Looking for the best restaurants in Whitefish, Montana? Whitefish is our happy place, and it is full of gorgeous scenery, fun things to do, and some of the best restaurants. Whether you’re planning a family road trip, a summer vacation, or going skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort, this area is beautiful, with plenty of fun things to do.
It is also a great stopping place or place to stay on your Glacier National Park itinerary. You’ll find plenty of great Whitefish restaurants that the whole family will enjoy – even the pickiest eaters.
In this post, you will learn about some of the best restaurants in Whitefish, Montana, as well as some of the nicest places to stay while you’re in town.
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About Whitefish Montana
National Geographic named Whitefish, Montana, as one of the top 25 ski towns in the entire world. Located at the base of Big Mountain in Flathead Valley and on the shores of Whitefish Lake, it’s a popular vacation destination all year long.
In fact, we first visited when we were looking for things to do in Glacier National Park, and immediately fell in love. We also skied there in the winter. It is a four-season breathtaking town, that is lesser known than Bozeman, but uniquely special in its own way. It is turning into one of our favorite places to visit in the USA.
Whitefish has plenty of shops, restaurants, and coffee houses to keep you busy on top of the boating, snowboarding, biking, and hiking activities. Other activities include:
- Golfing at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club
- Sea kayaking
- Visit Les Mason State Park
- Charter fishing trips and tours
- Jet-propelled water flights of Whitefish Lake
- Visit a historical town museum
And much more.
It’s close to Glacier National Park and conveniently located just 15 minutes away from Glacier Park International Airport.
Whether you want to stay in a luxury cabin, camp, or find an inexpensive place to stay or park your RV, you’ll find a variety of lodging options in this hip midwestern town.
Best Restaurants in Whitefish Montana
Sometimes the food is one of the most memorable parts of any vacation, and the restaurants in Whitefish won’t disappoint you. In fact, this western-style town is quite modern with its cuisine and food options.
I will also add that our favorite coffee in the world (move over Seattle) comes from Whitefish. It is Montana Coffee Traders and we like it so much, we order it to our home in New England. You will also find yummy huckleberry treats, great shopping, and fun things to do in this town. But dining is definitely one of them!
With so many places serving delicious food, the hard part is going to be narrowing down your choices. Her are our picks for the best restaurants in Whitefish, Montana.
Buffalo Cafe
Don’t let this humble cafe fool you, as it’s a favorite of the locals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can order comfort food favorites like beef stroganoff, French toast, and fresh grilled hashbrowns and eggs or locally sourced favorites like fish tacos and bison meatloaf.
The Buffalo Cafe is one of the best restaurants serving breakfast with something for everyone in your family, with fresh food centered around local ingredients.
Loula’s Cafe
The favorite of many, Loula’s Cafe serves Latin American-inspired contemporary dishes and is open for breakfast and lunch. What truly sets it apart is it’s located in the Historic Masonic Temple in downtown Whitefish.
The scenery alone makes it worth eating here, but amazing food like the Pork BBQ Belly Tacos will make you want to return.
Jalisco Cantina
The made-from-scratch authentic Mexican food makes Jalisco Cantina one of the best Whitefish restaurants. We ate there last winter and it was hands down some of the best Mexican food we have ever had! With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, you’ll love the food inspired by the central coast of Mexico with delicious seafood and fresh ingredients.
Grouse Mountain Lodge
Not only is the Grouse Mountain Lodge a great place to stay in Whitefish, MT, the onsite restaurant, but Logan’s Bar and Grill has a cozy dining room. The lodge feel, and warm ambiance also make it a great place for Après Ski or a fresh and hearty meal. Logan’s is a great place to have dinner or a drink.
Craggy Range Bar & Grill
The Craggy Range Bar & Grill offers different variations of gastropub fare that make it a favorite with the locals. It’s another one of our favorites. Dine on burgers and patty melts or choose healthier options like chicken and rice or pho bowls for lunch or dinner.
It has an extensive list of beers on tap and indoor or outdoor dining options with an outdoor bar. Watch the games on one of the many TVs or enjoy live music inside or outside.
The Bierstube
Bierstube is another fun Après location where you can eat indoors or outside. This restaurant is a great place to kick back and have a beer after a long day of skiing. It serves American pub food like burgers and baskets with chicken fingers and onion rings.
It also has a fun atmosphere and is very family-friendly. Bierstube is open for lunch and dinner.
Montana Coffee Roasters
Located in downtown Whitefish, Montana, Coffee Traders has a cafe where you can get breakfast and your coffee fix for the day in a casual atmosphere. I already mentioned this is THE BEST coffee. Like ever.
With over 40 years of serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch to customers, you can order breakfast sandwiches, homemade granola, quiches, and bagels.
The Tupelo Grille
Tupelo Grille is another one of the best restaurants in Whitefish as it offers fine dining with fresh seafood and steaks inspired by fresh Southern cuisine.
This restaurant is only open for dinner. But it has a list of award-winning wines and delicious cocktails that go perfectly with the local favorite, elk meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and other savory options.
Wasabi Sushi Bar and Ginger Grill
Experience Japanese cuisine in the west with food that stimulates your visual and taste senses. The chef of Wasabi Sushi Bar is a master in sushi preparation, which is rare and one of the many reasons it’s one of the best Whitefish restaurants.
Wasabi has been voted #1 in sushi multiple times and is open for supper only. But it’s worth eating here as their dinner menu has light dishes and favorites like the Eel Appeal Sushi.
