Fine Dining in the Dolomites
A trip to the Italian Dolomites is certain to be filled with wonder and adventure, with the amazing scenery to take in and endless outdoor activities just waiting to be conquered. Add to this the rich history and fascinating culture of the people who live there and you’ve got a destination that has something for everyone. But this beautiful region offers so much more than just photo opportunities and ski slopes. The Dolomite Mountains is also host to several Michelin star-rated restaurants where guests can get a taste of the area and experience fine dining at its very best!
The Food
Whether it’s because the dishes are prepared with the freshest of local ingredients, that their recipes have been passed down through generations, or that they’re prepared by top-rated gourmet chefs, one thing’s for certain: consuming a meal in the Dolomites isn’t just eating; it’s experiencing the very culture of the area.
Dishes featuring pasta, fresh seafood, duck and local game meat are prepared to perfection using ingredients found in the surrounding valleys and offer a refreshing combination of ancient traditions and modern style. Regional cheeses and homemade breads are expertly incorporated into the menus to bring everything together and provide diners with a truly authentic experience. The result is mouthwatering meals that embody the essence of the mountain region and the deep-seeded Ladin culture that makes the Dolomites so unique.
The Restaurants
Imagine sitting down for dinner in a 5-star restaurant, sipping a glass of perfectly aged wine, and enjoying a delicious meal prepared by one of the best chef’s in the world. Now imagine peering out the window and watching the fiery red sun as it sets behind towering mountain peaks and blankets the surrounding valley with a warm, welcoming glow. Eating in the Dolomites brings the idea of fine dining to a whole new level. It is truly an experience like nothing else.
Here are just a few of the many local eateries in the Dolomites where visitors can feast on culinary masterpieces:
- St. Hubertus – at the Relais & Châteaux Hotel & Spa Rosa Alpina, Michelin 2-stars
- La Stüa de Michil – at the Hotel La Perla
- Rifugio Averau – Voted one of the “10 Best Mountain Restaurants in the Alps”
- Rifugio Comici – Specializing in gourmet seafood dishes
- Tivoli – Michelin 1-star in Cortina d'Ampezzo
- El Camineto – superb cuisine and panoramas of Cortina
The talent and expertise of the chefs who work in these fine establishments, as well as others from around the world, are showcased in the Annual Chef’s Cup held here each year. Since 2004, this three-day event has brought together culinary experts from around the globe to exchange opinions on the quality and taste of food and wine, as well as different culinary specialties. The chefs hold debates and host discussions on a variety of different food-related topics including, most recently, the issue of healthier meal preparation. The event, which also involves a great deal of charity work, continues to gain popularity and has grown to draw nearly 400 participants each year.
The Dolomite Mountains offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of nature, outdoor adventure and a culture as old as the mountain walls surrounding it, all in one breathtaking place. And while there are plenty of things to do and see in the Dolomites, the fine dining there is not to be missed. Whether you are a sophisticated restaurateur or just a foody who loves to try new things, you are certain to be wowed by the dining experiences in the Dolomites. From preparation to presentation to first-class service, dining in the Dolomites will have you feeling like royalty and leave you with tasty memories to last a lifetime.