Eat & drink: Morzine on a plate

With its well-established favourites continuing to impress, plus several welcomed newcomers mixing things up, Morzine’s food and drink scene has really come alive. Many of the restaurants are embracing regional produce and using it to create an eclectic mix of dishes, from pan Asian to modern European cuisine. Of course, your skier’s classics – steak, tartiflette and fondue – remain as good as ever and easy to come by.

WHERE TO BRUNCH

Satellite Coffee, (152 Rue du Bourg). If you’re suffering with a hangover and missed the hot option in your chalet, brunch here might be just what you need to save your ski day. Fill your boots with carrot cake pancakes and (vegan) butterscotch, blueberry sauce and toasted nut crumble; Boston beans with bubble and squeak, wilted spinach, cheddar and spring onions; halloumi pitta; plus bacon and sausage baps with glorious extras, like smashed avocado, hash brown and jalapeños! Freshly baked cakes, homemade smoothies and milkshakes are also served all day.

WHERE TO SCOFF PASTRY

As you would expect of any French resort, Morzine has a whole host of boulangeries to choose from. They really are all good; however, La Bonbonnière (129 Route de la Plagne) is particularly difficult to walk past without stepping in for a sweet treat. Chocolate-almond croissant anyone?

WHERE TO DRINK AN APERITIF

If in search of the shaken or stirred variety, try Beanies for your Martini classics, a Mojito, Long Island or something off-the-wall with one of their cocktail specials. We recommend starting the evening with a Chalet Garden – a gin based concoction of lemon, elderflower and mint. Yum!

For wine, Le Coup de Coeur (Route de la Plagne, opposite sister venue La Chamade restaurant) serves French and selected world wines with a regularly changing selection of wines by the glass. In addition, a selection of port and a fine collection of whiskies are available as a tasting experience.

For a cosy glass, La Chaudanne’s Bar a Vin (590 Route de la Plagne ) is in a vaulted stone cellar tucked away beneath the restaurant. An intimate place to try a few wines under the guidance of a sommelier.

WHERE TO DINE

At Hideout Hostel’s restaurant (60 Route des Udrezants ) enjoy a relaxed pan Asian dining experience. The award winning food varies from ramen to sushi, and includes their addictive Bang Bang Broccoli and weekly specials created by Sharif Gergis and the Hideout Hostel kitchen. Book online.

At Bec Jaune Brewery (220 Route de la Combe à Zore) head chef Matthew Stone creates dishes from raw ingredients, meaning everything – even the burger buns – are homemade. Soak up the chilled vibes and tuck into some delicious grub after the slopes. Meat lovers and veggies will be satisfied by the menu which ranges from vegan superfood burgers to pork belly ramen and ceviche tacos.

Top of our list for a fondue, raclette or pierre chaude is La Ferme De La Fruitiere (337 Route de la Plagne). This welcoming place is part of the Fruitiere L’Alpage, a working farm and dairy. Try the farm’s delicious cheeses in the cosy restaurant, with a traditional stone and wood interior warmed by an open fire.

If eating out in France means steak to you then Le Grillon (111 Route de la Plagne) is the place for a Cote de boeuf. There is also duck, chicken, fish and a wide range of salads. Friendly place and not too expensive.

La Chaudanne (590 Route de la Plagne) is a reliable favourite with many of Morzine’s returning visitors, the restaurant serves a varied menu of classic French, Italian and local dishes. If you’re looking for interesting fish dishes, which aren’t always easy to find in the mountains, this is a good bet.

La Chamade (90 Route de la Plagne) is the place for a special occasion, where booking the chef’s table is a real treat. Inspired as much by his mother’s mountain recipes, as he is by the top kitchens (including Paul Bocuse) where he learned his trade, third-generation chef Thierry Thorens makes exceptional use of local seasonal produce with inventive and refined food. This is definitely not your usual mountain grub.

WHERE TO HAVE A NIGHTCAP (OR THREE)

Laury’s Cocktail bar (Route des Udrezants, underneath Hideout Hostel) is the local’s secret for late night drinks. Enjoy table service, live jazz, funk and soul, and a truly explosive drinks menu. On a Tuesday night, one of the AliKats original chalet hosts, Ben Gc will be DJing his own brand of sophisticated disco! Open from 7pm to 2am.