Eating in Murren & Zermatt

The relatively good value limit is a challenge! A dinner in a hotel restaurant can easily cost 35 CHF and up.
We ate one "okay" meal in a restaurant and ended up picnicking from the Co-op after that.

If you're going to hostel in the area, for the love of god go to the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald. It's the best place in the world.

I took several take aways "chicken tender" dinners from Tham's in Murren for my children...several years ago. Not too expensive is just not something you're going to find at Swiss Restaurants. There is a smallish cafe-type place located in Lauterbrunnen next to the gondola station. It was the least expensive full service cafe we found anywhere in Switzerland. If you're in the bigger cities with Coop restaurants or larger department stores with cafeterias then you might find some cheap eats.

Lauterbrunnen Valley Hostel is an OK place, but the Mountain Hostel in Gimmelwald seems to be a bit more popular and is also self catering.

mike,

The term "not too expensive" doesn't often fit well in Switzerland. A good place for meals in the valley is the Hotel Oberland in Lauterbrunnen (should you happen to be in the area), but it's not exactly inexpensive. They have a good selection of Rösti, which is one of my favourites.

You could also try the restaurant in the Pension Gimmelwald or the Mountain Hostel (as mentioned earlier).

Thanks all,

Yes I am aware that eating out cheap is not going to be possible in Switzerland, and I'm gathering that no restaurant in Murren is going to be any different price wise than the rest. Glad to hear that Tham's does take out food (confirmed on their website), I'll probably live on that. I've really no wish to eat in expensive hotel restaurants, on my own, whilst getting self conscious about what I'm wearing! Any other sources of food to go other than Tham's & the Co-op in Murren?

As for the Mountain Hostel, I don't really fancy the youth vibe, paying for showers, and sleeping sardine-like. Thanks for the recommendation though, I'm sure it suits a lot of people down to the ground. Staying in Lauterbrunnen for 4 days in order to do the other side of the valley, once I'm finished in Murren.

Thanks Ken,

Might try the Oberland then when I'm in Lauterbrunnen. I hear that the camping Jungfrau restaurant is good too.

Mike,

I haven't tried the Camping Jungfrau, but will try to remember that next time I'm in the area. If you're in the mood for a Guinness, you might try the Horner Pub in Lauterbrunnen. The Base Jumpers seem to congregate there, and they have some interesting stories.

Mike, I hope you're not under the false impression that Tham's is cheap because it does take-away food?? That's not the case. Thams is priced like all other Swiss Restaurants...expensive. But that's for a reason, you know. Wait staff can actually make a very good living by waiting on tables and being paid a real living wage - without being dependent upon voluntary tips from diners.

TimNo, I'm sure I'll pay plenty more for a take-away there than I would back home. Surely though a portion to go will be moderately cheaper than if you ate in the restaurant? And believe me, I'm all for a living wage, not that I'll be contributing this time.

Ken, I'm never in the mood for a Guinness - foul stuff! Not really a beer drinker at all, Guinness crisps are nice though - you have those over in Canada? I have heard of the Horner though, might stick my head around the door.

mike,

"I'm never in the mood for a Guinness - foul stuff!"

LOL! I like a pint now and again, especially when travelling in the U.K. or Ireland. I'm sure you've heard the old saying, "Guinness is not a beer, it's a food group." I believe it's classed as a "Porter Stout".

I'm not sure if we have those crisps here or not? I'll have a look next time I'm at the store. I tend to prefer Kettle brand Salt & Vinegar.

Yes indeed , I've heard that saying! Guinness crisps are made in the UK by Burts Crisps, and I don't think they've crossed the pond as yet! Maybe another brand does them.