MileHacker Logo
Best Restaurants in Annecy

Best Restaurants in Annecy

Annecy Auvergne-rhone-alpes, France Travel Guide

Must-Try Dishes

Savoyard Delights

Experience the heart of Savoyard cuisine by trying these signature dishes. This area's dishes developed for sustenance during cold winters.

The recipes regularly rich and warming, reflecting the mountain environment. Emphasis on local ingredients: dairy, cured meats, sturdy vegetables.

Dining Customs

  • Greetings: Say "Bonjour" on entering, "Au revoir" on leaving. Using "Madame" or "Monsieur" polite.
  • Seating: Wait to be seated by staff. Do not seat yourself unless instructed.
  • Hands: Keep hands visible over the table while dining.
  • Bread: Traditionally on the table, for soaking up sauces, not for eating before the meal.

Signature Dishes

Tartiflette

AN iconic Savoyard gratin. Sliced potatoes, smoked bacon (lardons), onions, melted Reblochon cheese baked together. A wealthy and smooth, golden crust.

Raclette

A fun, interactive meal. A special heating device melts large wheels of Raclette cheese. Scrape melted cheese onto boiled potatoes, cured meats, and cornichons.

Fondue Savoyarde

A shared dish. Melted regional cheeses (Beaufort, Comté, Emmental) mixed with white wine. Dip bread cubes into the hot, gooey cheese.

Local Ingredients & Flavors

  • Cheeses: Reblochon, Beaufort, Tomme de Savoie, and Abondance.
  • Potatoes: Base of many dishes.
  • Cured Meats: Jambon de Savoie (Savoyard ham), saucisson (dry sausage).
  • Inland Fish: Féra and Omble Chevalier (Arctic char) originating At the lake Annecy.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

L'Esquisse

A Michelin-starred restaurant. Innovative, refined cuisine, a focus on fresh seasonal produce.

Reservations essential.

La Ciboulette

Fine dining emphasizing traditional flavors of the region presented elegantly. A sophisticated atmosphere.

A refined culinary experience.

Mid-Range Restaurants

Le Freti a well-liked option for authentic Savoyard cheese dishes. Le Lilas Rose a charming establishment for traditional French gastronomy.

The Old Town numerous bistros, brasseries, and casual eateries.

Budget & Quick Bites

  • Boulangeries/Pâtisseries: Excellent for fresh loaves, pastries, affordable sandwiches.
  • Crêperies: A quick and inexpensive meal with sweet or savory crêpes.
  • Markets: The Old Town market local produce, cheeses, sometimes prepared foods for picnics.
  • International Cuisine: Italian, Asian, and alternative choices found in newer parts of Annecy, near train station.

Iconic Snacks & Desserts

Tarte aux Myrtilles

A tasty blueberry tart, especially popular in summer when local blueberries in season.

Bugnes

Light, fried doughnuts, enjoyed during Carnival season (around Feb/March). Delicate, often dusted with powdered sugar.

Culinary Experiences

Cooking Classes & Food Tours

Opportunities to learn how to prepare traditional dishes and explore local produce.

  • Savoyard cooking classes: Tartiflette or Crozets.
  • Guided food trips emphasize local produce, cheeses, tastings.
  • Farm Visits: Visit local cheese producers (fruitières) or farms.

Food Festivals & Events

Celebrations of local produce and traditions throughout the year.

  • Retour des Alpages (October): Traditional festival, market, music.
  • Christmas Markets (December): Charming markets with cuisine stalls.
  • Seasonal local events with food themes.

Unique Dining Concepts

Distinct ways to enjoy Annecy'the food scene.

  • Traditional fondue or raclette at a local "cave à fromage".
  • Picnic by the lake: Newly baked bread, cheese, cured meats from Old Town market.
  • Lakeside dining experience with local freshwater fish.

Traditional Beverages

Génépi

A potent herbal liqueur from alpine plants. A distinctive floral and slightly bitter taste.

Commonly a digestif after a rich meal.

Savoie Wines

The region produces distinct white wines (Apremont, Roussette de Savoie, Chignin, Crépy) and red wines (Mondeuse).

