Restaurants and Dining in Le Grand Bornand Chinaillon
Mountain Restaurants
Le Grand Bornand’s selection of mountain restaurants is definitely above average with no less than ten establishments to choose from, strategically located across the ski area so you’re never far from one. Expect – as in the village – friendly family-run establishments, serving great food and often with terraces providing great views. It’s hard to make a wrong choice but La Taverne (+33 (0)4 50 27 08 85) at the top of the chairlift of the same name is a renovated ancient farm so has bags of character and the Auberge du Croix (+33 (0)4 50 68 62 84) provides gastronomic dishes from an 18th century chalet building. For views out across the valley the aptly named Le Panoramic 1800 (+33 (0)4 50 09 07 97) at the top of the la Floria chairlift has a great terrace from which to drink it all in.
Restaurants in Town
Le Grand Bornand has a good selection of restaurants from simple creperies to gourmet establishments, with the majority small family-run establishments serving traditional mountain food using local ingredients. There are about a dozen choices each in both the main village and up at Chinaillon. For a simple crepe L’Arpège (+33 (0)4 50 02 73 93) is the best choice in the main village. It’s also good for Savoyard specialities and has an atmospheric, rustic interior. There are several pizzerias to choose from too, including Casanova (+33 (0)4 50 02 20 88) – again it offers traditional Savoyard cuisine as well as pizzas. Chinaillon L’Alpage (+33 (0)4 50 27 00 49) is a good choice for traditional cuisine in atmospheric surroundings. The gourmet option in the main village is at Confins des Sens (+33 (0)4 50 69 94 25).
Grocery Shops
Le Grand Bornand’s farming heritage, still very much part of the community today, is reflected in a wealth of traditional fiod shops in both parts of the village. At Chinaillon the Petit Marquis (+33 (0)4 50 27 03 53) organic boulangerie and patiserrie is one of the best we’ve ever visited at any ski resort anywhere. There’s also some good regional food hops including Le Grenier d’Autrefois (+33 (0)4 50 10 87 58), a butchers and a well stocked Spar supermarket (+33 (0)4 50 27 00 96) in the heart of the resort. In the main village there’s a bigger selection including fromagerie (although you can buy the famous Reblochon cheese everywhere, including direct from many farms), a chocolaterie (Gourmandises d’Antan, +33 (0)4 50 02 85 38), confectioner and several butchers, boulangeries, patisseries and regional food retailers. There are also weekly markets in Grand Bornand Village every Wednesday morning and regular trips to visit one of the many local small farm producers of Reblochon cheese.