Homemade, hearty, and delicious are just some of the words that can be used to describe Pasta Lupino. This Italian-inspired restaurant and deli makes their own pastas, sauces and bread, and serves it all up in a casual and cozy dining room. Pasta Lupino's chicken parmigiana is one of their most popular dishes, and after a few bites, it's not hard to see why. The breaded chicken breast is smothered with their homemade tomato and basil sauce and then topped with mozzarella cheese. It's then served on linguine with more of their homemade tomato sauce. The lunch service is more casual than the dinner service. They also offer take-out and catering services if you want to enjoy it back home. Eating with the kids? They have a special menu just for them.
Recommended for Whistler's Best Value Restaurants because: While the chicken parmigiana is a local favorite, any of their house-made pastas are worth ordering.
Natasha's expert tip: They don't take reservations.
Located in Whistler's Creekside, the Southside Diner is a popular spot amongst locals and visitors. This casual eatery is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the hills, or to fuel up before heading out in the morning. The prices are affordable and the portion sizes are plentiful. For breakfast, tuck into the Southside slam. This hearty breakfast includes a choice of bacon, ham, or sausage with two eggs, two pancakes and a side of home fries. For a twist on a Canadian classic, try the breakfast poutine. Loaded with cheese curds, french fries, eggs, gravy and hollandaise, if there's one thing for sure, it's not for the faint of heart. There are definitely healthier items on the menu if you're looking to start your day off on the lighter side.
Recommended for Whistler's Best Value Restaurants because: If you've had a late night, Southside Diner is known for their legendary breakfasts that will cure what ails you.
Natasha's expert tip: It's gets pretty busy during peak times so don't be surprised if you have a wait a little bit before you're seated.
Located in Whistler Village, Basalt Wine + Salumeria is such a treat after a day of skiing. An extensive wine list, plenty of cured meat and cheese, and plated dishes are what will tempt you here. The menu is chock-full of seasonal and local ingredients so they change the menu up throughout the year. Choose from a variety of appetizers, mains and desserts. Can't decide? Order a couple and share. If you're in more of a snacking mood, the cured meat and cheese boards will hit the spot. Can't make it there for dinner? Weekend brunch is always a favourite and Basalt's brunch menu doesn't disappoint.
Recommended for Whistler's Best Value Restaurants because: Basalt Wine + Salumeria's 3-course meal for $25 is one of the best deals in Whistler.
Natasha's expert tip: Basalt Wine + Salumeria offers happy hour from 3pm-5pm.
Follow the scent of buttery baked goods and make your way to Purebread in Whistler Village. The rich smell is enough to entice you to come inside, but even that doesn't really quite prepare you for what you're about to experience. When you open the door, don't be surprised if you gasp at the incredible display of baked goods. It really is quite something! At first, you may find yourself overwhelmed with choice, and that's okay. Take a step back and let your eyes scan over the delicious options before you. There are all sorts of sweet and savory options to choose from. Purebread's goods are made with the best ingredients and you can taste it in each bite. This isn't your average bakery.
Recommended for Whistler's Best Value Restaurants because: When you're looking for something quick, the options are endless at Purebread. Just be sure to leave your willpower at the door.
Natasha's expert tip: Get there early to enjoy them at their freshest. Though they're delicious throughout the day.
Crepe Montagne's alpine vibes are almost as appealing as the food! These guys have been serving up crepes since 1997 so it's safe to say they've mastered the skill of making these thin and delicate pancakes. Not everything on the menu is crepe-based though. At breakfast, you can choose from eggs Benedict, omelettes, and other traditional breakfast dishes as well. For lunch and dinner, there are plenty of savory options that include crepes, fondue, raclette, and more. Sweet crepes, of course, are sublime. There's just something about a chocolate- and strawberry- stuffed crepe, or a flaming crepe swimming in Grand Marnier sauce that make for a winning combination.
Recommended for Whistler's Best Value Restaurants because: When skiing, there's just something so utterly nostalgic about indulging in gooey cheese fondues and rich crepes, and Crepe Montagne delivers.
Natasha's expert tip: For the best value, head to Crepe Montagne for breakfast.
