Chamrousse, a world-renowned ski resort in the French Alps, offers more than just breathtaking slopes and outdoor adventures—it boasts a diverse dining scene. Whether you’re looking for a cosy mountain chalet or a casual après-ski meal, you’ll find plenty of delicious options.
This guide highlights the best restaurants in Chamrousse, including the renowned Restaurant La Croix de Chamrousse. You’ll discover traditional Alpine cuisine, must-try dishes, and essential tips for booking a table at one of Chamrousse’s top dining spots.
Where to eat in Chamrousse
Chamrousse offers a diverse dining scene across its different areas, each with unique culinary experiences. The resort is divided into different sections, each catering to different tastes.
Chamrousse 1650 (Le Recoin)
This area of Chamrousse offers the perfect setting to enjoy traditional French cuisine. Le Petit Salé, a local favourite, stands out for its cosy atmosphere and hearty meals.
Chamrousse 1750 (Roche Béranger)
This area has a larger variety of dining options, including La Taverne du Gaulois, known for its regional specialities. Their menu includes raclette and fondue, pizza and breakfast options.
Chamrousse 1700 (Bachat Bouloud)
Enjoy meals at Le Chalet where they offer a blend of traditional and contemporary dishes. Items like ramen, salad and braised meat are found on their menu.
The best restaurants in Chamrousse
With many dining options in each area of the Chamrousse resort, you will never be out of a place to enjoy a meal. Apart from our suggestions above, here are four more restaurants that you must visit.
L’Écureuil – The ideal cosy mountain chalet
Located in Chamrousse 1750, L’Écureuil is a beloved restaurant in the area. It’s known for its traditional French and Alpine cuisine and is located in a charming mountain chalet. This restaurant provides a relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind after a day of skiing or hiking. Their famous dishes include tartiflette, grilled meats, and fondue. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a rustic vibe while sampling local dishes.
La Croisette – Best for après-ski dining
If you’re in search of a lively and casual spot to fuel up after a day on the slopes, La Croisette (ancien Le Malamute) in Chamrousse 1650 is the perfect place. Famous for its fun après-ski atmosphere, it offers a fantastic variety of comfort food and local beverages. Popular menu items include burgers, pizzas, and a great selection of local beers. Their staff is super friendly and prices are reasonable compared to other establishments nearby.
Restaurant La Croix de Chamrousse – Dining at 2,250m
For a truly unique experience, we suggest visiting Restaurant La Croix de Chamrousse, located at an altitude of 2,250 meters. This unique restaurant is in the heart of the Chamrousse ski area. Accessible via the La Croix de Chamrousse gondola, it has the most breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Alps. Famous dishes to try here include raclette, sausages, and tartiflette.
Le Bachat – A hidden treasure
Located in Chamrousse 1700, Le Bachat is a lesser-known eatery that has a more peaceful and casual vibe. It’s perfect for those looking for an intimate meal away from the crowds. This restaurant is especially proud of its home-cooked meals and friendly ambience. Our recommendation here is to try the diots de Savoie (vegetable and pork sausage from the Savoy region), along with a great glass of local wine.
Traditional Alpine cuisine you must try
Chamrousse’s culinary scene is rooted in Savoyard and Alpine traditions. Each plate is typically a rich and hearty meal that is perfect for warming up after a day of skiing or hiking in Savoy. You can find everything from indulgent melted cheese specialities to filling mountain stews. Here are some of our must-try traditional dishes when eating in Chamrousse.
Tartiflette
Tartiflette stands out as one of the most iconic dishes in the French Alps. It’s prepared by mixing Reblochon cheese, a creamy speciality from the Savoie region, with potatoes, onions, and lardons, then baking it until crispy and irresistibly gooey.
Originally, cheese producers popularized this dish in the 1980s, but it quickly became a staple in mountain restaurants. Today, many Chamrousse eateries, including L’Écureuil and Restaurant La Croix de Chamrousse, proudly serve authentic tartiflette, offering visitors a true taste of the Alpine tradition.
Raclette
Raclette is more than just a meal; it is a culinary ritual that brings people together. The name comes from the Raclette cheese, which is melted and served over charcuterie, potatoes, and cornichons (pickles).
A visit to the Alps would not be complete without trying this delicious and comforting dish.
Fondue Savoyarde
Fondue is another classic Alpine dish, made by melting a blend of Comté, Beaufort, and Emmental cheese. It is served with chunks of bread, which you dip into the creamy cheese using long fork skewers.
Diots de Savoie
Diots de Savoie are hearty mountain sausages, traditionally slow-cooked in white wine with onions or red wine with herbs. They are often served with potatoes or polenta, making for a rich and comforting meal.
Gratin Dauphinois
Gratin Dauphinois, a delicious baked dish from the Dauphiné region near Chamrousse, is often mistaken for tartiflette. Instead of cheese, it features thinly sliced potatoes mixed with cream, milk, nutmeg, and garlic, then baked until golden and creamy.
Tips for booking and peak hours
Making a reservation is essential, especially at popular spots like La Croix de Chamrousse. To secure a table, it’s best to plan ahead, as peak dining hours tend to be busy.
For the best chance at getting a good spot, consider these peak times:
Lunch (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM): Arriving early helps avoid long waits.
Dinner (7:00 PM – 9:30 PM): Booking in advance is highly recommended, particularly on weekends.
Après-ski (drinks & snacks, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Expect crowded bars during this time.
For a more relaxed dining experience, opt for a later lunch after 2:30 PM or an earlier dinner before 7:00 PM when restaurants are quieter.
Enjoy the best food in Chamrousse
Chamrousse offers a fantastic range of culinary experiences, from cosy mountain chalets to high-altitude dining with breathtaking views. Enjoy a warm raclette, savour a hearty tartiflette, or relax with après-ski drinks after a day on the slopes.
To make the most of your stay, book your accommodation with Alpvision Residences and experience the best of Chamrousse, both on and off the mountain!
