Valais is Switzerland's third-largest and most dramatically alpine canton, home to 40 of the Alps' 52 four-thousand-metre peaks including the iconic Matterhorn. With the driest climate in Switzerland, over 300 sunny days a year, and the country's largest wine-growing region, it offers an extraordinary blend of high-altitude adventure, luxury resorts, and centuries-old culture.
Valais has one of Switzerland's most distinctive regional cuisines, rooted in alpine traditions of preservation and communal eating. Raclette — cheese melted and scraped onto potatoes, pickles, and dried meats — originated in Valais and remains the defining dish. Fondue (cheese and bourguignon varieties), Alplermagronen (alpine macaroni), and Tête de moine cheese are other staples. The canton is Switzerland's premier wine region, producing unique varietals like Fendant (Chasselas), Humagne Rouge, Petite Arvine, and the extraordinary Vin des Glaciers aged at altitude. Game dishes featuring venison and chamois appear in autumn, while asparagus season in spring is celebrated across the region.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Valais.
Raclette Valaisanne
The iconic dish of Valais: raw-milk cheese melted before an open fire or on a raclette grill, scraped onto potatoes, gherkins, and silver-skin onions, accompanied by dried meats
Where to try: Chez Heini (Zermatt), Saas-Fee Raclette Stubie, or any traditional restaurant
Price: CHF 25–35 per person
Fondue Moitié-Moitié
A blend of Gruyère and Vacherin Fribourgeois cheeses melted with white wine and kirsch, served with cubed bread for dipping
Where to try: Available across Valais, particularly good at Chez Heini and La Grange
Price: CHF 22–30 per person
Assiette Valaisanne
A generous cold platter of local dried meats (viande séchée du Valais), rye bread, and cheeses — the quintessential Valaisan appetiser
Where to try: Almost every restaurant in Valais
Price: CHF 18–28
Viande Séchée du Valais
Air-dried beef aged in mountain air for months, sliced paper-thin and intensely flavourful — Valais' most famous preserved meat product with AOC status
Where to try: Available at butchers, markets, and most restaurants throughout Valais
Price: CHF 8–16 for a portion
Alplermagronen
Hearty alpine macaroni with potatoes, cheese, cream, and crispy onions — the traditional dish of alpine herdsmen, now served at mountain restaurants throughout Valais
Where to try: Mountain restaurants including Riffelhaus (Zermatt) and Restaurant Belalp
Price: CHF 18–24
Vin des Glaciers
A unique Valais wine (Rèze grape) aged for decades in larch-wood barrels in the high mountain villages of Val d'Anniviers, with an oxidative, nutty character
Where to try: Auberge de Grimentz and specialist wine shops in Val d'Anniviers
Price: CHF 25–80 per bottle
Tête de Moine
A semi-hard Swiss cheese traditionally from the Jura but widely served in Valais, scraped into rosettes using a girolle tool for visual presentation
Where to try: Le Fendant (Sion) and Auberge de Grimentz
Price: CHF 14–20
Brisolée
A Valaisan autumn tradition: roasted chestnuts served with cheese, dried meats, fresh fruit, and new wine — a seasonal celebration dish found from October
Where to try: Traditional restaurants in October–November
Price: CHF 20–30 per person
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni
The Michelin-starred restaurant at the Zermatterhof Grand Hotel offers creative Alpine cuisine with impeccable service and a cellar of over 400 Valais wines. Chef Martin Göschel presents seasonal tasting menus inspired by mountain traditions.
Known for: Michelin-starred seasonal Alpine cuisine with Valais wine pairings
Bahnhofstrasse 55, 3920 Zermatt, Valais
Restaurant Findeln
Perched between the Sunnegga and Blauherd ski areas with breathtaking Matterhorn views, Findeln offers refined mountain cuisine using the finest seasonal ingredients. A magical dining experience accessible by ski in winter or on foot in summer.
Known for: Spectacular Matterhorn views with refined mountain cuisine
Findeln, 3920 Zermatt, Valais
Chez Heini
A beloved local institution in Zermatt serving hearty traditional Valaisan cuisine including raclette, fondue, and seasonal specialities. The rustic timber interior and warm atmosphere make it a favourite with locals and returning visitors alike.
Known for: Authentic raclette and traditional Walliser dishes
Kirchstrasse 32, 3920 Zermatt, Valais
Le Gitan
Le Gitan is a Zermatt institution known for its wood-fired grills and generous Valaisan specialities. The lively, informal atmosphere and central location on the main street make it a perfect post-ski dinner destination.
Known for: Wood-fired grills and Valaisan charcuterie
Bahnhofstrasse 64, 3920 Zermatt, Valais
Spycher
Set in a beautifully converted Valaisan granary (spycher) in Zermatt, this cosy restaurant serves honest alpine food at reasonable prices by Zermatt standards. Soup, pasta, and traditional rösti dishes are perennial favourites.
