The gorgeous ski resort of Whitefish, located in Montana’s northern reaches, has been labeled one of the trendiest small towns in America, and its varied food scene undoubtedly plays a role.
Whitefish, Montana, quickly established a reputation as one of America’s coolest small towns. And its diverse food scene is undoubtedly a part of this dynamic. Whitefish, Montana, was founded in 1909 and is located in the northern part of the state.
Whether you’re looking for elegant seasonal food, Montana-inspired “Mountain Mexican,” or soulful Southern dining, this list of Whitefish’s thirteen top restaurants has something for you.
The 13 Best Restaurants in Whitefish Montana
Last Chair Kitchen & Bar
1705 E. Lakeshore Dr., Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068635455
The Last Chair Kitchen & Bar, a family-owned Whitefish restaurant, oozes warmth, comfort, and quality. The Last Chair offers some of Whitefish’s greatest restaurant service, making you feel at ease, like a local and even like a family member.
Their menu includes huckleberry steak tips (locally sourced), oyster mushrooms, coconut curry flavored shrimp, and enormous stunning dishes such as steelhead fish, bison ragu, and vegetable curry.
As an appetizer, I got the beef tips in blue cheese sauce. The steak was cooked to perfection, and the sauce was neither overpowering nor sickening. It was masterfully constructed.
I had fish with macadamia nut coating for my main course. It was one of the most intriguing and delicious dinners ever. The work of a really gifted chef!
We had the little doughnut balls with huckleberry and lemon curd for dessert. Delicious. If you want to sit, relax, and enjoy your eating experience, The Last Chair is the place for you.
Abruzzo Italian Kitchen
115 Central Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14067308767
With its outstanding Italian cuisine, including pizzas and pasta, this restaurant, which initially opened its doors in 2017, is one of the best restaurants In Whitefish Montana.
This downtown restaurant in Whitefish will serve you the finest lunch of your life, with mouthwatering dishes that will make you crave Italian cuisine at every mouthful.
Enjoy your lunch in an exquisite and rustic atmosphere with contemporary lights, a modern fireplace, and unique antique wooden flooring and seats.
The appetizers of fresh warm bread with oil, balsamic vinegar, calamari, and Caesar salad were delicious. We also tried the elk tartare, which was excellent.
The main courses were likewise excellent. The seafood pasta was creamy and packed with varied shellfish.
The spaghetti and meatballs, as well as the Bolognese pasta with veal crumbles, were both excellent. This location is a true discovery and one of the best places for Italian food in Whitefish.
Ciao Mambo
234 2nd St., Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068639600
This is one of the best Italian restaurants In Whitefish Montana, serving traditional Italian fare with a modern touch in a chic yet relaxed setting. You’ll have the impression that you’re at an art gallery.
The massive paintings will make you want to eat more wonderful food, with topics ranging from individuals drinking to inanimate magnificent foods. When you look up, you’ll see a large collage of papers for your visual enjoyment.
The Bruschetta and Calamari appetizers were our favorites. Then, we got a wood fire pizza with meatballs and Italian sausage, a shrimp pasta dish, and a meatball fettuccine dish for our main course.
Our orders were all great, and the servings were generous. Don’t pass up this opportunity if you enjoy Italian cuisine.
Bulldog Saloon
144 Central Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068625636
The Bulldog Saloon offers a very unique experience. You order your food as soon as you come in, and their specialty is burgers prepared to your specifications. That’s correct; one of the top burger joints has two decks!
While you wait for your order, you may relax at the long bar on one side and enjoy a drink. Two patios are located on the other side of the restaurant, making them ideal for when the weather is bad, or you just want to eat outside with friends or family.
I got the grilled chicken sandwich with bacon and Swiss while my friend had a sizable Chinese chicken salad. Both were outstanding. The finest chicken sandwich I’ve ever tasted, in all seriousness.
The next night we wanted to return, but there were no tables available because it was so crowded. But we both did purchase t-shirts as mementos!
I liked the local vibe of the entire town, particularly the ancient portraits on the walls. I heartily endorse this location for traditional American food in Whitefish!
Whitefish Lake Restaurant
1200 US-93, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068625285
One of Montana’s oldest still-in-use log buildings is the restaurant within the Whitefish Lake Golf Club, which dates to the early 1900s. With its outstanding international meals presented in an attractive, rustic environment, it perfectly embodies fine dining in Whitefish.
Featuring log beams and a massive brick fireplace, this restaurant evokes the feel of a log cabin in the woods. One of the top supper spots in Whitefish, the restaurant’s attractiveness at night is enhanced by dimmer lighting.
