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Best Spots for Dinner in Whitefish, Montana

ByMeggen Wilson Posted on

I’ve called Whitefish home for over twenty years, and in a mountain town where dining out isn’t just a meal- it’s part of the experience- I’ve spent two decades eating my way through every restaurant worth noting. As a food blogger who’s tasted everything from the Royale with Cheese at the Buffalo Cafe to dinner at Herb & Omni where James Beard nominated, Chef Earl James’ plates artful perfection, Whitefish punches above it’s weight class when it comes to exceptional food.These are my Best spots for dinner in Whitefish, Montana after years of living here and dining here every week.

Let’s dive in…

a table with brown paper set for four people with art nouveau art on the wood paneled wall next to it.

More about Whitefish and it’s unique collection of dining options:

Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or relaxing after a day hiking at Glacier National Park, planning a family-friendly casual spot that won’t break the bank, or want to know where the locals actually eat ( and not just where tourists end up), this guide will steer you right. Here’s the best spots for dinner in Whitefish, Montana broken down by exactly what you’re looking for.

a plate of fine gourmet foods

Restaurants that take Reservations (Book ahead for These)

  • For special occasions and Romance
    • Whitefish Lake Restaurant– one of the oldest restaurants in town, situated at the Whitefish Lake golf course inside a cozy log building complete with roaring fire, bar and incredible patio overlooking the 18th green, this spot is where locals come to celebrate. This is a steakhouse that serves dinner with all the trimmings. The roasted carrots, huge baked potatoes and incredible wine list makes this a must do dining experience. My favorites: escargot in garlic butter, Filo wrapped fish, gingerbread with peppermint ice cream made in house. And I always enjoy a Kir Royale before dinner.
    • Insider Tip– The patio is the best place to eat the summer. The grill is where you’ll see locals enjoying Chicken Fried Steak every Wednesday.
    • Herb & Omni- Easily the most beautiful dining room in Whitefish. Elegant gold finished , Queen Bee motifs and a killer bar, make this a splurge worth doing. Dress up a little when you come to enjoy James Beard nominated, Chef Earl James incredible plates of local fare. You’ll think you’re in one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles or New York.
    • Insider Tip- The bar is the best people watching in town. Off season you can grab the Wagyu burger for only $20.00 at the bar. Be sure to check out the gorgeous garden inspired roof top bar- the Belvedere .
    • Buchanan’s Chop House- Nestled inside the Kandahar Lodge on the mountain, is a cozy Alpine dining room from the Canadian restaurant of the same name. Buchanan’s offer King Salmon, gorgeous chops and inventive sides and desserts.
    • Insider Tip- Be sure to arrive early and grab a cocktail at the Snug Bar. Locals have enjoyed Aprés Ski libations here for decades.
a whiskey sour at The Tupelo Grille in Whitefish
A Whiskey Sour at Tupelo Grille

More special Events Dining:

  • Tupelo Grill- Creole with a mountain twist. Loads of fresh local ingredients on the menu with staples such as shrimp and grits, bison meatloaf. Don’t skip the seasonal sides and the biscuits.
    • Insider tip- this restaurant has the largest selection of bourbons in town and makes a mean whiskey sour. Live music (check their website for who is performing) in the bar plus brunch on Sundays means there is always a great vibe.
  • Latitude 48 – Do not skip the rustic bread plate or the Wild Boar tenderloin at their cozy brick walled gem. The Red Room (located in the basement) has a speakeasy feel to it. Latitude’s is right downtown at the corner of Central and 2nd ave. making it walkable for folks staying in town. Fantastic cocktails (including extraordinary mocktails prepared with creativity) and a great wine list makes this one of my favorites.
    • Insider tip: Grab a seat at the kitchen counter to watch the chefs or enjoy happy hour in the Red Room bar. Pizzas are perfect for sharing. I love the lavender cheese plate right now.
a burger with sauce and fries at Herb and Omni in Whitefish Montana

Family Friendly Spots (Where kids are actually Welcome)

  • The Buffalo Cafe– Yes, the Buffalo is well known for breakfast, but this is also a great spot to wind down with a fantastic dinner, local beer and a great salad, (what is in that purple dressing?) burger or local specialty sandwich. Kids are adored at the Buff- the owners always have bins of toys, crayons and loads of fresh huckleberry milkshakes.
    • Insider Tip- Be sure to check the hours of the Buffalo. Dinner service is only a few nights per week.
  • Mambo’s Whitefish– While my kids are now grown, we used to come here often for massive plates of pasta, garlic bread and wine. The line is out the door every night during the summer. The vibe is fun, loud and no-one will mind your kids spilling food all over the table.
    • Insider Tip- Skip the line and order take out.
  • Jersey Boys- You’ll see every pick up truck in town at this favorite family pizza spot. Great pizzas, great prices and the perfect place to bring the kids.
    • Insider Tip- You can order online (and I recommend it). Jersey Boys gets busy! AND- if you were here last summer- they have a new location on Hwy 93 just across from Western Building Center.
  • Craggy Range- Tons of TV’s so mom and dad can watch sports, gluten -free menu, kids menu, big roomy booths for the family. Okay- the locals don’t come here often, but when you’re exhausted and need a table , Craggy can hook you up. Big servings. Great location.
  • Whitefish Farmer’s Market– Every Tuesday night, 5-7:30pm, from late May until Mid September, Depot Park is packed with vendors, farmers, and food trucks! Bring a blanket, plop down on the grass and enjoy an al fresco dinner while the kids run around and blow off some steam.
    • Insider Tip- Grab drinks at Markus Foods just around the corner and enjoy dinner on the lawn.
a bar with an arched set of shelves filled with spits lit up from behind

