The 5 best mountain huts to dine in Cortina as chosen by Gambero Rosso

by Andrea Ciprian

With just one year to go until the eagerly awaited Winter Olympics, the selection of excellent places for a gourmet break in the centre of Cortina (or just outside it) is truly abundant. The vibrant energy electrifying this Dolomite town has also infused its culinary scene, which is more lively and enticing than ever. Even at higher altitudes—at 2,000 metres or more—you'll find kitchens worth visiting for their carefully curated, high-quality offerings. Add to this the bonus of extraordinary views of the Ampezzo basin and the mountains encircling it. Here’s a selection of the finest establishments scattered across the mountains, all accessible via ski lifts.

Rifugio Scoiattoli

Among the most striking peaks as you arrive from Cadore are the Cinque Torri, with their unmistakable silhouette. Facing this natural marvel is Rifugio Scoiattoli, in a prime location with a sun-drenched terrace. Founded in 1969 and run continuously by the Lorenzi family, it offers cuisine inspired by Ampezzo traditions, with highlights including homemade pasta dishes and exceptional meat preparations. Be sure to try the violette ai sapori di bosco (blueberry-flavoured fettuccine) with porcini mushrooms, pine nuts, and pancetta. Among the main courses, the venison fillet with grilled cardoncelli mushrooms and raspberry sauce is a standout. The wine cellar is well-stocked, featuring prestigious labels.

Rifugio Scoiattoli - loc. Cinque Torri - 333 8146960 - rifugioscoiattoli.it

Rifugio Averau

In the same area, slightly higher up, is Rifugio Averau, another establishment with solid family management and a reputation for high-quality cuisine. Sandro Siorpaes and his children create delicious and satisfying dishes—such as the cappelli d’alpino (homemade ravioli) stuffed with cheese and walnuts, served with tomato and thyme—that nod to tradition while updating it with modern touches, including in their presentation. The wine list is extensive and includes noteworthy labels. Guests can choose between the charming indoor rooms or the panoramic terrace, which offers superb views of Mount Pelmo, Mount Civetta, and many other Dolomite peaks. Additionally, there is the new "stammtisch," a communal table with a central brazier for those who enjoy dine-sharing.

Rifugio Averau - loc. Forcella Nuvolau, 9 - 0436 4660 - rifugioaverau.it

Baita Resch

In the Tofane area, along the ski slopes but close to the road leading from Cortina to the Falzarego Pass, lies a charming hut with rustic charm and warm fir-wood furnishings. Ivan Resch and his family have been running it for six years, quickly earning acclaim for their Ampezzo-inspired cuisine, executed with care and attention to aesthetics. Among the most popular dishes are the beetroot caunziei with poppy seeds and melted butter, canederli, and pappardelle with venison ragù, as well as Tyrolean carbonara tagliolini, featuring speck instead of guanciale. For main courses, diners can count on wild game or the classic beef goulash paired with Storo polenta. The wine cellar is well-stocked, with a focus on Northeast Italian labels. From the terrace, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Cortina basin and its magnificent peaks, including the Tofane group, Mount Cristallo, Mount Faloria, Croda Rossa, Mount Sorapis, and the Cadini di Misurina.

Baita Resch - Son dei Prade, 1 - 0436 3245 - baitaresch.it

Masi Wine Bar

Located at Col Drusciè, another enchanting natural terrace overlooking Cortina, the Masi Wine Bar is accessible via the cable car departing from the Olympic Ice Stadium. Masi Agricola, the globally renowned Veronese winery famous for its Amarone, has established its first mountain wine bar here. The concept highlights Venetian cuisine and especially wine, both as an ingredient in recipes and as a pairing with dishes. For each menu item, recommended pairings are provided. For instance, the excellent Amarone Costasera risotto with Monte Veronese PDO cheese shavings is paired with Grandarella Refosco delle Venezie, while the Vicenza-style baccalà with creamy polenta is served with Montepiazzo Valpolicella Classico Superiore. The dining room features a modern Alpine design, illuminated by large windows that showcase the beautiful landscape. The comfortable outdoor seating area is also very popular.

Masi Wine Bar - loc. Col Drusciè - 0436 862372 - masi.it

Rifugio Capanna Tondi

Nestled beautifully on Mount Faloria, this refuge was built in 1941 by Dino Verzi, the grandfather of Marco, the current chef and owner. In the cosy rooms, decorated in an elegant mountain style, guests are served traditional mountain dishes reinterpreted with a contemporary twist. Some bestsellers include venison tartare with porcini cream and toasted hazelnuts, reginette Croda Rossa (fresh egg pasta) with cherry tomatoes, zucchini, speck, and black truffle, as well as wild game steaks and delightful Kaiserschmarren (sweet pancakes). The wine cellar offers a selection that spans Italy and includes French sparkling wines and still whites. When the weather permits, it’s a pleasure to dine on the terrace, which features a remarkable lineup of mountains, offering postcard-perfect views.

Rifugio Capanna Tondi, loc. Alpe, via Faloria, 1 - 0463 5775 - rifugiocapannatondi.it