At the base of Mont Blanc and bordering France, Switzerland and Italy, Chamonix is highly revered as a mecca for mountain sports throughout the year. With all of that exertion however, it’s even more important that the food is truly top notch. With that in mind, we’ve compiled our top 5 restaurants in Chamonix. From sushi to salami, here are our top picks!
1. Munchi
Photo courtesy of www.chamonix.net
Located on the Route du Moulin strip in the centre of Chamonix, Munchi is probably the most popular restaurant in Chamonix. Fusion cuisine at its best, whether you fancy the melt in the mouth duck teriyaki or the mouth-watering sushi, there’s something here for every palette. Munchi’s also flanked by some of the best bars in Chamonix from the sophisticated Bar Du Moulin to the more grungy Bard-Up. Just make sure you book in advance – Munchi is in demand.
2. La Calèche
Photo courtesy of www.chamonix.net
Its location on the main tourist street in Chamonix belies the fact that La Calèche is anything but your run of the mill savoyard restaurant. The quality of French food, service and ambience is second to none. If you’re not siting amongst the cosy wooden rafters and picture lined walls on the ground floor, you’ll be deep in the bowels of the wine-cellar surrounds downstairs. If you’re a cheese fan, you can’t go wrong with the fondue, washed down with an excellent local Savoie wine. This is cosy Christmas at its best in a truly 5 star setting.
3. Micro Brasserie de Chamonix (MBC)
Photo courtesy of www.chamonix.net
MBC is a must for the burger lovers amongst you. Set up by four Canadians who dreamed of opening a Micro Brewery, this is a place where locals and visitors rendez-vous to enjoy great beer, good food and entertainment in a friendly pub atmosphere. If you’ve never been to a micro brewery before, it’s somewhere between a bar and a restaurant, with a homemade feel to it and home-brewed IPA beer like never before. Best of all, the hearty breakfasts set you up for the day like nothing else and it stays open everyday from 16:00 till 02:00!
4. Poco Loco
Photo courtesy of www.chamonix.net
A close second to MBC, Poco Loco is also famed for its first class burger offering. Cooked on an open fire, you can choose from a full feast of meats sizzling nearby. My personal favourite has to be the Mexican chicken and pineapple burger but rumour has it that the ‘Poco Loco’ is a close second. Also serving a range of hot sandwiches and salads, you really can’t go wrong here. Poco Loco is without doubt, one the cosiest venues in Chamonix so if you don’t like small spaces, this won’t be for you. Set in a narrow, fairy-light lit cupboard on the main street, it’s casual-cosy atmosphere is totally unique.
5. Satsuki
Photo courtesy of www.chamonix.com
Warning. If top quality aesthetic is your priority, there’s nothing fancy about Satsuki. But though the décor is simple, the sushi is outstanding. Generously portioned salmon sashimi is served in large scooped bowls while the chicken teriyaki is far bigger than the 11 euro lunch deal would suggest. Served by Japanese waitresses just beyond the centre of town, Satsuki makes for a refreshing break from French food.
BONUS FEATURE!
Photo courtesy of www.chamonix.com
A 20 minute train ride from Chamonix, Le Café Comptoir in Vallorcine was one of the best recommendations I’ve received. Set in a small chalet in the last village in the Chamonix valley, Le Café Comptoir is tucked away behind the train station just underneath the chairlifts. Sophistication and cosiness combined, this is where smarter tourists meet hungry après-skiers keen for a beer. Think crystal chandeliers meet heavy woods and fur and you’re on the right track.