Best Spots for Families and Kids

Nothing tops off a great day of adventures than a great meal. You’ll find that all of Morzine’s restaurants welcome families, however if you are looking for somewhere for the kids to burn off those last reserves of energy, there are a couple of good spots to know. A short stroll from the lively Tourist Square, Le Colibri is a cafe bistro, open all day with a varied menu, serving up delicious breakfast, brunch, club sandwiches, apéro sharing plates, burgers, Buddha bowls, salads and homemade pastries. There’s a terrace outside, but the kids play corner (a mini kitchen, books and toys) is situated inside, so this is a great option when you need a break from the sun, or shelter from a flash summer storm.

Another one of our all-time kid-friendly venues, is Le Tremplin. The restaurant and outdoor bar, which backs onto the Pleney ski slopes in winter or bikepark in summer, has always been a great spot with live music and a well-thought out play area for kids of all ages. For summer 2024, whilst Le Tremplin is undergoing renovation, a pop-up venue promises the same family-friendly vibe. Open from the 6th July, you’ll find a huge stretch tent with live music and a fresh BBQ everyday of the week at the bottom of the Pleney.

Coup de Coeur is another favourite spot to sit in the centre of all the action in Morzine, with a terrace out the back where parents can sip wine from an award winning wine list, and kids can run around the pedestrianised tourist square. Dine here on tapas and pizza, or after a drink take your pick of the many excellent restaurants within a short stroll of the village centre.

Morzine Tourist Square, accessed from Le Coup de Coeur terrace, Image credit @vtlphoto

Best Spots on an Easy Walk

There are so many beautiful walks in and around Morzine, and thankfully, many of them start or finish with a great place to eat. Lac Montriond is the perfect spot for an evening or daytime walk, followed by a meal with stunning views over the water. There are three great food options around the lake. Le Verdoyant has a large terrace with panoramic lake views. The menu is traditionally French, with salads, fish dishes, meat options and a large selection of wines. There’s usually a ‘Plat du Jour’ listed on the blackboard.

Offering an impressive cocktail list and a fresh menu of modern seasonal flavours, Hotel du Lac is another popular lakeside venue for locals and holidaymakers alike. Join on Sunday for live music and barbecue vibes or book a table for a stylish evening with friends. They also provide shuttle services to and from the restaurant, so ring up and book ahead so you don’t need to drive!

At the far end of the lake, the Savoyard restaurant L’Auberge du Bout du Lac also has a lovely sweeping terrace, and this one benefits from the evening sun. The food is considered and elegant, and compliments the overall sense of taking your time and making the most of every moment.

If you follow the river between Morzine and Montriond, you’ll find The Wood Yard. As the new kid in town, Ibex Brewery’s new venture has had everybody talking. It offers a trendy yet relaxed alternative to the busy bars in town, and some fantastic food to boot. The menu is a mix of internationally-inspired tapas dishes and the usual favourites, plus, of course, a wide selection of beers brewed in-house. The large terrace outside is the perfect place to soak up some sun, and it’s located just on the edge of the river Dranse – meaning you can walk from Morzine or Montriond along the beautiful river path. Dogs are also welcome here.

At the far end of Lake Montriond from Morzine is the pretty L’Auberge du Bout du Lac offering lovely views of the lake 

Best Spots for Apres-Bike Vibes

Ô chalet is a classic for anyone wanting a decent burger, some good beer and a fantastic apres-bike vibe. Its central location and outdoor terrace means it’s the perfect place to soak up the apres atmosphere, and its all-day opening hours means you can hit up a burger for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

A short ride from the Pleney lift, Le Bec Jaune brewery attracts beer fans who wish to sample the latest brews from this popular micro brewery. The kitchen offers a new menu every season and focusses on fresh, seasonal flavours quite different from your usual Alpine establishment – here it’s the vegetarian options which leave meat eaters drooling. There’s a small outdoor seating area, and more tables inside this friendly pub-like venue.

If you’re in the apres mood but fancy food that’s a bit different, Hideout Hostel is the one for you. Offering an incredible selection of pan-Asian fusion tapas, good beer and interesting cocktails, Hideout is a great way to finish off the day. All their dishes have vegan and vegetarian options, so the only real decision is how many times you go! There is also a small terrace right by the river, but book early as Hideout gets busy.

