warm and hospitable, life in the refugio and other Lozzo Cadore, Italy Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Name: Refugio Baion

This is a real oasis in the middle of paradise and a place that even locals make the long trek by foot, jeep, motorcyle, or even horse to have a meal or just a drink with the friendly owners. It's a rustic mountain hut with wooden tables and benches, and a great open fire place to warm your feet up. The owner/bartender is Dino and he's quite the character and seems much beloved by all who come here. He's a great saleman too. You can't watch him drink wine after wine, and beer, and shots without wanting one yourself!

Favorite Dish: Everything we had was great and homemade, from lasagne, to soups, to desserts, just yummy. BUT you don't know any prices until you are leaving. For two nights accomodations plus breakfast, dinner with wine, and a few shots, we paid 180 Euros for two persons. Prices were not extortionate but a bit high, though one must realize the cost of getting supplies to this remote location at 1825m. All in all, it was the most memorable time we spent in the Dolomites and highly reccomended.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Phone: 043576060 (only Italian spoken)
Address: Alta Via nr. 5 "di Tiziano"
Directions: You CAN drive here from Lozzo di Cadore, but the road is very narrow and not paved. The 15 km trip took us over an hour and is not for the timid driver. You can also hike an alternative path up but it's a `1000m climb.
Website: www.rifugi.it

Restaurant Name: Villa Bruna

One of the best ways to experience the local foods AND save money is to have a picnic of deli items, a true specialty of Italy. Though the best places to enjoy said items is at the top of a mountain peak or even at one of the numerous pullouts along the scenic highways, we found that some of our accomodations like Villa Bruna in Cortina had lovely rooms in which you could have a meal or just relax reading a book.

Favorite Dish: Local cheeses are quite good as are salmi, but the best is always prosciutto, a salty locally cured ham. Though it's pricey at 24 Euros a kilo, they will slice it paper thin and a small amount of the intensely flavored meat goes a long way. Get some ciabatta and tomatoes, and wash it down with red wine. You'll be stuffed for less than 10 Euros per person and likely have enough for lunch the next day.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Deli
Comparison: least expensive
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Directions: These deli's literally line every street in Italy so you'll have no problem finding one!