Chamonix

Chamonix Resort Restaurants

The restaurants in Chamonix village are a haven for food lovers (and generally much better value than their mountain counterparts). Even if you are staying in a catered chalet, we would definitely recommend heading out for at least one evening meal during your stay, just be sure to reserve a table in advance!

For lively modern dining, Mumma and Le Shack are hugely popular, offering creative plates and a buzzing atmosphere, while Munchie continues to be one of Chamonix’s most talked-about restaurants with its colourful Swedish-Asian fusion menu. Mess is another lively choice, combining flame-cooked food, cocktails and music in a vibrant setting right in the heart of town.

Those looking for something more traditional should try La Calèche, one of Chamonix’s best-loved rustic restaurants, famous for its hearty Savoyard specialities and eccentric décor. Maison Carrier at the Albert 1er hotel also offers excellent traditional alpine cuisine, while Albert 1er itself is one of the finest gastronomic experiences in the valley, holding two Michelin stars.

Seafood lovers should head to Cap Horn, known for its sushi and glamorous atmosphere, while Le Comptoir des Alpes offers something completely different with refined Scandinavian cuisine and beautifully prepared smoked fish.

For more relaxed dining, Cool Cats serves the best gourmet hot dogs in the valley and is a lunch favourite, while Casa Valerio remains the go-to spot for pizza.

Since Chamonix is so close to the Italian border, you can expect some excellent Italian options, for fabulous pasta and pizza head to Casa Valerio or Spiga d'Oro, and if you have a vehicle, why not head through the Mont Blanc tunnel to dine in Italy!

Chamonix Mountain Restaurants

In our opinion, Chamonix isn’t quite as strong for mountain restaurants as some of the larger interlinked ski resorts. There are certainly a few great spots, but overall it depends a lot on which area you happen to be skiing in and the location of your chalet!

Le Brevent's most attractive option is Bergerie de Planpraz at the mid station of the Brevent lift. It is a classic wood and stone alpine restaurant with both self and table service options. The menu caters to all, ranging from Savoyard specialities to meat, fish and a Vegan menu. Food and service are great, but be warned, it can get very busy! For amazing views over Mont Blanc, the little Panoramic at the top of Brevent is also well worth stopping at. Alternatively, try the self-service restaurant at La Flegere which has a large terrace to soak up the views as well as the sunshine.

In the Grand Montets area, the Plan Joran serves good food, has both table & self service, and a beautiful location in a sunny spot. The rustic Chalet-Refuge de Lognan has marvellous food and a great atmosphere (be prepared to spend some Euros!), you'll find it off the Variante Hotel run to the valley, and it overlooks the Argentiere glacier.

Over in the Le Tour/Balme area at the far end of the valley, both Les Alpages de Balme and Les Écuries de Charamillon are traditional mountain restaurants with a cosy alpine atmosphere and good Savoyard food.

Chamonix Apres Ski

There is a great selection of bars in and around the pedestrian centre of Chamonix, which are busy throughout après-ski and often well into the night.

Our advice, other than simply following wherever the most noise is coming from, is to sample the scenes at Le Petit Social, Bar du Moulin, Bar’d Up, Goofy’s, The Pub or Bar Terrasse, all of which are great places to start the evening. MOÖ is another lively locals’ hangout, while La Folie Douce is the classic on-mountain après experience with a huge terrace and DJs.

Most venues host live music and/or DJs well into the evening, including Micro Brasserie. Some hotels also offer excellent après-ski, including Chambre Neuf at Hotel Gustavia.

Chamonix Nightlife

After a delicious meal out or back at your chalet, Chamonix nightlife is definitely worth experiencing. There is a lively selection of nightlife, including the apres ski venues that continue on well into the night. For those wanting to keep going after everything else has closed, there are a couple of late-night institutions, including the infamous Dick’s Tea Bar (much like its Val d’Isère counterpart) and The Garage in Chamonix Sud. It is possible to get taxis throughout the night so you do not need to worry about getting back to your hotels in Chamonix. If you are located a little further out of town it is possible you will have a driver service with your chalet. However you choose to spend the evening, Chamonix nightlife is all part of the experience and should be tried!