L'Heliopic Akashon Restaurant, Chamonix Main Town

In addition to 102 modern and comfortable rooms, this innovative hotel hosts a NUXE spa and swimming pool, as well as its newly refurbished gourmet restaurant. Re-named "Akashon", meaning "surprise" in local dialect, a visit here will be an unforgettable journey for the senses.

The creative maestro behind the menu is chef Julien Binet, who has been officiating in the kitchen since the hotel opened in 2013. His enthusiasm and passion for food is apparent throughout the menu, with seasonal local products, refined flavours and classic local recipes revisited with a creative French twist.

The chef specials change daily but some of include locally produced reblochon cheese 'en croute' with cold cuts, salad and hay-smoked baby potatoes. Or how about the oven baked monkfish in sweet spices with parsnip pearl barley risotto or pan-roasted Simmental beef entrecôte with a parmesan gnocchi timbale and summer truffle pata negra. One of the vegetarian options is the slow-cooked winter vegetables with lemon infused bulgur wheat and a honey vinaigrette, and there's also a delightful children's menu.

The wine cellar is overflowing with treasures that will perfectly compliment your menu choices.

The restaurant is open for dinner from 19:00 to 22:00. You can eat inside or outside on the terrace with fantastic views of the Aiguille du Midi.