The hamlet of Entrèves, just north of Courmayeur at the entrance to the Mont Blanc Tunnel, has a clutch of restaurants that are slightly more local and less resort-glossy than those in the main town. La Terrazza is among the most dependable: a straightforward trattoria with an outdoor terrace that faces the mountains and a menu that changes with the season. In summer, grilled meats and local charcuterie dominate; in winter, warming stews and polenta dishes.
Entrèves itself is worth a brief stop for the atmosphere — it is less developed than Courmayeur and retains something of the older valley character. The drive or walk along the river from the main town takes about twenty minutes and passes through attractive landscape. If you are arriving from the tunnel, this is a natural first stop.