Going out in Méribel: a selection of unusual bars and restaurants

“Magic is like music. You start with the basics before composing your own symphonies.”

– François, owner (and magician) of the Close Up.

At first glance, the Close Up restaurant appears warm and intimate. But if you pay attention to detail, an illusion comes to life. Move closer to the paintings… What do you perceive? Pay close attention, because the subtle art of trompe-l’œil is found in each accessory.

It’s at mealtimes that the art of magic combines with the pleasures of good food. 

Restaurant owner François moves from table to table to impress you with magic tricks for 7 or 8 minutes at a time. We’re talking about ‘close-up’ here, magic that draws you into an immersive and interactive experience.

What’s on the menu? Traditional French dishes and Savoyard specialities to delight all foodies. And to enhance each meal, the restaurant has created its own cuvée in collaboration with a winegrower friend.

Between courses, you can also challenge your friends and family to solve puzzles, or try to unravel magicians’ secrets by leafing through the books on offer. But be warned! According to François, only the most acute minds can decipher these mysteries…

🧀 An unexpected treat: Looking for something even more original? Why not try the hay raclette! Literally, a cheese matured in hay.

Informations : 

📍 Adress : 327 Rue des Glaciers , GALERIE DES CIMES (last floor), Méribel Centre.

📅 Opening : From Monday to Saturday, from 6:30 PM to 10 PM.

A MYSTERIOUS DINER 🪄

“I was looking for a place in direct connection with the mountains, capable of reflecting its nuances while bringing together all those who feel connected to this natural space.”

– Geoffroy, co-owner of Turbulence, in an interview with Numéro Netherlands.

If you are nostalgic for the 70s : welcome to the world of Turbulence !

Created at the end of that decade, this bar is part of the resort’s history. With its retro-futuristic decor, Turbulence embodies the bewitching strangeness of the Space Age and celebrates the creative freedom of that era.

The owners’ aim was to set up a creative meeting place. This establishment is much more than just a bar, it also houses an art gallery and a concept store upstairs. So while you’re enjoying a cocktail, you can admire works of art that reflect the artistic richness of skiing and boarding culture.

🏂The pinnacle of joy:During the season, you can also borrow uniquely designed snowboards.

At night, the atmosphere changes…

Every evening, the bar offers an eclectic musical programme. In February 2025, New Zealand band HeavyChest will spend a month here for a series of live gigs and the recording of a new EP.

Informations : 

📍 Adress : Galerie des Cîmes, Méribel Centre. 

📅 Opening : Tous les jours de 17h à 2h du matin.

So… are you ready for some emotional turbulence?

🛸 BACK TO THE  FUTURE

“We are committed to creating a restaurant with a family-friendly, traditional, and authentic atmosphere. The key word at Chalet Tonia? Friendliness.”

– Mathieu Perrin, co-owner of Chalet Tonia.

Step through the door of Chalet Tonia and discover a cosy mountain haven.

Located at the foot of Roc de Tougne, far from the hustle and bustle of the resort, this restaurant has a warm, intimate atmosphere where time seems to stand still.

When night falls, the restaurant comes alive with musical evenings in a family atmosphere, bathed in the glow of the open fire.

There are two ways to reach this high-altitude bistro:

     🏍️ A return snowmobile trip: Snowmobiles will pick you up in Méribel-Mottaret for a 15-minute ride to the chalet. Comfortably seated in a trailer, the wind blowing in your face, you will feel exhilarated by the sense of freedom.

     🚠 A gondola lift trip: Enjoy a tranquil twilight from the Tougnète gondola (or Combes chairlift). After dinner, you are invited to enjoy a magical ski descent illuminated by torchlight.

On arrival, you’ll begin the festivities with a delicious aperitif. After this, you can choose between a Savoyard menu featuring regional specialities, or a traditional French meal prepared using grandma’s recipes. All this is accompanied by a live musical performance, consisting of 3 sets.

With different musicians every evening, each mouthful is enhanced by the music and every meal becomes a unique experience.

Informations : 

📍Adress : Information and access found on this link.

📅 Opening  : Every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.

A TIMELESS EVENING ❄️

“With Le Monchu Méribel, we aim to create a place that reflects us—friendly, welcoming, and cheerful…”

– Julie & Maxime, owners of Le Monchu.

Ski holidays are all about sports, of course, but they’re also about Savoyard gastronomy, sunny terraces and relaxation !   

To make the most of the sunshine, head to Le Monchu.  This high-altitude bistro enjoys plenty of sunshine all day long, with a breath-taking view of the mountains.

And because a good day’s skiing whets the appetite, what could be better than a Savoyard evening? Every Tuesday evening, from 7pm, the chalet is available for private dinners for groups of 30 or more.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there: to add a touch of madness to the experience, you can arrive at the restaurant in a piste basher!

So what’s involved? This unique experience starts with a ride in a piste basher from the Rond Point des Pistes. The menu includes Savoyard specialities (raclette, fondue, tartiflette, charcuterie and salad), a ‘mirror’ of desserts and the traditional Café Génépi.

So… are you ready to climb aboard the piste basher?

Informations : 

📍 Adress : Lieu dit les Darbollées, 73550 Meribel

📅 Opening : Every day from 9AM to 5PM.

LET’S GET CRACKING UP THAT SLOPE ! 🏔️