Known for: Affordable alpine comfort food in an atmospheric granary
Steinmattstrasse 34, 3920 Zermatt, Valais
Grill-Room Grand Hôtel du Rhône
The flagship restaurant of Sion's Grand Hôtel du Rhône showcases the best of Valais produce — local beef, seasonal game, and wine region specialities — in an elegantly restored belle-époque dining room.
Known for: Valais beef and seasonal game with exceptional regional wine list
Rue du Scex 10, 1950 Sion, Valais
La Bergerie
A popular bistro in Sion's old town offering traditional Valaisan cooking at accessible prices. Top billing goes to local beef dishes and Spätzle, with a solid selection of Valais wines by the glass.
Known for: Traditional Valaisan platters and fondue in the old town
Rue des Tanneries 3, 1950 Sion, Valais
Café du Commerce
A classic Swiss café in the centre of Sion beloved by locals for its generous lunch menus, daily specials on a chalkboard, and friendly service. Excellent value with a convivial atmosphere.
Known for: Affordable daily specials and classic Swiss café food
Rue de Lausanne 21, 1950 Sion, Valais
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
French
Restaurant du Château
Located at the foot of Valère hill in Sion, this pleasant restaurant offers French-Swiss cuisine with a focus on seasonal produce and Valais wines. The summer terrace with castle views is one of the most romantic spots in the capital.
Known for: Seasonal French-Swiss cuisine with terrace and castle views
Rue des Châteaux 24, 1950 Sion, Valais
Le Temps Libre
A charming French-style café in Martigny serving excellent coffee, croissants, and light lunches in a relaxed setting. Perfect for breakfast before visiting the nearby Fondation Pierre Gianadda.
Known for: French-style café breakfasts near the Fondation Gianadda
Rue du Bourg 28, 1920 Martigny, Valais
Restaurant Hotel Bellevue
A pleasant mid-range restaurant in Leukerbad known for its generous portions of Swiss and French cuisine and a sunny terrace overlooking the valley. Excellent value set menus at lunchtime.
Known for: Sunny terrace dining with solid Swiss-French cuisine
Dorfstrasse 62, 3954 Leukerbad, Valais
Traditional Valaisan
Walliserstube
The Walliserstube in Verbier is a classic après-ski restaurant and raclette house, serving the regional staples with enthusiasm. Its warm Stube (lounge) atmosphere and central location make it a ski-season favourite.
Known for: Traditional raclette and fondue in a classic ski village setting
Rue de Médran 8, 1936 Verbier, Valais
Saas-Fee Raclette Stubie
A cosy traditional restaurant in Saas-Fee devoted to raclette and local Valaisan dishes. The cheese is melted before your eyes tableside, served with potatoes, pickles, and dried meats in the classic style.
Known for: Traditional tableside raclette in a warm chalet setting
Dorfstrasse 14, 3906 Saas-Fee, Valais
Auberge de Grimentz
A charming auberge in the village of Grimentz serving traditional Valaisan cuisine in a beautifully preserved 17th-century chalet. Try the local Vin des Glaciers, a unique wine aged at altitude.
Known for: Authentic Valaisan cuisine and Vin des Glaciers in a 17th-century chalet
Grimentz, 3961 Grimentz, Valais
Alpine Mountain Restaurant
Riffelhaus Restaurant
Accessible only by the Gornergrat Railway or on foot in summer, the Riffelhaus restaurant at 2,582m offers hearty mountain food with Matterhorn panoramas. A magical lunch stop mid-mountain.
Known for: Hearty mountain food with Matterhorn views at 2,582m
Riffelberg, 3920 Zermatt, Valais
Restaurant Belalp
Located at Belalp above Brig, this mountain restaurant offers magnificent views of the Aletsch Glacier alongside hearty alpine lunches. Accessible by cable car from Blatten bei Naters.
Known for: Hearty mountain lunches with Aletsch Glacier panoramas
Belalp, 3914 Blatten, Valais
Brasserie
Restaurant du Grand-Quai
A friendly brasserie in Martigny offering solid Swiss and French cooking at moderate prices, with a pleasant terrace for summer dining. Popular with locals for weekday lunches and relaxed evening dinners.
Known for: Daily lunch specials and reliable brasserie classics
Rue du Grand-Quai 2, 1920 Martigny, Valais
Brasserie du Grand-Pont
A classic Sion brasserie on the main shopping street with a long tradition of serving honest Swiss food to locals at lunch and after work. Daily plats du jour, beer-battered fish, and generous salads.
