Food and drink - Zermatt - Switzerland

Restaurant prices tend to reinforce Zermatt's reputation of being a pricey resort, although the standard of cuisine is generally high so you do get your money's worth. There are a few cheaper eateries in the pizza/pasta/fondue category that also serve good-value food. If you are on a budget, check out the supermarkets' surprisingly good range of fresh food.

Cuisine on the mountain tends to be split into Swiss and Italian traditional Alpine food with pasta and polenta dishes featuring heavily. Generally, the closer to the border you ski, the more Italian the cuisine. Zermatt's mountain restaurants use imagination and flair when it comes to their ingredients. Prices are more uniform but on balance more expensive than in resort although, in most restaurants, you will get your money's worth.

Apres-ski is traditionally a big part of the skiing holiday with many people stopping on the way home from an exhausting day on the slopes to refuel and recharge before tackling dinner. As night falls, Zermatt steps up the pace, especially along the main street and Kirchstrasse, where people spill out of the bars onto the streets.

Five to try

Chalet da Giuseppe:
Special occasion restaurant that serves an exciting menu.

The Pipe:
Innovative African, Asian and Indian fusion menu providing the perfect break from the usual Alpine fare.

Chez Vrony (Sunnegga):
Scenic restaurant with a special atmosphere where a particular effort is made for children.

Findlerhof (Sunnegga):
Has a solid reputation for creative food and a warm welcome.

Papperia Pub:
Lively bar for apres-ski or for later in the evening.

Our penny’s worth

There is some great food to be had in Switzerland (albeit mostly of the cheese variety!) so don't hesitate to try a variety of things off the menu. We'd recommend the Assiette Valaisanne - a sort of Swiss ploughman's lunch - dried and cured meats served with local cheeses, gherkins, pickled onions and homemade bread. Rosti is also worth a try; grated potato that is gently fried or baked, and served either as a side order or main course with various additions including eggs, ham or bacon.

Zermatt guidebook

Zermatt

Report date:	30 Apr 2008
Last snowed:	21 Apr 2008
Fresh snow:	10cm
Lifts open:	13 out of 57
Snow depth
Lower slopes:	0cm
Upper slopes:	220cm
Piste information
On-piste:	Excellent
Off-piste:	Tracked
Resort runs:	Closed

Snow conditions

Great conditions for this time of year

Weather

Heavy snow forecast