjoying the flavors, it's about taking in the experience with all of your senses. Each dish is as satisfying on the eyes as they are the palate. Thirsty? The abundant wine cellar is well stocked with a beautiful selection of fine wines.

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.

Whistler's first brewpub serves more than just beer! The locals flock here for the crispy-crust brick-oven pizzas and the rotisserie chicken and prime rib. Of course you will want to enjoy one of the pub's six craft brews along with your meal. Casual dress.

Boasting terrific views of the surrounding mountains no matter what the season, this attractive bar and grill is always packed with hordes of pretty people, who adore the place for its fine entrees and the bartenders' tasty-yet-potent cocktails. Enjoy everything from fresh fish, seafood and rack of lamb to burgers, buffalo wings and pork chops. After dinner, head over to the bar area, find a seat, and sample a few of their nine draughts. If it's cold out, a little hot cider is sure to warm your bones; meanwhile, in the summer, Monk's opens its patio area, which is a great place to sip a house martini and take in the majestic view.

Craving sushi after a day on the slopes? Sushi Village serves up impeccably fresh sashimi, sushi, maki platters and tofu. If you are looking for something a bit more substantial try their hearty noodle soups or teriyaki dishes. If you want an authentic dining experience, ask to eat in one of the semi-private tatami rooms, or at the sushi bar. Smart-casual attire. Reservations accepted for groups.

When this popular Vancouver chain opened its Whistler edition, it did so to much well-deserved fanfare. Serving a variety of tasty pasta dishes, burgers, steaks and ribs, Milestones stays packed throughout the day. Of course, Milestone's is famous for Sunday brunch, and the chef never fails to disappoint with such delights as poached eggs on grilled focaccia, the breakfast burrito (Sante Fe-style) and, of course, out-of-this-world omelets. And this just in: brunch always goes down better with a bloody Mary or mimosa.

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.

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.