Restaurants and where to find good food in Chamonix

There are scores of fantastic cafes, restaurants and take-aways to suit all budgets and tastes. Here are some of our favourites.

French 

There are no limits to good options here as the French do enjoy their own cuisine.

For fantastic value the Bivouac on the main pedestrian zone is great for lunch or dinner. The Charolais Platter is designed for people who have not eaten for days or are unsure when their next meal is coming. The Tomato Fondue is a local speciality and well worth a try.

The serious foodie can take heart in the fact that Chamonix has eight restaurants deemed to be eligible for a mention in the 2020 Michelin Guide. The Albert 1er has a very well deserved one star and is one of two restaurants in the family run hotel of the same name. Personally we would recommend the sister restaurant La Maison Carrier. It oozes old-fashioned style and is fantastic value. The dessert buffet of local specialities is Dieters nightmare but what a way to go!

Monchu and Caleche do the classic dishes well and their service and ambiance ensure a first-class dining experience. They are great options for large groups. You’ll find the famous dishes of fondue, côte de boeuf, foie gras, raclette and pierrade.

Further up the valley there is La Cabane offering an incredible dining experience which would not be out of place in any of the major resorts in the world. 

Burgers

For some reason Chamonix is the burger capital of the Alps. There is a fierce competition and strong loyalties to the many burger joints in Cham.

Nominees for the top award include:
The Roster - On trend burgers made using local ingredients and options for any dietary preferences. 
La Maison du Burger (formerly Midnight Express) - chips included in the bun. Strategically located between many bars for convenient snacking.
Poco Loco - indoor seating area and beer. To top it off it has the most entertaining access stairs for any toilet in the Alps.
MOÖ - a gourmet burger joint and bar, what's not to like. Great lunch trade with veggie options. Excellent range of burgers and a great atmosphere.

Pizza

This is another strong category in Chamonix that brings out the best in its competitors. The Nomadic Team frequents Casa Valerio and Bartavel Pizzeria and has done so for years. Pizzeria Neapolis has many local supporters and Joia by Pizzaria des Moulins does a roaring trade for good reason - that girl can make pizza. In fact the Tartufata "Truffle" Pizza is a showstopper and they do Gluten free bases on request.
The Dainty is another pizza takeaway worth a visit. Slow rise Neapolitan base, ethically sourced and organic toppings - so bring it on.

International

Chamonix has a surprising number of different cuisines from around the world. Noodles, curries, sushi, it’s all here.

Satsuki is our Japanese haunt and it is top notch. The European Alps are not synonymous with great sushi but Chamonix most certainly is. A great value lunch Plat Du Jour can always be found too.

The Annapurna makes a very honest trade as a curry house lost in the Alps. It could compete on the Golden Mile in Birmingham so, particularly after a few pints, it is a very welcome sight. There is also their sister restaurant Annapurna II Grill n Curry nearby for more of the same great food. There is also a Thai take away, Japanese Noodle Bar and two Chinese restaurants.

Modern

The best in this category over recent years has been Munchie. The soft shelled crab or Baby Squid followed by steak or duck is truly a meal to remember. It’s necessary to book well ahead, particularly for large groups. Some ex-Munchie crew now run the more on trend Mumma and it is a brilliant addition to town.

Le Cap-Horn and Le Cap-Blanc are two beautiful restaurants in the same building along with the very trendy bar/nightclub Les Caves du Pele. French cuisine, a Sushi bar and a French night club playing everything from jazz to disco all under the same roof! A bit like I guess a cruise ship must be.

Pub Grub

Little Boxes opposite the bus station is more of a cafe but the burgers and chips are great, the staff are friendly and the beer on tap make it Pub like to me.

The MBC (Micro Brewery Chamonix) does a wonderful line in burgers, nachos and the like. Their famous chicken wings are half price on Monday night and make a perfect accompaniment to the home brew.

Big Horn Bistro & Bakery is a North American style bar restaurant with good breakfasts, burgers and craft beers.

The Swedish run Chambre Neuf, by the train station, does its own take on pub food and is always popular for good reason. It's also an excellent spot in Spring and Summer when they lay on their BBQs. Across the road are Elevation and MOO, both highly popular with the locals. 

Saturday Market

It seems wrong to discuss the valley’s food offerings and not bring to light the fabulous market on a Saturday morning. It's something the French do and the rest imitate.

Needless to say the local cheeses, meats, fresh breads, fruit, vegetables and other local delicacies are the best you can get. The most notable of stands is that of 'Chicken Man' who has done for BBQ chicken what Michelangelo did for painting the ceiling…raised it to an art form. What else can we say but join the queue and take an empty jam jar (for an extra portion of delicious jus in which to dip your baguette).