Alta Bistro

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"A dinner-focused restaurant emphasizing seasonal, locally sourced fare with creative dishes inspired by the forest and ocean; the kitchen pickles local Pemberton vegetables and offers a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings for a full, thoughtfully curated dining experience." - Julia Eskins Julia Eskins Julia Eskins is a writer and editor covering travel, design, and culture. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, National Geographic, and more. She’s traveled to more than 50 countries, lived in five, and currently calls Toronto home. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

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"I went to Alta Bistro for après and found it to be the go-to spot for inventive snacks, sampling dishes like elk tartare, Dungeness crab, and tuna éclairs." - Tim Neville

The Perfect Summer Weekend in Whistler

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"When two locals opened Alta Bistro—an intimate room withthe urban look of exposed HVAC ducts and concrete floors unlike anything else in the village—it altered Whistler ’s culinary landscape. The food was equally audacious, hearty options enlivened with something different, like garam masala boudin noir, for example, anda cassoulet of chorizo and smoked pork belly. The great ambience and solid kitchen make thisa perennial hot spot favored by actors attending the Whistler Film Festival and pro riders who just ripped it up at April’s World Ski and Snowboard Festival. Want to dine and drink (from an impressive wine list) with the cool kids when in Whistler? This is your bistro."

Photo courtesy of Alta Bistro

The Best Restaurants in Whistler

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Photo courtesy of Alta Bistro

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"A great spot for cocktails, popular for après-ski activities."

Sander V.

Google

We went to this restaurant on September 24th of this year with the whole family, a total of 10 adults and 2 kids. We had loads of shared plates as a starter, including the sourdough ciabatta, olives, charred shishito peppers, oysters, the Alta deli-board, and the venison tartare. For main course we had a various dishes, but all dishes were amazing. The risotto with peas was great, the pork belly was perfectly glazed, and also the Bavette and cheeseburger were cooked perfectly. Also the kids options were nice, varying from fish with chips to a cheese panini with fries, and of course ice cream as dessert! The service was also amazing, and we had two lovely servers continuously being attentive with our water and wine glasses. In total we spent a little over 100 CAD per person, but we had 3 bottles of wine totaling 375 CAD, so we went a little overboard on the wine, but it tasted great!

Monica L.

Google

We tried the Summer 3-Course Special for $49, and everything we ordered was excellent. I think this may be one of the best restaurants in Whistler! Each dish was flavorful, well-prepared, and beautifully presented. There are a few items with an upcharge, but they were worth the extra cost. Service was a bit on the slow side, but the staff were friendly and welcoming, which made up for the wait. Overall, a great dining experience with high-quality food at a good value. Would definitely return!

Frank H.

Google

If you love great food, very good and attentive service and a nice atmosphere, go to the best bistro in town. Probably the best dinner of our West Canada trip. On a Wednesday evening our family group of 12 including 2 small kids went here based on the recommendation of a few locals. The service was fantastically attentive. The waitress heared me dropping a spoon from the other side of the restaurant, right there with a new one. Because we were with such a large group, we practically ate the whole menu, and all the food was amazing! Duck breast: fantastic! Pork belly: spot on! Clam and cantharelle risotto: amazing! The wine, non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails: super! So, also in summer season, a great place to spend a few hours and enjoy a great meal.

Michelle O.

Google

Wow! I eat beef only 3-4x per year for environmental reasons. SO glad I tried the Sumac Crusted Beef Bavette here. Fabulous! Nathan enjoyed the Gochujang Glazed Pork Belly so much he says "I could eat that every day and never get sick of it. I really could." Both desserts were amazing. And who knew the Panacotta dessert would be vegan? Delish! Wonderful summer special - appie, main and dessert for $49.

Andy

Google

We enjoyed the three course menu and everything was incredible, I’ve never had tartare with chocolate sprinkle on top and once I’ve had it I couldn’t get enough! The risotto was perfection too, flavors left us super full and wanting more.🥰

Jacob W.

Google

I'd love to see how this restaurant scores with the Michelin reviewers, at the same time, I really appreciate how it's quiet and not too busy, as I like how it doesn't feel too cramped. The food is farm to table inspired west coast flair with a touch of molecular gastronomy, and a unique dining experience that I enjoyed. Pacing is relaxed, so expect to take your time. Personally, I'd recommend this restaurant a visit.

