A Taste of Alta Bistro
There’s nothing better than sliding into a booth for a delectable après-ski dish — especially after a full day on the Whistler-Blackcomb slopes. Nestled amidst the snowy and scenic peaks, Alta Bistro puts farm-to-table ingredients to work with French-inspired dishes. Inside, warm light pours over deep reds and woodsy browns. Pickled vegetables line the walls, inviting visitors to take in Whistler’s sustainable bounty. Offering a rustic experience in the heart of Canada’s favourite alpine scene, Alta Bistro is a must for residents and visitors alike.
Alta Bistro in Whistler, British Columbia
Alta Bistro in Whistler, British Columbia
Alta Bistro in Whistler, British Columbia
Alta Bistro in Whistler, British Columbia
Launched by sommelier Eric Griffith and Edward Dangerfield in 2010, Alta Bistro fills its menu with locally sourced foods alongside an impressive cellar, boasting roughly two hundred international wines. The local-global mix is fitting for the founders, both longtime residents of Whistler with an appreciation for European cuisine — UK-born Dangerfield brings a global perspective.
Outside of its sprawling wine collection, Alta Bistro keeps its menu tight and tasteful. Chefs regularly update the menu, staying on top of local harvests to ensure the kitchen is stocked with fresh ingredients and ideas alike. “No two visits to Alta Bistro are the same,” says the restaurant. “We are always striving to find new flavour and are inspired by the new crop.”
Sharable and savoury, Alta Bistro’s starters include sourdough foccacia, smoked olives, and fresh oysters. Meanwhile, seasonal entrées showcase the region’s best local fare. Unique bites like pan-seared Haida Gwaii sablefish and braised prairie ranchers beef wear their roots with pride. Last December, the Bistro celebrated winter with a foie gras custard: port wine jelly, saffron poached pears, toasted hazelnuts, and brioche crostini make for an innovative indulgence. If you’re not sure where to start, take the pressure off and opt for the Chef’s Tasting Menu.
Since its inception, Alta Bistro has delivered on its promise of sustainable sustenance — everything on the menu is steeped in the Bistro’s surroundings. Chefs have spent years cultivating symbiotic relationships with local farms, connecting guests with fresh ingredients from the community. As chef Nick Cassettari told the Whistler Insider: “There’s probably about 30 different farms that we connect with. For example, there’s only one specific time of the year we can get sour cherries from one of the local farmers. They’re beautiful and we get excited about what we can do with them on the menu.”
Alta Bistro in Whistler, British Columbia
Alta Bistro in Whistler, British Columbia
Alta Bistro in Whistler, British Columbia
Adrenaline-charged ski slopes might’ve given Whistler its claim to fame, but the village is spoiled with cultural delights. Alta Bistro takes full advantage of the buzzing scene right down to its washrooms, adorned with locally-crafted hand soaps. Just steps from the town centre, Alta Bistro puts Whistler’s hidden gems on full display, elevating homegrown charm to rival fine dining in the Alps.
