Our top 5 Alpine mountain-top restaurants!

After an exhilarating session on the slopes taking in the Alpine air, a well-deserved hearty meal is at the forefront of many skiers' minds. The French and Swiss have, of course, been delighting tourists for decades with gastronomic delights such as fondue and tartiflette,; however, the Alps have a lot more to offer than that.

Expand your foodie horizons and you could be shooting for the Michelin stars in award-winning mountain-top restaurants or uncovering a hidden treasure in a little-known local café. If you are searching for chalets for sale in the French Alps or apartments for sale in the Swiss Alps, you might want to consider where the best restaurants are to be found before deciding on your ideal location. Here are our top five mountain-top eateries.

Courchevel: Pierre Gagnaire at Les Airelles (http://www.courchevel.com/winter/en/restaurant-pierre-gagnaire-pour-les-airelles-n113-s365.html?socioPro=365)

Located in a stunning fairy-tale castle at one of the most glamorous resorts in France, Pierre Gagnaire's flagship restaurant at Les Airelles hits the heights of haute cuisine, having garnered two Michelin stars. Sumptuous splendour is at the heart of this place, from the exquisite jewel-encrusted silk curtains dressing the windows, to the magnificent chandeliers adorning the ornate ceilings. The foodie delights on offer include dishes such as sea urchin topped with caviar, veal-filled ravioli and Indian coconut jellies. For a truly special and unforgettable celebration dinner, look no further.

St Marcel: La Bouitte (http://www.la-bouitte.com/en/situation.php)

The small village of St. Marcel, just a few miles from Meribel, uncovers the superlative tastes on offer at La Bouitte: a former farmhouse and family-run restaurant with three Michelin stars to its name. Chef René Meilleur and his son Maxime have constructed a world-class menu and feast for the senses. Enjoy duck foie gras, grilled lamb and aubergine, and their delightfully crunchy melting apple and ginger sorbet. Just don't plan to ski afterwards!

Val D'Isère: Edelweiss (http://www.restaurant-edelweiss-valdisere.com/index_en.php)

Nestled halfway down the blue Mangard run at Val D'Isère, Edelweiss is very often disregarded by skiers heading down the slopes, but it's well worth a visit. With a wonderful sun terrace enjoying unspoiled views of the mountains, a cosy bar and a friendly atmosphere, Edelweiss is a great place to stop for lunch. With a varied menu including pasta, quality beef tenderloin, seafood and a great selection of wines, this is sure to please after a long morning in the Alpine air.

La Tzoumaz: Auberge la Tzoumaz (http://www.aubergelatzoumaz.com/)

This warm and cosy chalet-style restaurant in La Tzoumaz in the heart of the Swiss Alps will always give you a hearty welcome and an even heartier meal. Serving all the traditional Swiss dishes, their legendary raclette is definitely one to try.

Verbier: Le Dahu (http://ledahu.ch/)

Light and spacious, set over two floors and boasting a panoramic balcony area and children's soft play section, Le Dahu is hugely popular. Serving tried and tested classics from fondue to pizza, Le Dahu is a great value eatery for all the family.

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