La Bouitte

Saint-Martin de Belleville, France

René Meilleur is entirely self-taught, but that hasn't stopped him earning three Michelin stars since opening La Bouitte in 1976. Joined by son Maxime in 1996, the pair have put the pretty Alpine ski resort of Hameau de St Marcel well and truly on the culinary map. The restaurant, surrounded by Alpine meadows, lakes and majestic summits, offers different menu options (the name is matched by the length of a walk in the mountains, so three courses is the 'loop', while the full eight courses is the 'great hike'). What is also nice (and rare at starry establishments) is the special children's menu. The dishes draw on Mother Nature's bounty. Look out for Arctic char fish from Lake Geneva with rocket and génépi sauce or the hearty lamb stew. Desserts are equally earthy: meringue comes with hay extract, a soufflé is enhanced with delicate peaty flavours, and there are more than 1,000 French wines to choose from.

Key Information

• Average price per person $244
• Tasting menu from $510
• Lunch: Thurs – Mon Dinner: Wed – Mon (July and August; December to April) Lunch: Fri – Mon Dinner: Thurs – Mon (June; September)
• +3 34 79 08 96 77
• Visit La Bouitte's Website

Location

Hameau de St Marcel, Saint-Martin de Belleville, 73440 Saint-Martin de Belleville