The ski slopes of Italy are blessed with a myriad of destination restaurants designed to satisfy serious foodies and die-hard skiers alike. Essteele selects a handful of the best-loved restaurants distinguished by outstanding service, dramatic locations and of course, delicious Italian fare.
St. Hubertus
Nestled in the Alta Badia valley this 2 Michelin-starred restaurant is famed for its South Tyrolean cuisine that has been deftly interpreted by superstar chef Norbert Niederkofler's 'cook the mountain' philosophy for over twenty years. As such, patrons dine on locally sourced delicacies including calf tripe cooked in milk and white fish tartare caught direct from Lake Iseo. Be sure to head to the website and check out their luxe packages combining sporting activities and gourmet dining experiences.
La Chaumiere
A favourite in the Courmayeur slopes, La Chaumiere houses a bustling skiers’ bistro upstairs and downstairs a fine dining restaurant that takes in breathtaking Aosta Valley views framed by massive glass windows and dramatic stone and wood architecture. Specialties include chestnut dumplings with fontina sauce and nettles and deer steak with walnuts and mountain herbs and matched with an impressive wine selection sourced from around the world.
Chalet Etoile Restaurant
Cesare Frassy has been serving up the stylish yet hearty fare to hungry skiers for over forty years. Along with his Swedish wife Ulla and now daughter Caroline and son Kalle, the Italian- born Italian chef retains a loyal following thanks to innovative recipes such as reindeer filet tempura and ravioli with king crab. Take a sneak peek at their Instagram feed for celebrity patrons including rock goddess Bonny Taylor and royal skier Prince Edward Earl of Wessex.
Instagram: @chaletetoile
Rifugio Emilio Comici
Built-in 1955 with an Alpine pioneer as its namesake, the beloved seafood restaurant Rifugio Emilio Comici sits at the foot of the Langkofel in the heart of the Dolomites. Culinary favourites include grilled sea bass or spaghetti with clams (washed down with top-shelf wines) but it's the fur-lined seats on the outdoor champagne deck that give the cosy hut a decidedly James Bond cool vibe.