Where to eat in Aprica: the best restaurants selected by Gambero Rosso

With 17 ski lifts and over 50 kilometers of slopes, Aprica offers plenty of entertainment for skiing enthusiasts. There are also cross-country skiing trails and the opportunity for snowshoe walks. Skiing at night is particularly exciting, thanks to the Superpanoramica del Baradello, the longest illuminated slope in Europe.

Local gastronomy focuses on the simplicity and genuineness of flavors, with preparations suitable for these altitudes and temperatures. There is a wide range of dairy products (especially butter), cheeses, cured meats, flours for pizzoccheri and polenta, game meat, herbs, and berries, including chestnuts. Here are the top 8 restaurants chosen by Gambero Rosso:

Where to Eat in Aprica

Gimmy’s Restaurant at Hotel Arisch

Restaurant. Inside a comfortable 4-star hotel – one of the few open year-round – this hotel restaurant is a safe haven. Young chef Thomas Raggi brings his culinary vision to life, reinterpreting traditional themes with personality and adding a touch of Tuscan influence. Highlights include venison tartare with porcini and Casera cheese, rustic tortelli with deer, butter, sage, and raspberry, suckling pig coppa with juniper and beef jus, and chestnut bavarian. A well-curated selection of wines complements the menu. Reservations recommended.

Gimmy’s Restaurant all’Hotel Arisch – via Privata Gemelli, 1 – 0342 747048 – www.hotelarisch.com   

Osteria Al Dosso

Restaurant. Andrea and Benedetta, a couple in life and work, run this cozy establishment in the historic center. The warmth of the environment – a couple of all-wood rooms with background music and a dominating stove – combined with Benedetta's friendliness, immediately puts guests at ease. Chef Andrea serves dishes with rich flavors and careful presentation, rooted in tradition with a personal twist. From the initial welcome to the excellent final coffee, the experience is a delight. The wine selection is impressive.

Osteria Al Dosso – via Dosso, 1 – 0342 745029 – Pagina Facebook

Nomelli Café

Gourmet Break. Located on the road to the Palabione ski lifts, it is one of the locations of the historic Megno (BS) bakery. Open from 7 AM to 8 PM, it is the right place at any time of the day, starting with breakfast, where pastries and brioches beckon from the windows, accompanied by well-made espressos and cappuccinos. Ideal for a snack or a hot chocolate, or even for a rich aperitif, it offers the opportunity to purchase many quality homemade products: bread, breadsticks, sweet and savory biscuits, large leavened products for holidays.

Nomelli Cafè – via Palabione, 14 – 347 9056522 – www.nomelli.it

Ristoro Pasò

Trattoria. At 1,700 meters above sea level, at the arrival of the Palabione cable car, it is a welcoming refuge with various rooms and a terrace, where a pleasant atmosphere prevails. People come here to relax and enjoy dishes such as sciatt with salami and salad, chisciöi (flat buckwheat fritters with Valtellina Casera cheese in the center), pear and gorgonzola risotto, soft gnocchi stuffed with perúc (wild herbs) with poured butter and julienne potatoes, authentic pizzoccheri, and more. House wine and beers are available. Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Ristoro Pasò – via Palabione – 0342 234136 – Pagina Facebook

Penak Burger

Sandwich Shop. If you want to taste what is considered one of the best burgers in the area, you can't miss a visit here. Each sandwich is carefully made, from the bread to the fillings, with hyper-selected ingredients. Among the many options, mention the "Wild" with rye bread, 200-gram venison burger, soncino (lettuce), Aprica cheese, currant sauce, and mountain spices. The chips' preparation has been studied in every aspect to make them lighter and healthier while still delicious. Craft beers and local wines are available. Owned bed and breakfast.

Penak Burger – corso Roma, 198 – 0342 746164 – www.penakvaltellina.com

Il Piccolo Chalet

Trattoria. In an enviable position with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains, it is a characteristic building in typical style with enjoyable outdoor spaces. The cuisine is hearty, with robust dishes in generous portions: bresaola with porcini in oil and sciatt, deer carpaccio with lamb's lettuce, pine nuts, and raspberry vinegar, wild game ravioli with Vecchio Sassella, pizzoccheri, venison tagliata with juniper butter, and suckling pig shank with polenta. The desserts are also praiseworthy, from the tempting chestnut cup to the strudel with vanilla cream. Beer and some good wines to accompany.

Il Piccolo Chalet – località Parade via Magnolta – 333 5321603 – Pagina Facebook

Stambèch

Argentine. Overlooking the main street, it is an address that meat enthusiasts must take note of. The owners, Sergio and Diana, Argentinians, have focused on the grill since the beginning of their adventure, where the proposed cuts, especially Black Angus, are cooked to perfection. Argentine specialties such as empanadas are also on offer, with occasional inspirations from local traditions, such as game meat, also present in hamburger form. Many options are suitable for celiacs and vegetarians. Craft beers are primarily served.

Stambèch – corso Roma, 77 – 342 9635492 – @stambech_steakhouse_argentino

La Taverna degli Elfi

Trattoria. Open continuously from late morning until 9:30 PM, it is an unpretentious place that satisfies every need, from coffee to dinner and pit stops at various times of the day, perhaps with a hot chocolate, a slice of cake, or a sandwich. Guests are not disappointed by sciatt and cold cuts, fried gnocco and cold cuts, pizzoccheri, potato gnocchi with speck and gorgonzola, polenta and sausage, pork ribs with aromatic herbs, grilled steak or filet mignon, tiramisu. Some good bottles accompany everything. Generous portions and a light bill.

La Taverna degli Elfi – via Europa, 43 – 0342 017033 – la-taverna-degli-elfi.business.site