Posted: January 16, 2017

Author: Susanna Magruder

Best On-Mountain Restaurants Cervinia Italy:

Maybe its the short days of winter, but we cant help thinking about spring skiing on the south side of the Matterhorn and the incredible lunch options that follow. What could be better than skiing under the Matterhorn and a long Italian lunch? Wether you stay in Zermatt and just come across the border for lunch, or spend a week in Breuil Cervinia, the on-slope gastronomy will not disappoint. Local charcuterie, fontina, polenta with slow-braised beef and Aostan wine will fuel your skiing. 

"Chalet Etoile": Recognized as “one of the best" mountain restaurants in the world. A must. Italian-style from an amazing Swedish chef married to a local Italian; rustic mountain food fused with exotic seafood and even a few Asian twists. Exceptional ambiance, atmosphere etc. www.chaletetoile.it 

Rifugio Gran Sometta: Super-rustic and low-key - but maybe our favorite of the lot. Luciano the chef is a real character, makes you drink grappa until the lift back to Zermatt is about to close, then takes you on his skidoo for a borderline-death-defying ride to catch it. Warm service and home cooking, what more could you ask for? Don’t miss the Testaroli pasta or the Stinco al forno.

"Les Neiges d'Antan": For dinner, lunch, or even just drinks. Our favorite boutique mountain hotel in the Alps, with exquisite Northern Italian fare and hospitality to match. Enquire about evening parties, Ludo Bich’s father was a local celebrity, and his incredible vinyl collection lives on in the sunken lounge bar. For lunch call ahead and they will pick you up at the bottom station Cervinia and return you in time for the last lift to Zermatt. www.lesneigesdantan.it

“Restaurant Foyer des Guides” aka “Walter”: Sabrina and Walter, descendants of old Valtournenche families, opened Walter after years of managing alpine mtn. rifugios. It was their dream to build a beautiful restaurant serving refined Aostan cuisine with local ingredients. In the spring, book a sunny table on the terrace. Valtournenche www.foyerdesguides.it

“Bontadini”: Bring your appetite for local charcuterie, handmade pastas, and slow-braised game served with polenta, and if you’re lucky a bottle of Gaja to wash it all down. The self-service restaurant is great for an espresso and snack, but make sure you head downstairs for the full menu.

“La Pera Doussa”: Farm & agritourismo in Valtournenche. The Gaspard family produces almost everything in-house from meats to cheeses, preserves & yogurts. The menu is simple, including flavors and dishes typical of the Aosta Valley. A unique experience, dining with the local mountain farmers, who speak the old Valdostana dialect, similar to French. www.laperadoussa.it

Experience la Dolce Vita on a Zermatt/Cervinia Ski Trip with Epic Europe, all of these restaurants are accesible to families or post heliskiing.