What better way to break up an action-packed day of skiing than with a hearty meal and a crisp drink on a sunny terrace just off the slopes?
The Three Valleys, the world’s largest ski area, which includes Meribel, Val Thorens, and Courchevel, as well as a handful of smaller resorts, has a fantastic selection of mountain restaurants across its hundreds of kilometres of slopes. By design or accident, you’re sure to find a great lunch spot.
But if you happen to be in Val Thorens at lunchtime, which of its many high-altitude eateries should you plan to end your midday run at? With family-friendly, buffet-style, and high end options all available, there’s something to suit every taste.
To help you decide, we’ve selected our six favourite Val Thorens mountain restaurants, whether you’re after a quick piste-side pitstop with the kids or a luxuriously long lunch on top of the world.
The only concern is that you’ll enjoy your lunch so much that you’ll have a hard time getting back on your skis for the afternoon!
The best mountain restaurants around Val Thorens
Here’s our pick of the best mountain restaurants in Val Thorens, including accessible options for novice skiers and families, buffets for those who want to get back on the slopes as quickly as possible, options for long lunches over fine food, and restaurants with the best terraces and views.
1. Chalet de Caron - The best restaurant for a quick bite
2. Chalet de la Marine - The best restaurant for a long lunch
3. L'Etoile - The best restaurant for families
4. La Fruitière - The best high end mountain restaurant
5. Les Aiguilles de Peclet - The best restaurant for terrace views
6. Chalet des 2 Lacs - The best restaurant for novice skiers
Best mountain restaurant for a quick bite
Chalet de Caron is a very popular mountain restaurant just below Val Thorens village on the Piste du Cairn. Accessible to both skiers and pedestrians - and with a huge range of self-service dishes and a sizable south facing terrace - it’s not hard to see why this place gets busy at lunchtime.
Customers praise the speed of the buffet service, the friendly staff, and the extensive menu, which includes bowls of hot soup, pasta, salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, pizza, and more. There’s literally something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a drop in restaurant to fuel up while minimising your skiing downtime, Chalet de Caron is the perfect place.
Best mountain restaurant for a long lunch
Fishing nets, lifebuoys, and a ship’s wheel at 2,500m above sea level? It can only be Chalet de la Marine, located at the top of the Cascades chairlift on the Dailles piste.
With decor designed to represent the diversity of meals on offer between the mountain and the sea, Chalet de la Marine serves up delectable dishes in a cosy chalet-style restaurant with a roaring log fire. There’s no better place in Val Thorens to stop for one of those lunches that ends up lasting until the lifts have nearly closed.
Chalet de la Marine’s menu is certainly worth spending some time with: lobster tacos, tuna sushi cake, beef cheek bao, gratin dauphinois to share, as well as a dessert buffet downstairs - the only question is where to start?
Booking, of course, is advised. Though if you just want to stop by for a quick bite, there is also a self-serve bistro.
Best mountain restaurant for families
L'Etoile is in the very nearby village of Les Menuires, just above the Croisette, which is a short ski away from Val Thorens. If you’re with the kids, it’s worth the trip.
The childrens’ menu includes chopped steak or chicken nuggets, fries or pasta, and ice cream, and there’s plenty for adults too, including Savoie favourites like three cheese fondue and raclette, and hot stone grilled meat and veg.
L’Etoile has more than 500 reviews, with an average 5 star rating, praising the attentive staff, excellent food, and the warm and welcoming atmosphere - a must-mention!
Best high-end mountain restaurant
Val Thorens mountain dining doesn't come finer than La Fruitière. It might occupy the same building as La Folie Douce, the resort’s legendary piste-side party hotspot, but don’t expect DJs and table dancing inside.
The only thing on your table will be champagne and a tantalising selection of gourmet French cooking’s greatest hits. We’re talking oysters, burgundy snails with parsley sauce, marbled beef carpaccio, foie gras dumplings, and platters of suckling lamb.
Reviewers can’t believe how good the quality of the food is from this luxury mountain restaurant.
Booking is essential.
Best mountain restaurant for terrace views
If you want the best views, you’ve got to get up high. Right at the top of the Peclet cable car (at 3,000m) is Les Aiguilles du Peclet, a traditional mountain restaurant with great food, comforting hot chocolate, and fortifying vin chaud, all served with a spectacular panoramic view from its beautiful outdoor terrace.
Charcuterie platters, gorgonzola risotto, and truffle tagliatelle are just some of the delights on offer.
And don’t forget to hang around long enough to see the sunset over the mountains - you won’t regret it.
Best mountain restaurant for novice skiers
The main aspect of Chalet des 2 Lacs that recommends it to novice skiers is that it’s easily accessible from a green run. All you need to do is turn left at the top of the top of the 2 Lacs chair lift and you’re there.
However, that’s far from the only thing that recommends it to diners. Chalet des 2 Lacs is a friendly, cosy mountain bistro with an excellent sun-soaked terrace. The gourmet menu includes Savoyard specialities, such as beef fillet, and orecchiette "Garofalo" casserole - pasta with Tomme de Savoie cheese and truffle ham.
Great mountain food that everyone can enjoy, whether they’ve been skiing for a week or a lifetime.
Stay in Val Thorens with Iglu Ski
If your mouth is already watering, why not book a place to stay in Val Thorens for your next ski holiday?
At Iglu Ski, we have hundreds of Val Thorens ski holiday deals available, from budget-friendly hotels and self-catered apartments to gorgeous ski-in-ski-out chalets.
Fill your stomach and your (ski) boots in Val Thorens this winter with Iglu Ski.
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