Baita Fraina

We found this guesthouse to be a perfect fit for our winter week in Cortina. The place is family-run, with very friendly staff, spotless rooms and comfortable facilities. The beds and mattresses were wide and comfortable, and there was plenty of parking. Breakfast was delicious. It's easy to get to the center of Cortina, and downhill skiing is accessible too, though we had to drive about 15 minutes to the parking lot by the slope. Accommodation prices here are on the lower side for the Cortina area. It is a guesthouse rather than a hotel, perhaps best described as a mountain hut, and that suited us perfectly.

The manager was a bit annoying. She made faces and rolled her eyes a couple of times, and just didn't seem pleasant. The rest of the staff, though, were extremely sweet and helpful. The place was very clean, the views were great, and it was good value. Breakfast was delicious!

The meal was worth five stars, even though the way we were seated was shocking. We asked for a reservation and were told they were fully booked except for one slot at 7:45. When we arrived then, there were only two groups, no more than eight people in total. We were put in the back room and couldn't sit outside, despite plenty of outdoor seating. Nobody else arrived during the next hour and a half. If you don't reserve ahead, you might end up in that room with no view, even when the restaurant is empty. The homemade deer Prosciutto with horseradish, pickles and a small serving of bread was amazing. The homemade pasta with local cheeses was also very good. The play, the main course, was the most tender and flavorful beef we've ever had, and I'd highly recommend it. The other main was polenta with cream sauce, shaved black truffles and chanterelles, topped with a poached egg. It was the most delicious polenta I've ever had. They have a very good wine selection, from €30-€700, and we had a bottle. The chef is Luca Menadri, who has clearly had more training in the culinary arts. Definitely worth trying while in Cortina D’‘ampzzo, despite the seating issue.

The atmosphere was a dream, with wood throughout, antique hand-painted heaters and thoughtful decor. I'm Italian, and like most of my fellow citizens, I really appreciate good food. Everything we ordered was delicious. The cooking felt more refined than at a typical local restaurant, while still combining tradition with an elevated touch. One of the best restaurants we found in Cortina. Thanks for the experience, we'll definitely come back!