Samantha

Google

We ordered a dozen oysters, a charcuterie board, and three summer courses ($49 each, but with add ons for specific dishes). The total was around $270 for four people. Our waitress was charming and attentive, but unfortunately the timing of the food was extremely slow. We ordered at 8:30 and it took until 10:30 for all the plates to come out. The Kale Salad and Venison Tartare were a bit bland, the cheeseburger was soggy, and the halibut was dry- I could’ve pan fried a frozen fillet from Costco and gotten the same result. In addition, the glaze on the pork belly did not resemble the taste of gochujang at all, and the chocolate financier was so sweet it hurt my throat. The spicy yuzu gelato didn’t have any citrus flavored and did not pair well with the financier. The only highlight was the scallop crudo- the seafood was meaty and fresh, the texture of the cracker was delightful, and the sauce was on point. I would say in terms of fine dining, this restaurant js definitely on the lower end of the scale.

Mary Angelica D.

Google

Initially passed by this bistro searching for the restaurant I was supposed to have dinner. Yet, Alta stole the show as I couldn’t resist the great smell from the kitchen as I walked past there. If you want to please your palate for something worth the 💵, come here! The chef’s creativity is so visible on the plate. All the colours and flavour that explodes in your mouth. Locally sourced produce if you want to support Canadian businesses. You have to try it for yourself and be surprised in every bite. Apart from the chef and the kitchen folks, service was amazeballs here!!!!

Tyler R.

Yelp

Stopped by this place for dinner after a day at the Scandinave Spa. Staff was extremely helpful and passionate about the menu, answering any questions we had and giving us excellent recommendations. The dining room is quite large but feels very intimate and cozy. Highly recommend coming in the fall season, as they have a pretty good prix fixe menu where you can really get your moneys worth. We each tried one of the special cocktails which were delicious and a great start to the meal. My favourite dish of the night was the venison tartar. I was expecting the gamey-ness might be too strong but if anything it was the opposite! The dish was so well balanced and had me wishing for more as soon as I finished. For mains I took a gamble on the Morcilla and it paid off. I was pretty hungry, but this mushroom and rice dish was so rich with nutty and umami flavours it hit the spot. Both desserts were out of this world, but id give a slight edge to the pistachio mousse for the creativity and the delicious preserves served alongside it that really tied the dish together.

Cindy L.

Yelp

Foie Gras Custard 5 wine jelly, saffron poached pears, toasted hazelnut, crostini, toasted, crispy, strong wine flavor, creamy, refreshing, flavorful Pan Seared Haida Gwaii Sablefish 5 juicy, tender, broccol & tarragon purée, confit purple potatoes, yuzu kosho burree blanc, trout roe, flavorful Braised Prairie Ranchers Beef Cheek 5 tender, medium juicy, flaky, pistachio crust, roasted parsnip, acidulated beets, parsnip purée, old fashioned juice, flavorful

Mary M.

Yelp

Great food. The taste must be a little sophisticated for me. I did appreciate the range of flavors

Thomas G.

Yelp

I tried out Alta Bisto's spring tasting menu. This had a fairly great value for higher end fare. The highlight of my time here was the bison which paired amazingly with the berries on the plate. The staff was pleasant and the food came out fast. I enjoyed the decor and the wall of preserves fruits and veggies.

Sandy Y.

Yelp

We recommend Alta Bistro for any occasion. It's a place where every dish is a unique French culinary adventure. The Table d'Hote menu delivered perfection without leaving us overly stuffed. Each course was a masterpiece. Our table boasted: * Fresh Oysters (my fav) * Caramelized Shallot and Pear Bisque * Roasted Hakurei Turnip * Chicken Liver Mousse (my fav) * Seafood Tartine * Pan-Seared Rockfish, * Smoked Lamb Belly. The presentation was impressive - each plate was a work of art, totally Instagram-worthy! Food: 4/5 Should Try! Service: ‍‍‍‍4/5 Kids: 4/5 Yay! Price: $50-$100 for two (Dinner) Presentation: 3/5 Tips: * charge for hot water. * can make a table reservation through their website. * recommend making a reservation, especially on weekends. * slightly off the main Whistler Village. Would I Return: Yes ‍

Jim S.

