Eating & Drinking in Val d’isère
05.
Our Favourite Places
Want to know where we actually eat and drink?
After living in Val d'Isère for more than 35 years we've managed to eat and drink our way round just about every bar or restaurant in town at one time or another (some rather more often than our waistlines would probably recommend!).
These aren't necessarily "the best" places in Val—everyone has different tastes—but they're the ones we find ourselves going back to again and again.
1789
As most good Scots do, we love good meat, and the meat at 1789 is certainly pretty hard to beat, whether you go for the beef or the lamb. We usually can't decide, so we share! Just make sure you book at least 24 hours in advance if you want the lamb.
L'Avalin
Ollie and his team ran The Source next to our Streetside shop until a couple of years ago, when the building was redeveloped. You'll now find them at L'Avalin in the Galerie des Cimes. Different location, same great food and exactly the same friendly atmosphere. Just don't ring the bell if you don't know what happens...
Bambou
Who doesn't love Thai food, even in the mountains? We certainly do, and Bambou serves some of the best in town. Sadly they've stopped doing sushi though.
Blue Note
As we’ve got older and less interested in busy, noisy bars, Blue Note has become one of our most favourite places for a quite drink and a chat and there’s always someone we know in here to chat to! That’s not to say it doesn’t get busy with a younger crowd later on of course…
Bar Jacques
We don't know if there ever was a Jacques, but for many years it was run by Tom (apparently his nickname came from Tom Thumb because he wasn't very tall!). It's now run by Tom's daughter, Olivia, and the food is just as good as ever. If the Tournedos Rossini is on the menu, arrive hungry—you probably won't need a starter.
La Cave sur le Comptoir
Officially it's a wine bar, but it's much more than that. Antoine probably knows more about wine than anyone we've ever met, and the tapas and small plates are fantastic. It's one of our favourite places for a relaxed evening, sharing a bottle of good wine and a selection of dishes without feeling like you've eaten far too much.
The Lodge
If we had to recommend just one restaurant in the whole of Val, it would be the Lodge. We've probably eaten there more than every other restaurant in town put together—and that's saying something! From the best onion soup in town to garlic mussels, nems, melt-in-your-mouth steaks, meat and cheese fondues, fabulous duck and gratin, there's something for absolutely everyone. Great food, generous portions and very reasonable prices.
Mourra
Our favourite choice for a special occasion. The service is amazing, the Asian-French fusion menu is superb and the miso black cod alone is worth the visit. As an added bonus, they'll even drive you home afterwards.
Petit Danois
Even the younger generation love the après at the Danois with different bands on every evening from 5ish until 8ish, everyone’s favourite tunes, everyone singing and dancing - après like it used to be, and family-friendly so the kids can come too.
Poya
When we fancy something a little different without pushing the boat out too far, Poya is always a good choice. Excellent modern food in a relaxed atmosphere, some of the best pizzas in town and great cocktails too—all at sensible prices.
The Rosée Blanche
We almost always stop off at the Rosée on our way back from skiing, whether it's for a coffee, a cold drink or the best croque monsieur in town. There's nowhere better for people-watching. We even find ourselves wandering down there with the dogs when we haven't skied at all.
Believe it or not, after all these years there are still one or two places we haven't managed to try.
The Rotisserie at Hôtel Les Barmes de l'Ours is supposed to be outstanding—and we've heard the dessert buffet is something to behold.
Piaf, out in the Manchet Valley, claims to have a wonderfully Parisian atmosphere despite being surrounded by mountains, while the restaurant at the K2 Chogori has also built an excellent reputation.
And at the other end of town, Les Tontons Grilleurs in La Daille is renowned for its grilled meat and lively atmosphere at reasonable prices. We've been threatening to organise a Snowberry staff night there for ages, so perhaps this will finally be the winter we get round to it!