Best Spots for Relaxing and Romance

With all this exploring, hiking and biking, it’s easy to forget you’re on holiday! Thankfully, Morzine has some beautiful restaurants in which you can slow down, unwind and reconnect over dinner after a busy day.

The relaxed yet refined edge of La Rotonde makes it the perfect spot for a romantic summer evening. The menu is classic, sophisticated and seasonal; reminiscent of Parisian tradition with an international twist. Sit in the garden, or enjoy the views from the spacious, heated terrace. Wherever you choose to sit, make sure you’ve got a glass of something cold and the time to get lost in conversation.

If your idea of romance is more big jumpers and snuggles by the fire, Le Clin D’Oeil is the place for you. Perfect for those summer evenings when the warmth of the day disappears with the sun, Le Clin D’Oeil showcases all the best parts of the Savoyard region. From classic dishes like fondu, to bright, fresh risottos using seasonal veg, this restaurant is the place to go when time doesn’t matter. Tomorrow can wait; tonight, all you need is good food, good wine and excellent conversation.

Inside La Rotonde, popular for its refined menu and drinks list

Best Spots on the Mountain

Now, we love mountain adventures, but we particularly love mountain adventures that include beer and some classic Alpine cuisine! Thankfully there is a veritable plethora of spots on the mountain to stop, rest and take in the beauty of your surroundings.

The Brochaux Waterfall is one of our absolute favourites. And as if this stunning summer stroll couldn’t get any better – the Refuge de L’Abricotine is the perfect en-route stop for lunch, or a snack and a drink. Offering a small but wonderfully Savoyard menu, it’s a charming place to grab a spot on the terrace and rest your legs on your way to the waterfall.

Another contender for top spot on our mountain-based summer restaurants has got to be La Cremaillere, located in the heart of Lindarets Village, and affectionately known as the ‘Goat Village’. Traditional food, outdoor seating and the company of many friendly goats, are just a few reasons why this restaurant is a firm favourite.

Situated in Les Gets at the top of the Mont Chéry cable car and with a panoramic view of Mont Blanc, Le Belvédère restaurant is in a great location for a bite to eat after a beautiful hike up to Mont-Caly, which offers some of the best views in the area. The cuisine offers a varied choice of traditional dishes and mountain specialities, all homemade.

In another stunning part of the mountains in Vallee de la Manche is La Crapahute – a quaint wooden-chalet style restaurant that has become a badly kept secret between locals, hikers and families. La Crapahute is reached via a short drive (and 25 minute easy walk into the valley) or bus ride from Morzine – hence the effort getting there is all part of the adventure and only adds to the magic. With sweeping views from its outside terrace, and traditional Savoyard food and wine, you’ll never want to leave this little piece of Alpine paradise. Further into the mountains in this part of Morzine, Restaurant Lac Mine d’Or is situated a stones throw away from a charming mountain lake with incredible views. Lovely classic local specialities and friendly service make this a popular place, and the sun loungers offer a moment of relaxation after a cheese heavy meal, with a great view of the Tete de Boston. Located a few metres from the Lac Mine d’Or parking this is the starting point of many hiking routes, including the Col de Coux climb which offers magnificent view of the Dents du Midi and in particular the Cime Haute.

La Crapahute in summer, one of Morzine’s best off the beaten track restaurants

BEST SPOTS FOR COFFEE, BREAKFAST OR BRUNCH

Solide cafe located on Rue du Bourg in the centre of the village, serves up hot beverages, a yummy range of homemade cakes and a seasonal lunch menu. With a cosy indoor space for cooler days and a small sunny terrace, its great for a light lunch when you’re heading out to the pool or for afternoon adventures.

Satellite Coffee, also on Rue du Bourg, serves an excellent breakfast or brunch. Sausage and bacon baps with delicious extras (smashed avocado, hash brown and jalapeños), pancakes and specials, such as halloumi pittas or boston beans with bubble and squeak, are served alongside homemade smoothies and milkshakes.

At the top of Rue du Bourg, Au P’tit Casse Croute is a great pitstop for scrumptious sandwiches and Italian flatbreads. The milkshakes are good too!