Courchevel Apres Ski Report: 18th February 2013

Courchevel (1850)

Le Chabichou – A stalwart of the 1850 set, this fancy hotel has a 2 Michelin starred restaurant with an excellent reputation. This sort of quality comes with a hefty price tag although more reasonably priced meals can be enjoyed at lunch including the popular 55 euro skier’s lunch, served on their sunny terrace, complete with stunning view. For a more affordable evening option try their increasingly popular bistro.
Best for – a slap-up lunch to impress

Le Refuge – a small little French bar in the centre of the town, it serves hearty mountain lunches during the day as well as meals early evening. The friendly French couple who run the show serve the usual mix of Savoyard specialities as well as pasta and steak to keep the whole family happy.
Best for – a day in town

St Louis hotel – this (almost) slope-side restaurant just off the Bellecote piste serves reasonably priced lunches on a great little sun terrace which enjoys the rays throughout lunch.
Best for – alfresco skiing lunches in 1850

Courchevel Moriond (1650)

Petit Savoyard – run by the genial Pascal and his friendly team the Petit Savoyard is a popular haunt in 1650 and is celebrating its 20th year of business. They serve the usual Savoyard specialities, but do them better than most, and don’t skimp on portion sizes – I highly recommend their cepe fondue! If a cheese feast is not your idea of the perfect feed then they also do excellent steaks, pasta and pizzas cooked in a wood-burning stove.
Best for – the ultimate cheese feast (be prepared to loosen your belt)

La Boulotte – after serving skiers hearty home-cooked fare for several years now Katie has secured the crown for the best lunches in 1650, and the crowds that pile in each day are testament to that fact. She serves incredible (and sizeable) falafel wraps as well as the ever-popular Boulotte burger, homemade soups and daily specials. If you head there in peak times be prepared to wait, but I can assure you, you’ll be pleased you did. On Wednesdays the Boulotte serves evening food with a rotating weekly feature night of fish and chips, curry or the increasingly popular supper club for the ultimate 5-course gastronomic experience.
Best for – amazing hearty home-cooked lunches

Funky Fox – this popular late night hang-out has branched out this year serving amazing tapas platters, ginormous and juicy burgers and cracking salads from 7-midnight. Jaw dislocation might be required to attempt the burgers in one bite.
Best for – late night comfort food

Le Schuss – this French bar/restaurant in the centre of the village has a well-placed sun terrace, for maximum sun-time on sunny days and a beautiful Savoyard-style interior. They serve a good mix of burgers, pizza, pastas and salads as well as daily changing plat du jour (daily specials) that won’t break the bank.
Best for – a sunny lunch spot in 1650

Courchevel Village (1550)

L’oeil de Boeuf – In the heart of Courchevel Village at the foot of the piste sits this ever-popular French restaurant which will not be beaten on meat. They cook their joints and steaks on an open fire served with potatoes cooked in the embers. For meat lovers this place is not to be missed, with perhaps the best Chateau Briand I’ve eaten, with an incredible homemade béarnaise sauce. They also have a great sun terrace, perfect for skier’s lunches.
Best for – meat lovers! When nothing else will suffice

Cortona – this restaurant is reputed to serve the best pizzas in Courchevel. That’s a bold claim, with much competition, but they are undoubtedly very good, and reasonably priced. As well as their impressive selection of wood-fired pizzas they also serve the usual Savoyard specialities.
Best for – killer pizzas

Courchevel Le Praz

Azimut – This quaint French Michelin starred restaurant serves first class food without the price tag or indeed the stuffy service. With menus from 28 euros, you can enjoy a romantic meal which is sure to delight, without breaking the bank. They serve a contemporary selection of meats and fish with some lovely little imaginative touches without going too far out. What really makes the experience though is the super-friendly, yet efficient service which make for a really enjoyable and relaxing ambience.
Best for – romantic dinners and food lovers

Cave des Lys – This is one of Courchevel’s best kept secret which the locals like to keep under their belt. This cosy bar, inside a traditional wine cellar, has walls lined with an impressive wine selection. They serve some really tasty tapas and slates of meats, cheese and antipasti to accompany your drinks. Perfect for an evening with your loved one or a gathering with friends, a visit to the Cave des Lys should be a priority on your next visit.
Best for – intimate gatherings over wine and nibbles

Peupliers – This popular hotel in the centre of Le Praz serves some of the best vin chaud in the valley. Their restaurant, Table de Mon Grand-Pere is highly acclaimed for excellent food in a wonderful setting. Their serve French-fare with a Savoyard influence and although the food is a little higher priced than others around they do serve a reasonably priced set menu.
Best for – excellent food in a historic setting

L’escourchevel – This sports bar serves decent pub food at a reasonable price. If you want something relaxed then you can’t go far wrong with their burgers, pizzas or steaks and they serve some pretty tasty Mexican food aswell.
Best for – comfort food in Le Praz

La Tania

La Taiga – serving the usual mix of Savoyard specialities, steak and seafood, this place is a popular restaurant in La Tania. Before your meal you can enjoy a cocktail in their downstairs bar and frequent live music makes it a busy spot late night too.
Best for – lamb chops, they’re amazing!

Le Farcon – this Michelin starred restaurant at the foot of the piste in La Tania serve a popular 3-course lunch menu for just 32 euros, every day except Thursday when the chef serves up a suckling pig feast followed by desert for 45 euros.
Best for – gastronomic lunch experience

Ski Lodge – this popular late night watering hole serves up decent food at reasonable prices for lunch and dinner. The Slodge burger is a firm favourite and will keep you going all afternoon.
Best for – relaxed lunches in La Tania

Mountain Restaurants

Bouc Blanc – unlike many mountain restaurants the Bouc Blanc serves tasty and sizeable meals for little over 12 euros a head. The service is super-fast and they serve some amazing omelettes and some great local dishes such as diots de vin blanc (white wine sausages) and Beaufort tart. While top notch and very quick the food is not piping hot so if you look your food warm I suggest you eat indoors.
Best for – affordable mountain fare

Le Bel Air – one of the most popular mountain restaurants, also open in the summer, the Bel Air has an excellent reputation and perhaps the best vin chaud on the hill. The menu isn’t extensive but the food is excellent and the setting can’t be beat with log fires and a winning view if you fancy a lunch time treat on the mountain then this will foot that bill. They do get very busy at lunchtime so bookings are advised.
Best for – lunchtime treat on the slopes