A long-standing Canadian institution
Nestled in-between a spectacular valley of mountains in the beautiful town of Pemberton, just 20 minutes north of Whistler, lies one of Canada’s best restaurants – Mile One Eating House. Long famous for its hearty burgers at friendly prices in a warm, welcoming, and quite frankly wonderful, family-run venue, my husband and I spent Valentine’s Day dinner here while staying at the Pemberton Valley Lodge and were so glad we did!
In fact, we were sat behind a table of another couple – who turned out to be the owners. When the owners of a restaurant that’s been running for many years choose to spend Valentine’s Day at their own venue, you know it has to be good.
Mile One Eating House was founded in 2011 by these two lovely locals, who loved good food and serving local producers. Years later, the vision remains the same – though the ownership has expanded. Now, with more manpower, the restaurant continues to provide incredible, authentic dining with delicious local BC ingredients served by the kindest staff.
We were greeted one Saturday evening, after a long and rewarding day snow shoeing up the beautiful Joffre Lakes, by the lovely Charlotte, a senior member of the team. She showed us to our table, where I absolutely got the best view in the house, looking onto a stunning mountain with the rosy glow of golden hour illuminating it.
Delicious plant-based starters at Mile One Eating House
We started with two drinks, a glass of their house white wine from a local BC winery for me, and a cider for my husband. We were hungry after the hike, so opted for two starters that Charlotte recommended. A Herbivore Mac and Cheese, half portion, served with mushrooms, basil pesto, spinach, tomato, toasted seeds, aged white cheddar, and mozzarella. We also had cauliflower bites made tempura-style served with M1 dip & Asian BBQ Sauce.
Both were absolutely delicious, the Mac and Cheese was incredible and so moreish, whilst the cauliflower bites were crunchy, hot, and the M1 dip, whatever the heck that sweet deliciousness was, was absolute crack for me. I was addicted.
Trying the famous burgers and sandwiches
We were already quite full after the first course, but knew that Mile One Eating House is famous for its burgers, so knew we had to keep going. Reader note: the starters are generously portioned and well worth ordering!
Whilst dinner offers a range of options like French Cassoulet, Striploin Steak, Moroccan Lamb Shank and other more fine dining options, it also features the burgers that Mile One is famous for plus sandwiches, bowls, and an abundance of Mac & Cheese options, and salads.
My husband had a burger, opting for the classic Mile One Burger served with premium BC Beef, plus lettuce, tomato, red onion, aged white cheddar, smoked bacon, caramelized onions & mayo on a house made brioche bun.
Meanwhile, I had the Chef’s favourite – a Gomae Tuna Sandwich with Pacific albacore tuna seared rare, slaw, gomae dressing, cherry tomatoes, ginger, scallions, mayo all served on a house made brioche bun. My husband’s came with a side of perfectly made French fries, whilst I had the house salad.
The mains were, quite frankly, exceptional. My husband was salivating all over his burger, the flavours melding together beautifully, whilst my tuna sandwich was unlike anything I’ve ever had. Part tataki, part burger, it was absolutely delicious. Delicate yet hearty, this was seriously, seriously good.
For dessert, we had the key lime pie, which was in fact, very light. The fluffy, zesty filling was a wonderful palate cleanser, whilst the biscuity crunch was divine.
Vowing to return (again)
We honestly didn’t want to leave, though our stomachs begged us to drag ourselves back to the hotel to digest. We did decide to come back here the next day for lunch before leaving for Vancouver!
And what can I say? How many restaurants would you honestly say you would go to two days in a row? Not many. Mile One Eating House is one of them. It’s a rarity, an absolute delight, and still stays true to its family values. This is an institution you absolutely must visit if you want to do your trip to Canada justice.
Mile One Eating House
07-7330 Arbutus Street #7
Pemberton
British Columbia
V0N 2L1
Canada
