Mountain Rooms & Chalets in Val d'Isere has catered and self-catered accommodation in apartments and chalets - rentals for the season, weekly or shorter stays.

Restaurants

There are so many restaurants in the resort but we have our favourites.
One of our self catered clients asked for a 7 day restaurant guide so we have come up with a pick of the best and devised three categories (high end & more expensive, mid range & reasonable, lower & cheap) to help you understand the pricing structure.
We then give you our choice for a 7-day stay to include:

if money and feeding a family is not an issue

feeding a family

The recommendations & comments made are purely our opinion and based on dining at our expense and feedback from guests and friends. They are listed in alphabetical order.

High end & more expensive

There are a few high-end restaurants in Val that have varied wine lists, discerning menus and good reputations. When we say they are ‘expensive’ we mean they are the more expensive restaurants in town but we don’t mean extortionate by any means!

The Blizzard Hotel restaurant

This has become a favourite of ours for birthdays or special occasions. It is not often you think of using a hotel restaurant for dining out if you are a non-resident but this one welcomes anyone to their bar & dining room. The food is traditional using local products and creativity. Tables are furnished with fine wine glasses, thick table linens and flowers or candles – very important to set the tone of the evening in my opinion (DW). For us, the Foie Gras is an old favourite along with a fish dish cooked to perfection.
A reservation is a must. Tel: +33 (0)4 79 06 02 07. Their website at www.hotel-blizzard.com features the menu throughout the season. It was hard for me to find so ensure you click on ‘Going through the hotel’ to get to the Restaurant prompt.

Chalet du Cret

For all of you who knew and loved Chalet du Cret, this restaurant no longer exists in Val. The owners decided to close the restaurant after 10 great years of trading.

*New Entry* Hotel Barmes de L’Ours, Rotisserie

The hotel restaurants are open to non-residents and we highly recommend the Rotisserie. They have lunchtime menus for skiers, and in the evening, a choice of regional specialities, menus and à la carte. They have a huge choice of starters; you choose your main course, huge choice of cheeses to help yourself to and the same with dessert. Their wine list is extensive and despite paying slightly more to eat here, we feel the standard of the food warrants it. We love it. See ‘Hotels’ section for details of the location.

The Grand Ourse

Situated on the nursery slopes this restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily. Lunches are very different to evening meals in terms of selection and formality. It has an impressive wine list as well as a reputation for fine dining and a great menu. I always eat the same thing when I visit this restaurant = slice of foie gras followed by Lobster Ravioli so I can safely say this comes highly recommended! (DW).
Call for reservations on +33 (0)4 79 00 19.

Le Miroir, ‘Chez Merie’

This is a very special restaurant located in the tiny village of Miroir about 20mins drive out of town near Saint Foy. We call it le Miroir but its real name is ‘Chez Merie’. Its formula is very much like Chalet du Cret but prices are slightly cheaper (probably due to the out of town location). You walk through the tiny village to access the restaurant by passing the smallest Chapel in the world, the old farm houses that still have the animals in the same building as the residents and it's just the most quaint place we have ever come across. It is a restaurant based in the chalet belonging to ‘Merie’ and we always felt like we were eating in their dining room as it was so small and cosy and we always enter by the back door that takes you through the kitchen. However, last year they extended the restaurant by knocking a wall down and doubling the size. This has made it more commercial and we feel something has been lost in that but we still insist on at least one or two meals there in a season. Service is not the quickest but you are there to soak up the wonderful surroundings as much as eat so you don’t mind the wait.
Reservations are a must for this place so call +33 (0)4 79 06 90 16. We can give you directions if required.

La Savoyarde

This is another hotel restaurant that has a solid reputation amongst seasoned visitors. The hotel was renovated last summer but it still retains its ‘Savoyarde’ charm. The head chef is a permanent fixture apparently so you are guaranteed great food, year after year. We don’t know much about the menu but we do know that locals rave about this place so it must be worthy of a visit.
Call for reservations on +33 (0)4 79 06 01 55.

