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.

La Taverne des Neiges is located in Val Claret at the bottom of the Double M piste right next to the Bollin and Fresse chairlift. There is a large outdoor terrace with seating as well as an indoor restaurant and a glass box called Le Bivouak which is heated. We loved Le Bivouak which offers croque monsieurs, hot dogs, fries and tacos for less than 10 euros, as well as a cheap drinks menu. There is live music on offer in the box at happy hour too. 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 Marmotte Arms is located on Rue de la Poste in Tignes Le Lac. Burgers start at 14 euros and fries are 6 euros. There is a small outdoor seating area as well as indoor seating and live music throughout the week. The location is very convenient near the ski school meeting place and the Palafour and Toviere lifts.

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 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 12 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 Eterlou. The restaurant is located on Rue de la Poste and has 2 floors. It offers excellent fondues and raclettes and has an extensive pizza menu. We love the warm ambience and great location of this restaurant as well as its traditional feel.

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. We can also recommend La Bodega which is new in Lavachet and opened in December. They offer amazing tacos and loaded fries as well as a great range of cocktails. Tacos start at 10 euros for 2 and there is a choice of 5 different types including a vegan option. Next door to La Bodega we can also recommend Kodo for excellent and reasonably priced Pan-Asian Cuisine including katsu and thai green curries. Starters from 10 euros and mains from 17 euros.

Blow the budget

Julietta 23 is a new Italian restaurant which has been opened by the owners of Escale Blanche. It is located in the centre of Le Lac on Rue du Rosset and offers amazing views across the lake to the Grande Motte glacier. On offer is a 4 course set menu for 65 euros as well as pizza, and mains that include veal escalope, steak and pan fried cod fillet. There are also French favourites that include fondue and pierre chaude. New for this season this restaurant will definitely prove popular and also offers a children's menu for 18 euros.

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!