Hôtel-Restaurant Petra Alta is the principal dining option in Zonza, a mountain village in the Alta Rocca region of Corse-du-Sud positioned between the dramatic Bavella needle-rock formations and the chestnut forests of the island's elevated interior. For travellers exploring Corsica's mountain interior — whether on the GR20 long-distance trail, visiting the Aiguilles de Bavella, or moving between the southern coast and the central highlands — Petra Alta provides reliable, generously portioned mountain Corsican cooking in a setting that rewards stopping for a full meal rather than a snack. The kitchen's strongest preparations are its mountain-sourced meats: wild boar in a slow-cooked sauce made with local chestnut and island red wine, and grilled mountain lamb raised in the Alta Rocca's high pastures. The Brocciu tart appears both as a savoury course and as a dessert, in its seasonal best between autumn and late spring when the fresh cheese is at peak quality. Accompaniments lean on the mountain larder — chestnut polenta, roasted root vegetables from local gardens, and salads dressed with the estate's own oil. The restaurant operates May to October in line with the village's seasonal visitor traffic, and the terrace looking towards the Bavella massif is one of the most scenically positioned dining spots in the Alta Rocca. The hotel above provides simple accommodation for those making it a base for mountain exploration. Reservations are recommended during summer.
Signature dishes
- Wild boar with chestnut sauce
- Grilled mountain lamb
- Brocciu tart
Good to know
- Known for
- The best dining option in the Bavella/Zonza mountain area; hearty portions of genuine mountain food
- Hours
- Daily 12:00–14:00 and 19:00–21:30; May–Oct
- Reservations
- Recommended in summer; call +33 4 95 78 67 00
Location
20124 Zonza
41.7510, 9.2260 View on map
Highlights
- Mountain lamb raised in Alta Rocca's high pastures — among the finest grazing-influenced meat in southern Corsica
- Wild boar with chestnut sauce — the quintessential mountain Corsican slow-cooked preparation
- Terrace with views towards the Bavella needle-rock formations from the Alta Rocca heights
- Brocciu tart in savoury and dessert forms — Corsica's signature cheese at altitude
- The best full-service restaurant in the Zonza–Bavella area for hikers and mountain travellers
Tips for visiting
- Order the wild boar if available — the mountain meat preparations are far superior to any coastal equivalent
- The terrace table facing the Bavella massif is the single best seat in the restaurant; request it when booking
- The restaurant is the only reliable full-service dining option in the immediate Zonza area; have a backup plan for closed days
- Hikers on the Bavella section of the GR20 can use Zonza as a resupply and rest stop — Petra Alta is the sensible dinner choice
- Reservations are recommended in summer; call +33 4 95 78 67 00 when planning to eat on arrival
Accessibility
The hotel-restaurant is in a mountain village at altitude. The ground floor restaurant entrance is at street level from the village road. The terrace may have some uneven surfaces. The restaurant itself is accessible to most guests, though the village streets and surrounding mountain terrain are challenging for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
Is Petra Alta the best restaurant option in the Bavella area?
Yes. Zonza and the Bavella area have very limited dining options. Petra Alta is the most complete restaurant in the zone, with a full menu of mountain Corsican cooking and reliable quality.
Is the hotel separate from the restaurant?
Petra Alta operates as a combined hotel and restaurant. The restaurant is open to non-hotel guests. Hotel guests may also dine here, and the combined offering makes it a practical base for mountain exploration.
What are the opening months?
The restaurant operates May to October. Outside these months, Zonza's visitor infrastructure is largely closed. Confirm dates at the edges of the season by calling +33 4 95 78 67 00.
Is the GR20 trail accessible from Zonza?
The Bavella pass on the GR20 is a short drive or moderate walk from Zonza. The village is frequently used as a resupply and rest point for GR20 trekkers completing the southern section of the trail.