Peckish & Penniless? Check Out These Budget-Friendly Bites in Whistler
Check out our insider's guide to the cheapest restaurants in Whistler.
1. HUNTER GATHER
Well worth the few extra steps from the gondola.
Not only do they have one of the best craft beer selections in town, but the food quality at this casual, spacious taphouse rivals most restaurants in town.
For the best bang-for-your-buck, check out the Dipity-Do-Dat Beef Brisket Sammy & Side for $15 or get the Grilled Cheese & Side for just $12. Their hearty sides include coleslaw, wilted greens & "Pemberton's Best" crispy smashed potatoes.
Top tip: Hunter Gather has a secret local's lunch special of a Sammie & A Side for $10.99 during the offseason, keep an eye on their Facebook page as this is one of the best deals in town!
2. GONE EATERY
Two words: Pad Thai
Tucked away inside Armchair Books and behind the Spicy Sports storage room, this cozy cafe has plenty of seating space and warm vibes. Serving hearty, homemade, and (kinda) healthy food, Gone Eatery remains a staple local's choice. If you're looking for quality, tummy-filling food at very reasonable prices, and a banging flat white to boot, Gone Eatery is the one for you.
Our recommendations: Veggie Pad Thai - $11.50, Grilled Cheese with Soup - $9.50, or a mouthwatering BLT for a mere $8.50.
3. ANTICO PIZZERIA
Traditional wood-fired Italian pizza, half price every day at 3pm.
Serving traditional Neapolitan style pizza alongside delicious pasta, paninis and salads, Antico offers quality food with excellent local discounts. From 3-5pm every day, get a classic margarita pizza for just $8, accompanied by any craft beer on tap for $4! Served in a bright and rustic setting, they also offer any pizza and a pint for $20 every Tuesday. Regular prices are still reasonable, with a 3 topping pizza ranging from $16-20, plus you can watch the dough get tossed and fired in the forno just across the room.
We love: The Avellino Panini & the Classic Margarita Pizza with added roast vegetables.
4. PASTA LUPINO
Authentic, homemade pasta & sauce at great prices.
Offering a small, simple but delicious gourmet menu - you can walk right past the piccolo Pasta Lupino without realizing. Nestled in between Dominoes and Hunter Gather, locals like to keep this one a secret! They serve delicious homemade Italian food and offer a small, romantic setting, with almost every dish (bar the Chicken Parm) costing under $20. The deli counter also offers fresh pasta, sauces and pizza dough for home cooking. No reservations, so get there early!
Our favourite: The lunch deal! Choose your own house-made pasta & sauce (alfredo, bolognese, arrabiatta) for just $8.90 between 11am-5pm (plus a slice of the home-baked focaccia!) That's $6.80 cheaper than the dinner time price, score!
5. SAMURAI BOWL
Creekside's favourite Japanese joint just got a menu re-vamp.
Previously Samurai Sushi, Creekside's locally owned Japanese stop has changed ownership and revealed an exciting new menu. Ditching the sushi and focusing more on bowls such as donburi, udon and ramen, they have already built up quite a reputation for quality and service! It is a very relaxed, counter serve establishment (with almost a fast food/diner vibes) but with exceptional fresh food prepared quickly.
Our favourites: Donburi of the Day + 2 side for only $12.95! (hint hint.. try the tofu nuggets!)
6. EL FURNITURE WAREHOUSE
Where all meals are $5.95, all day, every day.
We're sure you've heard about it, but she still deserves a mention. El Furniture Warehouse (or 'Furnies') remains a locals hangout on the basis that you can get a three (generous!) course meal for less than $20. Daily drinks features and happy hours are worth checking out, whilst it gets busy there is plenty of seating inside and out!
Our recommendations: Try the deep fried avocado taco for something different and delicious, the Mac'n'Cheese gets you the best bang for your buck if you want a hearty meal!
7. PEAKED PIES
Buttery, beautiful homemade pies without the wait.
Hot, delicious pies every time. With a large range of meat pies (kangaroo, anyone?) and enough vegetarian options to keep everyone happy - Peaked Pies offers a warm, filling and affordable meal when you're craving those home comforts. Perfect pastry, topped with homemade mashed potatoes, mushy peas and gravy - all ready within 5 minutes and less than $12. They serve great coffee too!
Our favourites: Vegetable Medley, The Hopper & Sausage Roll.
8. INGRID'S VILLAGE CAFE
The long-time local lunch favourite.
Ingrid’s is hidden next to Maxx Fish, so you may have missed it in the daylight. They specialize in made-to-order sandwiches & homemade (meat & veggie) burger patties. They also do some mean breakfast options including waffles, croissants and bagels with scrambled eggs! There are tons of options and everything is fresh, satisfying and under $10. There's a reason local's try and keep this one a secret!
Our faves:
Avocado Breakfast Wrap, Fantastic Falafel Burger & the Chicken Schnitzel.