Yelp

Run, don't walk! Make a reservation for fabulous French food in the BC Rockies. Ambience 5* Food 5* Service 5* Combine a quaint location with great culinary skill, fine ingredients, and a charming and knowledgeable staff and you have a Michelin quality restaurant. I am staying at the Four Seasons for a 6 day ski trip and have ate at several Whistler restaurants... this has been by far my favourite! When dining alone, I love a bar/kitchen seating when and AB delivered a great dining experience. My host was Tommy a skilled mixologist and well versed foodie. First course was BC oysters. A wonderful mignonette or a Thai spiced shaved ice with fresh shaved horseradish both were a perfect complement to the sweet and mild oysters. Accompanied by a well balanced Roku gin Vesper was a fantastic start. Second course was Beef Cheeks crusted with pistachios along side crispy parsnips, parsnip purée, and beets. Divine! Paired with a Grenache/Syrah fro Côtes du Rhône which complimented the tender minerality of the beef. I am not a big dessert person, but the chocolate mouse and cardamom ice cream was sublime. Paired with Chartreuse made a heavenly finish to truly 5 star meal. Can't wait for a return visit

Jess K.

Yelp

What a special place! We celebrated my husband's 40th birthday with the most spectacular dinner we could ever experience. Lilly took wonderful care of us! The host, chef and cook staff are top notch. Thank you endlessly for such a special night!

Janice B.

Yelp

We met up here for a brother's birthday dinner on Thursday, 2/8/24 while on vacation in Whistler. The place has a comfortable vibe and a great selection of cocktails, alcohol, beer and wine. We enjoyed the Charcuterie Board while our siblings enjoyed the Waugu Burgers. This is a very relaxed environment and a great experience in food. See you next time...

Shangjin L.

Yelp

Food is good looking, taste is just so-so. The waitress was very friendly and provided great service.

Richard F.

Yelp

Quick Summary Excellent food and service in an intimate but lively environment. Ordered the chef's menu with a 5 course meal. Try to make a reservation, especially on weekends Food- 5 stars The chef's menu came with a 5 course meal, which were all small plates (fine dining style). It was a great way to try out most of the menu and saved a bit of money compared to ordering a la carte. It came with the brandade and white anchovy on toast, rangeland elk tartare, rainbow trout, rangeland elk striploin, and a chocolate dessert. Everything was delicious and well plated. Cocktails- 5 stars Tried the yuzu cocktail and the maple old fashioned. The yuzu was a bit too sweet, However, the maple old fashioned was very well made (especially enjoyed the maple infused popcorn which provided a terrific scent) Service- 5 stars Excellent service as staff were very friendly and attentive. Ambiance- 5 stars Intimate and lively dining experience. Perfect for any dinner occassion Bottom Line Fantastic dinner spot if you're located in the Village. Make a reservation, especially on weekends

Denise C.

Yelp

We stopped in a couple of nights ago for dinner, and it was a pleasant experience. We walked in during our reservation time and were immediately sat. Our waitress checked in on us quickly and took our drink orders. The drinks were pretty good! We ordered the snack pickles, the venison tartare, and the carrots to start. The pickled items were good and were a perfect pre-dinner snack. I love that all the veggies are pickled in-house. The carrots were also delicious and came with a hemp seed crust, cashew curd, purple shiso, and a blood orange glaze. What could have been better was the venison tartare. The chicken liver mousse it came with was very watery and overly sweet. It completely ruined the dish. The venison was in the bottom, but it was just too much to work for when it tasted more like a dessert. Anyway, we ordered the duck and the beef check for our entrees. Both of these were absolutely delicious. The beef cheek was cooked perfectly, and the duck was full of flavor. To end, we had the milk chocolate mousse, which they nicely subbed for the ice cream for vanilla since I don't do coffee. It was delicate and decadent! Overall, I would return here!

Dominic D.

Yelp

Alta Bistro had some fun and tasty menu options. Would definitely like to come back here and try some more. Surprised it was rather empty on a Wednesday night. Home made ginger beer was a bit watery. The pork was outstanding. Like butter.

Diana T.

