12 Top Dining Spots in and Around Whitefish, Montana: Best Restaurants and Local Favorites
Trying to figure out where to eat in and around Whitefish, Montana and enjoy some local cuisine?
Whitefish is the perfect hub for your visit to Northwest Montana anytime of year. In addition to the incredible outdoor activities available, there are some fantastic food spots worth a try during your visit.
There are plenty of options whether you’re looking to wind down after a long day of outdoor adventures or on your way out for a long day. Let’s jump right into it and talk about the best places to eat in and around Whitefish, Montana.
My Favorite Spots in Whitefish!
⭐️ Bonsai Brewery
⭐️ Fleur Bake Shop
⭐️ Buffalo Cafe
Best Places to Eat Breakfast in and around Whitefish
Like they say, the most important meal of the day is breakfast and there are plenty of spots to grab a hearty meal. Here are my top three favorite breakfast spots in and around Whitefish:
1. Fleur Bake Shop
I love this bakery for many reasons! Most importantly, their items are amazing but also they source many of their ingredients from local farmers. Their coffee is also made from a Black Coffee Roasters based in Missoula. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a little shop in Paris with the eclectic vibe in the cafe space.
2. Uptown Hearth (Columbia Falls)
Uptown Hearth has some of the best bread in Northwest Montana. They sell loaves every day in addition to a super yummy breakfast sandwich. The restaurant is super cozy and family friendly. If you are visiting for an extended period of time, they have co-working space available for rent above the restaurant.
3. Buffalo Cafe
A visit to Whitefish is incomplete without having a breakfast skillet or pancakes at the Buffalo Cafe. You’ll feel right at home as you walk into the Cafe, it’s been a staple for locals for over 40 years. They do not accept reservations so best to come early if you’re looking for a bite before a big day of outdoor fun.
Best Places to Eat Lunch or Dinner in and around Whitefish
While you won’t find any Michelin Star restaurants in this neck of the woods (at least not yet), there are some wonderful places to relax and enjoy a tasty meal. These spots are perfect for a night out on the town to celebrate or have a treat yourself.
5. Latitude 48
A perfect spot to try different cuisines, Latitude 48 has a wide variety of options on their menu. They also have a fun cocktail lounge downstairs which is perfect for a nightcap after a long day of outdoor adventures. Be sure to check their website ahead of time since they tend to have live music on the weekends.
6. Three Forks Grille (Columbia Falls)
Probably my favorite restaurant in the area, Three Forks offers a farm to table menu that changes throughout the year. They can get very busy during the summer months so it’s best to make reservations since their dining room isn’t very big.
7. Jalisco Cantina
Walking into Jalisco will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the beaches of Mexico, the vibe is incredible! These places get busy fast, reservations are a must especially in the summer months. My favorite dish is the enchiladas, with a cadillac margarita of course.
Best places to eat outdoors in and around Whitefish
There’s no way I can talk about food and not mention the amazing outdoor restaurants and breweries in the area. Most of the places offer indoor seating as well, but when the weather is warm you can’t beat these spots.
8. Bonsai Brewery
The best micro-brewery in town, Bonsai is a perfect spot to unwind after spending a day on Whitefish Mountain. Their soul bowls are amazing with a cold beer. Bonsai is also dog-friendly with plenty of picnic tables to spread out and relax.
9. Mudman Burgers
Mudman’s main spot is located where the beloved Wich Haus used to be in Whitefish. Their burgers are amazing, you can order online AND they have gluten free buns. What’s not to love? Their Whitefish location has an outdoor patio, they also have locations in Columbia Falls and Kalispell.
10. Backslope Brewing (Columbia Falls)
Backslope is the perfect spot especially for families looking to kick back. Their beer menu is constantly changing and their kitchen puts out incredible food. They do have some outdoor seating available, it’s recommended to make reservations in the summer months.
11. Thirty Eight
I love hanging out here after a long day of hiking, especially when I’m not ready to go inside just yet. Their food truck rotation is always exciting in addition to the live music that is available every day of the week. Learn more about Thirty Eight in my blog about things to do in Whitefish!
12. Montana Taphouse
Just in case you haven’t had enough beer during your visit, Montana Taphouse is a fun spot to check out during your visit. They offer a variety of pizzas and salads, my family loved that they had the option to create their own pizzas. Their summer concert series is always fun to check out.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from during your visit but in my opinion, these are the best in town. If you’re visiting the Whitefish area with your dog, check out the top 10 dog-friendly hikes in the area. Whether you’re looking for an upscale experience or wanting to feel like you’re at home, there is something for everyone in the Whitefish area.
Now it’s time to start planning your own adventure, Cheers!
