In our ‘Insider’s Guide’ series, we aim to unravel the very best of St Anton. We started with ‘Where to ski’ (If you missed it click here) and now it’s time to reveal our pick of the Arlberg’s best restaurants.
We are certified foodies and have tried and tested every eatery on and off the mountain. Here are our top-tips:
We don’t think lunches get any better than at the Rodel Alm. This friendly restaurant is a St Anton must-visit, with delicious local cuisine and a buzzing atmosphere. Managed by the charming and charismatic Christoph, all guests are made to feel like friends. On a snowy day, warm yourself around an open fire, or in the spring months, take in the breath-taking views on their huge sun terrace.
A trip to the Rodel Alm isn’t complete without trying their specialty; Knusprige Schweinshaxe. A closely guarded family recipe, people flock to St Anton from miles around for a taste of this famous Pork Knuckle. Served with traditional Sauerkraut and dumplings, we recommend you come hungry… Or share!
If you know a Bordeaux from a Burgundy, then the Hospiz Alm is the place for you!
Their famous wine cellar houses the largest collection of ‘Big Bottled Bordeaux’ in the world, where literally thousands of bottles from 1.5 litre Magnums, to 18 litre Melchior’s are displayed, with the most expensive costing €80,000!
You can visit the Hospiz during the day and easily whittle away a few hours on their huge sun-deck. However, in evening the restaurant transforms and really comes to life.
On arrival you will pass a wall adorned with photographs of celebrities, royals and politicians, letting you know immediately that you’re entering an Alpine institution. On entering the heart of the building, the smell of open fireplaces warm your soul, and the wooden panelling, embroidered fabrics and staff in traditional dress transport you to a Tirol of the past.
We recommend you start your evening-extravaganza with a trip down the slide (yes a slide) to the wine cellar, where, with a Testarossa in hand (a Champagne concoction dreamt up by barman Karl-Heinz) you’ll receive a tour by one of the Hospiz’s knowledgeable sommeliers. The dinner that follows is equally as impressive, with amuse-bouches and palate cleansers thrown in as added extras.
The ambiance, the food, the wine (and the slide) makes this place our hands-down favourite restaurant. But disclaimer alert – bring a credit card!
Café Schneider is the new kid on the block, offering a welcome change of vibe and something fresh for the seasoned ‘St Antoner’. With plush velvet fabrics, comfy sofas, flickering candles, groovy tunes and enough foliage to fill Kew Gardens, there really isn’t a better place to sit back and let the good-times roll. Whether you visit during the day, for the best coffee in St Anton, or in the evening for delicious (and well-priced) cocktails, there will be a menu offering fresh international cuisine, with the largest vegetarian and vegan menu in town.
When you visit, be sure to have a chat with one of the owners, Jimmy or Niall, both of whom are long-term British ‘ski-bums’, who have made their dream of owning the coolest spot in town a reality. They’ll entertain you into the early hours, and you probably won’t escape without drinking a schnapps or two.’
Let’s face it, ski holidays aren’t cheap, so splurging on gourmet dining every night is unrealistic for most. But don’t worry, despite it’s high-end profile, St Anton offers some hidden gems offering reasonably priced, family-friendly food, and the Fahrner-Stubn would be our pick of the bunch.
This charming, family owned restaurant is in a hidden corner of St Anton, peacefully nestled behind a roaring stream. Time stands still in this little restaurant; under the vaulted ceiling surrounded by quaint décor, you will feel as though you’ve been transported into the past.
You could be tempted by the Tirolean specialities on the menu, but really, you should only eat the Fondue Chinoise! You will spend an unforgettable evening cooking chicken, beef and pork in a bubbling stock, accompanied by never ending rounds of jacket potato, chips, salad and dips, then once you can’t possibly eat any more, sherry is poured into the remaining stock, which you drink out of a mug!
There is no denying it, for the best food in town, the crown jewel in St Anton eateries is the one and only Galzig Bistro. Seating only a handful of guests, the Galzig Bistro doesn’t take bookings during busy periods, so it’s difficult to get a table, but trust us when we say, it’s worth queuing!
Once you get in, the excellent food, efficient and friendly service, delicious wine and reasonable (for what’s on offer) prices makes it worth the wait.
We recommend the burger. Oh, actually no, the prawn linguini. Wait, the steaks are amazing too… Actually their salads are to die for. Or the Thai soup…!?
These are just a few of our top-tips, but we aren’t going to give away all of our secrets… What do you think? Tell us your favourite places to eat in the comments below.
Tune in next time, for our “An Insider’s Guide to St Anton… Where to party?”