In St. Moritz, Skip The Slopes And Hit The Restaurants
Celebrities (including Naomi Campbell, Kate Middleton, Jessica Hart, and Heidi Klum) have long been fans of St. Moritz, arguably Switzerland's sexiest ski town. But beyond the designer stores and slopes, the resort has become home to an ever-evolving scene of swanky bars and restaurants. Here are three hot spots you have to try the next time you find yourself in Switzerland's showiest town.
Fine Dining: Da Vittorio
Da Vittorio is a one-star Michelin restaurant hidden inside the lobby at the Carlton Hotel — walk through the hotel lobby and up the stairs to the bar and you might miss it. Opened by chefs Enrico and Roberto Cerea, who own the original three-Michelin-starred Da Vittorio in Lombardy, Da Vittorio St. Moritz brings fine Italian food to the Swiss Alps. Expect delicate plates of truly Italian dishes like ravioli and risotto — dainty in presentation, but bold and hearty in flavor. Because everyone needs a night off from fondue.
Love Local: Lej Da Staz
A short ride from the center of St. Moritz, Lej da Staz is a more low-key dining option. Hidden between the base of a mountain and Lake Staz, the chalet looks like something out of the Swiss novel, Heidi. This recently refurbished hotel and restaurant serves up rustic, hearty cuisine in a cozy setting. All the ingredients are locally sourced and the chef prepares regional dishes like tartare of air-dried meat and goat from La Rösa. It's the perfect spot to enjoy an authentic dinner after a long day on the slopes.
Mountain Meal: La Marmite
Usually when you stop for a mid-ski lunch, you're faced with large plates of cheesy fries and soggy salads. But in a town as swanky as St. Moritz, this is certainly not the case. La Marmite is a magnificent mountain restaurant 8,156 feet above sea level, owned by Reto Mathis of Mathis Food Affairs. It is probably the only restaurant in its caliber where eating in your ski boots won't be frowned upon. The restaurant is famous for its caviar and truffles, especially the truffle pizza, which has a light and crispy base with thick shavings of black truffle. Be sure to book a table at the window so you can gaze out over the Alps.
Stay: The town of St. Moritz has many lavish options, but the Carlton Hotel is the real grand dame. Opened in 1913, the hotel has preserved many of its original elements, including wood-paneled walls, grand fireplaces, and a beautiful ballroom. One of the biggest draws, however, is the exquisite view over the lake and town below — especially from the outdoor terrace, which is the perfect spot to enjoy an aprés-ski drink.