Mountain view bars: 6 terraces to eat and drink in the Dolomites chosen by Gambero Rosso

Sweet and savory goodness with a view of the mountains. Some of the most appreciated gourmet spots in the Dolomite villages offer, from their dining rooms or highly popular terraces, the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of those splendid peaks that the urban planner and designer Le Corbusier defined as "the most beautiful architectures in the world." Here's a selection of addresses not to be missed for a rewarding stop for both the eyes and the palate, under the most spectacular peaks of Veneto and South Tyrol.

The best bars with a view to eat and drink in the Dolomites

Chalet Tofane – Cortina d'Ampezzo (BL)

In Cortina d'Ampezzo, a versatile venue welcoming tourists at all hours of the day. Located in Socrepes, a few kilometers from the center of the "Queen of the Dolomites," it is at the starting point of the lifts that go up to the Tofane slopes, where the Winter Olympics of 2026 will take place. Since its opening in December 2018, Chef Graziano Prest, owner of the nearby Tivoli restaurant, has been overseeing the quality of a comprehensive offering, from breakfast to lunch breaks, lively aperitifs to dinners (excellent pizzas are also served here). The spaces are cozy and well-maintained, making it a pleasure to stop in the rooms furnished in a modern mountain style or at the tables on the terrace overlooking the Tofane spires. The wine list is noteworthy, featuring international selections and prestigious labels.

Chalet Tofane - via Lacedel 1, Cortina d'Ampezzo (BL) – 0436 863026

Capriolino – Vodo di Cadore (BL)

Mount Pelmo and Mount Antelao are two of the most iconic peaks in the Dolomites. In Vodo di Cadore, Capriolino is ideally located to admire both in all their beauty: the view from the terrace (and some tables inside) is enchanting. Under one sign, in addition to the inn's rooms, there are two distinct entities. First, the osteria, with its mountain cuisine presented in a contemporary way, and then the welcoming bar, a safe haven along the road to Cortina. In the morning, excellent coffees are served, which can be accompanied by slices of homemade cakes. For lunch, there are sandwiches, toasts, or boards of local cheeses and cold cuts or large salads. The wine list has depth and significance, and the cocktails are well-crafted. The service is courteous and punctual.

Il Capriolino - Via Nazionale 108, Vodo di Cadore (BL) – 0435 489207

Pasticceria Fiori – San Vito di Cadore (BL)

In San Vito di Cadore, on the terrace of this historic and frequented family-run pastry shop, you can savor various homemade delights in front of Mount Antelao in all its majesty. From dawn to sunset (when the Dolomite rocks turn pink), the spectacle is enchanting. The rest is taken care of by an excellent quality offering, both for sweets and savory items. The generous range of pastries is impressive, as is the selection of traditional cakes, such as the superb Sacher torte and strudel. The aperitif options are also varied and well thought out. The wine list is notable, with both national and international labels selected with expertise and passion. The service is efficient and well-organized even during peak times.

Pasticceria Fiori – Corso Italia 78, San Vito di Cadore (BL) - 0436 890158

I dolci di Ricky – Badia (BZ)

This place is even more pleasant after the renovation that made the spaces airy and bright, creating new seating areas with a view of the magnificent walls of Sass dla Crusc and showcasing the meticulously curated assortment of artisan pastries behind the stylish display window. Entering through the main entrance, the eye is drawn to a triumph of aesthetically pleasing and delicious creations: creamy single servings, dessert cups, fruit tartlets, biscuits, and cake slices. The savory options are intriguing and expressed in a small but satisfying bouquet: soft mini rolls filled with salmon or speck, small pizzas, and toasts. The warm and smiling welcome of Veronica, Ricky's wife (Richard Wieser), a skilled and inventive pastry chef, has remained unchanged.

I dolci di Ricky - Str. Pedraces 17, Badia (BZ) - 0471 838018

Bistrot & Café Botanic Wachtler – San Candido (BZ)

The most recent creation of Edith Campei and Michael Wachtler, the Bistrot & Café Botanic, offers a unique view of the sharp spires of Mount Baranci that overlook San Candido from the terrace and the upper floor. A stop is always recommended, from breakfast to the aperitif ritual. To start the day on the right foot, you can opt for a good coffee or one of the exquisite teas paired with small leavened treats or a combination of white or black bread, local butter, jam, and fresh juice. For a snack, there are artisanal sweets (typical Tyrolean cookies, cake slices, single servings), natural yogurt with berries, muesli or honey, but also toasts and boards of local speck and cheese. The bar supports every proposal, and the service is friendly.

Bistrot & Café Botanic Wachtler – Via Peter Paul Rainer 11b, San Candido (BZ) - 0474 913462

Bergsteiger Bar – Tires (BZ)

A breathtaking panorama of the walls of the Catinaccio. An image that remains impressed upon those who sit at the tables of Bergsteiger, the scenic bar of the Cyprianerhof Dolomiti resort. It is encountered along the road to Passo Nigra, right in front of the Tires cable car. Its diverse offering does not compromise on quality. The homemade sweet proposal is excellent (traditional cakes and ice cream stand out), and the savory snacks made from seasonal ingredients, directly purchased from local farms, are equally enticing. Lunch includes a menu of express dishes. The wine cellar is sumptuous with many options by the glass, and the cocktail and spirits lists are interesting.

Bergsteiger Bar – viale San Cipriano 69, Tires (BZ) - 0471 642143