HOKA Val D'Aran by UTMB®: Food & Drink Tips

The Val d'Aran has its own distinct Gascon-influenced food culture, separate from Catalan and Spanish cuisine. Look for olla aranesa — a hearty stew of vegetables, potatoes and cured meats that has fuelled mountain people here for centuries. Tòfes are local potato dumplings similar to gnocchi, often served with cheese or mushroom sauce. In summer, wild ceps and chanterelles from the high valleys appear on most menus. Wash it down with Birra Aran, a craft beer brewed locally in the valley. For dessert, crema aranesa (a local take on crème brûlée) is worth seeking out.

Sports-oriented café in the heart of Vielha, popular with trail runners and cyclists during race week. Known for healthy breakfasts, smoothies and good coffee. A short walk from the UTMB Village start area on Avinguda Pas d'Arro — ideal for a calm pre-race morning before the start-line crowds build.

Café-bar in a converted mill building near the Garona river. Quieter than the main square spots during race week and well suited to a relaxed breakfast or afternoon coffee. Locals recommend the homemade pastries alongside a proper espresso.

Michelin-recognised for seven consecutive years and holder of a Repsol Sol 2024 — the best restaurant in Vielha by most accounts. Contemporary takes on Aranese mountain cuisine: lamb from the high valleys, wild mushrooms, game and seasonal produce. Tasting menus are well priced for the quality. The best option in town for a proper pre-race or celebration dinner. Book several weeks ahead for race week dates.

Classic family-run restaurant in the hamlet of Betren, a 10-minute walk from the Vielha race village. Hearty Aranese home cooking — olla aranesa stew, roast meats and grilled fish — at honest prices. Very popular with locals and often recommended by Val d'Aran regulars over flashier options in the town centre. Generous portions make it a solid choice the evening before a long day in the mountains.

Michelin-recognised restaurant on Avinguda Garona serving both contemporary and traditional Aranese dishes. The terrace overlooks the Garona riverbank and is one of the most pleasant outdoor dining spots in Vielha on a summer evening. Seasonal menu with strong local produce credentials. A good choice for a calm dinner two nights before your start — busy enough to feel festive, quiet enough to get proper rest afterwards.

Consistently rated one of the top three restaurants in Vielha, this Italian pizzeria-ristorante on Carrèr deth Rosèr is the go-to carb-loading spot for runners. The pasta negra and tortellini ricotta e spinaci are the standouts — praised across reviews for portion size and quality at a fair price. Thin-crust pizzas and calzone round out the menu. Intimate dining room; book a table ahead as it fills quickly during race week.

Sicilian-style pizzeria and ristorante on Avenguda Maladeta. Authentic Sicilian dough, fresh handmade pasta, mussels a la siciliana and a classic tiramisú to finish. One of the most mentioned restaurants among runners looking for a proper Italian carb-loading dinner the night before the start. Small dining room — reserve in advance, especially for Thursday and Friday evenings during the VDA race weekend.