5 Best Rifugios in the Italian Dolomites For Lunch
27th August 2024
Mangiare bene – Eat Well at the rifugios in the Italian Dolomites
One of the best things about a winter holiday in the Dolomites is living a rule free lifestyle whilst you’re here. Who says you can’t have a beer with lunch? Why can’t you have a slice of cake at 11am and then another during afternoon tea?
Throughout a full day on the mountains, a scrumptious, filling and affordable lunch is certainly something to be deserved and the Dolomite Mountains will not let you down. Whichever direction you head in, no matter how many kilometres you are away from resort, there is a unique Rifugio awaiting you to walk through the door.
Our favourite traditional dishes in the Italian Dolomites
Now, once you have chosen the destination it is up to you so settle on one of the many meals on offer. Italy is a country full of temptation; perhaps you will go for the traditional Italian pizza or maybe try the less-known Ladin variety – my personal favourite is spinach and sauerkraut wrapped in puff pastry.
A common dish found in almost every Rifugio is ‘Spiegelei und Bratkartoffeln’. It consists of Speck (a dried meat very similar to bacon), fried eggs and sautéed potatoes and although it sounds very basic, is prepared in numerous ways.
Of course there are many options to entice the sweet tooth as well and if you choose to resist the conventional apple strudel, then why not try a slice of Sacher cake (chocolate sponge encasing a layer of orange jam) or the typically delicious Tiramisu? Every meal needs something tasty to wash it down with and you’ll find the drinks menu is usually as varied as the food. Aside from the obvious beer and coffee options, enjoy the popular Hugo and Spritz, treat yourself to a Bombardino (or Calimero!) and definitely sample one of many different Grappa flavours for if nothing else, it will surely improve your downhill skiing!
How much does lunch in a rifugio cost?
Before doubt creeps into your mind about how much all of this will cost, never fear; a typical meal, which I might add is very generously portioned, will never set you back more than €15. The only piece of advice I have to offer is to resist at least some temptation and leave enough room for your evening three course meal when you arrive back at the chalet!
Our top 5 rifugios for lunch in the Dolomites
All of these spots don’t only offer exceptional food but also a front-row seat to some of the most staggeringly beautiful alpine views on the planet. The perfect spots to relax after a day on the Sellaronda.
Rifugio Bioch, Pralongià Plateau
Located at an altitude of more than two thousand metres above sea level, our alpine hut is surrounded by the unparalleled scenery of the Dolomites. So enjoy the perfect 360° views of the area whilst you enjoy a Hunters plate (speck, eggs and potatoes) and drink one of the best Bombardinos in the area.
Rifugio Plan Boé, Arabba
Sellaronda Orange – If you are a fan of pancakes, try the famous Kaiserschmarrn to set you up for the 45km circular route.
Image credit: Rifugio Plan Boe
Raetia tea rooms, Corvara
Undoubtedly the best apple strudel in the resort – enjoy it with ice-cream, vanilla custard or whipped cream. There is also a choice of 20+ tea flavours to try out.
Rifugio Nagler, Badia
A generous helping of Goulash soup to warm you up on a cold day is definitely recommended. If you haven’t yet sampled the Glühwein here is the place to do it, they serve it in a boot!
Rifugio Punta Trieste, Pralongià Plateau
If you fancy something a bit heartier head to this Rifugio for outstanding ribs and traditional Canederli (bread dumplings only found in this area of Italy).
Head to the Italian Dolomites this winter!
Has this article made you hungry? Why not join us on a skiing holiday to the Dolomiti Superski this winter to try some of these rifugio lunch spots for yourself? This is European skiing at its finest, And Collett’s are the experts when it comes to skiing this fabulous region, having taken holiday makers to the Dolomites since 1998.
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