Whether you’re in Verbier for the ski or taking a summer hike through the Swiss Alps, or just there for the food (reason enough, if you ask me), you’re going to want to explore Verbier’s vibrant food scene – both on the mountain and down in the town. In this article, I’ve gathered together a collection of the best restaurants in Verbier and the 4 Valleys area.
I haven’t forgotten the aprés ski – I’ve also written a guide to the best bars in Verbier. And if you’re looking for guides to the best things to do in Verbier, check out my separate Winter and Summer guides, as well as how to get to Verbier from Geneva.
La Marlénaz for Raclette
Go to La Marlanez for the raclette. What is raclette? Typically, half a 6kg wheel of cheese that’s toasted under a grill until it’s sufficiently melted that the cheese can be poured onto your plate. Usually, it’s served over potatoes with pickles on the side to cut through the richness. If you’re a glutton like me, you’ll skip the spuds and spoon the cheese straight from plate to mouth; no carbohydrate vessel is needed. La Marlénaz has excellent cheese, excellent wine and a chef who was as passionate about preparing the raclette as I was about eating it.
Did you know? Bagnes is the capital of raclette, and every year there is a festival dedicated to the dish. Expect dressed-up daisies (cows), floats, folk music, wine and, of course, plenty of local cheese. The raclette festival is held in September.
Le Rouge for fine dining
Located at the foot of Le Rouge ski run, the same-named restaurant is open from midday through to midnight. The terrace has stellar views and is an excellent spot for sunny lunches al fresco. Inside, it is luxurious modern lodge decor with roaring fires, leather furniture and lots of chunky wood. The menu is diverse, with everything from fondue to steak to risotto, scallops and fish. There’s also pumping après on the terrace most days, and it’s a slightly more refined après option than elsewhere in Verbier. Book here for Le Rouge Verbier.
La Nonna for picture-perfect plates
Is it a delectable lunch or a work of art? At La Nonna, an Italian restaurant in the heart of Verbier centre, it’s both. If all the beef and cheese has left your stomach a little loaded, I can highly recommend the fish carpaccio (above) and isn’t it a thing of beauty? The heartier pasta dishes were presented with no less flair if you’re looking to carb-load.
Cabane Mont Fort for lunch at a mountain hut
For authentic alpine eating, try the on-mountain hidden-away Cabane Mont Fort where you’ll find the likes of crôute, fondue, rosti, tartiflette and veal sausages on the daily menu: hot, hearty and traditional Swiss dishes with views of Mont Blanc to boot. There’s an enormous decking with an incredible vista overlooking the La Chaux ski area and beyond. It’s precisely what you want and expect, from a remote and working mountain refuge at altitude: A rustic lunch that’s very much not VIP and can only be reached by skis or board. Use FATMAP to locate the Cabane Mont Fort on the mountain.
Le Giétroz restaurant in Le Châble
I’ve come to expect good quality food in Switzerland and especially in and around Verbier (I’ve yet to be disappointed), but Le Giétroz goes that little bit further, delivering a picture on a plate. When something as simple as a fish fillet can look as good as this (photo above) while also tasting every bit as good as I hoped, what more can you possibly want? Apart from dessert.
Restaurant l’Authentique for seasonal produce
With an afternoon of snowshoeing ahead, I didn’t want anything too heavy on my stomach, so I ordered the chestnut soup and a salad at Restaurant l’Authentique and it wasn’t nearly as dull as it sounds. In fact, I’d happily hop on a plane to re-order the chestnut soup. But, it’s unlikely I’d find it since the menu changes regularly to make sure you’re served seasonal ingredients. And that, I think, is key to the quality of the food here.
Chez Dany for hidden-away dining
Chez Dany is a slope-side restaurant tucked away in the wooded hamlet of Clambin. It’s one of Verbier’s best restaurants with a cosy lodge interior that’s brimming with atmosphere most every night of the week. The menu is traditional mountain fare and based on fresh, locally sourced ingredients – perfect for an authentic Swiss meal away from the hubbub of Verbier Central.
