Tana Del Lupo - AYAS

I am a regular visitor to the Gressoney valley, and I now make a point of visiting Il Lupo in the neighbouring Champoluc valley. It's situated in a historic, beautiful building with the restaurant in a long vaulted room. The food is rustic and good. Today I had the Zuppa Waldostana which was really tasty. My children had the pasta-just the job on the mountain. It is well run and welcoming. Recommended.

Poor service (had to clean the table myself), poor recommendation of food (I literally will ANYTHING well made) that came out in shape of a cold steak, cold red wine and overpriced. This was far below the standards of Italian mointain cuisine. Paying was elaborate and disorganized due to the owner trying to stiff some guests... Wouldn't eat there if it was for free, sadly.

We stopped here a couple of times, once for lunch, once for coffee. This resto is on the slopes immediately above Champoluc, near the top of the 2nd gondola. It has a large mainly south facing terrace; being Italy, there are plenty of deck chairs as well as tables. Excellent views, weather permitting. Inside is quite plainly although adequately furnished, and the floor is slippery even when dry, as is traditional in mountain restos. Our lunches were pretty good. The polenta with my salsiccias was perhaps the best I've had. The OL's pasta was good, and the glasses of house red perfectly OK. Coffee was excellent, as you'd expect. Similar prices to elsewhere in the area, maybe a little higher than average (but good value, especially to a Brit). The service was good and very friendly. We ordered inside, but the goods were brought to our table. The only minor downer is that only small botts of water are on offer. I suspect that the old geezer who so obviously failed to click with the reviewer below was operating during our visits. He was nothing but cheery with us, although perhaps mildly eccentric. He supplied complimentary post prandial snorts, and although they tasted like horse liniment, it was a kind thought.

What a spot to sit and relax with a vin brulee or have lunch. Spectacular view, very friendly staff (which actually applies to the whole of the Aosta area) and lovely home made food.

Highly recommended, owner is clearly a character who didn't click with some of the other reviewers but I have to say he was brilliant with us. We had four fantastic pasta dishes, and the polenta with cheese and sausage. Big portions and tasted great We went two years ago and we could not wait to go again. We were not disappointed. I would definitely recommend and will be back.