Cortina, the flagship restaurants of Italian cuisine

From starred restaurants to refuges via wine bars: a small review of eating well in the pearl of the Dolomites

by Camilla Rocca

7 February 2026

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

The Tivoli
Alajmo Cortina
Baita Fraina
Zuma
Still
Refuges: Squirrels and Shrikes
Masi Wine Bar
Antica Bottega del Vino

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

With the start of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, Cortina d'Ampezzo strengthens its role not only as a sports destination, but as an alpine gastronomic hub of international standing.

On the economic front, the effect of the Olympics on prices and demand is already visible. A phenomenon that reflects an exceptional tourist demand, but also a challenge for the hotel sector and for services related to catering and entertainment, called upon to support an international and more demanding flow of visitors. The positive returns - including hospitality and food & beverage - are expected to contribute to a lasting legacy beyond 2026.

Here is our small selection of Ampezzo restaurants, including historic and contemporary names, to give an idea of how the face of Alpine dining is changing.

The Tivoli

The historic, starred Tivoli restaurant is one of Cortina's gastronomic institutions. The cucine, strongly linked to the territory, emphasises game, mountain meats, fresh pasta and traditional Ampezzo recipes reinterpreted with measure.

Alajmo Cortina

The presence of the Alajmo family in Cortina marks the entry of contemporary Italian haute cuisine into the heart of the Dolomites. The restaurant offers a technical yet accessible cuisine, designed for a cosmopolitan clientele, capable of dialoguing with the Alpine context without renouncing the identity of the Veneto brand but increasingly expanding into an international context, from Paris to Marracheck.

Baita Fraina

More informal in style but very solid in content, Baita Fraina is one of the most authentic addresses for understanding Ampezzo cuisine. The menu offers typical dishes made with local ingredients, in a warm and cosy atmosphere that reflects the gastronomic culture of the valley.

Zuma

Among the most significant novelties in the pearl of the Dolomites, the arrival of Zuma introduces a high-profile international format to Cortina. The contemporary Japanese cuisine, the soft atmosphere and the strong lifestyle appeal intercept an international demand linked to the Olympic event and luxury tourism, marking an evolution in the resort's gastronomic positioning.

Still

In the heart of Corso Italia, inside the iconic Hotel Ancora Cortina restored by Renzo Rosso, founder of Diesel and protagonist of the rebirth of one of the most historic structures in the Queen of the Dolomites, is Il Ristorante Ancora, an address that combines contemporary Italian cuisine, seasonal ingredients and global influences. The cuisine, overseen by chef Andrea Chivetto, focuses on local ingredients, reinterpreted with creativity.

Refuges: Scoiattoli and Averau

Although a high-altitude refuge, it is now an integral part of Cortina's gastronomic scene. The iconic location of the Scoiattoli hut, on the Cinque Torri, combined with its fine alpine cuisine, makes it a popular destination for scenic lunches during the ski season.

Considered to be one of the best gourmet refuges in the Dolomites, Averau offers evolved mountain cuisine with a focus on technique and local ingredients. It is a gastronomic destination in its own right, capable of attracting enthusiasts and gourmets even outside the sporting context.

Masi Wine Bar

At almost 1,800 metres, at the first stop of the Freccia nel Cielo gondola lift on Col Druscié, Masi Wine Bar is a well-established address for lovers of good drink and cuisine at altitude. Here wine is the protagonist: the entire Masi range, starting with the iconic Amarone and Campofiorin, accompanies traditional Veneto dishes revisited with style, such as risotto all'Amarone Costasera with Monte Veronese or guancialino brasato all'Amarone and honey, in a panoramic setting with views of the slopes and the Tofane.

Antica Bottega del Vino

In the run-up to Milan-Cortina 2026, Antica Bottega del Vino, one of the historic names in Italian food and wine catering, active in Verona since the 16th century, has opened a dedicated location in Cortina d'Ampezzo from 30 December 2025. Here, the focus will be on great Italian wines with one of the most extensive lists of labels (over 1,500) and dishes that marry the traditions of Verona and the Dolomites, such as risotto all'Amarone or regional dishes revisited for an international audience.