Where to Eat in Interlaken

Interlaken's dining culture reflects its position as a Swiss Alpine resort town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz in the Bernese Oberland region. The local cuisine centers on traditional Swiss-German specialties including rösti (crispy shredded potato cakes), fondue made with Emmental and Gruyère cheeses from nearby dairies, and raclette served with local pickled onions and gherkins. The town's dining scene caters heavily to international tourists while maintaining strong ties to Bernese culinary traditions, with many establishments offering hearty mountain fare alongside Italian and Asian options that reflect the town's cosmopolitan visitor base. The dining atmosphere ranges from rustic chalets serving Alpine classics to modern bistros along Höheweg, the main boulevard connecting the two train stations.

Key Dining Features in Interlaken:

• Höheweg Dining District: The main promenade between Interlaken Ost and West stations concentrates the highest density of restaurants, from traditional Swiss establishments serving cheese fondue (CHF 28-35 per person) to casual cafés offering Berner Platte (a platter of smoked meats, sausages, and sauerkraut for CHF 32-42)
• Essential Local Dishes: Älplermagronen (Alpine macaroni with potatoes, cheese, cream, and onions topped with applesauce, CHF 22-28), Geschnetzeltes Züri Art (sliced veal in cream sauce, CHF 38-48), and Meringues de Meiringen with double cream from the nearby village that invented them (CHF 8-12)
• Price Ranges: Budget meals at bakeries and takeaway spots run CHF 12-18, mid-range sit-down restaurants charge CHF 25-45 for mains, while upscale dining experiences cost CHF 50-80 per entrée, with Swiss prices notably higher than neighboring countries
• Seasonal Dining: Summer (June-September) brings outdoor terrace dining with extended hours until 22:00-23:00 and game season in autumn features Hirschpfeffer (venison stew) and wild boar dishes (CHF 42-55), while winter focuses on fondue and raclette in cozy alpine-style interiors
• Mountain Restaurant Culture: Cable car access to Harder Kulm and surrounding peaks offers traditional mountain huts serving Bergkäse (mountain cheese) platters and house-made Rösti with stunning Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau views, typically open 9:00-17:00 during operating seasons

Practical Dining Tips for Interlaken:

• Reservations: Essential for dinner during peak summer months (July-August) and winter ski season (December-March), especially for fondue restaurants which prepare cheese pots per table; lunch typically accommodates walk-ins except on rainy days when tourists flood indoor venues
• Payment and Tipping: Credit cards accepted widely but smaller mountain huts may require cash; service is included in prices by Swiss law, though rounding up to the nearest CHF