Table des Neige

Until living and working in Val, I would never have thought to eat in a hotel restaurant but there seem to be so many good ones in Val and this one is no exception. Located in the Hotel Tsanteleina just by the tourist office, we became aware of its menu as we were asked to translate it from French to English. It was one of those menus with creative descriptions and flowery wording but we were left very impressed and pleasantly surprised.
Call for reservations on +33 (0)4 79 06 12 13.

Victors

This is not only a great cocktail bar but also a worthy restaurant. You will need to tolerate the high spirits in the bar area, but noise aside the menu is both varied and interesting. The reason we like it here at Mountain Rooms & Chalets is because it's different to the average fondue restaurant, which might be refreshing to seasoned skiers. It is Scandinavian by heritage but don't worry, nothing pickled is on offer just an impressive but select menu is available. Its worth booking this one too, so call: +33 (0)4 79 06 67 00.

Mid range & reasonable

Arolay

This has to be the most famous of the classic Savoyarde restaurants in town. Situated in Fornet overlooking the river, it has a buzzing, warm atmosphere and the place gets packed so service can be slow but its worth it.
Definitely book in advance by calling +33 (0)4 79 06 11 68 or email francis.marion@wanadoo.fr

Becca

People overlook the Becca as its in L’aissenant, the hamlet just outside the main town centre. Having said that, whenever we have tried to eat there the place has been fully booked which probably says how good it is. The food is the same as most other restaurants in Val (slabs of delicious meat, Savoyarde salads, cheese dishes etc..) but it is worth a visit.
Call to reserve on +33 (0)4 79 06 09 48.

Brasserie du Grand Cocor

Popular with the locals, this is a very French bar/café with simple décor and friendly staff. Lots of people who visit Val year after year include this in their list of favourite places to eat or drink. Open all day for lunch or dinner, this is a very reasonably priced place to eat and soak up the French atmosphere.
You don’t normally have to book in advance but on high season weeks it is advisable to call ahead. Tel: +33 (0)4 79 41 94 33

Canyon

I categorise this in the same genre as the Perdrix Blanche but without so much atmosphere. The menus are very similar (it has something for everyone) and we like it as an alternative to the Perdrix. It has become more and more popular over the last few years as they have doubled the size of the restaurant by knocking through to the old surgery next door so demand for tables must be high.
Telephone for reservations on +33 (0)4 79 06 18 19.

Casa Scara

This is an Italian restaurant situated just opposite the Church in the old town. It is a family run restaurant so the atmosphere is friendly and the food is delicious. The menu is varied to include traditional Italian fare (tomato/mozzarella starter, brushetta, pasta & pizza dishes ) as well as classic meat dishes.
Telephone for reservations on +33 (0)4 79 06 26 21.

Chez Paolo

is the only place to enjoy an authentic Italian pizza (that is our opinion anyway!). Owned and run by French speaking Italians, these guys know how to make a delicious pizza followed by the best tiramisu. Its located at the Rond Point area and open for lunch in addition to evenings, so it's a great option for hungry families. They also do a take-away service, which is why we all know and love it so well!

Chez Nano

We had a big debate about including this one as we love Paolo’s so much but we decided it deserved an entry. It has built a good reputation for its pizzas but it does have other things on offer that include meat and fish dishes. It is a few doors down from Dicks Tea Bar making it a more central, alternative to Paolos.
Call for Reservations on +33 (0)4 79 06 18 41.

Ferme de l'Adroit (l'Etable d'Alain)

This was new to us last season. It is the restaurant attached to the Farm at the top of town where you can visit the animals and purchase homemade dairy products. Children love this place during the day and we recommend it highly at night. Its décor includes an old copper urn cut in half and used as a table surround with tiny lights set in the ceiling that change colour every few seconds. It is different and well done. The menu is very Savoyarde though with joints of meat, fondue or raclette on offer. The only criticism we have about this place is its restricted wine list and no spirits bar.
Telephone numbers for reservations are 04 79 06 13 02 / 04 79 41 10 85.