Don’t worry; if you’d rather remain outside, you may still enjoy your delectable dinner on the patio beneath one of the large umbrellas. The breathtaking views of the golf course and majestic trees all around you will still make you feel like you’re part of nature.
I chose the walleye, a fish I’d never tried before. It tasted like halibut and was cooked well.
We spent a lot of money on this dinner, but it was definitely worth it. Reservations are required, although no reservations are taken for outdoor eating.
Swift Creek Cafe
307 2nd St. E, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068629136
This charming, family-owned restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and is one of the best locations to have a cup of coffee and a full breakfast before heading out for a day of hiking or skiing.
Breakfast and lunch favorites such as French toast, omelets, and sandwiches are available. Try their hobo meals, which are stuffed with meat, potatoes, veggies, and eggs, if you want something a little different. Swift Creek Café also serves seasonal delicacies that are well worth trying.
We began with a fantastic bread pudding with whiskey sauce. This was followed by orders of the Silvertip Scramble with caramelized onions, a conventional Eggs Benedict, and Sallie’s Eggs Benedict with Bacon, Spinach, Tomato, and Avocado Mash topped with Ancho Hollandaise. Their fried potatoes are delicious.
Because there is limited capacity, you may have to wait a few minutes to be seated. It’s worthwhile, as this is one of the best breakfast places in Whitefish.
Loula’s Cafe
300 2nd St. E, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068625614
Loula’s is a laid-back restaurant providing breakfast, lunch, and supper with homemade cuisine utilizing fresh, local ingredients. Located inside Whitefish’s stately Masonic Lodge, Loula’s is a terrific spot to enjoy local art while dining — its walls are adorned with frequently changing Montanan art and photography.
Loula’s delivers delicious breakfast and lunch dishes that people love. Their “made from scratch” recipes include meats, fruit, and dairy from local and adjacent farms, ranches, and orchards, bringing Loula’s cuisine as close to home as possible.
The elegant lamps hanging from the ceiling provide a modern touch to the gallery-like environment, making for a memorable eating experience.
The blackened salmon sandwich we ordered was delicious, with the spicy grilled fish cooked to perfection and put in a delicious roll.
The lettuce, tomato, onion, and Cajun remoulade provide a fresh produce flavor to the dish for a comprehensive culinary experience. Highly recommend this spot!
Tupelo Grille
17 Central Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068626136
Tupelo Grille, voted one of the top restaurants in Whitefish Montana numerous times, offers southern-style hospitality with a northern flair.
Tupelo Grille specializes in refined southern cuisine and provides southern favorites such as gumbo, shrimp and crawfish cakes, crab meuniére with fried green tomatoes, and chicken and dumplings.
Tupelo features classic southern meals and Montana-inspired fares such as elk meatloaf, rack of lamb, and short rib. And, of course, you’ll fall in love with their steak frites.
Although reservations are recommended for the dining experience, Tupelo Grille accepts walk-ins into their lounge area, which features over 200 spirits to pick from, access to their complete menu, and live music several times a week.
If you’re looking for fine dining or want a more laid-back experience, Tupelo Grille won’t disappoint.
Wasabi Sushi Bar
419 E. Second St., Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068639283
Wasabi Sushi Bar, located in the center of downtown Whitefish, is the city’s go-to for Japanese and Asian fusion food.
The Best of the Flathead Awards voted Wasabi the Best Sushi Restaurant. In addition to nigiri and sashimi, Wasabi serves fusion sushi rolls, including smoked rainbow trout, egg, scallions, cucumber, chives, roe, kaibashira (spicy scallops), and shiromaguro (peppered albacore).
For another delicious option, try chef Phil Vilar’s grilled food featuring shichimi-rubbed fish over jasmine rice, asparagus, cilantro, and cashew nuts.
If you’re looking for sushi restaurants in Whitefish Montana, Wasabi Sushi Bar is the place to go.
Piggyback Barbeque
102 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068639895
Piggyback BBQ is a true pit BBQ restaurant in Whitefish where all the staples – ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, and burgers – are smoked with Flathead cherry wood for a distinct, local home-cooked flavor.
The restaurant maintains a farm-to-table philosophy, sourcing fresh ingredients from local vendors for its outstanding cuisine. The kitchen staff also cooks with flathead cherry wood, which gives the meal a smokey flavor you’ll enjoy.
Their Grit Burger was delicious, with the flathead BBQ cherry sauce complementing the smoked pulled pork.
