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
• Gandegghütte
• Restaurant Alm
• 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.

Gandegghütte

This privately owned refuge is located just above Trockener Steg and while the interior is cosy and atmospheric, the sunny terrace has some of the most dramatic views in the Alps, across the Theodule glacier, towards Klein Matterhorn and the Breithorn.

During Zermatt’s annual Unplugged music festival, the Gandegghutte becomes Europe’s highest open air live music venue.

With a traditional menu, the house speciality coffee is certainly worth trying. The ‘käseschnitte’ is also excellent and unique with its bacon garnish.

It opened again in 2021 with a new management team.

Restaurant Alm

Under new management for the 2021/22 season, at the start of the Moos ski itinerary joining Furri to Winkelmatten, the Alm is an excellent meeting place. It is a pleasant and not too arduous stroll up from the village and yet, it is just off the main piste down from Gornergrat and Riffelalp.

The sheltered garden is a real suntrap and young children are very welcome as the restaurant has its own exterior play area.

The Alm’s speciality is fresh trout – there are two live fish ponds tucked in beside the restaurant – as well as a good selection of meat, fish and pasta dishes. The giant prawn salad is particularly good.

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.