That's La Plagne
Monica's Restaurant in Plagne Soleil
You're skiing down the La Plagne slopes and your stomach starts to rumble. It's time for a pit stop. But where to head? You might want to consider sliding into Monica's in Plagne Soleil. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and yummy menu, Monica's has been one of my family's go-to spots for years. Today, I’m going to share it with you and why it should be on your hit list this winter in La Plagne.
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How to get to Monica’s
Reaching Monica's is so easy, for skiers and non-skiers. Making it a great meeting point for ski groups with mixed-ability skiers. On skis, head for Plagne Soleil from the Bergerie chairlift. If you’re on foot, you can either take the Telebus, free bubble lift from Plagne Centre up to Plagne Villages and either walk to Plagne Soleil or hop on the free shuttle bus over to Soleil.
The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Monica's was buzzing yet comfortable, with diners enjoying their meals amidst relaxed conversations. Owner David is always visible leading the team and is one of the few French people that I know that really gets the English sense of humour and sarcasm. So expect to have a joke and a laugh with him when you’re there.
The outdoor terrace is large and in one of the sunniest spots in La Plagne. I think it’s actually the last place in the sun at the end of the day as the sun dips behind the mountains.
Monica’s Opening Hours
Monica's menu changes throughout the day, with the brasserie menu open for lunch from 11.30 – 3.30 pm and then an evening dinner menu from 6.30 – 9.30 pm.
The après vibe does start from around 4 pm, with the Monica’s pub below the restaurant open from 4. They also regularly have theme nights and DJs happening. There is a daily Monica’s happy hour from 4 – 7 as well with discounted rates across a variety of drinks.
The Menu and Selections
When we were there for lunch recently, I was (and am always) pleasantly surprised by how large the menu is – and how tasty everything is! There is a mix of Savoyard, ‘fast food’ pizzas and burgers as well as a large dessert menu.
The kids menu is small, with pizza or nuggets and chips, but we always tend to order something off the main menu for our 2 boys to share. This time, they had a margherita pizza with chorizo, and some chips to share. And honestly, the Monica’s pizza is firmly in my top 5 La Plagne pizzas. They are more doughy than the typical French pizzas, which I love! Also, the chips are rustic in style and really tasty as well.
For lunch, I had the dish of the day, a goat's cheese tartiflette. I’m sure hardcore Savoyard fans would be outraged by this change from reblochon cheese for the tartiflettte, but it was delicious. My husband was tempted by the entrecôte with peppercorn sauce. The quality of the steak was so tender and it was perfectly cooked – sinion (rare) for him.
I had a cafe gourmand for dessert, which is a selection of 3 – 4 small desserts – perfect for those that can’t make up their mind. It was good, and sadly, I couldn’t finish it as I was stuffed after the tartiflette.
Service and Hospitality
The service at Monica's was great. We arrived in the middle of lunch, at about 1 pm, and hadn’t booked a table. The terrace was buzzing and we weren’t sure there were any tables available. Fortunately, there was and we were seated super quickly, drinks orders taken so we could relax.
Our meals arrived so quickly, it’s by far the fastest service we’ve received in a mountain restaurant. The kids had gone to play in the snow and we had to call them back. It always makes me a little anxious when the food arrives too quickly that it’s been sat in the kitchen too long. But everything is freshly cooked, piping hot, and tasty.
The team of staff, run by manager Charlie, was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring our meals were turned around promptly and any additional requests were met with a smile. It's this level of hospitality that makes a dining experience memorable, beyond just the food.
If you’re looking for a seated lunch, but with fast service to get back out skiing in the afternoon, Monica’s really ticks that box.
Is Monica’s Accessible?
There are a lot of tables on the terrace and they are all quite close together, so this isn’t one for cosy, romantic lunches. And if you are heading up with a buggy or wheelchair, I’d book ahead and make sure to request a table that has good access. I know the Monica’s team are more than happy to welcome all guests and make sure that everyone can be accommodated at the restaurant.
The toilets for the restaurant and bar are downsome quite narrow stairs. So not accessible with a wheelchair or buggy. There isn’t a baby changing table.
Value for Money
Considering the quality of the food, the portion sizes, and the overall dining experience, Monica's offers great value for money. It’s not cheap, but it’s not expensive. And I don’t know about you, but I’d happily have paid double for my kids to actually sit down and eat an entire meal with no complaints!
That's La Plagne & Dining Out at Monica’s
Monica's Restaurant has once again solidified its place as a must-visit in Plagne Soleil for my family and me. Whether you're craving a hearty local dish or a classic pizza, Monica's has something to offer. Don't miss out on the dessert menu – there was also a Toblerone ice cream dessert which I’m itching to go back and try!
Whether you're here for the skiing or simply to enjoy the mountain ambiance, a meal at Monica's is sure to be a highlight of your visit.
You can book Monica’s over the phone on: 0033 (0)4 79 09 21 21.
See you on the slopes!
