10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Whistler for a Cozy Evening

If you crave fine dining with a view, book a table at Aura in the Nita Lake Lodge. Recently renovated, this stylish spot is Whistler’s only lakeside restaurant that overlooks spectacular Nita Lake. Patrons also flock here for the fine fare with a west coast twist, such as sesame-crusted salmon, AAA steak frites and yellow fin tuna and salmon poke. It’s a popular place for brunch, too!

Call ahead for a reservation if you seek to sample the delicacies at Alta Bistro – a popular 65 seat French bistro featuring local cuisine, craft cocktails, wines and craft beer. The menu is ever-evolving, but expect a multi-course feast (with optional wine pairings) that includes dishes like elk tartare, Arctic char with scallops, pork tenderloin and chocolate ganache with a dark rum ice cream. With exceptional fare served in an industrial-chic space, this hidden treasure is sure to impress your date.

Winning “Best Restaurant in Whistler” multiple times over, Araxi is considered a culinary cornerstone in Whistler Village. The restaurant’s swanky interior and internationally acclaimed farm-to-fork fare make this a perfect place to woo a suitor: cozy up at the oyster bar with a cocktail or dine on surf and turf in the stylish dining room decorated in warm earth tones. PS – the wine cellar is well stocked with fine wines and champagne, suitable for celebratory toasts or declarations of love.

Meaning “bear” in Spanish, you’ll need the appetite of a grizzly to dine at Bar Oso. Dining in close quarters at the long table bar, you can gorge on Spanish-inspired tapas, small plates and house-made charcuterie, as well as specialty wines and craft cocktails. This place is always busy, but it’s the perfect date night spot after a day on the slopes.

A new restaurant located in the Crystal Lodge buildings, Basalt Wine and Salumeria arguably has Whistler’s best “people-watching” patio, complete with heating lamps, blankets, comfy cushions and a fire pit. Plus, the menu offers a slew of tasty cocktails and après-ski shareable snacks like cheese boards, fondue and charcuterie.

The newest addition to the Top Table Group in Whistler, Il Caminetto is quickly becoming a favourite for its intimate atmosphere and stellar Italian cuisine. Located directly on Whistler’s Village Stroll, the warm interior offers cozy booths and an inviting bar with a fireplace – both great for sharing food and wine with family and friends. The lobster spaghetti and rigatoni bolognese get rave reviews, but to really get a taste of what’s cooking, order the multi-course prix fixe menu.

Rim Rock Cafe is treasured by Whistler locals and visitors alike, voted “best restaurant” for 15 years in a row. It’s located outside Whistler Village in a Nordic neighbourhood that’s a little off the beaten path – but that’s partly what makes it so great. Hungry hordes gravitate here to dine in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere with incredible food. Feast on mouth-watering entrees, such as wild BC salmon and oyster plates to rack of lamb and venison. The restaurant books up quickly, so make a reservation early.

It’s all about the experience at Bearfoot Bistro. Feast on a five course tasting menu designed by an award-winning chef, master the art of sabering champagne (in a 20,000-bottle wine cellar, no less) or sample liquor in the world’s coldest vodka tasting room. For dessert, sharing a sticky toffee pudding with your special someone is a must.

Sidecut is made for romance. Nestled inside the Four Seasons Resort Whistler, the sleek wood interior offers an eye-catching setting where you can cozy up by the open fireplace and order a parade of delicacies from the locally-sourced menu. Whether you’re enjoying a candlelight steak dinner pour deux or a tray of freshly shucked and plucked ocean oysters on the sun-kissed terrace, this eatery will not disappoint in the l’amour department.

When visiting Whistler in the snowy season, how can you not enjoy fondue by the fire? It’s a dream come true at The Chalet – a seasonal restaurant tucked inside the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. The menu includes cheese fondue with vegetables, followed by fondue chinoise (broth based) served with beef tenderloin, prawns and salmon. Save space for the finale – a decadent chocolate fondue served for dessert.