Although this gem of a skiing town on the Pardatschgratbahn ropeways is better known for its runs than anything else, there’s plenty to do once you’ve put up your skis and want to get a bite to eat. Most of the restaurants in town are part of the hotel, though some stand on their own, and the superb cuisine of the city is, along with the ski slopes, an ample incentive to consider purchasing apartments for sale in Ischgl. Perhaps the best-known and highest-rated is the Grillalm within the Gramaser Hotel, offering five course Salnerhof and Jägerhof. Those who want a faster bite can sink their teeth into the pizza and Tirolean appetisers available at Bära Falla and the hamburger joint Allegra. Due to the proximity to the Italian border (less than 20km away), there’s plenty of great cucinas, including the Toscana.
Of the highly-rated restaurants in the town, the Alpenhaus features beautiful design and self-service (as well as table service) with tart pastries considered some of the best in town. Live bands and even disco music are mainstays at Paznauner Thaya, known throughout town for their pizza, chicken salads, and spicy prawns. The Pardatschgrat has a massive, ornate glass-walled interior that often has fewer crowds than the competition. Finally, the Swiss side of Ischgl features the Alp Bella, a restaurant built in the style of traditional ski huts and lodges, featuring classic Austrian and Swiss dishes like rösti.
Once the meal is done, it’s time to go into “après” mode and go out on the town (which can start as early as the afternoon, depending on your ski schedule). The two most popular bars in town, the Trofana Alm and the Schatzi, both feature lively atmosphere and plenty of good drinks. The Schatzi is as well known for their drinks as for the dancing girls who wear only the minimum amount of clothing. Cross the river, and you’ll find the Kitzloch, a rowdier place where you’re more than welcome to dance on the table tops, even if you’re still in ski boots. Those who want a higher-tempo evening can check out Niki’s Stadl and the Feuer and Eis watering holes; a quieter joint is the Kiwi or the higher-price Guxa.
