Fall in Whistler is a food lover’s dream. As the vibrant colours of fall sweep through Whistler, the local dining scene transforms into a cozy haven of seasonal flavours. Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food after a day of adventure or a refined meal showcasing the region’s freshest ingredients, Whistler’s diverse restaurants have something special to offer.
Join us as we explore Whistler’s top, fall dining offers that perfectly pair seasonal ingredients with the stunning backdrop of Whistler’s breathtaking fall landscapes – a true feast for your eyes and taste buds!
For Sushi Lovers
Nagomi Sushi
Located in the Upper Village, Nagomi Sushi is a laid-back spot known for serving the freshest fish in Whistler. This fall, their $39 four-course special delivers excellent value with generous portions. Available daily from 5 PM, they offer a variety of options for each course, with the chance to upgrade certain dishes.
We kicked things off with the Edamame & Gomae, a Japanese Spinach Salad with a delicious sesame dressing. Our second course of Veggie Spring Rolls and Takoyaki Balls (lightly fried octopus balls) swiftly followed and we were soon on our way to sushi heaven.
One highlight is the ability to choose two rolls from the regular menu for the third course, giving us 32 pieces between two, so best to arrive hungry!
My favourite had to be the Red Dragon Roll, with its tempura prawn, baby spinach and mango, topped with red tuna and black sesame seeds, finished with a light curry aioli. We also tried the Sweet Potato Tempura Roll, the Beautiful Roll, which is packed with spicy scallops, spicy mayo, avocado and salmon, and the Spicy Crispy Tuna Rolls. The Red Dragon Roll was a standout and a great recommendation from our server (note that it is an upgrade).
With just enough room for something sweet, we finished our meal with Strawberry & Mango Mochi Balls.
A similar choice to Nagomi Sushi would be Harajuku Izakaya. Their fall three-course menu for $30 is available daily from 5 PM (dine-in only). This is a great spot for groups with authentic, booth seating to get you all chatting and is incredible value. I’d highly recommend the Brussel Sprouts complete with Harajuku’s secret, original, garlic sauce.
Another option for Japanese cuisine is Sushi Village, a local favourite known for its relaxed, party vibe. Enjoy their four-course special for $32 available Sunday to Thursday from 5 PM. Make the most of their $5 Steamworks Beer plus daily food and drink specials.
For Seasonal Delights
Rimrock Cafe
A staple of the Whistler dining scene, Rimrock Cafe has been around for 38 years. Experience attentive service, elegant atmosphere and delicious, seasonal dishes that focus on local ingredients with their three-course special for $69, available every day except Saturdays from 5:30 PM.
You pick three courses out of the four available, opting for either two starters and a main, or one starter, one main and a dessert. Perfect if you’re more of a starter lover versus a dessert fiend. For the ultimate combination, mix and match with your companion to try something from all four courses.
With so many tempting options, it was tough to decide! Luckily, our server, Scott, gave us some helpful advice, “The halibut season ends soon so you’ll want to order it while it’s still available!” He also walked us through their signature Rimrock Seafood Trio. Prepared daily, it features BC Spring Salmon Chinook with orange mustard glaze and shallot garnish, Local Albacore Tuna with marinade, spinach gomae and teriyaki sauce, and Grilled Prawns with romesco sauce and vegetables.
After much deliberation, we started with the Ceviche, a mix of chilli and lime marinated halibut, prawns and scallop, with onion, sambal and avocado, and the Chevre, goat’s cheese wrapped in filo pastry with pistachios and seasonal greens. This was followed by the Wild BC Salmon with fresh herbs, garlic mashed potatoes and lemon beurre blanc, and Duck Breast with Pemberton fingerling salardaise, cherry chutney and demi-glace.
For an alternative luxury experience, there’s the Bearfoot Bistro. This fall, they’re offering a special three-course Lobster Fest for $79, available from 5:30 PM Sunday through Thursday.
Alta Bistro is where to go for a true farm-to-table experience. The team there is passionate about local produce and is offering a three-course menu for $34 ($44 on a Saturday), along with 30% off select bottles of wine. We featured Alta Bistro in our Whistler Changemaker video series if you fancy digging into that.
The Den at Nita Lake Lodge has introduced a research and development kitchen this fall. They’re offering a weekly rotating five-course tasting menu for $59, available daily from 6 PM showcasing the best of BC’s local producers and farms with an inspired mix of protein and plant-based dishes. This is an immersive experience where you complete scorecards of your dishes to help design the winter menu while entering to win a VIP stay at Nita Lake Lodge, including dinner for two, a luxurious Lakeview suite and a $100 voucher to The Spa at Nita.
For Luxury Dining
Araxi Restaurant & Oyster Bar
A culinary cornerstone in the heart of Whistler Village, Araxi boasts excellence in every part of its dining experience. The price for their four-course prix fixe menu is the number of years they’ve been operating, an impressive 43. Although Araxi is one of Whistler’s top fine-dining restaurants, there’s nothing uptight about the atmosphere and during the fall the vibe is warm, cozy and welcoming. Their menus are incredibly interlinked with local producers and the fall is a time for innovation as the fall bounty comes into its own.
Nothing says fall more than mushroom soup and Araxi elevates this using a mix of wild and cultivated mushrooms served with a decadent truffle mascarpone. We also like that they’re bringing back an ’80s classic with their Jumbo Prawn Cocktail, a second-course feature. You’re spoilt for the third-course protein with beef, lamb, sablefish and salmon on the menu, along with a Roast Chestnut and BC Parsnip Risotto and vegetarian pasta dish. Be aware that their menus change weekly!