Yelp

What a pleasure to try to have tried this place! I quickly found this place on Yelp, and so many items caught my eye! As soon as you enter, it has a very homey atmosphere. We were quickly seated, and hooks were nearby to hang our coats. We had a reservation at 5:30pm and we thought it was perfect. This place fills up quickly, and we prefer to have the restaurant ourselves. Joe was a server, and he recommended lots of amazing dishes that we were on the fence about ordering, so THANK YOU, JOE. - PEI oysters (fantastic with the habanero sauce) - Rangeland Elk Tartare - Seared Tuna & White Anchovie - Flat iron steak - Pan fried Rock Fish All the dishes were INCREDIBLE. Cheers to our chefs! Overall, such a wonderful experience! Can't wait to be back next time I'm in Whistler!

Ben L.

Yelp

The restaurant is NOT honest and hidden charge. The restaurant tried to grab your little money in thing you don't really think of. Below is our experience. 1) After we sat down, the waitress asked "Do you want anything to drink." We said ONE hot water. The waitress did NOT mention any charge for the hot water and the hot water is just normal hot water (NOT sparkling water hot water). There is nothing about the charge for hot water in the menu. You will asked why there are TWO $2.50 charge for hot water when only one person asking for hot water. Guess what, a refill of the normal hot water also got charge for another $2.50. So one $2.5 for the 1st cup and refill is another $2.50. 2) When we ask for the bill, there is EHB charge on the bill. It is called Employee Health Benefits. We asked the waitress what is it. The waitress said she doesn't really know because it is her "first day" and she said it is mandatory because it is just like the tax that the computer calculate for each bill. We didn't know we can opt out the EHB after we came back home when we talked to our friend and search online. SUMMARY 1) Ask about anything for any charge including hot water. Maybe there is a hidden knife and plate cleaning fee charge later on (who know). 2) Ask to OPT OUT for the EHB before you pay the bill if you don't want to pay. https://www.altabistro.com/ In case the restaurant change and update the website, I want to mention that as of Oct 31 2023 (when I write this post) the menu still didn't mention about hot water is being charge and any thing about EHB. Not sure will the restaurant change and update their website after they seeing my post.

Bree M.

Yelp

Great location for dinner - went for a birthday date and highly enjoyed it. Food had creative pairings, was fresh, and cooked perfectly. Attentive to my allergies and friendly service.

S V.

Yelp

We stopped in at the Alta bistro as a last-minute decision as we were walking by with a three course dinner special. We were blown away with the wonderful service, the warm atmosphere and every bite it was bursting with flavor. We willl be back!

Benedict A.

Yelp

First night in whistler we came here to try their food. We wanted something that we normally don't get back home in california. And seeing the elk tartare on their menu we decided to come here. We were the first ones in, but shortly thereafter this place gets packed. We ordered their elk tartare appetizer, and this dish came out quickly. It was quite good. Didn't have a gamey taste at all. It was light. Tasted good. Not tough at all. Its so thinly sliced that it works out well. It was on top of a large peice of toast. Toast was crunchy. With all the seasonings and dry toppings ontop it helps to elevate the dish. Another appetizer we ordered was the dungeness crab and seared tuna eclair. It was good. Great flavors. Seasoned throughout. Good portion too!! I ordered the lamb neck which came with potatoes and hinoki. All on a bed of puree, as well as pickled strawberries throughout. Presentation looks amazing with so many colors. Lamb was soft and tender. Flavors are light and subtle but by no means underseasoned. It was really refined, like what you would find at a high end restaurant. But like any refined restaurant this entrees portion size was tiny. Others at the table ordered the duck breast as well as the alta cheeseburger. They all looked really good. Beautiful colors on the plate. Bright and vibrant. Food alone is 4.5 stars. Overall the atmosphere is refined. Good ambiance. Lots of wine selections. Price was ok, for 6 people, 5 entrees and 2 appetizers came out to around $300ish CAD, which is a lot. Minus 2 stars thought because of their service. Some of the waitresses/waiter were snobbish. Seemed like there was an aire of attitude to them. Others seemed as though they didnt want to be there. Total RBF, almost throwing down the plate and utensils onto the table like they were angry we were there. Not conversational at all, almost ignoring us, like they were better then us. Yea I get you work at a fine dining restaurant but without the customers this would be a closed fine dining restaurant. We are all humans, thus we are all equal. No one is above anyone else. Some of the staff need a significant attitude adjustment.

Dev W.

Yelp

We went in for desert and it did not disappoint! We LOVED the affogato, very creative and delish. The other two deserts were very creative and also great. We'd love to go back for mains next time!

Keun L.

