« A charming, modern winter ski resort in the Valais, with one of Switzerland’s largest skiable areas. There are exceptional landscapes culminating in views of the Combins and Mont Blanc massif, and many things to do, all on a sunny plateau in the heart of the Four Valleys. » They would tell you about the snow and the enchanting atmosphere of winter evenings beside a crackling fire. But they would also, without a doubt, tell you about the excellent cuisine available locally.
Time spent in the mountains and on the various activities on offer there whets the appetite, and what could be better than sitting down after a full day to enjoy delicious food in the company of one’s friends and family? To help you rest and recover as you should while delighting your palate, we have listed a shortlist of our gastronomic favourites of the month from among Verbier’s finest restaurants.
The Chalet d’Adrien, one of Verbier’s most noted restaurants
This big chalet, a member of the Relais et Châteaux, offers a combination of luxury, charm and refinement. A 5-star hotel offers 29 rooms, spa, pool, fitness centre and shop, as well as two restaurants, a bar, lounges and a terrace that has been awarded the title of Europe’s most beautiful hotel terrace.
The renowned chef of Chalet d’Adrien (17 Gault&Millau points), Mirto Marchesi is a very charismatic, passionate and active force in the kitchens, and his savoir-faire also guides several activities on the grounds. From cooking classes to developing haute cuisine menus for the restaurant, as well as for the Grenier d’Adrien, the more reasonably-priced brasserie where local Swiss products receive pride of place.
The Grenier, with its rustic wood and stone decor reflecting the traditions of the alpine pastures, opens at midday and again in the evening. Here, one can savour large casseroles, peasant soups, and beef or poultry brasérades – consisting of meat or poultry fillets to grill on a brazier at your own table, accompanied by pepper sauce, mushrooms, gorgonzola and béarnaise sauce, as well as potato fricassee with mushrooms and bacon. You might also opt for the steak tartare, or even the home-made beef cheeseburger, served with sauces, crispy bacon, cucumber, tomatoes, garnishing and – most important – a serving of crispy shoestring chips, all for 44 CHF. An evening of pure delight for the eyes as well as the taste buds, that won’t break the bank.
Verbier dans l’Assiette Facebook page
Le Vieux Verbier, Verbier’s family restaurant
Le Vieux Verbier is a family restaurant decorated in the authentic style of the mountain chalets of Valais. The restaurant has been a Verbier institution for more than 40 years.
Today, it is run by Thibault, the son of Marie-Hélène de Torrenté, who has handed over the reins but still visits regularly. Lively, dynamic and passionate about culture, she has put her heart into gathering people from all walks of life around the same table to share in warm, convivial occasions. Over many years, this establishment has offered its guests a friendly and relaxed ambiance, thanks to the generosity of this family.
The Le Vieux Verbier restaurant is situated as the foot of the Médran ski lift. It has a large terrace that often fills up, and for which booking is recommended. Lunch is served until 3pm.
At noon, there is a brasserie-style menu of good food, served promptly. In the evenings, from 6.30pm onwards, more sophisticated fare is on offer – and you can enjoy lobster and foie gras along with fresh ingredients and excellent sauces, all home-made and presented in an easy-going atmosphere.
Le Vieux Verbier’s great speciality, the potence, is a dish to be shared – and comes highly recommended. Potence consists of cuts of grilled meat suspended over a heated element. The meat is steeped in whisky and cognac before being flambéed. Using a fork, guests select cuts of meat from the potence and savour it, while the rest of the meat stays hot. A gourmet experience to be shared.
Le Scalco, a touch of Italy in Verbier
Le Scalco can be found near the small ski slope known as Les Moulins, which is ideal for children learning to ski. Below it is a crèche for local children and those of visitors.
This new restaurant opened its doors in December 2015. Stepping inside is like being transported into the heart of Italy. The owner, a retired Italian retired banker who has lived in Verbier for fifteen years, has a genuine passion for the cuisine of his homeland. And it would indeed be no easy feat to find dishes of such quality in the South. On the premises, there is a choice of a bar, restaurant, catering service and delicatessen – but no pizza. The establishment is run like an Italian trattoria, offering a menu that changes daily, according to the day’s catch of fresh ingredients. The products on offer are of the highest quality, and can also be tasted and bought at the delicatessen.
The cuisine is refined and distinct, generous and authentic, fresh and colourful: a real ray of sunshine on your plate!
Le Scalco also offers a very original concept: become a Friend of Le Scalco for life
Become an Amici del Cappuccino, and receive one Italian “caffè” or a cappuccino every day for life. CHF 250
Become an Amici dell ‘Aperitivo, and receive one glass of house wine per day, for life, for CHF 350