Located in the Chateau Fairmont Whistler, this casual family-friendly restaurant is a great place to come and grab something quick and tasty before heading out on the slopes, or after you've done a few runs. That being said, if you've got time to eat-in and enjoy a leisurely meal, you can. For something filling at breakfast, the scrambler bowl is made with scrambled eggs, local potatoes, apple-wood smoked cheddar, tomato fondue and a flaky country-style buttermilk biscuit. They also have smaller baked goods if you want something light. The lunch menu has everything from macaroni and cheese to soups and salads to sandwiches and hot dogs.
Recommended for Whistler's Best Value Restaurants because: This casual, cafeteria-style eatery has plenty of tasty option to choose from that won't break the bank. Portobello Market & Fresh Bakery is open 7am-5pm.
Natasha's expert tip: They offer grab and go lunches if you want to make the most of your time on the slopes.
Whether you're hitting the slopes or the trails, a solid meal is important to sustain the energy you need. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Green Moustache is the perfect spot to go when you're craving something nutritious and delicious. This vegetarian cafe has plenty of vegan and raw options, too. These guys like to use organic, local, and seasonal ingredients in each of their dishes. Start your day with the Swiss-style Bercher muesli. This tasty bowl is loaded with oats, coconut, raisins and cashews that are soaked overnight in their homemade almond milk. It's then topped with bee pollen, goji berries, chia seeds and fresh apple slice. Later in the day, tuck into the buddha bowl. Fresh veggies, seeds, nuts, sprouts and avocado rest on a bed of rice and quinoa that's then topped with house dressing.
Recommended for Whistler's Best Value Restaurants because: The Green Moustache is the best bang for your buck when you want something truly healthy.
Natasha's expert tip: They have four locations with two in Whistler, one in Vancouver and one in Squamish.
If you ask a local where to get pizza, they'll tell you that Creekbread is the place to go. This casual eatery is perfect for families or dining with friends post-ski. These organic pizzas are loaded with local and seasonal ingredients, including free range chicken and nitrate-free meats. After your pizza has been adorned with tasty ingredients, it's put into a wood-fired, clay oven and cooked to perfection. The oven definitely adds the cozy factor. Located in Whistler's Creekside Village, it's just a short bus ride or drive from Whistler's main village. These guys are super passionate about making a difference in their community and host a benefit night each week where they donate a portion of the proceeds to a local cause.
Recommended for Whistler's Best Value Restaurants because: Creekbread uses top-notch ingredients on their pizzas, including free range and nitrate-free meat.
Natasha's expert tip: They have gluten-free pizza crusts here that you can request.
Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Elements Urban Tapas Parlour is a local favourite, any time of day. The open kitchen gives diners a sneak peek into the action and the warm atmosphere provides a neighbourly feel. This locally-inspired restaurant has a heavy focus on creating dishes that are made to be shared and enjoyed like tapas. From fresh fish, seared meats and seasonal vegetables, there's no shortage of choice here. They're also committed to providing vegetarian, gluten-free and organic menu options so that everyone leaves pleasantly satisfied. While you may be tempted to order one of everything, make sure to save room for dessert.
Recommended for Whistler's Best Value Restaurants because: For a delicious meal in a fun atmosphere, head to Elements Urban Tapas Parlour where the majority of dinner entrees are under $20
Natasha's expert tip: Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis, but if you want to know how long the wait is, give them a call and they'll let you know.
Whistler is a popular ski town amongst Australians and fortunately for Whistler, they're bringing a little taste of home to the mountains in the form of Australian meat pies. Owners Kerri and Alex opened Peaked Pies so that other Aussies (like Kerri) could bite into a piece of home, while sharing the joy with the rest of Whistler. These flaky bundles are filled with quality ingredients and are made in-house daily. Want something simple? Opt for the traditional pie that's filled with ground beef, onions and gravy. For something a little more bold, try the butter chicken pie. If you're extra hungry, get "Peaked" and they'll top your pie with mashed potato, mushy green peas and finish it with gravy. Also on the menu are vegetarian options, breakfast pies, rolls, and sweets.
Recommended for Whistler's Best Value Restaurants because: All of their hearty pies come in under $10, making it an affordable lunch. Make it a meal by adding mashed potato and mushy peas.
Natasha's expert tip: If you can't make it to Whistler, you can enjoy their pies when you're in Vancouver.