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Author: The Smalls

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Mountain Restaurant Blatten

Since the beginnings of tourism in Zermatt, this traditional mountain restaurant still exists. Blatten is located directly on the downhill slope from Furi to Zermatt. This quaint little mountain restaurant offers plenty of alpine atmosphere. Blatten also has topnotch service, unbeatable food, and jaw dropping views from its sun terrace. The open air Snowball is a popular piste-side watering hole too.

Pavarotti and Friends

Pavarotti St. Moritz offers a vibrant atmosphere where guests can enjoy simple yet delicious dishes of traditional Italian cuisine, paired with exceptional wines from across Italy. Known for its lively ambiance, it’s the perfect spot to unwind with an aperitif. The combination of great food, fine wines, and an energetic vibe makes Pavarotti a must-visit in St. Moritz.

Locanda Mammi Ristorante

Chef Stefania opened Locanda Mammi using the flavors and aromas of her land on the outskirts of Agnone. Her gastronomic vision was perfected at the Accademia Niko Romito in Abruzzo. Today, this One-Star Michelin restaurant is where tradition and innovation uniquely come together on every delicious dish.

Taverna de Li Caldora

Established in the enchanting town of Pacentro—hailed by Condé Nast as one of Italy’s most beautiful small towns—this beloved taverna is a celebration of Abruzzo’s culinary soul. Expect outstanding quality and unforgettable flavors, from house-made spaghetti with saffron and truffles to other deeply rooted regional specialties.

Chalet Etoile

Chalet Etoile is more than a restaurant—it’s a cherished institution in the Italian Alps at the base of the majestic Cervinio. This historic dining destination has earned its reputation as a must-visit spot for skiers, hikers, and food lovers alike, offering an unparalleled combination of breathtaking views, exceptional cuisine, and warm hospitality.

At the heart of Chalet Etoile is the talented Chef Ulla, whose passion for regional flavors shines through in every dish. She personally greets guests on the terrace, adding a personal touch to the already welcoming atmosphere. The menu celebrates the culinary heritage of the Aosta Valley, featuring hearty regional dishes, fresh ingredients, and creative interpretations of Alpine classics. Local wines are thoughtfully paired with each meal, enhancing the flavors and showcasing the area’s viticultural excellence.

The terrace is the perfect place to unwind and soak in the panoramic mountain views, whether you’re indulging in a leisurely lunch or sipping a glass of wine after a morning on the slopes. Inside, the cozy, rustic interiors exude charm, providing an inviting retreat from the crisp mountain air.

Osteria Francescana at Maria Luigia

Where culinary genius meets countryside grace.

Francescana at Maria Luigia is not merely a destination—it’s a revelation. Set in the rolling green outskirts of Modena, this globally acclaimed, three-Michelin-starred experience is the crown jewel of Chef Massimo Bottura’s culinary empire. The journey begins the moment you approach the 18th-century estate, where every element—from the landscape to the lighting—has been designed to prepare your senses for what’s to come.

Within the intimate, glass-enclosed dining space, just twelve guests are ushered into Bottura’s world. Each of the nine courses is a story, a memory, a provocation—crafted with equal parts irreverence and reverence. Signature dishes like “Oops! I Dropped the Lemon Tart” and “The Crunchy Part of the Lasagna” are plated with artistic flair and philosophical depth, reflecting Bottura’s passion for storytelling through food.

This is not dinner. This is theater. Emotion. Dialogue. It’s a deeply personal, once-in-a-lifetime invitation to taste Italy through the eyes of a master. Outside the dining room, the estate unfolds like a curated dream—fine art from Damien Hirst and Matthew Barney, gardens perfumed by the seasons, and 12 bespoke suites that echo refinement, quietude, and soul.

Francescana at Maria Luigia offers more than a meal—it offers a moment that becomes part of your identity. For those who seek not just to dine, but to feel, to learn, and to remember, there is no finer table in the world.

Mountain Club Fienile Monte

We have known Fienile Monte for years as one of those special places you discover while skiing the Dolomites — a destination worth planning your day around, perched high above Passo Sella beneath the magnificent Sassolungo.

When we returned following its major transformation, however, we discovered something very different.

Now Mountain Club Fienile Monte, the completely renovated destination feels less like a traditional mountain refuge and much more like a sophisticated alpine club and chalet — polished, design-driven and still wonderfully connected to its extraordinary surroundings.

The interiors are contemporary yet warm, balancing mountain character with a more refined sense of style. Outside, the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites provide the kind of backdrop that no designer could ever improve upon.

And now, Fienile Monte isn’t only a winter discovery.

Its summer opening offers an entirely different way to experience this remarkable setting. The snow gives way to green alpine meadows, hiking trails and the brilliant summer light of the Dolomites, transforming a familiar winter landscape into something altogether different.

Food remains at the heart of the experience. The kitchen brings together Italian cuisine and the culinary traditions of the Dolomites, with carefully selected ingredients and an elevated but approachable mountain style.

Wine is equally important here. Fienile Monte has long been known for its impressive cellar, making this a place where lunch deserves to linger rather than simply serve as a break between adventures.

In winter, arrive on skis and settle in for a long mountain lunch before continuing your day.

In summer, make Fienile Monte the destination itself.

Walk through the mountains, arrive hungry, find a table outside when the weather allows and give yourself permission to stay awhile.

Because while the surroundings may change dramatically with the seasons, the pleasure of being here does not.

Restaurant Engiadina

Located on the shores of Lake St. Moritz, this charming restaurant combines elegant rustic decor with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu features exquisite local specialties, including the iconic Swiss cheese fondue, offering a true taste of the region’s culinary heritage.