And to finish with something a little different. Want to learn how to cook with Swiss cheese? And what actually 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 left over 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.
La Marlénaz for Raclette
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.
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 skewers of meat (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 frites 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 a great base if you’re looking for a traditional stay in the region.
Le Rouge for fine dining
La Nonna for picture-perfect plates
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Cabane Mont Fort for lunch at a mountain hut
Le Giétroz restaurant in Le Châble
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 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.
Restaurant l’Authentique for seasonal produce
Chez Dany for hidden-away dining
l’hôtel Les Chamois for menu du jour
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.
La Ferme du Soleil for agritourism dining
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.
Sery mountain pasture for Al Fresco lunch
Offshore Coffee Bar for breakfast and lunch
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.
La Vallée Hotel for La Potence
Ok, you’ll only be able to do this if you’re visiting in summer, but if you are, you should make the 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.
La Galerie du Chocolat for Swiss chocolate
What I love most about Offshore is the surf shack vibe that is in utter contrast to the central Verbier surrounds. 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 ever way you might want them. Otherwise stop in for lunch where you can expect burgers, Mexican favourites, salads and juices.
La Chaumière for deli-style cheese tasting
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.
Mountain Thyme for a Swiss cooking class
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.
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 absolutely free as part of your free VIP summer Pass.
Try an all encompassing agritourism experience at La Ferme du Soleli. 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. Just like regular fondue but without the threat of cheese dreams.