5 Best Restaurants in Berner Oberland, Switzerland

In the late 1600s, postal workers traveling the Oberland needed a place to eat and swap horses, and they found what they needed in this lumbering wood chalet, one of the oldest buildings in the area. Today the Amacher family taps into its 10 generations of experience running the place to serve outstanding Swiss specialties: Don't miss what could arguably be the country's best Suure Mocke, a tangy braised-meat dish that's marinated in wine and vinegar for two weeks, or opt for one of their traditional fondues, Röstis, or Swiss meat dishes. More than half the guests are locals who gather among the thick, lumpy walls of plastered river rock to sample about 30 wines, many of which are Swiss. Yummy desserts like apple pies and meringues are hard to pass up.

This carved-wood-and-shingle 17th-century landmark attracts both locals and travelers with its two restaurants: The Bistro serves old-style Swiss cuisine—try the Felchen (a kind of whitefish) from nearby Lake Brienz or the Wiener schnitzel—while the Gourmetstübli, a showcase for chef Richard Stöckli's renowned international fare, features four- to seven-course menus that may include fish and mussels in a saffron-pepper sauce or an Alp cheese ravioli with brown butter foam. The established wine cellar offers Swiss and international wines; should you have a few too many glasses, there is always the option of staying over, as the Alpenblick is also a hotel, with rooms spread over two chalets. The place is in Wilderswil, 2 km (1 mile) south of Interlaken.

Established in 1875, this old-world spot offers a well-balanced mix of tradition and modern comfort, with both a formal restaurant and the more laidback Chässtübli. Traditional Swiss cuisine emphasizes seasonal game and vegetable dishes, as well as a lengthy menu of fondue and Rösti (hash brown) creations. The Chässtübli's sunny front porch overlooks the street and is great for people-watching. Head inside for the restaurant's dining room, opening onto the main promenade.

See all the famed Berner Oberland peaks as you dine on a 007 burger or James Bond spaghetti at this revolving restaurant atop the Schilthorn, which makes a full rotation in 45 minutes. The food is better than it has to be, and most opt for the substantial James Bond brunch buffet, with a large selection of everything from pancakes to soups, served daily till 2 pm; otherwise, choose from a salad or soup buffet, cheese or meat platters, and eclectic dishes ranging from Swiss Rösti and pork schnitzel to hearty pastas.

At this carved-wood chalet dating from 1787, you can sit out on the flower-lined terrace and choose from many interpretations of Lake Brienz whitefish and perch. The menu also has a range of veal classics. If you want to linger, there are nine modern guest rooms, all with a bright and cheery feel.