When you build your day in the mountain around the cuisine you desire, whatever the conditions you’re bound to be satisfied (if only from the neck up). The restaurants we have listed in our guide to mountain restaurants come recommended by our staff as worthy of planning for, and as such we’ve included the telephone numbers where possible so you can book ahead! Many of these restaurants are all year round however may be most appreciated in the ski season when access is just a piste away!
Les Houches
Les Vieilles Luges
Cuisine: Savoyarde, rich and rustic French dishes
Located in an ancient farmhouse which dates back to 1750 this cosy restaurant can be found beneath the Maison Neuve chairlift on the blue piste ‘Les Aillouds’ in Les Houches. Alternatively, if you park at the Maison Neuve parking you will have a 20 minute walk to reach your dining destination.
Ô1600 (winter only)
Contact: +33 (0)6 70 78 69 38
Cuisine: Savoyarde, authentic quality local meals
Located close to the top of the Maison Neuve chairlift look out for a small chalet tucked next to the piste. This friendly favourite was once known as La Ferme and remains full of character and soaked in sun with a lovely south facing terrace overlooking the valley of Chamonix.
La Taniere
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 93 42 57
Cuisine: Speciality Argentinian, expert meat dishes
Another rustic farmhouse that is well known to hikers for its well exposed summer terrace, La Taniere is a little more difficult to access in winter. Due to its location on the far side of the Les Houches domaine (closer to St.Gervais) only those skiers confident to take on the long and strong “Plancerts” drag lift will be able to profit from the tasty plates and unique views on offer. Note, this destination is CASH ONLY.
(foothills location) Kitsch Inn – Bellevue
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 34 41 74
Cuisine: Speciality burgers, American diner style
Located in the corner of the parking for the Bellevue cable car the Kitsch Inn has a fantastic “that 70’s show” atmosphere with the American style dishes to match. Their burgers are among the best in Chamonix and they often have great live music too.
Brévent /Flegere
L’Adret – Flegere (winter only)
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 55 34 88
Cuisine: Savoyarde, Rich French dishes with modern desserts
At the top of the Flégère cable car, at an altitude of 1,900m, you’ll find this bright sunny modern restaurant with mountain flair. The windows which line the dining area and adjacent terrace have fantastic views towards the Mer de Glace and Mont Blanc. The menu boasts fresh and seasonal local produce, guaranteeing quality and traceability.
Bergerie du Plan Praz – Brévent
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 53 05 42
Cuisine: Philosophy “favour our region”, savoyarde, rich French dishes
Open for over 20 years La Bergerie de Plan Praz has two dining rooms with exposed woodwork and a large southern facing terrace overlooking Mont Blanc. The dishes are fresh and local, prepared to high standards including a great café gourmand (espresso with a selection of minature desserts). This restaurant can be easily accessed by ski or on foot as it is located adjacent to the arrival of the Plan Praz bubble lift, which departs near the town centre of Chamonix.
Le Panoramic – Brévent
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 53 44 11
Cuisine: Savoyarde, rich French dishes
An exceptional restaurant nestled at the VERY top of Brévent and serving mostly Savoyarde dishes. With 360 degree views your perspective over the Chaine du Mont Blanc is absolutely breath-taking, and while this bumps up the price, Le Panoramic remains a must!
Aiguille du Midi
Le 3842
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 55 82 23
Cuisine: Specialty hot-plate “plancha” dishes, Savoyarde
Serving up delicious regional dishes using local, fresh and seasonal produce Le 3842 claims to be the highest altitude quality-cuisine restaurant from its altitude of 3842m high above Chamonix. From your table you’ll get the most amazing views over the Mont-Blanc range but keep in mind there are only 30 seats so this intimate restaurant books up early.
Montenvers
Le Panoramique Mer de Glace
Contact: +33 (0)4 30 05 19 66
Cuisine: French bistro
Located in a prime position overlooking the glacier, opt for a table on the terrace in order to make the most of this sublime 360° panorama. The interior is reminiscent of the colours of the mountain: white with some blue and beige touches and the fine cuisine is served at reasonable prices for the view and quality served up!
