Best Restaurants in Interlaken: Where to Eat in 2024
Interlaken is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. Because it is a global transit hub, the dining scene is more diverse than you might expect for a mountain town. You will find high-end Swiss gastronomy alongside authentic Indian curries, Korean BBQ, and Italian staples. The "tourist trap" risk is real here, but local gems hide in plain sight if you know which streets to hit. Expect high prices—this is Switzerland—but quality is generally consistent. From riverside cafes in Unterseen to fine dining on Höheweg, here is exactly where to eat in Interlaken.
Must-Try Dishes in Interlaken
Before booking a table, look for these regional specialties on the menu.
- Cheese Fondue: A classic mix of Emmental and Gruyère melted with white wine and garlic. It is the definitive Alpine communal meal.
- Rösti: Grated and fried potatoes, often topped with a fried egg, bacon, or melted cheese. It was originally a breakfast dish for farmers.
- Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: Thin strips of veal in a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce, typically served with a side of Rösti.
- Alplermagronen: Known as "Alpine macaroni," this is a hearty gratin of pasta, potatoes, cheese, and onions, usually served with applesauce.
- Raclette: Melted cheese scraped directly from the wheel onto boiled potatoes, pickled onions, and cornichons.
- Nusstorte: A rich, shortbread-style pastry filled with caramelized walnuts, perfect for a high-energy snack after hiking.
Best Restaurants in Interlaken for a Splurge
When you want a high-end experience, these spots deliver on both technical skill and atmosphere.
La Terrasse (Höheweg)
Located inside the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel, La Terrasse holds 16 GaultMillau points. The space mimics a bright, airy orangery. The menu focuses on "terroir" cooking—meaning ingredients are sourced within 40 kilometers of the hotel. Expect refined plates like Bernese Oberland beef and fresh-caught lake trout served with surgical precision.
Radius by Stefan Beer (Höheweg)
Also located within the Victoria-Jungfrau, Radius offers a hyper-local tasting menu. Chef Stefan Beer is obsessed with the region; almost every ingredient comes from local hunters, fishers, and farmers. The menu changes frequently to reflect the precise micro-season. It is arguably the most creative culinary experience in the Jungfrau region.
Restaurant The Verandah (Höheweg)
Situated in the Hotel Royal St. Georges, The Verandah offers a classic fine-dining atmosphere with a view of the Harder Kulm. The menu leans into French-Swiss fusion. It is the best place for a formal candlelit dinner where the service is attentive but not suffocating. Their wine cellar is particularly deep in Swiss whites.
Best Casual Restaurants and Local Favorites
These are the reliable spots where the locals actually go when they aren't cooking at home.
Husi Bierhaus (Postgasse)
This is the best place in town for beer lovers. Husi Bierhaus feels like a modern tavern with a massive selection of craft beers and hearty portions. The ribs and burgers are excellent, but their house-made schnitzel is the real draw. It’s loud, friendly, and always busy.
Restaurant Taverne (Höheweg)
Located in the Hotel Interlaken, Taverne offers a solid middle ground between fine dining and casual. It specializes in traditional Swiss wooden-oven cooking. The interior is rustic but polished. It is a reliable spot for a high-quality Rösti or a steak without the formal dress code of the five-star hotels.
Little Thai (Hauptstrasse)
If you need a break from heavy cheese and potatoes, Little Thai is a local institution. The space is small and unassuming, but the flavors are authentic. It is consistently rated as some of the best Thai food in Switzerland. Their Panang curry and Pad Thai are better than most high-end hotel versions.
Balmers Club & Grill (Hauptstrasse)
Located near the famous Balmers Hostel, this spot is perfect for a younger crowd or solo travelers. The grill serves up massive burgers and wraps at a price point that won't ruin your budget. It’s the best place to grab a beer and a burger before heading into the onsite club.
Best Cheap Eats and Street Food
Finding affordable "best restaurants in Interlaken" can be a challenge. These options keep your spend under 25 CHF.
Velo Café (Stammweg)
Velo is a bicycle-themed cafe that serves excellent coffee and healthy, affordable lunches. They offer daily specials like homemade soups, bowls, and sandwiches. It is a favorite for digital nomads looking for a quiet corner and a decent avocado toast that won't cost a fortune.
Turkish Corner (Bahnhofstrasse)
For a quick, filling meal near the Interlaken West station, this is your best bet. The kebabs and dürüms are massive and fresh. It is one of the few places in town open late, making it the default choice for a post-pub meal.
Coop Restaurant (Bahnhofstrasse/Höheweg)
It sounds unglamorous, but the cafeteria inside the Coop supermarket is a secret weapon for budget travelers. You can get a massive plate of hot food (pasta, meat, or salad bar) for a fraction of restaurant prices. The balcony at the Interlaken Ost location offers a great view of the mountains.
Layaly Beirut (Bahnhofstrasse)
Authentic Lebanese street food. This spot is great for sharing a few mezze plates like hummus, falafel, and halloumi. The portions are fair for the price, and the flavors are a bright departure from the local cream-heavy Alpine cuisine.
Best Breakfast and Brunch
Start your day at these spots before heading up to Grindelwald or Lauterbrunnen.
Back-Café (Untere Gasse)
Located in the Unterseen neighborhood, this is a traditional Swiss bakery with a cozy seating area. Grab a "Gipfeli" (Swiss croissant) or a slice of mountain bread. Their breakfast plates are simple, focusing on high-quality local butter, honey, and cheeses.
Café de Paris (Zentralstrasse)
This centrally located cafe has a classic European feel. It is the best spot for people-watching on the main strip while enjoying a coffee and a crepe. They offer various breakfast sets ranging from continental to more substantial egg dishes.
Ladelokal (Marktplatz)
This is a hybrid shop and cafe that focuses on sustainability and regional products. The atmosphere is modern and "slow-living." It’s the best place for a healthy brunch featuring local yogurt, granola, and artisanal sourdough.
Best Rooftop or View Dining
When deciding where to eat in Interlaken, sometimes the scenery is the main course.
Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant (Harder Kulm)
You have to take a funicular to get here, but the view is unbeatable. You sit 1,322 meters above sea level looking down at Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks in the background. The food is standard Swiss fare, but you are paying for the 360-degree panorama.
Sky Terrace (Höheweg)
Located on the roof of the Hotel Royal St. Georges, this seasonal spot offers some of the best views of the town and the surrounding Alps. It is more for drinks and light snacks than a full dinner, making it the perfect pre-dinner sunset location.
Best Food Neighborhoods to Wander
Unterseen: Cross the bridge from Interlaken West to find the older, quieter part of town. This neighborhood feels more "authentic" and houses several smaller cafes and traditional Swiss restaurants away from the tour bus crowds.
Höheweg: This is the main artery connecting Interlaken West and East. It is lined with high-end hotel dining and grand terraces. While busy, it is the best place to find variety within a five-minute walk.
Marktplatz: This area sits between the main strip and the river. It’s where you’ll find more independent boutiques and community-focused eateries like Ladelokal.
Note: Opening hours and reservation requirements change frequently; always check the restaurant’s website before heading out.