Yelp

Things I tried: Beef short rib - too sweet for my taste but the meat fell off the bone and had good texture - the spicy side vegetable was good for me but may be too spicy for others a loved the corn bread. Ling cod: was very good and I would definitely get it again; soft, flaky, fresh and good sauce (bit of spicy kick really worked for me here) Elk tartar: very good; refreshing and juicy Crab and seared tuna eclaire: it was very interesting and creative dish; it had jalepeno which I liked a lot. Bison and pork burger: unique but too much sauce for my liking Both the chocolate mousse and rum rye baba were both good but I liked the choco mousse more. The deli board was excellent - too bad I didnt order any beer or wine. The service was excellent.

Lisa M.

Yelp

It pains me to write this review, as we've gone to Alta bistro many times in the past, and I always recommend it to friends that are going to Whistler. I'm hoping it's that we just didn't try the right things on the menu this time. The prices have gone up substantially, and it's now more expensive than many of the restaurants nearby of a similar (or better) caliber. My husband tried one of their cocktail specials and it was truly awful. The server didn't ask if he liked it, so we didn't say anything. The mushroom risotto was watery and flavourless, and at a price point of $40 we were shocked they let it leave the kitchen. We won't be going back for awhile, but I'll eventually try it again and I'm hoping I'll have a new kind of review to write. For now, I won't be recommending them anymore sadly.

Armand L.

Yelp

Loved the food and my partner who is vegetarian was able to eat also lol. The service was great and the price is ok. Order the chocolaté mouse for dessert

Desiree G.

Yelp

We loved this place! The owner visited with us and made us feel special. The decor is modest but the food was incredible! We ordered the salmon appetizer which was very good and interesting with flavored shaved ice and blueberries. I ordered the rockfish which was amazing. I loved all the different flavors and textures that combined into each heavenly bite. There was also plenty of delicious rich sauce to coat every bite. I also liked the fennel on top which added a satisfying crush and freshness. My husband had the pork dish which was more filling/heartier and had a BBQ type sweet flavor. It was good. I appreciated that the meat wasn't too fatty. We were impressed with this place and would recommend it for adventurous eaters who don't like bland food.

Wilson C.

Yelp

Went there a couple weeks before Christmas. Walked in like 7pm sat at bar no wait. Guess if one or two ppl can easily sat at bar no wait without reservation. Seemed not too busy that night. Friendly bar service. Good selection of cocktails and drinks. Ordered a couple cocktails pretty nice. Had a mushroom onion soup. Pretty rich. Pork shoulder and cheek as main course. Good comfort food. Too full for desert maybe next time.

Jennie Y.

Yelp

Great service and food! The seared albacore tuna and octopus dishes were packed full of flavour and cooked perfectly. A lot of unique flavours and pairings. Keep an eye out for the rotational daily specials on the chalkboard. A must try if you're in Whistler, I can't wait to come back to try the other dishes.

Arlene S.

Yelp

We ordered bread with chickpea, dukkah and olive oil, snack pickles, pan fried rock fish, and seared beef flatiron. The sourdough was amazing that it was fresh that it was crusty on the outer part and soft center. The dip was like a lighter version of hummus, which was delicious. I like the picked vegetables as it was refreshing and act like a palate cleanser to prepare for the savory dishes. The pan fried rock fish had confit octopus, smoked cauli couscous, sweet garlic sauce, fermented jalapeno, and lemon palm. Personally, I prefer some texture to the octopus. The octopus was prepared to the point that melts in your mouth which looses some of its natural flavor. Overall, the dish was amazing and the fish was pan fried so well. Everything else in the dish was amazing. The salad/vegetables on the beef flatiron seems to be thrown together without much thought. I wish there's a dressing on top to add some flavor. The Korean BBQ sauce lacks the flavor I'm expecting and way too sweet but the beef/steak slices were cooked perfectly and super tender to the bite.

Kiki H.

Yelp

3.5 stars if I could. I appreciate what they are trying to do here with creative French bistro food. But some of it missed the mark. The menu is pretty limited and a lot of the food was a bit too creative. For starters we tried the smoked olives and the charcuterie board. The charcuterie board was the better of the two. Lots of delicious meats and cheeses and pickled veggies. The super crispy flat bread just didn't work with this though. It crumbled everywhere and was too thin and flimsy to hold up to the cheese and meats. For my entree, I had the bison and pork burger which came with potatoes salad. The burger had an interesting flavor, definitely unique, but not my favorite. The bun was divine though! The potato salad has hardly any flavor and really needed salt. None of the desserts peaked my interest, so I passed. Service was fine. Our waitress wasn't really friendly but also wasn't rude. Although the restaurant was pretty empty it was difficult to get our waitress's attention at times and there were long gaps between courses.

