Le Panoramique Mer de Glace

Our first time to Chamonix yesterday with our son and after taking his first mountain train he was looking forward to having a drink on top of the mountain. We arrived around 3pm and there were a few vacant tables on the terrace. We waited patiently and were then abruptly told by the waitress they were no longer serving. We then sat on a wall nearby with our son for a rest and watched as a number of other people were let in to have coffees and drinks (exactly what we had gone there for). We can only assume that we were not accepted because we had a young child with us. Overall extremely disappointed as our son is very well behaved and this is the first time we’ve had this kind of experience. We also didn’t appreciate being lied to so blatantly. Would keep this in mind if you plan to visit with young children.

We’d been down to the ice cave and didn’t know whether to try the restaurant rather than the cafe. The sign said you could ring to book a table which made us think it would all be booked up. We went down as soon as it opened at 11.30am and they were all booked up for tables inside but we could sit outside. It was a bit risky as the weather was changeable and had rained but we were lucky and it was mostly very strong sunshine with just a few drops of rain. The views were absolutely spectacular and it was an amazing setting for a meal. There was actually a children’s menu unusually for France. The boys (aged 5 and 7) had burger and mashed potato, and ham and buttered pasta. They loved it. We had gorgeous food too pasta with cheese and ham and chicken/beef with potatoes. Really lovely food and well presented with pleasant staff and super views. The boys got ice creams with their menu they chose chocolate and it turned out to be a cornetto. They made a bit of a mess with it so I wish we’d chosen vanilla. It’s been one of our favourite meals so far on our holiday in Chamonix.

We had no intention of eating at Mer de Glace but my husband happened to be a bit hungry and wanted to grab a bite before seeing the glacier. We did not have reservations but lucky for us we only had to wait about 30 mins bc a few large groups were finishing up. Our waitress was very nice and accommodating especially considering we didn’t have reservations. Many people were turned away bc the restaurant was full and was reserved for the rest of the afternoon. I would highly suggest making reservations, we lucked out getting a table next to the windows and the views are breathtaking. The food was also very delicious. I had a vegetable soup which tasted like my Grandma’s which I loved. Their “hot pots” dishes were also very good. We had the pasta (which is really just a fancier mac-n-cheese with ham) and it’s super yummy!!!

As mentioned in other low rated reviews reservations do not reserve a table outside on the deck with the beautiful view, but rather inside in the cramped dining area. In order to get to the restaurant you must purchase a gondola ticket. It was 85 euros for my wife and me. They credit 40 euros towards your bill. It seems reasonable especially after looking at the wonderful photos of the gorgeous views. We arrived 10 minutes early for our reservation and were told we could not sit outside. There was a long line of skiers waiting to be seated. We were never told we could wait for an outdoor seat, but rather to sit down inside. Due to the language barrier we showed her our email of the reservation confirmation and again was promptly told no outside seating. We sat inside and waited 25 minutes to be greeted (if you want to call it that as we had to finally ask the waitress if we could order drinks) and for drink orders to be taken. During that time a family of 6 was seated next to us, order taken and soup served. Our service was so bad it seemed they were purposely ignoring us. Our waitress walked by our table at least a half dozen times and refused to make eye contact. I couldn’t figure out if they were giving preferential treatment to skiiers (we were in street clothes) or ignoring us because we were American. My wife and I are nearing 40 and it has been a long time since we’ve experienced service this bad. We would have left if we didn’t have the 40 euro credit to redeem and had just spent the last hour and a half waiting in the line for tickets on the gondolas and riding the 2 gondolas to the top of the mountain). The soup my wife ordered was good and the beer was tasty and cold. It’s unfortunate we were not welcome in the restaurant. We enjoyed the view and for better or worse it’s an experience we will never forget.

We went here for lunch. We did make a reservation which is a good idea as it got very busy. Set on the side of the mountain the view is amazing. And the traditional “Hot Pot” dishes were delicious. Highly recommend if you are visiting the ice caves below.