Restaurants and Dining
There is a great selection of restaurants in Alpe d'Huez both on and off the mountain, as well as a selection of self-catering apartments if you would rather cook for yourself.
Alpe d'Huez Mountain Restaurants
La Fruitière
One of two eateries attached to La Folie Douce, La Fruitière adopts the same winning formula as those in its sister establishments. Decorated to evoke a traditional mountain dairy, but in a contemporary style, this fine dining restaurant is the place to go for a sophisticated lunch before joining the party at the bar outside. If you don’t want to waste too much dancing time over lunch, head to the adjacent Nuvoself self service restaurant for a range of faster but freshly made dishes to enjoy in its stylish setting.
Le Signal
Located at the Somet du Signal and accessed by the Signal and Sure chairlifts, Le Signal (+33 (0)4 76 80 39 54) is a great spot for either lunch or dinner. On the first floor you can enjoy a leisurely lunch from its menu of delicious Savoyard dishes, or if you’d rather just have a quick bite to eat, there’s a self service restaurant downstairs. The restaurant also has one of the best terraces in resort, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Chalet du Lac Besson
There’s something really satisfying about discovering a great restaurant that’s a bit off the beaten track. Tucked away off the Chamois piste, Chalet du Lac Besson is well worth seeking out. On bad weather days its cosy interior with open fire is the perfect place to warm up, and there’s a lovely terrace for when the sun’s out. It also has a fantastic menu of French and regional cuisine.
Restaurants in Alpe d'Huez
L’Altiport
For exceptional traditional French cuisine in a superb setting, try the Michelin starred restaurant L’Altiport (+33 (0) 4 76 80 41 15). Located next to the resort’s small airport, on the edge of the slopes, it’s open for both lunch and dinner and is easily accessible either by foot or on skis. Specialties such as frogs legs poached in Vin de Savoie can be enjoyed either in the cosy rustic interior or on the gorgeous terrace that looks out over the rest of the resort. For an authentically French gourmet dining experience, this really is hard to beat.
Lounge 21
Just along from Smithy’s tavern on Route du Coulet, Lounge 21 is a cool and contemporary bar and restaurant that specialises in Savoyard specialties. Its stylish interior provides a refreshingly different setting in which to enjoy a fondue or raclette to the usual rustic wooden paneled walls and furnishings. In addition to an extensive menu of regional delicacies they also serve a wide range of grilled meats and fish. The bar has a great selection of wine and beers as well as some of the best cocktails in town. Lounge 21 is also one of a handful of restaurants in resort to receive Famille Plus accreditation for its efforts to accommodate children.
Smithy’s Tavern
In addition to being a popular venue for après, Smithy’s has a restaurant that serves an excellent range of Tex Mex food including fajitas, burgers, steaks, wings and ribs, as well as some good vegetarian options. There’s also a great kids’ menu that includes an ice cream and soft drink with every meal.
L’Alaska
For great pizza and Savoyard specialties head to restaurant L’Alaska (+33 (0)4 76 80 42 63) in the heart of the old town. This traditional little chalet style restaurant is extremely friendly and has a warm atmosphere.
Grocery Shops
There’s a rare bit of competition between the supermarkets in this particular ski resort as, thanks to its size, there are six to choose from – two each of the Casino, Spar and Sherpa varieties. There are several privately owned groceries too, including Maison d'Huez (avenue de l'église; +33 (0)4 76 79 26 75) and Galerie les Bergers (Quartier des Bergers; +33 (0)4 76 80 35 60).
In addition there are half a dozen bakeries and another 10 or so delis, butchers and excellent regional food specialists such as Au Jardin de l'Oisans (Rte d'Huez, Quartier du Vieil Alpe; +33 (0)4 76 80 32 28). So all in all foodies are better catered for here than in many other resorts.