EATING OUT

Arinsal and La Massana have plenty of restaurants offering a vast array of international and local cuisine and various levels of quality. There are some incredibly talented chefs around, so we strongly recommend you try some of these places, even if you are in self catering accommodation. 

The local typical restaurants are called “Bordas” - these usually have rustic, traditional decoration and an open fire where they cook food. There is one offering amazing quality-price relationship in Arinsal, which we strongly recommend – it is called L'Hort de la Casa and it is located up the road, on a stand-alone house by the river, past Princesa Parc Hotel. The ladies at L'Hort de la Casa are extremely nice, the views from the terrace (weather permitting), quite pleasant and the food is absolutely delicious! There are also a few really nice bordas near Arinsal which are a little more elegant (and expensive). We recommend Borda Raubert, just before La Massana, for an “upper-mid level” meal and Borda de Xixerella, in the small village of Xixerella, for an elevated experience. If you don't have your own vehicle, you will need a short taxi ride to get to both. We also strongly recommend the restaurant L'Ensegur in Llorts, on the way to Ordino Arcalis as a modern, gourmet twist on traditional food but difficult to access without your own vehicle. 

If you are more inclined towards world cuisine, Jose in California Grill and Giles, in Moli's are our favourite chefs in town. California Grill has a small menu of delicious Tex-Mex dishes (with Jose's own twist!) and Moli's (restaurant upstairs) specialises in Asian and fusion cuisine as well as pizzas and the occasional Sunday roast and fish and chips.

If you want a big, gorgeous slab of meat, Surf restaurant is the place the go!! Specialising in Argentinian barbecue meat, this is an unforgettable, highly recommended experience for any big meat lover. Try the 'Vacio' for the biggest steak you've likely ever eaten for an unbelievably good price! “Doggy bags” are acceptable and encouraged, so if, you can't finish your meal, feel free to ask for a container to take away the rest (they'll probably offer, anyway!). 

Coffee Mountain is open during the day time and serves our favourite coffee, cake and pastries in town. Carmen personally cooks and bakes her GORGEOUS cakes, quiches, empanadas (Argentinian pasties) and other dishes which we could not commend more! They also make sandwiches, salads and light bites. If you are looking for a smaller meal, breakfast or lunch.... or simply the best coffee and tea around, this is the place to go. 

Another casual cafe/dining spot is Fugazzetta, slightly further down from the village centre. Here, you can try a good selection of superior beers, nice coffee and casual meals as well as hang around playing some of their board games. Rock up after 4pm and stock up on a good dose of "happy craze" by the lovely Rebecca Golan :-)

El Cabin is another one of our favourites with a varied menu including both local and international dishes – from tapas to "full on" three course meals. They have a lovely, sunny, riverside terrace open in the daytime and a cosy, super rustic and beautiful bar and dinning area inside that's not to miss!

If you are feeling "fancy" and would like a nice glass or bottle of wine to choose from a huge list of wines from all around the world, accompanied by a beautiful cheese or charcuterie board and a nice, quiet atmosphere, La Tasca is the place to visit.

Last, but not least, Cisco's Funky bar & restaurant is one of the most fun places to go for food around! With a "spicy" twist on everything they do - from quirky cocktails to sexy food - they specialise on world cuisine, particularly central/south american styles, and they are based in one of the most beautiful buildings in Arinsal. 

Up on the ski slopes, there's plenty of bars and restaurants to eat and drink in. The prices are, however, generally more expensive and the menus a bit more limited, although you can chose from casual meals to fancy dinners. For casual dining we recommend the Derby Deli in Arinsal Station where Kevin will greet you with a smile. In Pal, we could not commend more the Creperie in at the station base for beers, soft drinks and lovely crepes – more affordable than Vallnord's restaurants. For more elegant endeavours on the slopes, Restaurant de Coll de La Botella and Cow Bella at the base, both in Pal sector. You can also book a night-time ski slope dinner experience both at Xalet Igloo (Arinsals sector) at Restaurant de Coll de La Botella (Pal sector)!