The habanero relish adds a fiery flavor to the burger for the ultimate epicurean experience. If you’re in Whitefish, you should definitely stop for some BBQ!
Boat Club Restaurant
1380 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068634040
This restaurant at The Lodge is famous for its outstanding international meals offered in artful presentations in a rustic, classy setting.
The only eating experience available at Whitefish Lake eateries is on the lake itself. The Boat Club goes above and beyond its cuisine with breathtaking views of the lake, mountain valleys, and Glacier National Park.
With its fantastic antique furniture, gorgeous artwork, and elegant wall tapestry, the inside of the restaurant is a visual pleasure.
The Montana Cheesesteak Sandwich was delicious, with the tri-tip steak bathed in superb smoked provolone for that sweet flavor.
Add the caramelized onions, lettuce, scallion aioli, and house-pickled peppers for an impressive entrée.
If you are fortunate enough to visit this wonderful area, do yourself a favor and choose this fine dining restaurant in Whitefish! You will not be let down! Enjoy!
Latitude 48 Bistro
147 Central Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068632323
This is one of the best restaurants in Whitefish Montana, serving Mediterranean cuisine in a relaxed setting that may convert into a lively one at night. Depending on when you visit, the restaurant offers a variety of eating experiences.
During the day, dine in a cozy atmosphere with incredible artwork hanging on the brick walls. With its vivid lighting and live music, the resto becomes a lively destination at night.
With its massive food quantities that can feed an army, this is one of the best birthday restaurants in Whitefish. Furthermore, if you are weary of entertaining your guests, there is a crimson lounge below where you may spend some alone time on a giant comfy leather sofa.
We had the grilled beef tips, which were delicious! The beef was tender, and the chimichurri sauce was excellent.
My friend had the elk tenderloin, and I had the black cod. The cod was tender, and the pasta dish was flavorful, even though it was spaghetti rather than linguine.
Buffalo Cafe
514 E. 3rd St., Whitefish, MT 59937, United States // +14068622833
This simple cafe is regarded as one of the greatest restaurants in Whitefish Montana. Simply ask any local where to get the best breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and the Buffalo Cafe will always be recommended!
This family-owned restaurant has been providing delicious Southwest meals in Whitefish since 1979.
With its stone walls and exquisite artwork, the restaurant emanates a refined, rustic environment that draws the eye.
Buffalo Cafe delivers down-home comfort food, including cinnamon swirl French breakfast, fish tacos, and beef stroganoff. And, what can’t be created in-house at the Buffalo is sourced from local growers, bakers, butchers, and brewers.
We each chose a burger. My friend chose the healthier side option (a salad), but I chose the Parmesan fries, which were well worth the extra money.
After we finished our lunch, we decided on Oreo milkshakes. This is one of those restaurants In Whitefish Montana perfect for both dinner and dessert! The Buffalo Cafe is a must-stop for its family-friendly meals, local brews, and brunch mimosas.
Restaurants In Whitefish Montana FAQ
What is Whitefish, Montana known for?
Glacier National Park is a year-round vacation spot with lots of attractions and a variety of stores, cafes, restaurants, and lodging options. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, boating, excellent live theater, and great eating are all available to visitors.
Which restaurants are the best for families in Whitefish?
Whitefish’s top restaurants for families with kids include Amazing Crepes, Buffalo Cafe & Nightly Grill, and Sweet Peaks Ice Cream.
Whitefish has many outdoor activities. What are some of the best?
City Beach, Flathead National Forest, Whitefish Lake Golf Club, The Whitefish Trail, and Whitefish Mountain Resort are the top outdoor attractions in Whitefish.
Final Thoughts On The Best Restaurants In Whitefish Montana
Whitefish is the ideal location for your epic cuisine adventure. The resort town in the Rocky Mountains of northwest Montana provides something for everyone’s taste.
Whitefish has something for everyone, from traditional comfort food to Asian, Latin American, and European influences.
This town also has a diverse food scene, with luxury restaurants, steakhouses, pubs, taverns, and cafes dotting the landscape.
Whitefish has an abundance of dining alternatives; anyone who visits should have a fantastic time.
Whitefish has something for everyone, whether you want to sample some classic cuisine or experience something new and interesting. It’s an ideal destination for foodies looking for an unforgettable meal.
Visiting other destinations in the region? Check out our other delicious guide:
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever
angel dominguez
Wednesday 7th of December 2022
You forgot JALISCO CANTINA!! Certainly rates above all the ones you mention.