Mark G.

Yelp

One of the best meals I've had in Whistler. Exceptional food. Creative, thoughtful, artfully presented and delicious. We all tried the 3 course meal (which I highly recommend). All 3 mains were superb but the pork cheek was really something special. The gazpacho was indescribably good. Worth a visit. Even better than I remember it.

Alyssa S.

Yelp

Alta was our chosen port in the storm on a cold and rainy evening on Whistler. And this place delivers on locally-inspired and creative west coast fare! We made a reservation and were sat at a nice cozy corner booth (not before checking in with our vaccination proofs and ID of course!). Alta is crowded and buzzing - something we didn't mind at all. And again, we were sort of tucked away in our booth. It was the long thanksgiving weekend so we weren't able to do their $49 menu. The food was still heavenly and the drinks strong. It is a rotating menu so my advice is to just go with what looks good to you! Our group ordered across the board: steak meal for two; ahi tuna; fried cauliflower (the feature vegan dish); octopus and halibut over a spiced cous cous; and pork belly. Everything was very well-done and presented with a slight creative twist. Oh and their charcuterie probably featured some of the most memorable tasting meats I've had! Highly recommend this one.

LG Mom D.

Yelp

Lovely meal in a more discreet uncrowded area of the village. Within walking distance and worth the find. Farm-to-table menu with slightly smaller size entree portions than normal. If you're hungry, add an appetizer and/or salad. Dungenous crab eclair, radish salad, rockfish were wonderful. Mushroom tartine not as favored by my son. Staff and service were attentive. Recommend.

John M.

Yelp

It's not that anything in particular was bad, but it's definitely overpriced. The oysters were a tad too warm, the elk wasn't hot enough. Portion of the main entree (elk) was very small for the price. Service and the people were good, it's just simply overpriced for what you get.

Anika E.

Yelp

We were recommended this place by a Whistler local, who said if she could go anywhere for dinner that night, she'd go there. We booked a reservation and walked over. Even though it seems fancy from the menu, it's Whistler, so they welcome you if you're casual! The family sitting next to us were playing Uno, ha! We ordered the beets, burger, Ling Cod, and the lobster eclair. Everything was amazing, as was the wine. I think we over ordered, but it's hard to pick! Oh, and our server was incredible. Joked with us, and just made it a really enjoyable evening. Would definitely go back!

Eddie K.

Yelp

This place rocks! Gotta try the tartar, one of the craziest things I've ever tasted. Cheers to do Don and the back of the house, hell of a crew.

David S.

Yelp

We have always enjoyed our visits to Alta Bistro. Our dinner last night was disappointing. The menu was very limited, and food combinations we odd and disjointed. Lamb belly and scallops combination? It seemed the chef is try too hard with unique combinations.

Laura L.

Yelp

Really had high hopes for this restaurant! Loved the feel and welcoming service! Also a huge fan of how their ingredients are sourced! That said, the flavours were a bit lack luster... I don't know if it was the theme of the month but almost everything we ordered came with smoke flavour and we became a bit overwhelmed. Loved the cheese plate and the vegan risotto! Also great wine list... cocktails are on the pricier side.. The biggest downside was the price in the end for not so great flavours. We also bought beers for the kitchen (an option on their menu) and noone said anything to thank or acknowledge it.... Would still recommend and am willing to try it again...

Berneta A.