The Best Dinner spots in Whitefish for meeting Friends

  • Mama EV’s- The newest and most delicious oven baked pizza in town. Located in the Chalet Hotel on Hwy 93 just south of downtown, Mama EV’s has THE best salads and fun wine list. Get a big table and meet up after a day on the lake.
    • Insider Tip- Don’t skip dessert- there is always something fresh every night. Ask for the pizza to be “Well Done”. Some nights they get busy and the crust needs a bit of extra char.
  • Jalisco- This is a fun spot to enjoy a refreshing margarita and a great fish taco or two. Patios in the summer are the place to be. This is the place to go if you love tequila.
    • Insider Tip- They take reservations online, but you can call and they’ll book a big group in the upstairs private dining room as well.
  • Blackstar- Tons of great local beers, ciders and more. Grab a salad, the best smash burger in town or an oven fired pizza. The QR code makes ordering easy- no check to split and the food comes out fast.
    • Insider Tip- Dine upstairs- Best seats the house.
  • Abruzzo- I can’t remember the last time I ate at Abruzzo and didn’t see someone I know. It’s where you get to know the staff, the hostesses, the owners- great drinks, fantastic food and the best place to bring a group of friends. Reservations strongly recommended.
    • Insider Tip- I love the patio in the summer, but the best seat is at the back bar. Ask for a Queen Bee and say, “Meggen sent you.”
  • Bonsai Brewing – casual , fun, fantastic brews, tacos, bowls and fresh. This is the place to be to wiggle your toes in the soft grass, let the dog scamper with the kids.
    • Insider Tip- Best seats are always outside.
a hallway leading into a dining room

Aprés Ski dining

  • Hellroaring Saloon– IYKYK- Incredible soups and NOW you can book a table online. Ski in and ski out dining. My kids had their rehearsal dinner here. Best views in the valley.
    • Insider Tip- Soup of the day is a must and the Double Irish will warm you up fast.
  • The Last Chair– Chef Tim catered our daughter’s wedding a few years ago. The food is fantastic and the dining room is so warm and cozy. Reservations strongly recommended year round.
    • Insider Tip- The Mezze plate and the Steelhead are my favorites. Beer and wine only.
  • The Lodge at Whitefish Lake- Boat Club Bar – Again, this isn’t where you’ll necessarily find the locals, but honestly, you can always get a table. The bar is solid and there is often live music in the bar. The only dining on Whitefish lake so the views are pretty incredible.
    • Insider Tip- Skip the pricey Boat Club and enjoy the bar instead.
The Tiki bar at the Lodge on Whitefish Lake

Our favorite Al Fresco Spots for Dinner in Whitefish Montana

  • The Patio at The Whitefish Lake Restaurant – the grill is open once the golf course reopens every May. This is one of my favorite spots to enjoy a lazy afternoon while watching golfers finish up their round. Typical pub faire with an elevated menu on the weekends. This is our favorite place to bring friends for lunch when they step off the plane. High tops reserved for cocktails only .
  • The Tiki Bar at the Lodge on Whitefish Lake– Pull your boat up to the dock and enjoy a burger from the grill. Great people watching. Non-hotel guests can enjoy this beautiful spot as well.
  • Rooftop- Blackstar Brewing
  • The Belvedere- roof top garden at Herb & Omni
  • Bonsai Brewing
  • Jalisco Patio- reservations accepted, but patio is first come first serve.
  • Thirty Eight Central– Food trucks, full bar, live music and great shopping. This spot has it all and is perfect for the family or late night libations.
  • Rebel Roots– My favorite food truck in town. Parked outside of the Apres Whitefish hotel. They have limited seating, but it’s worth it to catch a glimpse of the river and enjoy fresh gluten free goodies. Noon- 6PM Mon-Sat. Find their info on Instagram. Closed Winter.
  • Piggy Back BBQ- Typical BBQ. Gets very crowded in the summer. Call ahead for take out or enjoy dinner under the umbrellas on Wisconsin Ave.
a wood fired pizza

Festivals and events worth visiting in the area

Other great posts about things to do in Whitefish and Glacier National Park

Mumford and sons on stage at the Under the Big Sky festival in Whitefish MT. There is a huge stage under a pillowy sky of pink clouds

Meggen Wilson is the owner of the specialty food company- Pine & Palm Kitchen. At P&P Kitchen, nestled in the heart of Northwest Montana, we craft small-batch, premium vanilla and vinegar products, using only the finest locally sourced and fair-trade ingredients.
Our creations are a tribute the region's bounty- featuring local honey, Pacific Northwest varietals of apples and spirits from nearby distilleries.
Each batch is lovingly manufactured with a commitment to quality, offering an elegant blend of flavors and products that elevates even the simplest of recipes- be it a humble chocolate cookie or a spectacular Pavlova.
Pine and Palm Kitchen, where tradition meets luxury in every bottle.

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