Hotel Gai Relais

(Temporarily closed) In the upper reaches of Gérardmer, this imposing chalet-hostelry has been in the same family for five generations. The culinary focus is on classical dishes with a regional slant and crafted with top-notch ingredients, like duck foie gras, snails, game, fresh-water fish... The wine list is out of this world.

Located in this resort in the Hautes Vosges, you come across this appealing contemporary restaurant named after its two owners: Anita, who works front of house, and Nicolas, who presides in the kitchen. In a warm decor featuring stone and wood, the chef, who hails from Moselle, delivers his own personal take on fine dining cuisine, combining high-quality local produce (Wagyu beef, trout, snails, chickpeas and lentils) with techniques and flavours picked up during his many travels.

“Instinctive, last-minute” regional dishes, rustled up by a seasoned veteran who has trained many a local chef. In a picture postcard swish Alpine chalet décor, each dish celebrates and pays tribute to authentic regional produce.