Yelp

Alta Bistro is the definition of French cuisine, small portions and large prices. Entrees are not shareable and you'll have to order apps, dessert, and lots of wine to not have to go to kfc afterwards to not feel hungry. Don't get me wrong the food is quite good here, it's more like a food art experience. Your dishes will come out in 3D abstract forms that'll make you hit pause to admire it before you chow down. So here's the breakdown of what we had: Halibut-$46 cooked to perfection and served with a thick tempura like broccoli, plump mussels, and another veggie that I can't name? Maybe it's a parsnip? It said it came with a green curry sauce which was tasty but not very strong in flavor. I personally like the halibut in the bison entree sauce. Bison-$42 This was some tasty meat! I only got five thin slices of it and tiny speck on a bone, but it was good. It made me wish the polenta, carrots and string bean art, was more meat! Lentil mushroom salad-$15 if I were a rabbit this would be the meal I always prayed to god for. It's like eating a fresh garden of lentils. It's a unique taste, the lentils were almost raw but not, so I'll assign the adjective "fresh" to it. I did really like the sweetly marinated mushrooms in it. Sourdough bread-$6 it's bread that's sourdough, and made in house. It's like a darker wheat type, which is different. Spiced white chocolate mousse cake-$13 this was the big winner of the evening! It was topped with sweet crunchy coconut like candy flakes and a strawberry jam and fennel seeds that just wakes up the palate. I hope this stays on the menu if it changes. The wine list is very extensive but they only had two types of Pinot noir by the glass one from burgundy the other from Naramata, BC and both went so well with the bison and halibut. Definitely buy the bottle of either of you're going to have two glasses each. Service here is great, our server was super friendly and carried out requests quickly. The rest of the team was cheery and checked up on us a lot. Definitely make reservations or you'll be SOL, they get busy! I just couldn't do the full five stars because of the disparity between pricing and quantity of what you get. I understand these ingredients and meats are organic, local and of super quality, but at the end of the day perceived value is important too. I wasn't really wow'd and unfortunately the meal fell a little short on value. #WhistlerWonderland

Deen L.

Yelp

We were there on the first day of this ski season. The $40 3/4-course menu is great value. And the food tastes really good.

Debbie J.

Yelp

In our opinion, this is the best restaurant in Whistler. It has an interesting menu and everything we tried was outstanding. Our experience was enhanced by our server, Chelsea, who guided is expertly through the menu and made excellent recommendations. She knew the menu in detail. We loved everything we tried, from the specialty cocktails with house made ingredients right through to the desserts. We had the 3 course menu which included plenty of choices. The gazpacho, filled with unusual ingredients was "to die for". As a main, I had the pork and my husband had the fish. Both were excellent. The dessert was a panna cotta, something I don't usually love, but this one was special, again including unique ingredients including a touch of house made blueberry sorbet. A dinner to remember!

Andrea M.

Yelp

This restaurant was the best we visited at Whistler. Why ? Because not only was it comfortable with excellent service, the food was inspired. Meaning, the kitchen goes beyond the ordinary. Presentation was killer too.

Marcus K.

Yelp

Nice French restaurant worth a stop when you are in whistler. They were able to accommodate 10 of us ordering family style. There were a lot of dishes being passed back and forth I could not keep track of what all I had. But I can tell you that everything was excellent! Would love to come back and try it in a more low key setting with just the two of us. Then I can focus more on the meal and let you know what is really good.

Liam L.

Yelp

Subpar service, dirty floors, children running around, absolutely bland and disappointing mains. The front of house staff was constantly slow to remove old plates, provide the table with fresh water, and generally lacked any hospitality you would expect even with it being slow inside. We had the octopus and halibut risotto to start which was genuinely incredible, but after this it was downhill. The spaetzle was what looked like the vegetables they had left in the freezer with a few pieces of spaetzle on the side. The albacore tuna came out tasting bland with lukewarm broccoli tempura and creme fraiche at the base of the dish. All around just disappointed. The wine was nice but I'd rather try someplace else next time, especially given the steep price point here.

LA Sunshine X.

Yelp

We had a wonderful family dinner at this lovely place, away from the hustle and bustle of the main road in the village. For a Tuesday evening in August, we did not have problem making a same night reservation for an early dinner, around 6pm. The food was FIVE stars -- we ordered two separate appetizers (gazpacho and risotto) and two main courses (tuna and cheeseburger). Everything is very thoughtfully prepared with balanced senses and artistically presented. MINUS ONE STAR -- We are puzzled by why they charged for $2.50 for hot water. It wasn't anything we encountered growing up in Canada.

Jason H.

Yelp

Great restaurant in Whistler. All of our food and drinks were good and service was outstanding. Be sure to book ahead!

Edward S.

