Alleghe, just over four hours' drive from Milan, sits at an altitude of a thousand meters at the foot of Mount Civetta. It was a pioneer in the tourist development of the Dolomites, attracting distinguished European guests since the late 1800s. Positioned within the Ski Civetta ski area, it offers about 80 kilometers of interconnected slopes serviced by more than 20 modern ski lifts, operating until April 1, 2024. For those not keen on alpine skiing, there are alternatives such as cross-country skiing, freestyle, snowboarding, snowshoeing, carving, snowmobile excursions, and ice skating.
Local products include goat and cow cheeses, cured meats, polenta, game, berries, and apples, which become the protagonists of simple, genuine, and flavorful dishes. Here are the 7 best restaurants chosen by Gambero Rosso.
Where to Eat in Alleghe
Enoteca Alleghe
Wine Bar. Since 1975, the right place to buy a bottle, but also to stop and sip a good glass. You have the opportunity to choose from a fine selection of wines on tap (mostly from the Triveneto region but also from other areas, with a focus on organic producers), well-prepared and presented cocktails, and quality spirits. Rich platters of cold cuts and cheeses, toast, carpaccio, beef tartare, salads, small delights, some "cooked" dishes, and desserts (notably tiramisu and strudel) are available. The outdoor tables offer a magnificent view.
Enoteca Alleghe – piazza J. F. Kennedy, 20 – 0437 658867 – Facebook
Bierstube at Hotel Garni Esperia
Beer House. Michele and Stefano Riva are the fourth generation of a family in the brewing world since the early 20th century, fueled by great passion. In this traditionally furnished venue, you can enjoy the two types of house beers, one light called Alleghe and one red called Civetta, along with other properly tapped references. Paired with the mugs are pork shank, spit-roasted chicken, sausages, pepperonata, beans, and sauerkraut. The inevitable strudel concludes the meal, perhaps accompanied by a shot of gentian liqueur.
Bierstube all’Hotel Garni Esperia – piazzale Stadio del Ghiaccio, 6 – 0437 723679 – www.hotelgarniesperia.it
La Cambra
Restaurant. In a splendid location overlooking the lake and mountains, it is one of the town's most reliable references. Well-maintained interiors without excessive formalities, outdoor spaces for the mild season, and convenient parking. The culinary proposal draws from tradition: platters of local cheeses and cold cuts, tagliatelle with venison ragout, canederli in broth, stew or shank with polenta. Strudel and spoon desserts follow, such as rosemary panna cotta, Catalan cream, and forest berry ice cream. The cellar features mainly Venetian beers and wines.
La Cambra – corso Italia, 73 – 346 3391175 – Facebook
La Grande Guerra
Trattoria. Cozy rustic interiors with photographs of the Great War and various objects on the walls make this venue a suitable stop, conveniently located near the slopes. In addition to hearty and tasty dishes borrowed from tradition (venison ragout tagliatelle, duck ragout gnocchi, pastin with polenta, pork shank, goulash, and so on), there is a selection of good pizzas. The dessert section doesn't disappoint, featuring a tempting Sacher and the classic Black Forest. A few bottles are available to accompany it all.
La Grande Guerra – frazione Molin via degli Alpini, 2 – 0437 723951
Lavoi at Sporthotel Europa
Restaurant. A popular hotel table, from whose windows you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake. Much satisfaction comes from the lumberjack platter with cold cuts, cheeses, and sauces; deer carpaccio with salad, horseradish, and cranberries; chamois tortelloni with Lagrein reduction, pumpkin casunziei with smoked ricotta, deer medallion with cranberry sauce, horseradish, polenta, and mushrooms; veal cheek with low-temperature Gewürztraminer with polenta. A sweet ending with warm apple strudel and vanilla sauce. Good drinks all around.
Lavoi dello Sporthotel Europa – via Europa, 10 – 0437 525084 – www.lavoi.it
Il Postin at Hotel Alla Posta
Restaurant. A source of pride for the Pra family, which has impeccably managed the hotel for generations, it is a highly appreciated sign for food lovers, located 4 kilometers from Alleghe. The culinary line is based on local raw materials, primarily game but also forest products (mushrooms, berries), cheeses, and other seasonal ingredients, enhanced with appropriate and precise cooking methods and presented in visually appealing and very tasty dishes. A substantial selection of wines completes the picture. Reservations are recommended.
Il Postin dell’Hotel Alla Posta – frazione Caprile piazza O. Dogliani, 19 – 0437 721171 – www.ilpostin.com
Baita Scoiattolo
Gourmet Break. Open (during the high season) from 8:30 am to 5 pm, reachable by cable car and near the Civetta Adventure Park, it is a refuge in a typical style with all-wood interiors and spacious outdoor areas, ideal for relaxation or even sunbathing. You can refresh yourself with a hot drink or a sandwich or a salad, or you can linger longer for a full meal featuring gnocchi, pumpkin casunziei with smoked ricotta and butter, goulash, the rich Squirrel's plate (with polenta, sausage, melted cheese, and mushrooms), grilled beef steak, and apple strudel.
Baita Scoiattolo – località Piani di Pezzè – 0437 523592