Luge

This one advertises as specialising in Savoyarde food that means fondue, raclette or brasserades. It is part of the Blizzard hotel and located just under the main reception. It knows how to serve the classic dishes and it offers good value for money. The wine list includes wines from other regions and is full and varied.
Call for Reservations on +33 (0)4 79 06 69 39.

Olympique

This has to be one of the best value for money places in Val as the prices are very reasonable and you get lots of food and good service. It is simple in décor, very French, very friendly, lighting is a tad too bright but we recommend this place for anything from a piece of lamb to the good old fondue!
You need to make a booking during peak periods. Tel: +33 (0)4 79 06 04 88.

Perdrix Blanche

This is the kind of restaurant that appeals to 90% of people as it has a varied menu including pizzas, steaks, fondues, fajitas, oysters & sushi. This makes it a great family restaurant and the prices are reasonable. We eat there several times throughout the season and enjoy our meals every time.
During peak periods it is advisable to book in advance. Tel: +33 (0)4 79 06 12 09 or you can pop in during your stay to book a table within the week of your visit.

Taverne d’Alsace

This is slightly different from the norm as it specialises in Alsaciennes food so the influence is German = a range of sausages & sauerkraut. In addition they serve a selection of seafood and a ‘carte brasserie’. Situated under the Hotel Kandahar in the centre of town, this is a very popular place with locals and visitors. A booking is a must. Tel: +33 (0)4 79 06 02 39.

Lower end & cheap

As we all know, skiing is not a cheap sport so if you are looking for a simple, inexpensive meal, we have included a few options for you.

Billabong

This is a clothing shop and burger bar on the main street by the Hotel Kandahar. The formula has been a huge success and everyone enjoys the informal atmosphere and classic burger and chips on offer. You can either sit at the bar or at one of the cubicle tables and watch some extreme snowboarding on the big screen whilst eating. This is open early (for breakfast) until late at night. Reservations are not necessary.

Flash Pizza

The reason why we’ve included this is not only because they do a good pizza but because they also do a take away or home delivery service. It is not easy to find if you prefer to eat in the restaurant itself as it is down the alley between the Gallery des Cimes and the Canyon restaurant. You can call to make your order and pay on delivery or pick up making it an easy option to go for after a long, tiring day on the slopes.
Telephone +33 (0)4 79 41 96 06.

Good traitors

This isn’t the name of a restaurant just the collective French name for ready-made dishes and foodstuffs on offer in the supermarkets. We thought we would include this as you may not know that the supermarkets prepare & sell things like paella, roast chickens, salads, potato dishes and lots more. Not everyone fancies cooking or eating out after a tiring day so these items offer a handy alternative. We highly recommend the Casino supermarket just below Victors restaurant in the centre of town. All supermarkets will deliver to your home within working hours too.

Our choice for a 7-day stay if money and feeding a family is not an issue:


Sat	Perdrix Blanche first night to get settled in
Sun	The Blizzard
Mon	Chez Paolo
Tue	Hotel Barmes de L’Ours, Rotisserie
Wed	Taverne d’Alsace
Thurs	Miroir
Fri	The Grand Ourse

Our choice for a 7 day stay if feeding a family is more the criteria:


Sat	Perdrix Blanche
Sun	Chez Paolo
Mon	Le Ferme
Tue	Casa Scara
Wed	Olympique
Thurs	Billabong
Fri	The Canyon

Coffee

If you are as passionate about coffee as we are, you will be relieved to know that our resort office (4 Properyt & The Mountain Hub) serves the best Latte, Cappuccino or Espresso in town. Made from Lavazza coffee using a commercial machine with the capsule system (can you now see how important a cup of coffee is to us!) you will be guaranteed a decent cup of coffee every day during your stay. Open early morning until late at night, you can pick up a take away en route or relax in the café itself.