Whites are crisp and mineral; reds are full-bodied and peppery.

Regional Variations

Melted Cheese Dishes

A strong emphasis, a hallmark of the food.

Charcuterie

Various local cured meats common.

Potato Preparations

Various potato-based dishes.

Lake Fish

Annecy's position access to high-quality lake fish, an unique element.

Special Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian & Vegan

  • Traditional Savoyard cuisine meat and cheese-heavy.
  • Modern restaurants, particularly in areas with tourists, increasingly accommodating.
  • Look for salads, vegetable gratins, or inquire about "plat végétarien" (vegetarian dish) or "sans viande" (vegetarian).
  • Supermarkets offer fresh fruits, vegetables, plant-based alternatives.

Allergen Awareness

Gluten-Free Dining

Being mindful of gluten-free ("sans gluten") and other dietary allergens grows throughout France.

Always inform restaurant staff of any allergies or dietary restrictions clearly.

Communication is

Print a small card in The french language stating your allergies (e.g., "Je suis allergique à [ingrédient]" - I am allergic to [ingredient]).

Cross-contamination a concern in smaller kitchens. Be clear about the severity of your allergy.

Other Dietary Needs

Halal and Kosher Availability
Specific halal or kosher restaurants limited in Annecy.
More alternatives in larger cities like Lyon or Paris.
Supermarkets may carry some certified items.
Availability is not widespread.
Vegetarian Starters

Many French restaurants vegetable-based Entrées (starters) that can sometimes combine for a main course.

  • Ask about daily specials.
  • Inquire about customization.
  • Apps like HappyCow find friendly establishments.
Dining Pace

Dining in France often a leisurely affair. Do not expect rushed service.

Enjoy the unhurried experience.

Traditional Beverages

Génépi
  • A potent herbal liqueur.
  • A characteristic floral and slightly bitter taste.
Local Beers
  • Craft beer scene growing.
  • Traditional lagers also available.

Culinary Overview Insights

Cultural & Historical Context

Savoyard History

The region's history, part of the Duchy of Savoy, defines its food.

Emphasis on local ingredients. Items made from milk, cured meats, sturdy vegetables.
Ingredients and Flavors

Cheeses (Reblochon, Beaufort, Tomme de Savoie), potatoes, cured meats (jambon de Savoie, saucisson) staples.

Cream and butter generously used for richness.
Freshwater Fish

Lake Annecy fish like Féra and Omble Chevalier (Arctic char) delicate and highly prized.

An unique element of local cuisine.

More Local Dishes

  • Crozets de Savoie: Small, flat, square-shaped pasta, frequently from buckwheat flour.
  • Often gratinéed with formaggio, bacon, or mushrooms, or a side dish.
  • Diots: Traditional Savoyard sausages, usually pork. Served with polenta, potatoes, or lentils.
  • Pormoniers: Another Savoyard sausage, pork, cabbage, and botanicals.

Meal Times

Lunch Le Déjeuner

Typically served from 12:BETWEEN 12 and 14:00 (or 14:30).

Many restaurants a menu du jour (set lunch menu) for good value.

Dinner Le Dîner

Usually from 19:00 to 22:00 (or 22:30).

Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner services.

Dining Insight

Cuisine Focus

Strong emphasis on melted cheese dishes, charcuterie, and potato-based preparations.

Lake Influence

Annecy's position access to high-quality lake fish, an unique element.

Value Option

Try a "Menu du Jour" for lunch. It good value and a sample of local cuisine.

Dietary Considerations

Navigating dietary needs in Annecy achievable with planning.

  • Vegetarian/Vegan: Modern restaurants increasingly accommodating. Look for "plat végétarien".
  • Halal/Kosher: Constrained and particular restaurants. Supermarkets may carry some products with certification.
  • Gluten-Free/Allergens: Awareness growing. Inform staff of allergies clearly, consider a Gallic allergy card.
  • Supermarkets: Large stores offer fresh fruits, vegetables, plant-based alternatives.
  • Cross-contamination a concern in smaller kitchens. Be clear about the severity of your allergy.