Which are the best mountain restaurants in Zermatt?

There is an unparalleled selection of excellent stops across the massive ski area – known as the lunch capital of the Alps – ranging from modest self-service to upmarket fine-dining.

The Swiss side boasts well over 30 different establishments whilst there is a similar number over the border in Italy on the way down to Cervinia and Valtournanche.

Zermatt’s pistes have their famous culinary institutions such as the Findlerhof, Chez Vrony, Zum See and Fluhalp but here are six lesser-known eateries which we especially like.

• Restaurant Furri
• Bergrestaurant Simi
• Enzian
• Testa Grigia refuge
• Jäegerstube at Zmutt
• Alphitta

Restaurant Furri

Located at Furi, Restaurant Furri is a traditional Swiss venue, run by the same charming family for over forty years with a friendly and professional team and reasonable prices.

Bergrestaurant Simi

Also located at Furi, Bergrestaurant Simi is more up market than Furri, but still features a traditional Swiss menu with a few additions. It is run by the Austro-French team of Stephan and chef Sebastuen.

We highly recommend the tuna steak (served very rare) in pistachio crumb.

Enzian

Towards the the bottom of the Findeln blue run and hidden behind the chapel, this well established mountain restaurant is now under the able management of Philippe Oswald, one time front man at Elsie’s Bar.

The menu has been completely revamped to include not only a selection of Swiss specialities and upmarket pasta dishes but also a number of more gallic offerings that reflect Philippe’s French origins.

Lesser known that its close neighbour, the excellent Findlerhof (previously Franz and Heidi’s), you are more likely to get a last minute table reservation here in high season.

Rifugio Guide del Cervino (Testa Grigia refuge)

Whilst technically attached to Cervinia in Italy, its location on the Swiss-Italian border at one of the crossover points between the two ski areas means that it is popular with clients from both Zermatt and Cervinia.

Its location also means that you can enjoy a late Italian lunch without fear of missing the last lifts home as it’s downhill from there, all the way to Zermatt.

Open 365 days a year, whatever the weather, the refuge includes a basic bar and cafeteria upstairs serving a variety of pasta, minestrone and local polenta specialities whilst downstairs, open during the winter and summer seasons, there is a charmingly chaotic sit-down restaurant with a more extensive menu and some of the best value beef dishes anywhere.

Jäegerstube at Zmutt

Technically this is not a ski restaurant, even if it is close to the piste joining Stafel to Furri, as a deep gorge necessitates a 10 minute walk across the bridge and up to the ancient and picturesque hamlet of Zmutt.

Popular with walkers who generally take about an hour to come up the well-maintained path from Zermatt, the large and peaceful sun terrace at the Jaegerstube looks up at the peak of the Matterhorn.

A friendly welcome is assured and whilst the cuisine is again traditional Swiss fare, the ‘käseschnitte’ gets our vote as best in the valley.

Alphitta

Immediately below the Riffelalp resort and with the convenience of a Gornergrat train station close by, the Alphitta is managed by local character and band front man, Dave Banks, together with his partner Tanja Siemerink. They were both previously in charge of the hotel and restaurant at Schwarzsee.

Weather permitting, there is daily live music on the terrace which looks across at the Matterhorn and the inside is warm and inviting.

Served by a young and dynamic team, the food is imaginative with an international bent.

The Matterhorn Chalets team is here to help

For more advice on the best restaurants – either on the mountain or off it – or the best bars to visit in Zermatt, or indeed any aspect of a holiday in Zermatt, please contact the Matterhorn Chalets team.

We can help ensure you have a perfect stay in Zermatt, and solve every aspect of your holiday, from accommodation to finding the right instructor, ski guide or lift pass for you.