Yelp

Alta Bistro is a really wonderful restaurant in Whistler Village that serves some unusual (but delicious) food. The interior is unfinished and a little rustic, but fits the food well. They have a good drink and wine list--I had a syrah/malbec blend that was great. I started with the deli board. This is the perfect thing after a long day of skiing when you are hungry, full of decadent wonders. It came with three meats and three cheeses (which I think rotate), along with bread and some root vegetables. The best were the prosciutto and then the blue cheese, but everything was perfect (including the crackers). If you are not as hungry, they also have a cheese plate. For the main course I had elk steak which came with potatoes. I have had elk before, but this is probably the best I ever had. It was cooked absolutely perfectly and had great flavor. I think they rotate the menu, but definitely get this is available. I did not have room for dessert, but they had a cheese board that looked good. Alta Bistro is definitely worth a visit.

Mary M.

Yelp

OMG this restaurant is amazing. Seriously the best food and service! Where is Michelin guide to hand out a star or 2! Sooooo good. I am super fussy on restaurants and 19 times out of 20--I am satisfied or there is something I didn't like. Nope not here! I will come back to Whistler for this restaurant and maybe some skiing. Well done!

Joanne L.

Yelp

TLDR: My favorite restaurant in Whistler!! I highly recommend if you're in the area! Pricey but worth it! Location, Decor, Ambiance: 5/5 Service: 5/5 Food & Drink: 5/5 Pricing: 5/5 Location, Decor, Ambiance: Alta Bistro is a quaint, quiet restaurant to eat at. They have a bar as well as tables. They have tables both for intimate 2-person parties or larger parties of 6-8 people. Service: The service is excellent. The server knew all of the dishes and provided great recommendations. It took a while to get our first drink but it was comped which was very generous! Food & Drink: I've tried a decent amount of restaurants in Whistler including Araxi and Il Caminetto and Alta Bistro's food is still my favorite. Each ingredient is able to stand on its own but can also meld well with others. The quality of each dish is amazing and well thought out. The RANGELAND ELK TARTARE CANNOLI brings savory with sweet together while including the crunch texture of the cannoli shell. The PAN ROASTED STEELHEAD TROUT has a combination of savory with citrus, it's decadent and absolutely delicious. The Black Salsify at the top just adds that extra crunch. The chorizo in the FRASER VALLY PORK CHOUCROUTE is 10/10 and the kale is SO buttery and delicious. There was a bit too much lentil in the dish though. I don't see our dessert on their menu online at the moment but it's vegan! It's blood orange sorbet with creme brulee. Pricing: It's a pricey place to dine but worth it!

Allie C.

Yelp

Sat at the bar with my significant other and really loved our experience. The tasting menu with the wine pairings were lovely. Great variety of their cuisine. We loved the wait staff and bartenders too. Would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone in the area!

Angela B.

Yelp

What a wonderful meal. We had the endive salad and winter squash soup, both delicious and beautifully plated. For mains we had the venison & sausage, & a bison cassoulet special. Both were rich and hearty, just the type of food we were craving on a winter night, also delicious and gorgeously presented. All the flavors and textures were deliciously layered. We also really enjoyed the harissa beet puree that came with the bread (and generally I don't even like beets). The cocktail list was excellent, the wine list absolutely incredible, and the som helped us pick a bottle that went perfectly with our food. Service was also excellent. Expensive, yes, but not outrageously for the quality of what you are getting. A lovely Whistler gem that we definitely plan to revisit!

Jeremy S.

Yelp

Alta has a relaxed and cool vibe. We've been here two ski seasons in a row and have always left thinking... wow nice place! I particularly appreciate how thoughtful their vegan and vegetarian options are... if you're a veggie you definitely won't feel like a weirdo here. The pumpkin soup was excellent with some playful popcorn on top. My entree was a bean cassoulet with a creative Thai twist. Service is always excellent and they take reservations (highly recommended during the busy season - especially since it's not a huge restaurant).

Tom E.

Yelp

Foodies, this way! Great lovely atmosphere, amazing food. Interesting and delicious cocktails: I had the "Stay in Your Lane" (Courvoisier, VS cognac, Cointreau, pear and cardamom syrup, fresh lemon, served neat with a mist of Poire Williams) which was delicious and refreshing. The pumpkin soup was a real treat with cashew-jalapeno cream and garnished with popcorn and sunflower seeds which made for a nice texture contrast. The cassoulet with chorizo and salami over fried kale and white beans was filling, and full of complementary flavors. The beignets with blood orange sorbet was delicious and fulfilling. I'm glad I followed a friend's recommendation to this place. Well worth it.

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