Chamonix Sud - Balme 111 - Happy Rentals

At the foot of the Aiguille du Midi cable car (which takes passengers up to 3 842m), this is the restaurant of Héliopic Hotel. The modern brasserie setting has a decor of untreated wood, metal and granite, along with designer furniture. The space gives onto a partially covered terrace with views of the mountains. The menu of vibrant and inspired cuisine features house-made chorizo grilled over charcoal with baba ganoush, crab ravioli with citrus fruits seasoned with a shellfish emulsion and Timut pepper, and braised pork cheek with cider, served with green spaetzle, cherries and red onions. Du

Set in a modern hotel, this restaurant orchestrates a dexterously crafted “Ascension” menu depicted by crisp, legible cuisine in the zeitgeist that brooks no compromise on the quality of the ingredients. One terrace overlooks the street, while another, quieter, faces a peaceful square.

In the legendary Mont Blanc hotel, in an elegant contemporary setting with a central fireplace, the cuisine varies between traditional dishes (Lyon sausage with truffles; barbecued beef chuck) and more modern preparations (pigeon, endives, ginger broth). The health-conscious can also opt for their set menu ("Menu Bien-Être"). Outside tables giving onto the large swimming pool are set up when the weather is fine.

Go up the granite staircase, dripping with flowers and plants, to the entrance of this establishment with atmosphere by the bucketload. The pared-down, alpine interior sports a friendly, casual vibe. Should you be given the choice, ask for a table in the conservatory, which commands a knock-out view of the Arve River and the peaks of Chamonix in the distance! Recipes as Gallic as La Marseillaise, regional specialities and game in season take pride of place on the menu.

In a smart, contemporary vibe overlooking the legendary Mont Blanc, Emmanuel Renaut and his team craft an Alpine score with a weakness for produce from the garden and the surrounding meadows. Mouth-watering modern dishes steeped in generous, delicate flavours: tartare of beetroot, celery and horseradish sauce; loin of roast venison, stuffed cabbage, game sauce; citrus fruit soufflé…The view from the terrace is particularly breathtaking.