Business Details
Award-Winning Farm-to-Table Dining in Whistler
Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar has been a culinary cornerstone in Whistler Village for over four decades, pioneering farm-to-table dining in British Columbia. Our menus, crafted by award-winning Culinary Director James Walt, emphasize locally sourced ingredients to deliver innovative, seasonally inspired dishes. With a globally recognized wine program, multiple accolades, and a commitment to showcasing regional producers, we provide an unparalleled dining experience rooted in sustainability and hospitality.Our team, including James Beard-recognized chefs and sommeliers, has redefined mountain cuisine through creative storytelling and technical excellence. As authors of two acclaimed cookbooks, we extend our culinary philosophy to home kitchens while maintaining our status as Whistler's premier dining destination.
Services
Farm-to-Table Dining
Oyster Bar
Private Dining
Wine Cellar
Cocktail Bar
Longtable Dinner Series
Cookbook Sales
Group Events
Award-Winning Cuisine
Seasonal Menus
Highlights and features
- Pioneers of farm-to-table dining in British Columbia since 1978
- James Walt: Whistler's only James Beard House alum chef
- Wine Spectator 'Best of Award of Excellence' winner since 2000
- Authors of two internationally recognized culinary award-winning cookbooks
- Private Cellar dining room accommodating up to 40 guests
Services
Farm-to-Table Dining
Our seasonal menus showcase British Columbia's finest ingredients through innovative preparations. Chef James Walt's team creates multi-course tasting menus that highlight regional producers and sustainable practices. Diners experience hyper-local ingredients transformed into contemporary mountain cuisine with global influences.
Private Dining
The Cellar by Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar offers exclusive wine-country experiences for groups up to 40 guests. Our semi-private spaces accommodate intimate gatherings with customized tasting menus. Corporate events and celebrations receive dedicated service with access to award-winning sommeliers and culinary teams.
Wine Cellar
Our 1,000+ label collection focuses on global terroir expressions and British Columbia vintages. Temperature-controlled storage preserves over 11,000 bottles, with daily updated selections featuring dessert wines and rare vintages. Wine Director Jason Kawaguchi curates pairings that complement seasonal menus.
Cocktail Bar
The Bar at Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar features fresh-ingredient cocktails alongside 150+ spirit selections. Our bar program emphasizes local produce in classic preparations while maintaining an extensive single malt scotch collection. Outdoor plaza seating offers seasonal al fresco experiences.
Longtable Dinner Series
This annual summer dining experience combines culinary artistry with Whistler's natural beauty. Multi-course meals served at communal tables feature hyper-local ingredients and wine pairings. The 2026 series continues this tradition of open-air gastronomy in Whistler's village plaza.
People
James Walt
Culinary Director
James Walt is a James Beard House alum and British Columbia Restaurant Hall of Fame inductee. He pioneered farm-to-table dining in BC and authored two award-winning cookbooks. His culinary vision drives Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar's seasonal menus.
Ying Gao
Executive Chef
Chef Ying Gao brings international experience from Vancouver's top restaurants. Her culinary philosophy emphasizes natural flavors through local ingredients. She previously worked at sister restaurants Blue Water Cafe and CinCin before joining Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar.
Aaron Heath
Pastry Chef
Aaron Heath crafts seasonal dessert menus showcasing BC orchard fruits and artisanal chocolates. With a career spanning two decades at Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar, he combines traditional baking techniques with modern presentations for the restaurant's sweet offerings.
Jason Kawaguchi
Wine Director
Jason Kawaguchi oversees Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar's 1,000+ label wine program, winner of Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence. With 20+ years in hospitality, he connects terroir stories between food and wine while pursuing advanced sommelier certifications.
Rene Wuethrich
Bar Manager
Rene Wuethrich has managed Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar's cocktail program since 2001. His international hospitality experience informs the bar's extensive spirit collection and fresh-ingredient cocktail approach. He curates Whistler's premier aprs-ski destination.
Questions
What makes Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar's cuisine unique?
Our farm-to-table approach emphasizes hyper-local ingredients from Whistler's farms and waters. Chef James Walt's seasonal menus change daily based on available produce, creating unique culinary experiences tied to the region.
Do you offer wine pairing experiences?
Yes, our sommeliers create custom wine pairings using selections from our 1,000+ label cellar. The program features British Columbia vintages and international terroir expressions that complement seasonal dishes.
Can I purchase Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar's cookbooks?
Both of our award-winning cookbooks, 'Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar: Roots to Shoots' and 'Seasonal Recipes', are available for purchase at the restaurant and through major book retailers.
Are reservations required?
While walk-ins are welcome at the bar and oyster counter, reservations are recommended for dining room and private cellar experiences. Bookings can be made through our website or phone.
What private event options exist?
The Cellar by Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar Restaurant + Oyster Bar accommodates up to 40 guests for exclusive events, with semi-private options for 20 guests. Custom menus and wine pairings are available for corporate events, weddings, and special celebrations.
Do you host seasonal dining experiences?
Our annual Longtable Dinner Series in July features multi-course al fresco meals with local ingredients. The 2026 event continues this tradition of combining mountain views with culinary artistry.