The Swift Creek Cafe
Swift Creek Cafe is a family-owned restaurant open for breakfast and lunch, which makes it the perfect place to stop before you hit the trails or ski slopes. You’ll find classics like omelets and sandwiches as well as some seasonal dishes like the fish tacos that you don’t want to miss.
When you taste some of the delicious house-made bread, preserves, and jam, you’ll see why it is one of the most popular restaurants in downtown Whitefish.
Montana Tap House
If you’re looking for a casual place to eat pizza and beer, then you don’t want to miss the Montana Tap House. You’ll find other pub food favorites like American Poutine and the restaurant’s unique Taphouse Pockets.
With 58 different beers on tap, including local craft beer, the Montana Tap House is a great place to stop in for lunch. It’s open from 9 AM to 5 PM during the weekdays.
The Abruzzo Italian Kitchen
Abruzzo Italian Kitchen is the sister restaurant of Tupelo Grille, serving Italian staples in Whitefish, MT. Open since 2017, it serves a broad range of Italian food like pasta and wood-fired pizza, and it’s located in downtown Whitefish.
The Abruzzo Italian Kitchen is a great place to end a long day on the slopes with hearty food, as it’s only open for dinner. But you can find delicious dishes, like the kale pesto and sausage with fresh pasta or pizza, and choose from a nice wine list.
- Sweet Peaks Ice Cream – Delicious homemade sorbets and ice cream
- The Boat Club – The Boat Club is a fine dining restaurant with delicious seafood, local ingredients, regional specialties, and the famous Boat Club bar. Eat scrumptious dishes like Alaskan King Crab, prime rib, and more from the Club menu.
- The Lodge at Whitefish – Casual dining options with food like sandwiches, burgers, and pizza
- Pescado Blanco – Chef and owner David Lewis fuses southern Mexico cuisine with a northern Montana flair for a unique take on Mexican dishes.
- The Whitefish Lake Restaurant – The Whitefish Lake Restaurant serves elegant international dishes on its creative menu with a rustic ambiance inside the Whitefish Lake Golf Club.
- Casey’s Bar and Grille – One of the best restaurants in Whitefish for dining, drinks, and a lively nightlife
- Latitude 48 – Named after the latitudinal coordinates of Whitefish, MT, you can get contemporary and traditional food like fried chicken and scallops and visit the Red Room Lounge downstairs and order drinks off the martini menu.
- Ciao Mambo – A fun restaurant with an extensive wine list and delicious Italian food
- Second Street Pizza – One of the best pizza restaurants in Whitefish
- Piggyback BBQ – An authentic pit BBQ restaurant that uses flathead cherry wood for a unique, smoky taste on their pulled pork, beef brisket, and other options
- Amazing Crepes – Amazing Crepes is a local favorite serving French-style crepes that are like a very thin pancake and as the name suggests serves amazing crepes!
- Bulldog Cafe – A restaurant with a rustic vibe, handmade burgers, and other delicious bar food
- The Great Northern Bar and Grille – Old fashioned, homemade cooking served alongside live music Thursday through Saturday in the evenings
- The Last Chair Kitchen – The Last Chair Kitchen & Bar makes you feel at home with a locally sourced diverse menu with items like huckleberry steak tips, pad Thai, and steelhead trout bison ragu
- Wich Haus – A farm-to-table sandwich shop with rotating specials featuring local meats from local farmers
- Paisano’s Second Street Pizza – The best place to get New York-style pizza and Italian sandwiches in Whitefish Montana
- Stop by a food truck like Mountain Berry Bowls or Senor Montana Tacos y Mas for other wonderful food options.
Best Places to Stay in Whitefish Montana
Of course, if you’re vacationing in Whitefish, MT, you’ll want to stay somewhere nice and convenient to activities and locations like Glacier National Park. Here are some of the best hotels, resorts, and lodging options in Whitefish.
Booking.comLodge at Whitefish
The Lodge at Whitefish is nestled on the clear blue waters of Whitefish Lake with first-class amenities and a spa.
Grouse Mountain Lodge
The Grouse Mountain Lodge provides a one-of-a-kind glacier cabin experience with stunning views of Glacier National Park.
Bar W Guest Ranch
Get the full western ranch experience at this guest ranch close to Glacier National Park and close to Whitefish.
Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort
The Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort is the center of many activities in the area. You can check for Airbnbs to stay in that are close to everything.
Towne Place Suites by Marriott
This Marriott is within a few minutes of Whitefish Mountain Resort and is an affordable hotel option with nice suites.
Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge
This Best Western is located right in Whitefish, MT, and offers free breakfast, a heated pool, and an outside hot tub.
Firebrand Hotel
The Firebrand Hotel combines a sophisticated, urban feel with Montana’s rugged landscapes for unique accommodations.
Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish
This Hampton Inn offers a complimentary breakfast, a saltwater pool, and free shuttle rides to and from Glacier International Airport.
Final Thoughts on The Best Restaurants In Whitefish, Montana
If you love skiing or outdoor adventures like hiking and biking, you’ll love Whitefish, Montana. Located close to Glacier National Park, it’s the outdoor enthusiast’s dream location, especially for those that love skiing. It’s also not far from Yellowstone National Park.
Now you know some of the best dining options that offer wonderful food sourced from the freshest local ingredients. Plus, there are plenty of local events, shops, and activities to keep you busy your whole trip.
And if you haven’t planned a trip to Whitefish, Montana, yet, add it to your bucket list. It’s the perfect family-friendly vacation destination.
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