Where to eat in Tignes
It's often said that eating out in ski resorts can be very expensive, but Tignes has something to offer everyone from budget restaurants and take-aways, to mid-range and Michelin star eateries.
Budget
Our top picks for budget options are great for a quick lunch stop if you are out on the slopes.
Coco Rico is located in Val Claret at the bottom of the Double M piste and right next to the Lanches chairlift. There is a large outdoor terrace with seating as well as indoor seating. This self-service cafe offers pizza by the slice starting at 6 euros and includes options such as Mediterranean with feta. Outside is an impressive bar and a stage where live bands perform at apres-ski. Also in Val Claret, Restaurant Aspen Coffee Shop is near the Grande Motte bus stop opposite the Tichot chairlift. It's also close to the ski school meeting area and the Bollin and Fresse chairlifts. Decorated in the style of an American diner, the restaurant offers table service and a wide-ranging menu which includes salads, burgers, wraps, omelettes, waffles and crepes. We loved the large portions, quick service and reasonable prices at this quirky diner. The Loop Bar is located on Rue du Rosset in the centre of Le Lac. There is seating indoors or outside on the large terrace which is a real sun trap. Burgers and wraps start at 13 euros and salad bowls are 12 euros. The bar is easily accessible from the ski school meeting area and there is live music twice per week.
Takeaways
If you're after a quick bite at lunchtime, there's a hatch offering crepes for around 5 euros and pizzas for 10 euros in Le Lac on the end of the Palafour building by the cash machine. Just past the cash machine through the first door on the right is a counter offering fantastic homemade quiches, paninis, pizza by the slice and sweet tarts. It's very reasonably priced and is where many of the ESF instructors go to grab a bite to eat in between lessons. Opposite is an Asian takeaway called G's Pot. Prices start at 10 euros for special fried rice and include classics such as Thai green curry and sweet and sour. It is open for lunch and in the evenings until 8pm. SOS Pizza has a branch in Le Lac and in Val Claret. Small pizzas start at 10 euros for a Margherita and there are local specialities such as Montagnard with raclette cheese, and Savoyard with local ham. In Lavachet, Kodo has a small indoor seating area and offers Asian favourites such as chicken katsu curry and noodles, both for 16 euros.
Mid-Range
Our top pick in the mid-range category in Le Lac is the Tignes 2100 Alpine Kitchen. Part of the Langley Hotel, the restaurant has an open log fire with seating area, a central bar and large windows overlooking the lake. Famous for it's pizzas (which start at 12 euros) the menu also offers a section where you can choose your own protein, side and sauce. Options for protein include seared tuna (25 euros), chicken supreme (22 euros) and skewers of falafels and tomme blanc cheese (17 euros). Accompanying sauces include wasabi cream and truffle mayonnaise, and there are Asian salad, potato gratin or beetroot with goats cheese and spinach as side options. We love the warm ambience and great location of this restaurant on Rue de la Poste.
La Pignatta is an Italian restaurant located in the upper part of Val Claret in the heart of Place du Curling. There is a cosy seating area in the front and more seating out the back. Think lots of wood and cosy throws and cushions. In addition to pizzas, steak, pasta and fish dishes, there are local specialities to choose from such as fondues, tartiflettes and racelettes which average around 25 euros. We loved the Pierrade (29 euros per person) which involves cooking your own meat and vegetables on a hot plate served with fries and a delicious dipping sauce. The restaurant is very popular so it is advised to book ahead.
In Lavachet a good family favourite and mid-range dining option is Brasero. This bar/restaurant is ski-in ski-out and has recently been extended at the front giving more space to the dining area at the back. There is also outdoor seating which catches the last of the afternoon sunshine. The menu isn't huge but offers something for everyone from burgers and pizzas to seabass, steak and a roasted cheese box which comes with charcuterie, mixed salad and fries. Prices range from around 19 to 27 euros for a main.
Blow the budget
Le Kaya is in the centre of Le Lac on Rue du Rosset and offers amazing views across the lake to the Grande Motte glacier. As well as being a restaurant, it is also a concept-store and art gallery. There is outside dining on the large south-facing terrace, cosy indoor seating and a cocktail bar. The menu combines local products and marine influences. Starters include oysters (from 22 euros) and Asian style veal tartare. Mains average around 40 euros and include veal, grilled scallops and John Dory. Or you can treat yourself and order the lobster!
La Ferme des 3 Capucines is our top pick in Lavachet due to it's quirky setting. The restaurant is part of a working Savoyard farm which has been operating since 1985. It is located just as you enter Tignes on the left-hand side before Les Almes. The menu is based on local products including cheese which is produced onsite. You can dine outside on the terrace or inside by the fire from where you can see the farm animals. The menu is constantly changing, lunch might include warm goats cheese salad or a charcuterie board, and dinner could offer milk-fed lamb or prime rib-eye. There are also local specialities such as fondue and racelette.
We've saved the best for last with our final restaurant which is La Table du Panoramic, located on the Grande Motte glacier at 3032m. Accessed via ski lifts or the Perce-Neige funicular, the restaurant has traditional cosy wooden decor and chairs with sheepskin throws. The chefs cook on an open fire and you can swap your ski boots for warm slippers! Mains include suckling pig for 2 (96 euros), John Dory for 2 (160 euros), grilled spare ribs (46 euros) and homemade pasta (from 38 euros).
If your budget can't stretch to Table du Panoramic, there are reasonably priced pastas, burgers, soups and salads at the canteen. You can also buy takeaway cakes and snacks to enjoy in one of the deckchairs on the sunny terrace!
We hope this blog has given you an insight into the variety of eateries that Tignes has to offer. We're sure you'll agree that there is something to suit all budgets and all tastes!