Located in Passo Giau, one of the most spectacular Dolomite passes at 2175 above sea level, among green valleys and historic traces of its important past, Ristorante da Aurelio is a true paradise for bikers and gourmet food lovers. Opened in 1970 as a mountain hut, it quickly became an unmissable stop thanks to the quality of Aurelio Dariz’s cookery and the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding landscape.

In 1996 the management passed onto his son Luigi “Gigi” Dariz who continued the glorious heritage of the restaurant becoming famous for his delicious “alchemic” cuisine that enhances plants and herbs from the Alpine region such as fir buds, Giau lichens as well as the most extravagant flowers.

The location has all the charm of the traditional mountain huts, with a magnificent panoramic terrace where you can enjoy sun-kissed meals whilst admiring some of the most beautiful peaks of the Dolomites. The menu proposed by Gigi Dariz enhances the aromas of the local tradition yet reinterpreting it with a creative spirit and preferring the use of healthy organic ingredients.

Da Aurelio offers also two mini-suites with private bathrooms named “Red”, to celebrate the colors of the sunset, and “Blue” inspired by the color of the clear mountain skies.

The Secret

The term “enrosadira”, used by locals to describe the magnificent sunset that colors the Dolomites at sunset, comes from an ancient Ladin legend. In fact, it is said that the magnificent rose garden of King Laurino grew between these peaks. Struck by a curse launched by the king himself, the garden was denied the view of the world except at dawn and dusk when it still appears on the mountains today, coloring them with romantic pink hues.

Useful Info

Ristorante Da Aurelio
Passo Giau 5
Colle Santa Lucia, Belluno
Tel. +39 0437 720118 +39 329 1359222

Tasting menu: 55 euro
First courses: 14 — 16 euro
Second courses: 18 — 27 euro