Chambre Neuf Restaurant Review

It suddenly occurred to me that I have never actually eaten in Chambre Neuf… so it was going to be impossible for me to compare the new menu with what went before. However, I am able to tell you with my 'expert knowledge', that the wine throughout the meal was delicious and definitely worth spending the extra euro or so on over the house vintages.

On entering the bar the atmosphere certainly feels different from the winter – the obvious changes being the missing 'No Limits' backdrop and extensive drum kit, both of which are conspicuous by their absence. The restaurant now reminds me of cosy rustic gastro pubs in London with it dark wood interior and candle lit tables.

We are greeted with Prosecco and head chef Stefan introduces the new menu that has been influenced by traditional Swedish cooking combined with the taste of France. Having already glanced at the menu, I am relieved to hear him say that we will get the chance to try a bit of everything; no agonising decisions for me! My flat mate's face also lights up at this news as I am a scavenger by nature. She doesn’t share food and always sulks when I steal from her plate.

To start with we are served Toast Suedois aux Crevettes, Swedish Tapas and Homemade Prawn Spring rolls with Wasabi Vinaigrette, all beautifully presented on a white plate. I go straight for the spring rolls. I could have happily just eaten these all night. The pastry was light and perfectly cooked. The filling was moist, held together well and actually tasted more like tender meat than prawns. This makes me particularly happy as I am not a fan of an overpowering taste of the sea. At just €10 for this delicious main course, I can see it becoming my ‘usual’. Next I attack the Toast Suedois aux Crevettes and Swedish Tapas together. The tapas is fresh herring, the kind that melts in the mouth, with sharp red onions and a delicate garlic sauce. The cervettes on toast are in a fluffy cream sauce and go down equally as well as the spring rolls. Now I am no longer sure what my ‘usual’ will be.

Having got off to a really good start, I could hardly wait for the main courses and I am not disappointed when they turn up. Flawlessly cooked lamb complemented well by the rich risotto was full of flavour, although a little dry for my pallet. Next up was the tuna. I loved that my knife glided through it with ease. Covered with plenty of pepper there was an excellent contrast between the heat from the spice and the cool lightly seared fish. These dishes are a little more pricey at €23 and €24 respectively but it is worth the quality of the produce and the cooking.

For dessert we had Strawberry Tiramisu. I confess I was a little nervous about this, being a big fan of traditional Tiramisu and of course chocolate, I couldn’t imagine how this would turn out well. As per usual, I was too critical. The strawberry flavoured mascarpone made it seem a much lighter pudding suited to the warmer weather.

Once we had finished, I was glad to see that Hannah, the ‘vegetarian’ in the group hasn’t come across too many obstacles during the evening, easily cleaning her plate. Then I realised in reality she is actually a pescatarian. Therefore my only criticism would be, like most restaurants in France, choices are limited for those that do not eat meat.

That said, we all thoroughly enjoyed our meal and decide this menu puts Chambre Neuf of an even footing with some of the finer dining experiences in Chamonix. Unsurprisingly I am absolutely thrilled that my friends feel this way – it won’t be hard to convince them to visit again.