Interlaken Restaurant Review
The following is a personal review of various restaurants in Interlaken, usually based on a single visit and thus not necessarily typical nor applicable to the evening when you might visit the same establishment. If you have comments on any of these, or other establishments in or near Interlaken, please feel free to submit them to me. All times below are walking times from the Congress Centre. Many of these places are small so reservations may be advisable, especially for large parties.
Le Chalet
In the Hotel Chalet Oberland, on the main street, 5 minutes west of the
Centre. It may have the largest range of traditional Swiss favourites found in
Interlaken, including fondues and raclettes for cheese lovers. All at reasonable
prices. Ignore the orange tree in the middle of the room, the fruit is not
edible!
Hooters
On the main street next door (to the west) of the Victoria Jungfrau hotel.
The only Swiss outpost of a well-known US chain of sports bars/cafes. It has all
the usual "features" of the US chain, including the menus. But the beer is Swiss
(thank goodness).
Hotel du Lac
Opposite Interlaken Ost railway station and next to the landing stage for
the Brienz lake boats, 10 minutes east from the Centre. The average quality is good
to very good with a 4 course evening meal for 38 francs (summer 2003 prices).
The Saturday evening dinner is of especially good quality and value for money
and not much more expensive. There is an extensive and very good wine list at
reasonable prices.
Schuh
On the main street, just west of the Centre. Offers traditional Swiss and
other dishes at traditional Swiss prices (so not cheap). But a great patisserie
- wonderful choice of cakes, an excellent place for afternoon tea as you watch the
tourists, and other delegates (why are they not in the sessions; why are you
not?), strolling by; all very decadent.
Hotel du Nord
A pleasant restaurant just east of the Centre on the main street. They offer
lunches and evening meals. A 3 course lunch costs 26 CHF. They also have a very
well stocked wine cellar.
Spice India
In a side street off the main street, 5 minutes to the west of the Centre.
Recently renovated after it was closed by fire in the summer of 2003. Reputed by a colleague of mine as the best Indian restaurant in Switzerland.
However, I and several other UK colleagues thought that it was only average
compared to what you find today in most UK major cities. Not recommended
therefore for Brits seeking something different.
Stockers Degusta
In a back alley between Hoheweg and Hauptstrasse, 5 minutes to the west of
the Centre. Don't be put off by the strange name, or the situation (in a narrow
dark alley), or the
plastic cows in the courtyard. It may be the best value meal you will find in
Interlaken. Five delicious courses, beautifully prepared and presented, for 80
francs (summer 2003 prices). Quality confirmed by its Michelin ranking.
The Brasserie
One of two restaurants in the 5 star Victoria Jungfrau hotel in the middle
of the town. I've not made it in there yet as I failed to book in time.
La Terrace
The gourmet restaurant in the Victoria Jungfrau hotel. This is picked out in the Michelin Guide to Switzerland as "4
forks". Unfortunately there is no menu outside but if you need to know the
prices in advance you probably can't afford it! Seriously, the daily menu there costs
105 or 113 CHF without wine. But it's very good and beautifully presented and
served, as you would expect. Bon appetit..
Alan Silverman
13 August 2004