6 Best Restaurants in The Dolomites, Italy

The sterile surroundings of this restaurant, a short walk from Via dei Portici, belie its culinary delights—namely, rustic regional dishes reenergized and prepared with precision. Three-, five-, and seven-course tasting menus change according to the chef's whim and the season, but they usually include a modernized vitello tonnato (veal with tuna sauce), delightful homemade pasta and dumplings, and decadent meat dishes such as veal stewed in Lagrein, the area's renowned red wine; vegetarian options are also available.

Although it has a stylish black-and-white color scheme, this restaurant/wine bar nevertheless has the feel of a rustic, intimate chalet. Settle into pleasant surroundings for an après-ski aperitif or a light meal made with local ingredients and paired with the sparkling wines of Ferrari, a well-known Trentino vintner.

For fresh, properly cooked regional food, this malga (Alpine hut) with great mountain views can't be beat—just make a reservation, especially in winter, when you must be transported over on a snowmobile by day and a shuttle at night (in summer, you can drive all the way). Salamis and cheeses are made on-site, and the bar serves both commercial and homemade grappas, many of which are brewed with local herbs; also try some capriolo (mountain goat stew), polenta, skitz (grilled cheese that doesn't melt), or fresh local mushrooms.

What started out as a Tyrolean tavern around the time of the Council of Trent is today an intimate restaurant that adeptly serves superb innovative dishes, using both local and international ingredients. The menu changes throughout the year and includes pasta such as gnocchi with rabbit and marinated trout with escarole and pine nuts.

The owner of this small, endearing establishment—just outside Cortina and beside picturesque Lago Pianozes—is friendly and knowledgeable, not only about the food and wine but also about the region. The menu varies according to the seasons, always incorporating local recipes—seating is limited, though, so reservations are recommended.

Traditional Tyrolean opulence and attentive service set the stage for some of the best food in town. Appetizers might include potato blini with salmon caviar, and marinated artichokes with butter (not to be missed if available); main dishes, such as veal with black-truffle-and-spinach canederli, make use of ingredients from local valleys. This place is popular with local businesspeople.