For an international vacation destination of less than 10,000 full-time residents, Whistler's dining scene has a staggering array of restaurants and bars. But considering the cosmopolitan nature of some of its visitors, it surprises me that there are so few upscale lounges boasting the type of vibe so many of these visitors seek.

Element Urban Tapas Parlour, known simply as Element to locals, is one of the few Whistler restaurants that actually does.

Featuring an ambiance more in line with chic Montreal than cheap chain restaurant, Element provides a welcome respite from the overcrowded dining options throughout Whistler.

While small enough that it rarely has empty seats, Element goes big on two things: vibe and wine. With a wine list that's stacked with boutique vinos and a cocktail selection that hasn't forgotten the art of the martini, Element offers diners a stylish way to spend the evening.

Tasty Tapas

Of course, this place is more than a bar‚ Element is a tapas restaurant, and tapas—otherwise known as appetizers or small plates—are sustenance perfected for socializing.

Connect with friends over shared plates of panko-crusted goat cheese with orange infused honey ($8) or grilled beef tenderloin medallions with a prosciutto and enoki bundle and wild mushroom panzanella ($15).

A menu filled with a wide range of tapas dishes enables you and your friends to eat, drink and converse your way to a memorable dining experience without feeling rushed out the door like many Whistler hotspots. It's simply a must-visit destination while in Whistler.

Delicious Breakfasts

Tapas aside, one of Element's other strong suits is breakfast, both in terms of value and flavour.

Try the French Canadian eggs benedict with Montreal smoked meat, dijon hollandaise and Element's signature potato tartlet ($11). Each dish comes with a shotglass of fruit juice, the perfect cure to last night's overindulgence.

Follow it up with one of Element's delicious Caesars and the cycle may just begin again.

When You Go

Elements Urban Tapas Parlour is open early and closes late:
 
Breakfast: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Evening Tapas: 4 p.m.-11:30 p.m.

Photos: Mike Berard