“When you walk into Araxi for the first time you’ll start to understand why it’s been voted Whistler’s top restaurant for over 10 years,” says Brittany Roffel, Tourism Whistler’s Social Media Specialist. “And once you experience their amazing service and drool worthy menu, you’ll understand fully. Their four-course prix fixe menu is the perfect way to experience Whistler’s fine-dining scene. Two of our favourite dishes were the melt-in-your-mouth Albacore Tuna Tataki and the Duck Spring Rolls. Try the hand-selected wine pairing with each course for a perfect match.”
If you enjoy a decadent dessert, opt for their Sachertorte dark chocolate cake with candied almonds,
whippedganache and Fraser Valley raspberries or for something a bit lighter, the Yuzu Mousse Cake with Pistachio Chiffon. Experience their fall four-course for $43, available daily from 5 PM.
More Fall Dining Suggestions
Similar to Araxi, Wild Blue is offering a four-course fall dining menu for $39, from 5 PM daily. Relish in this upscale, seafood-forward, locally inspired dining experience accompanied by attentive service in a luxury setting. With coastal influences from Italy, France and the Pacific Northwest, Wild Blue is a must-try.
If you like Italian, Il Caminetto is another option. Their menu will change with the season but always feature their signature dishes like their warmed Sicilian olives, Caesar salad, minestrone and tiramisu. Experience their fall prix fixe menu for $43, available daily from 5 PM.
For a Sizzling Steak
Sidecut Steakhouse
Located in the heart of the Four Seasons Whistler, Sidecut Steakhouse delivers the finest hand-cut, prime, Canadian steak and fresh, Pacific seafood. Their four-course prix fixe menu for $68 is available Sunday through Thursday from 6 PM. With the dim lighting and fireside seating, its dark and romantic ambiance makes for the perfect high-end date night.
Their steaks are cooked to perfection with the Grilled 6oz Striploin, served with a herb potato cake, red wine jus, and baby squash, offered on the prix fixe menu with other cuts like ribeye and tenderloin available as an upgrade. They also have decadent additions like lobster tail, seared scallops and foie gras, which would certainly make for an extra special evening.
Although meat and seafood are the focus at Sidecut, they also offer vegetarian options like the Mushroom Risotto, which is served with lavish truffle shavings. All the courses were expertly prepared and exquisitely presented, and the portions were generous, so arrive hungry!
“The service at the Four Seasons is unmatched from the moment you step foot onto the property,” says Arden Thorne, Coordinator of Content Marketing at Tourism Whistler. “On top of a flawless dinner, it’s a great spot for wine lovers as their list is extensive and they have some unique and creative craft cocktails too. If you have a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Caramel Spiced Ganache is out of this world.”
More Fall Dining Suggestions
For another sumptuous steak option, try Hy’s Steakhouse this fall with their four-course menu from $59.95, available from 4 PM Sunday through Thursday. Their dark mahogany colour palette and intimate lighting combine, creating a luxurious atmosphere. Start your evening early with Hy’s Happy Hour with 30% off the lounge menu available daily from 4 PM to 5:30 PM.
For something a little different, try Teppan Village, an authentic Japanese Teppanyaki steakhouse serving steak, seafood and sushi. Their $39 three-course fall feature is available Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 PM. Choose from a NY Strip, Teriyaki Chicken, Wild Salmon or Tiger Prawns or the $59 Steak & Lobster; 6oz Filet Mignon and 4oz Lobster Tail.
For the Italian Vibe
Quattro
For an authentic Italian restaurant, Quatrro is a must-visit. They’re offering a filling, four-course Italian feast for $40 from 5 PM, Sunday through Friday. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with an open kitchen area and some long tables, making it a good option for families and groups.
To start, the Radichhio Bocconcini is a must as it’s wrapped in the salty goodness of prosciutto with a sour cherry glaze. For the Antipasti course, the Dungeness crab bisque is a delicate option served with a limoncello crema. There are three pasta options for the main course, along with a vegetarian polenta, salmon and strip loin (the latter at an add-on cost).
“There’s nothing like a comforting pasta dish in the fall and Quattro is famous for theirs,” says Dee Raffo, Editor of The Whistler Insider and Whistler local for over 18 years. “Their Braised Bolognese is incredibly rich and tasty, and their Short Rib Meatballs are not to be missed. I love the warm and welcoming atmosphere, complete with Venetian paintings and chandeliers. I also enjoyed an incredible Negroni cocktail with a cherry foam top.”
Then you must choose between two traditional Italian desserts, a classic tiramisu and citrusy pan cotta. Plus, don’t miss their daily happy hour from 5 to 6 PM, which features an Antipasto Platter for $14 per person (min 2 persons), $1/oz wines and $9 cocktails.
More Fall Dining Suggestions
For similar options try their sister restaurant, Caramba! which is offering three courses for $30 from 5 PM Sunday through Friday. And back by popular demand, 20” Tuesday; enjoy a $20 20-inch pizza and happy hour beer, wine and sangria all evening!
Alongside housemade pasta and pizza, the cozy, casual eatery of Pasta Lupino is offering a buy one get one 50% off on adult pasta dishes this fall. Available daily from 5 PM for dine-in only, there’s no better time to indulge in pasta made fresh daily!
Finally, available Monday to Friday from 5 PM, La Bocca is spoiling us with two pasta or pizza dishes and a bottle of wine for $60! Plus, don’t miss their happy hour special of 50% off wine bottles, $6.50 Lager and $9 Aperol Spritz, available 1 to 4 PM daily.
Whether you’re indulging in locally sourced dishes or savouring cozy, comfort foods by a warm fire, Whistler’s fall dining scene offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the season. As the temperatures drop and the leaves turn, there’s no better time to explore the rich flavours and welcoming atmospheres that make this mountain town a must-visit culinary destination.
So, bring your appetite, and let Whistler’s restaurants serve as the perfect complement to your fall adventures.
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