Known for: Affordable Swiss brasserie classics in a convivial setting
Rue du Grand-Pont 4, 1950 Sion, Valais
Italian
Saas-Fee Pizzeria Don Ciccio
The best pizza in Saas-Fee, using long-fermented dough and Italian ingredients imported directly from Naples. A lively and sociable restaurant popular with families and après-ski crowds.
Known for: Neapolitan-style pizza in a Saas-Fee chalet
Dorfstrasse 38, 3906 Saas-Fee, Valais
Grotto Ticinese
A distinctive grotto-style restaurant in Brig bringing the cuisine of Swiss Ticino to the heart of Valais — polenta, risotto, and grilled meats in a relaxed vine-covered setting.
Known for: Ticinese Italian cuisine and polenta dishes in southern Swiss style
Sebastiansplatz 1, 3900 Brig, Valais
Alpine Farm Restaurant
Chez Vrony
High above Zermatt at Findeln, Chez Vrony is a celebrated farm restaurant where the Julen family serves produce from their own farm alongside fine wines. Sunny terrace, views of the Matterhorn, and genuinely warm hospitality.
Known for: Farm-to-table alpine cuisine with Matterhorn views
Findeln, 3920 Zermatt, Valais
Artisan Bakery
Zermatt Bakery
A beloved early-morning stop for Zermatt skiers and hikers, this artisan bakery serves superb sourdough loaves, Swiss pretzels, and pastries alongside quality espresso. Popular with in-the-know locals.
Known for: Artisan breads and Swiss pastries for early-morning hikers and skiers
Bahnhofstrasse 47, 3920 Zermatt, Valais
Bakery And Café
Boulangerie du Rhône
Sion's most popular bakery-café opens early and serves exceptional baked goods including the local pain de seigle (rye bread) alongside café au lait and freshly made sandwiches for a quick, affordable breakfast or lunch.
Known for: Traditional Valaisan rye bread and fresh pastries
Avenue du Midi 14, 1950 Sion, Valais
Bistro
Le Fendant
A lively wine bar and bistro in Sion's old town specialising in the wines of the Valais appellation, with an excellent selection of local Fendant, Humagne, and Pinot Noir by the glass accompanied by cheese and charcuterie platters.
Known for: Extensive Valais wine list with local cheese and charcuterie
Rue de Conthey 12, 1950 Sion, Valais
Burgers And Grills
La Vache
A Verbier institution serving hearty burgers made with local Valais beef, crispy fries, and craft beers. Loud, fun, and always packed after a day on the mountain — perfect for groups and families looking for unpretentious food.
Known for: Valais beef burgers and après-ski snacking
Route de Verbier 4, 1936 Verbier, Valais
Café And Brunch
Café Verbier
The go-to brunch spot in Verbier village, serving full English breakfasts, eggs benedict, avocado toast, and excellent coffee to fuel morning skiers and late risers alike. Busy on weekends — arrive early.
Known for: International brunch with Alpine twist in ski resort setting
Place Centrale, 1936 Verbier, Valais
Contemporary Swiss
La Porte d'Octodure
One of Martigny's most celebrated restaurants, La Porte d'Octodure offers refined contemporary Swiss cuisine in an elegant setting near the Fondation Pierre Gianadda. The tasting menu pairs brilliantly with local Valais wines.
Known for: Contemporary Swiss cuisine near the Fondation Gianadda
Avenue du Grand-St-Bernard 51, 1920 Martigny, Valais
Creative Alpine
Zum See
A legendary mountain restaurant in a remote hamlet above Zermatt, Zum See has been serving outstanding creative cuisine since 1974. Reachable by ski in winter and foot in summer, it rewards the effort with exceptional food and wine.
Known for: Legendary creative mountain cuisine in a remote hamlet
Zum See, 3920 Zermatt, Valais
European
Palladium
Palladium in Crans-Montana is one of the region's most celebrated restaurants, offering modern European cuisine by an award-winning kitchen in a sleek, contemporary setting overlooking the Mont-Blanc range.
Known for: Award-winning contemporary European cuisine and alpine panoramas
Chemin du Signal 22, 3963 Crans-Montana, Valais
Modern Alpine
La Table du Farinet
The restaurant at the Hotel Farinet in Verbier offers modern Alpine cuisine in a chic setting, with an emphasis on high-quality Swiss produce. The wine list spotlights Valais producers alongside international names.
Known for: Modern Alpine cuisine with Valais wine focus
Route de Verbier 18, 1936 Verbier, Valais
Street Food
Verbier Street Food Stall
A popular après-ski street food counter in Verbier village serving hot dogs, crêpes, and warm drinks to hungry skiers returning to the village from the lifts. Quick, cheap, and warming.
