Annapurna
Annapurna is a long-running Nepalese & Indian restaurant in central Chamonix, known for warming curries, tandoori dishes and friendly service—great for groups and vegetarians. Book ahead. Book ahead in peak season.
Last updated: 2025-12-23
- Website: https://www.annapurna-chamonix.com/
- Phone: +33 4 50 55 81 39
Key takeaways
- A reliable option when you want a break from Savoyard food.
- Central location in Chamonix—easy to reach on foot.
- Check the latest menu and opening times before you go (seasonality is common in the valley).
- Check the latest menu and opening times before you go (seasonality is common in the valley).
Quick answer
Annapurna is a long-running Nepalese & Indian restaurant in central Chamonix, known for warming curries, tandoori dishes and friendly service—great for groups and vegetarians. Book ahead. Book ahead in peak season.
On this page
Overview
Annapurna Restaurant holds the distinction of being the first Indian restaurant in
the Chamonix valley, operating since 1993 26 . For decades it has provided locals and tourists a much-
appreciated change of palate from cheese and potatoes. The restaurant is located on Avenue Ravanel
Le Rouge (just north of the town center) in a chalet-style building that’s easy to spot thanks to its
colorful signage and sometimes the enticing aroma of curry wafting outside. Inside, the ambiance is
modest and comfortable – decorated with Indian artwork, bronze statuettes of Hindu deities, and soft
background music (often classical Indian sitar or Hindi film tunes). The vibe is family-friendly and
unpretentious; many of the staff have been there long-term, greeting returning patrons with a smile.
On a chilly night after skiing, the promise of a steaming curry and naan from Annapurna truly hits the
spot, making it a consistently popular dining option in Chamonix.
Cuisine
Annapurna’s extensive menu covers North Indian and Nepalese specialties, all prepared by
experienced chefs from the Indian subcontinent. You’ll find all the classics: butter chicken (murgh
makhani) with its creamy tomato gravy, lamb rogan josh slow-cooked in aromatic spices, and
vegetarian chana masala (spiced chickpeas) among them. They offer a range of heat levels, and by
default they tone it down to medium to cater to European tastes – but you can request extra spicy if you
crave that authentic kick. A standout section is their tandoori offerings: the clay oven yields delights like
tandoori chicken (marinated bright red and sizzling from the oven) and seekh kebabs (minced lamb
skewers) which come out juicy and well-seasoned 27 28 . These make great starters or
accompaniments. The biryanis (fragrant rice dishes layered with meat or veg) are generous and served
with raita (yogurt sauce) to cool the palate. Don’t overlook Nepali specialties tucked in the menu:
momos (steamed dumplings similar to Tibetan style) are occasionally available as a special, and
Nepalese curry variations which tend to be milder and herbal. Freshly baked naan breads are a must –
whether garlic naan or sweeter Peshawari naan stuffed with nuts and raisins, they are perfect for
scooping up sauce. To drink, beyond the usual beers (they stock Indian Kingfisher beer) and wines,
warming options like masala chai tea or even a mango lassi can complement the spices nicely. Portions
are filling – many people leave with leftovers (which the restaurant is happy to pack up). Save a little
room if you can for gulab jamun (milk dumplings in syrup) or mango kulfi ice cream to end on a sweet
note.
Ambiance & Service
Dining at Annapurna feels like being welcomed into a family home. The décor is traditional – white
tablecloths, polished cutlery, maybe some gently twinkling string lights in winter – and the atmosphere
is relaxed. Meals begin with complimentary pappadums (crispy lentil wafers) and chutneys placed on
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the table, which is a nice touch. Service is courteous and not hurried; dishes might take a little while to
come out when it’s busy, but that’s because each curry is being prepared fresh and naan breads baked
to order. The owner or manager often circulates to check that guests are happy. They are also quite
accommodating – if you have dietary needs (many dishes are naturally gluten-free and they have a
good selection of vegetarian and vegan options), they’ll guide you accordingly. It’s not uncommon to
see large family groups here, kids happily digging into butter chicken (it’s a great gentle introduction to
Indian flavors for little ones). The dining room can get pleasantly noisy when full, with the clink of curry
bowls and lively conversation, but it rarely feels chaotic. Many guests have reported that the experience
feels authentic to restaurants they’ve visited in India or Nepal – a testament to Annapurna sticking to its
roots. There’s a certain comforting routine to a meal here: start with pakoras or samosas, move to rich
curries, sop it up with naan, cool off with a lassi – and that consistency over the years is a big part of
Annapurna’s charm.
Tips
Reservations are recommended in high season (ski season and July/August), as there are not many
Asian dining options in Chamonix and this one fills up, especially with the British half-term crowd or
groups of friends looking for a curry night. However, on many evenings you can also walk in without too
much wait if you come on the early side (around 7 PM). They offer takeaway and have done so for
years – perfect if you want a cozy night in your chalet. If you plan a large takeaway order, it’s wise to call
ahead as they can then advise on pick-up time (and possibly offer a small discount for very big orders).
Spice-wise, if you want it authentic “Indian hot,” do tell them – they can make it genuinely spicy which
many appreciate (otherwise assume medium mild). The thali platter is a great option if you want to
sample multiple things – it comes as an assorted tray with a little dal, a veg curry, a meat curry, rice,
naan, etc., giving a well-rounded meal for one. Budget-conscious travelers will find Annapurna fairly
priced (curry dishes in the teens of euros, rice and breads a few euros each) and very satisfying per euro
spent. They are typically open daily, including those tricky mid-week nights when some other
restaurants close. If you’ve been in Chamonix a while and crave something different, or if you simply
adore Indian cuisine, Annapurna is a proven winner – it’s not just dinner, it’s a spice-infused respite from
the cold!
Getting there
Annapurna is in the Chamonix valley. In high season, it’s often easiest to arrive on foot or by local bus—parking in town can be limited.
Map: Open Annapurna on Google Maps
Need an airport transfer?
If you’re arriving via Geneva Airport, we can help you get to resort quickly and comfortably. See our Geneva to Chamonix Transfer options.
FAQs
Do I need to book in advance?
It depends on the time and season. Annapurna is busiest in winter and peak summer, so booking is a good idea for evening meals.
Is it suitable for families and children?
Annapurna can still work for families, but the atmosphere may be quieter or more adult-focused at peak dinner times.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. You’ll usually find vegetarian choices on the menu—curries, rice, vegetables and tofu options are common.
Where is it in Chamonix?
Annapurna is in the Chamonix valley. Use the Google Maps link on this page for the exact location and the quickest walking route.
