La Raviere - Saint-Gervais-les-Bains

We had passed a little sign post off the Blue Raviere piste and looked this place up. Very different to a lot of the piste-side restaurants as there is a limited menu serving just Alsatian food. Do be aware of the snow conditions. its a little cross country to get to/from. The location is beautiful. Tucked between the trees away from the ski slopes. Outside decked area for spring, cosy inside with log fire for winter, There is limited seating so in peak period best to book ahead, but mid march we were able to stumble in around 12.30-1pm and get a table of 4. The food is largely smoked pork. All served with a Rosti Salad to share. Prices were very reasonable given the location and the service was friendly and efficient. Some of the food choices on are table weren't very nice, but I think that was down to personal taste, rather than quality. I had the roast pork and apple which was delicious and I'd have happily sit with a big bowl of their Rosti too. Highly recommend if you want to try something different then the standard served elsewhere on the mountain.

I don't understand why some reviewers are so affronted about the need to book. The place really is tiny, maybe 6 or 7 tables and there is little margin for error with a business this size. I've never booked lunch on the mountain but a simple phone call to a friendly English speaking owner was all it took! I felt sorry for those who hadn't booked but surely having found it book for another day? I know skiing is a fluid day but the location means it is no more than a lift from much of this side of the mountain. The route in was about as simple yet enjoyable as it gets. The route out is more challenging as it is a narrow path. But still fairly easy and if needs be (esp for the uphill bits! walkable. BUT don't leave the path at the first obvious exit for the lift (by the sign walk on 50m and its a fun downhill all the way to the lift. Not sure what the fuss is some have with where skis should be left it was clear and fairly obvious. Inside was a nice warm traditional room with a fire. Floor was, like most ski restaurants, ceramic tiles but covered in rugs. No slip issues for the careful! No steps to worry about either like some! Owner was pleasent and friendly. She had to turn away several people but I thought did so politely. Felt a bit sorry as a big table of 8 didn't turn up rude given she explicitly and reasonably (given the size asked to call if we had to cancel. I can see why people might feel affronted if they were turned away with an empty table. Perhaps the owner should take telephone numbers to call to reconfirm bookings? I would say the food was on balance fairly average plus, but home made and tasty. Not overly expensive (for Megeve and a small and reasonable value wine list. Cheese plate was very well chosen. Whilst not the best food on the mountain, La Raviere was certainly the most memorable. BUT BOOK!!

Wonderful little spot. A real hidden gem, you need to keep an eye out for the wooden sign of the blue La Raviere run then take an enchanting path to the restaurant which is invisible until you're upon it. Yes you need to book, but guess what it has about 6 tables, and is a mountain restaurant in Megeve and this is the ski season! Making a reservation is not that difficult get over it. The setting and view is stunning, the access and exit are enchanting, and the food is great. The menu just has a handful of dishes, mostly Savoyarde specialities, the wine is mostly local and reasonably priced. Indeed by Megeve standards the prices are relatively modest. It was the highlight of our trip.

We had a 3 day ski trip to St Gervais, and we always like to search out the 'hidden '/out of the way mountain restaurants for lunch. We were thrilled to spot this tiny little restaurant from one of the chair lifts. The run in was off a blue La Raviere and it was a splendid ski in. We followed the instructions to leave our ski 's in a 'certain ' spot. And made out way to the restaurant, we found an outside table it was a stunning day and I went to order some drinks and look at the menu. I was greeted by a lady who said 'Bonjour, have you booked? ' I was slightly taken aback, and responded 'No ', she then pointed out that we could have a table and pointed over there. I spoke to my partner and we decided that the welcome was less than forthcoming and we were unhappy with the service so far. We asked for some drinks, and we were allowed to taken them outside. We drank up and left. The other notable factor which was disagreeable were the floor tiles; they were ceramic and walking on them in ski boots it was literally an ice rink. Whilst sitting outside we noted another few groups of people coming and not putting their skis in the designated spots and within seconds a staff member coming out and asking them to remove them. The ski out was great however. It is such a shame as it was a picture perfect spot, with an amazing ski in, and a delightful ski out. It had views to die for and the menu looked pretty great too. I 've never really known to book a lunchtime mountain ski restaurant, maybe this is an exception to the rule I just felt that it was a bit too pretentious for my liking. But go make you own mind up. If nothing else it is a great ski in and out but don 't forget TO BOOK!!!!

Service has always been outstanding and welcoming, and whilst the food is basic and hearty it is nevertheless well worth the visit in the middle of winter ...