Bars and nightclubs

Val d'Isere has a reputation for being a party town and one that the local councillors would like to change. We are very keen not to encourage visitors who are interested more in drinking than skiing to book a holiday, as after all, we sell ski holidays to a ski resort!! But rest assured, we are not party poopers here at Mountain Rooms & Chalets as we recognise you are on holiday and you might wish to supplement your skiing with a few drinks in the bar. So here are our recommendations:

Après Ski:

Le Bananas Bar

is located just at the foot of the Solaise and Bellevarde Express chair lifts. It's a lively après ski bar full of all nationalities with young, friendly staff.

Dicks Tea Bar

has to have a mention as its still the famous bar for après ski and late night dancing. It opens just as the lifts close and shuts its doors in the early hours so you have plenty of time to enjoy the famous bar/night club.

Moris Pub

at the top of town is still a favourite for the English skier in town. It has live music during the week and runs a very lively programme for this time of day. As the name suggests, it is very much a 'pub' format.

Victors Bar

was new to the scene about three years ago. It offers its famous 2 for 1 cocktails until 10pm daily, so beware of sampling too many concoctions before dinner, you might not make it back to the chalet!

Hotel Bars worth visiting

Hotel Tsanteleina

Re furbished last year to a contemporary look, this bar is worth visiting. A central log fire roars away during the winter months and you can seat yourselves in one of the many comfortable sofas and chairs and await service. This is a civilised place to go and drink where you can hear yourself speak! We highly recommend it.

Hotel Tsanteleina

Hotel L’Aigle des Neiges

Formerly the Hotel Latitude, the hotel underwent a serious renovation and re-branding exercise to emerge as the new very trendy place to go in town. The hotel bar is decorated with contemporary comfy seating, low lighting and a stage housing 2 white grand pianos. Music and entertainment is part of the après ski and evening scene. Singers wander around and mingle with guests in a very relaxed atmosphere. We love it here and highly recommend a visit for anyone looking for atmosphere and trendy surroundings.

Hotel Blizzard

The Hotel Blizzard

houses a wonderfully serene and well-stocked bar that welcomes non-residents with a smile. It has low panelled ceilings, a fireplace and large comfortable sofas to relax in and enjoy your favourite aperitif. This bar is one of our favourite après work boltholes!

The Hotel Kandahar

at the bottom of the main street offers an informal 'sit at the bar' setting as well as larger tables for bigger groups. Again, this is a well stocked bar with most brands to cater for any nationality.

The Grail

This bar/restaurant/night club opened mid season last year and we visited it and we liked it. The layout, décor and ambience allow you to not only sit down comfortably but also speak to each other whilst enjoying your drink. You can even get up and dance if you are feeling energetic.
We are yet to eat there but I can safely say that I enjoyed my 2 nights out at the night club and we hope this place is a huge success. It is located on the road parallel to the main street, down from the Foret bar.

Hotel Barmes de L’Ours

If luxury, extreme comfort and salubrious surroundings is what you are after for a pre or post dinner drink, this is the place to come to. As you would expect from the standard of the hotel, the prices match. You do get nibbles with your drinks and the staff are lovely. You have to be happy to pay high prices to drink in this wonderful, cosy and extremely well serviced bar.

Hotel Barmes de L’Ours

All photography copyright 2000-2008 Richard Leeny & Alex Wilson
Contact us on: Tel: UK 0700 2000 456. From abroad: +44 207 607 9936
Email: sales@mrooms.co.uk. Fax: 0207 607 9740
Mountain Rooms & Chalets, Pulse House, 1A Lonsdale Square, London N1 1EN.
Mountain Rooms and Chalets is the trading name of Mountain Rooms Limited.
Registered address: No 1 Marylebone High Street, London, W1M 3PA.
Company Registration no 3618610