Dining Out in Interlaken

In Interlaken, eating isn't just about the food. It's about the view. So many restaurants have terrace or sidewalk seating available....take advantage of the fresh air and the majestic views.

Quick Tips:

My suggestion is to either use the plentiful ATM's located in various locales or to find the Credit Suisse bank located on the main shopping street (Hoheweg). The rates are much more competitive (they didn't charge a conversion fee) than the hotels or currency exchanges that you will find in the area.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walk, walk, walk......Interlaken is a very manageable city to walk through. If you are in desperate need to get somewhere quickly taxis are available (but are expensive) or hop on the train to get from Interlaken Ost (East) to West.

After hiking for hours to the St. Beatus Caves, I returned to my hotel room and took a well deserved nap. I awoke refreshed and ready for an early dinner.

My guide book made the suggestion of PizPaz as a casual and enjoyable meal. I headed downtown from my hotel and found it located on the corner of the main street just a few blocks from the Victoria/Jungfrau Hotel. I asked to be seated outside and received a splendid table on the sidewalk facing the shops and foot traffic.

The menu was very large and offered both traditional Italian dishes, Continental fare and about 20 different types of pizza. Garlic bread was brought to my table and my waiter took my order of Risotto with Ham, cheese and mushrooms.

With a very crowded dining room, I expected a long wait. Refreshingly, in a reasonable time my meal arrived. The risotto was very good....it wasn't the best I have had, but I enjoyed it on this chilly evening in June!

My idea is that this restaurant would be a great place for the whole family. It is a good bet in Interlaken!

When I arrived in Interlaken, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with an American who has lived in Interlaken for several years. She gave me practical advice on how to spend my time and on where to eat.

I followed her advice and she did not lead me astray. She said that the one "must" dining experience is to have pastries at the Schuh.

On a brilliantly sunny day in June, I walked down the Hoheweg and arrived at the Schuh. It has the perfect location, just on the perimeter of the local park, where daily dozens of parasailers land from their daring jumps.

I was seated on the terrace in the back of the restaurant and from that vantage point you have a commanding view of the Monch, Eiger and Jungfrau summits. As an addition to the remarkable views, a pianist was also on hand to add a lyrical flavor to the surroundings.

I ordered cinnamon spiced tea and an almond creme pastry that were both about the finest that I have ever had. The pastry was melt in your mouth delicious and I wish that I could have eaten a dozen more. The service was prompt but not rushed and I took advantage of the tranquil setting to take out my journal and collect my thoughts on paper.

I highly recommend the Schuh as a dining or after dinner destination in Interlaken.

On the day that I travelled to the Jungfrau, I decided to look for a place where the locals would hang out. Just a few blocks away from my hotel in a quaint little neighborhood just about 5 blocks from the Hoheweg was my choice for that days evening meal.

The Goldener Anker could be described as very pub like from the outside. In fact, it was very reminiscent of an London pub from its outside appearance. The inside did little to dispel my first thoughts. It was very woody and dark, but also looked very comfortable and inviting. I was promptly seated in a cozy booth that gave a commanding view of the restaurant and the adjacent bar, but I also had a window to look out onto the street.

A very friendly and informative waitress helped me through the menu, it was in German....I could make out most of it, but needed some help. She suggested the beef broth as an appetizer and the spring rolls on a bed of pasta and vegetables as my main.

She led me in a great direction with my meal. It was delicious! I really enjoyed this restaurant, it gave me a different view other than the typical touristy places that I had been going to. It was nice to see local families out on the town....they even ordered some of the same food as I did.

Great meal, great ambiance, great service!!!!

El Azteca is a small Mexican restaurant located on a side street off of the Hoheweg (the main shopping street). This was my first restaurant choice while staying in Interlaken. The atmosphere was typically Mexican with sombreros and Mexican shawls covering the tables and walls....pinatas also were located in many nook and cranny as well as hanging from the ceiling.

The staff was super friendly and they were all Latin American (how's that for authenticity!). I asked to sit outside the restaurant and had a great view of the surroundings. The location is on a small street that doesn't see much vehicular traffic. It is bounded by several other restaurants and small boutique hotels. I was treated to about two hours of watching kids play in the streets, people joyfully walking by on expeditions here and there and various locals on their way home from work. It was very relaxing and comforting.

I ordered from the specials of the day. I had a guacamole salad and chicken fajitas. They served chips and salsa before your meal and were quick to replenish them if needed.

I think that this place is popular because it was constantly busy, but the service was never lacking. The food was good and I enjoyed the entire experience at El Azteca.

As on any vacation or holiday sometimes you just don't feel like getting dressed up or even traveling into town to eat in a restaurant. Now, it is a rare day when this happens to me...but you never know.

Located behind the Cental-Continental Hotel and the Interlaken West train station is the Migros Supermarket and Deli.

This is where you can stock up on those "I forgot to pack _____" items or buy snacks. I visited the Migros on a couple of occasions. First, I like to see the local specialties that are available in a foreign locale. Plus, I like to buy things like bottled water, fruits and candy that I can keep in my hotel room and take on the road on a daily basis. This cuts down on snack binges at those dreaded tourist snack stands...and fruits and water are healthier for you.

Inside the Migros, you will also find a self-service cafeteria and a pastry bar that served great sweets. I really liked the potato soup and the salads that the Migros offered. The prices were reasonable and the portions were hearty.