Le Refuge du Montenvers (Terminal Neige)
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 53 87 70
Cuisine: Savoyarde
Enjoy lunch on the sunny terrace facing the Drus or inside in the authentic and luminous dining room. You’ll be surrounded by windows and the flavours of the Alps (in both the décor and the food!). The restaurant is located on the ground floor of the refuge which was recently transformed into a trendy take on alpine refuges. As well as a rich menu you can even purchase a room or bed for the night to discover a new perspective on the Mer de Glace, from sunset to dawn.
Grands Montets
La Crèmerie du Glacier
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 54 07 52
Cuisine: Savoyarde, Specialty “Croute”
La Crèmerie du Glacier was handed through the generations of the Ravanel family having been built to facilitate the families exploits of the Argentière glacier. Today this humble forest cabin is a 20 minute hike from the Grands Montets car parking or in winter you can ski in ski out via the home-run piste (just veer to skiers right before the bridge, which would usually welcome you back to the Plan Joran telecabine), you can also drive straight there following signs to the Cremerie from the Grands Montets car park.
La Table de Plan Joran (winter only)
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 54 05 77
Cuisine: rich French dishes, Savoyarde flair
If you’re looking for an idyllic setting, a perfect welcome and succulent dishes right on the piste, this is the spot for you! The food is as beautifully presented as is the terrace, which is in hot demand throughout the season. Book your terrace table well ahead of time and enjoy these great quality dishes.
Refuge de Lognan
Contact: +33 (0)6 88 56 03 54
Cuisine: Savoyarde
This rustic chalet refuge comes highly recommended for tasty dishes at a reasonable price. It is accessed in winter by confided skiers who can ski down the Herse piste, with some off piste terrain (skiers right) between you and your destination. In summer there will be access by hiking, with opening times affected by the ongoing works at the Grand Montets site. Note, this destination is CASH ONLY.
(foothills location) Brasserie les Marmottons and Argentero
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 54 10 67 for les Marmottons, +33 (0)4 50 54 03 77 for Agrentero
Cuisine: Bistro, speciality Savoyarde
These two restaurants are both based behind the old telepherique building at Grands Montets and have a similar basic standard of service with satisfying meals. Don’t expect top shelf dishes here but indulge in anything from local favourites to pizza and crepes.
Domaine du Balme
Le Chalet Charamillon
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 54 04 72
Cuisine: Fast food
This recommendation slips in due to the glorious terrace and views more than its basic style food. From the top of the Charamillon telecabine the Chalet Charamillon boasts a large façade of windows and a sun soaked terrace which look down over the entire valley, snaking its way to Les Houches below. This spot has the best views towards the end of the day as the sun illuminates the far end of the valley on its way to setting (beyond Les Houches).
The Ecuries de Charamillon
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 54 17 07
Cuisine: Savoyarde, French staples
Right on the path of Tour du Mont Blanc The Ecuries de Charamillon Restaurant (1910 m) is a favourite for skiers at Le Tour in winter, and hikers in summer. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at this charming stone refuge and take in the sun and views from the outside dining terrace.
(foothills location) Le Café Comptoir – Vallorcine
Contact: +33 (0)4 50 18 72 43
Cuisine: Fine dining bistro, specialty Savoyarde
You can access this charming restaurant with Scandinavian alpine flair adjacent to the train station of Vallorcine. It is also at the foot of the “Foret Vert” piste, known as the home-run down from the Domaine du Balme on the Vallorcine side. Booking is essential and their kids menu is of delectable quality. You can sit indoors or outdoors, both beautiful settings for a mountain-side meal.
More than just a guide to mountain restaurants…
Reserve ahead
When you call to book the Chamonix mountain restaurant of your choice, it is not guaranteed, nor likely, that the staff member who answers the phone will speak English. Therefore, here is a quick template you can use to make sure you have booked your table for the right time, the right number of people and provide your name. Remember that in France it is common practice, and more practical, to speak in 24 hour time.
How to make a reservation in French
Hello, I would like to book a table for…
Bonjour, je voudrais réserver une table pour…
two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine…
deux, trois, quatre, cinq, six, sept, huit, neuf…
[here they will ask you for when]
[pour quand?]
It’s for…. Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
C’est pour… Petite déjeuner / Déjeuner / Diner
Today / Tomorrow / Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Aujourd’hui / Demain / Lundi, Mardi, Mecredi, Jeudi, Vendredi, Samedi, Dimanche
[here they will either give a time or ask a time, remember it will be in 24hr clock]
[“xx” heure ok? Or quelle heure?]
Good luck! Or should we say bonne chance et bon appétit!