Walk 15 minutes from the centre of town to Clambin, where the Chez Dany snowcat will collect you from the foot of the slope to bring you to its nighttime-secluded location. Bring a head torch and toboggan (which you can rent from any ski hire shop in town) and make your descent from the restaurant with an exhilarating ride back into Verbier. Make sure to book ahead at Chez Dany; it really is a Verbier favourite.
l’hôtel Les Chamois for menu du jour
If you’re in the mood for a pot-luck lunch, try the menu du jour at l’hotel Chamois in central Verbier. The menu is well-priced and guaranteed to satisfy your tastebuds. I had succulent, tender pork. Rostis were another popular option with a full section dedicated to them on the menu. I’ve yet to try the restaurant for dinner, but the cosy interior looks promising for evening dining.
La Ferme du Soleil for agritourism dining
Try an all-encompassing agritourism experience at La Ferme du Soleil. Visit the farm animals and explore the farm shop before sitting back for sunset cocktails with panoramas over the valley. When the sun disappears, head inside to experience the Collombin family’s gastronomic offering. If you’re starting to feel like a wheel of cheese, try fondue chinoise, where you cook slithers of meat in a simmering pot of stock. It’s just like regular fondue but without the threat of cheese dreams.
Sery mountain pasture for Al Fresco lunch
Ok, you’ll only be able to do this if you’re visiting in summer, but if you are, you should make an effort to add this to your itinerary while you’re in Verbier. This is another cheese-eating opportunity that is particularly special because it’s hosted by the president of the local mountain pasture association at a local farm hut right in the middle of the pastures. Enjoy handcrafted cheese, cured meat, bread, jam and juice.
You can book your brunch at the Verbier tourist office up to noon the day before. If you’re visiting in summer, this activity is free as part of your free VIP summer Pass.
Offshore Coffee Bar for breakfast and lunch
What I love most about Offshore is the surf shack vibe that is in utter contrast to the central Verbier surroundings. In business since 1986, Offshore is a local and tourist favourite. It’s a great spot to load up on a high-protein breakfast before hitting the slopes – eggs every way you might want them. Otherwise, stop in for lunch, where you can expect burgers, Mexican favourites, salads and juices.
La Vallée Hotel for La Potence
One thing I love about Verbier is the quality of the in-hotel dining, and the restaurant at La Vallée Hotel in Lourtier didn’t disappoint. La Potence is a local dish that the hotel does incredibly well. What is it? Hanging meat skewers (I tried the beef and deer) soaked in liquor and set aflame. There is a pot of rice that sits beneath the meat, catching the juices as well as the liquor, which, frankly, should be a dish all of its own. Served with fries and a selection of mayonnaises and sauces, you have to try La Potence in Switzerland, and I highly recommend trying it here. Lourtier is a 20-minute driver from central Verbier and is an excellent base if you’re looking for a traditional stay in the region.
La Galerie du Chocolat for Swiss chocolate
Chocolate is an entire meal, right? If you share that opinion, feel free to skip the savoury items and head to La Galerie du Chocolat. From cute individual artisanal Swiss chocolates to substantive chocolate fondue and an extensive hot chocolate menu, you’re in for some mouth-watering treats. There’s a reason Swiss chocolate is some of the best chocolate in the world, and La Galerie du Chocolat is proof in the eating.
La Chaumière for deli-style cheese tasting
You can easily spend a whole day, if not more, enjoying the artisanal delights of Verbier’s food scene with a multitude of different cheese and charcuterie counters to visit. If you only have time for one, La Chaumière is a must for cheese lovers, with the resort’s best selection of local mountain cheeses and preserves.
Mountain Thyme for a Swiss cooking class
And to finish with something a little different. Want to learn how to cook with Swiss cheese? And what goes into that divine salad dressing you get on your summer salad? Take a cooking class and find out. As well as learning local recipes, you get to sit down and taste the results of your hard work when you’re done. Apricot tart was on the menu when I took a class, and we had enough leftover for breakfast. Fine by me. If anyone is interested in the history of Cholera pie, read here. Book your class with Mountain Thyme Cookery School.
That’s my guide to the best restaurants in Verbier and the 4 Valley area. Got any other suggestions or questions, let me know in the comments below.
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