Known for: Hot après-ski street food at Verbier's main square
Place Centrale, 1936 Verbier, Valais
Swiss Café And Bakery
Café des Alpes
The best morning spot in Leukerbad for fresh croissants, Swiss-style muesli, and strong coffee before heading to the thermal baths or the Gemmi Pass. A genuine village café with a warm welcome.
Known for: Fresh pastries and Swiss-style breakfast in a village café
Dorfstrasse 22, 3954 Leukerbad, Valais
Traditional Swiss
Restaurant Glacier du Rhône
A mountain restaurant near the Rhône Glacier and Furka Pass serving traditional Swiss and Valaisan dishes to cyclists, road-trippers, and hikers passing through one of Switzerland's most scenic high passes.
Known for: Traditional Swiss mountain fare at the Rhône Glacier
Gletsch, 3999 Gletsch, Valais
Valaisan Regional
La Grange
A cosy converted barn restaurant in Crans-Montana serving traditional Valaisan cuisine in an authentic rustic setting. Excellent fondue, raclette, and local dried meat boards make it a firm favourite with resort guests.
Known for: Traditional raclette and fondue in a rustic converted barn
Chemin de la Grange 4, 3963 Crans-Montana, Valais
Village Café
Café de la Poste
The soul of Grimentz village in Val d'Anniviers, this traditional café serves simple breakfast and lunch to locals and hikers passing through. The terrace overlooks the fountain square and ancient wooden chalets.
Known for: Simple authentic village café in the heart of Val d'Anniviers
Grimentz, 3961 Grimentz, Valais
Wine Bar
Crans-Montana Wine Bar
A sophisticated wine bar in the centre of Crans-Montana showcasing the wines of the canton, with over 80 Valais labels available by the glass or bottle. Light bites of local cheese, dried meats, and seasonal tartines accompany the tastings.
Known for: Curated Valais wine selection with regional small plates
Route du Rawyl 10, 3962 Crans-Montana, Valais
Food tours & tastings in Valais
Eat your way through Valais with a guide.
Browse food experiences in ValaisWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Saucisse de Valais grillée
Local Valaisan pork sausage grilled over charcoal and served in a bread roll, found at market stalls and village fairs
Find it at: Markets and festivals throughout Valais
Pain de seigle
Dense, flavourful traditional Valaisan rye bread sold at bakeries throughout the canton, often served with dried meats and cheese
Find it at: Bakeries across Valais, especially Boulangerie du Rhône, Sion
Merguez en baguette
North African-spiced lamb sausage in a baguette, popular at ski resort street stalls especially in Verbier
Find it at: Verbier Place Centrale street stalls during ski season
Roasted chestnuts (marrons)
Fresh chestnuts roasted over open flames sold by street vendors throughout Valais during autumn — a seasonal must-try
Find it at: Sion and Martigny markets, October–November
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Sion Saturday Market
Valais' biggest weekly market held in Place du Midi and surrounding streets, featuring local cheese, dried meats, wine, vegetables, flowers, and crafts from regional producers
Hours: Sat 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Martigny Thursday Market
A lively weekly market in Martigny's town centre with local produce, honey, dried meats, and seasonal specialities
Hours: Thu 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Brig Saturday Market
A traditional market in the Sebastiansplatz of Brig offering local farm produce, fresh vegetables, and Valaisan specialities
Hours: Sat 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Autumn Wine Harvest Markets
During September and October, villages throughout the Valais wine country hold grape harvest festivals with wine, food stalls, and music
Hours: Weekends in September–October
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (12:00–2:00 PM) is the main meal of the day — many restaurants offer excellent set menus at lunch for CHF 18–25
Raclette and fondue are typically dinner dishes and rarely served at lunch
Valais wine is excellent and locally produced — order Fendant (white), Petite Arvine (white), or Pinot Noir (red) with confidence
Tipping is not expected but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated for good service
Many mountain restaurants require reservations during peak ski season — book ahead for Zum See and Findeln
- Vegetarian
- Raclette and fondue are naturally vegetarian (without the dried meats). Most restaurants have vegetarian options but selection may be limited in alpine villages.
- Halal
- Halal options are limited in Valais; larger supermarkets in Sion and Martigny carry some halal products. Ask at your hotel for recommendations.
- Gluten free
- Rye bread (pain de seigle) contains gluten. Potatoes and cheese dishes (raclette) are naturally gluten-free. Ask staff — awareness is improving.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | CHF 15–25 per meal | Bakery lunches, daily specials at local cafés, and supermarket picnics from Migros or Coop |
| Mid-range | CHF 35–65 per meal | Sit-down restaurants with raclette, fondue, or main course plus a glass of Valais wine |
| Upscale | CHF 100+ per meal | Tasting menus at Michelin-starred or GaultMillau-recognised restaurants including Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni, Palladium, and La Porte d'Octodure |