Though most Laurentian inns and resorts have their own dining facilities and may require that guests use them (especially in winter), the area does have some good independent dining options for casual lunches or the odd night out. Also keep in mind La Quintessence in Quintessence and Le Bernardin in Hôtel Mont-Tremblant.
Right within the pedestrian village, Au Grain de Café (tel. 819/681-4567; www.augraindecafe.com), tucked into a corner of the upper village just off Place St-Bernard, is a favorite for coffee and sandwiches. It's open daily from 7:30am until 11pm during ski season, 8am until 9pm the rest of the year.
Also in the pedestrian village, you can browse for baked goods and specialty chocolates at La Chouquetterie, 116 chemin Kandahar (tel. 819/681-4509). If you're lucky, you'll walk in to the aroma of baking croissants or catch a glimpse of how they're made near the ovens in the cafe area. The desserts are a feast for any adult eye, and children can take home a souvenir chocolate toothbrush.
If you're staying off-mountain and arrive by car or hotel shuttle, get your coffee and croissant fix at Brûlerie Saint-Denis (tel. 819/681-2233), located just left of the main gondola (and the long morning lines that form there) as you face the mountain. It opens daily at 7am. Like most ski mountains, beer is abundant, and there's a worthy reason to trek just beyond the slope-side drink palaces Le Shack or La Forge to the microbrewery Microbrasserie La Diable, housed in a free-standing chalet at 117 chemin Kandahar . Shoulder up to the bar, and the bartender will likely pour a sample or two of the establishment's six home brews.
If you're in the mood for a cocktail, head to Avalanche Bistro, 127 chemin Kandahar (tel. 819/681-4727; www.avalanchebistro.com), just across the path from the microbrewery, where you can choose from more than 35 martinis. There is a small bar that accommodates 10 patrons in winter and outdoor seating in the summer -- note that the host may ask for your first and last name upon entering. While more of a place for dining than drinking, the contemporary Japanese menu at Restaurant Yamada, 100 chemin Kandahar (tel. 819/681-4141; www.restaurantyamada.com), offers yet another village option -- a wide selection of sake.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
