Despite rumours to the contrary, eating out in Courchevel needn't break the bank. Whilst you will find some of the best
restaurants in the Alps, with options ranging from oyster bars and seafood platters to gourmet Savoyarde specialties, you’ll also find great sandwich bars and pizza restaurants where you can eat for around €10.
The worst that can be said about some of the
mountain restaurants is that they seem complacent, with unimaginative menus and unremarkable food. But others make a real effort and even old favourites such as spag bol or pizza are tasty and filling. However they almost all have stunning views, so even if we don't recommend them for food, they can be good places to have a morning or afternoon break.
There is something to suit every budget and taste in Courchevel, ranging from upmarket
nightclubs and piano
bars in 1850 to noisy
live-music venues open till 4am. There is an undeniable British feel to some of the places but in each village there are cosy little bars where you can remember that you're in France.
Five to try
La Cloche: Small French restaurant with a delightfully intimate atmosphere. Service is excellent without being intrusive.
Le Darbeilo: The restaurant has a huge open fire and really local feel. Informal yet with an unashamedly classic French menu. Fantastic fondue and melt-in-your-mouth steaks.
La Grange: This underground restaurant transforms itself into a very civilised nightclub from 11pm until 4am.
Le Signal: An institution down in 1650 and one of the original bars to serve Mutzig, the deceptively strong beer.
Le Bel Air: Fabulous views, three sunny terraces and service so welcome you feel like a regular on your first visit. Easy access for pedestrians.
Our penny's worth
The local cuisine is definitely to be savoured and where else to make the most of it than in one of the superb resort restaurants or in a warm mountain hut up on the slopes. Examples of traditional fare include crozets; tiny squares of pasta served with cheese, ham and cream, and raclette - a grill with a large lump of cheese brought to your table. As it melts, you can scrape the cheese onto cold meats, potatoes and salad - yum yum! Other ones to look out for include the local Reblochon cheese, and have a go at adding some Chartreuse (a spirit) to your hot chocolate, or simply ask for green chaud.
