The Alpina Gstaad opened in 2012 and immediately repositioned the valley's luxury dining landscape. Its two restaurants — the Michelin-starred Sommet and the cosmopolitan MEGU Japanese — together represent two completely different philosophies of what fine dining in the Alps can be. Both are among the most sought-after tables in the Saanenland.
The Alpina Gstaad was built on Alpinastrasse at the southern end of Gstaad village and opened in 2012 after a seven-year development. The architecture — designed by studio BIG with a structure that cascades down the hillside like a modern interpretation of a traditional chalet — is the most dramatic of any hotel in the valley. The Alpina is a five-star property with 56 suites, a Six Senses Spa and, crucially for dining, two restaurants that operate as genuine destinations independent of hotel guests.
Sommet holds one Michelin star and 17 Gault Millau points, earned under Chef Martin Göschel. The restaurant operates a Signature tasting menu format — a six to eight course progression that balances Alpine produce and classical French technique. The dining room faces the Gstaad mountains through full-length windows, creating the most theatrically beautiful view of any starred restaurant in the valley. Dress code is smart; the atmosphere is formal without being stuffy. Open Wednesday to Sunday for dinner during the winter season only.
Dinner at Sommet begins with an aperitif in the adjoining lounge area, where the sommelier can guide you through the wine pairing options. The Signature menu unfolds over two to three hours — amuse-bouches, a series of composed dishes, and a cheese course featuring local Saanenland producers. The kitchen is visible through a glass partition, which adds an element of theatre to the experience. For wine, the cellar at The Alpina is one of the most comprehensive in the valley, with particular depth in Swiss, Burgundian and Austrian whites.
MEGU is the more surprising of The Alpina's two restaurants — a cosmopolitan Japanese dining room designed by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, with a central sushi counter staffed by Chef Tsutomu Kugota. The sake collection is the largest in Switzerland (over 80 references), and the menu ranges from a traditional omakase sushi counter to composed dishes combining Japanese technique with Alpine ingredients. MEGU is listed in the Michelin Guide. Open daily during the winter season for dinner.
At MEGU, the omakase sushi counter is the defining experience — eight to twelve pieces selected by Chef Kugota based on what is best that day. The snow crab and seared scallops with truffle miso is the most photographed dish in the room. Wagyu beef (both Japanese A5 and Swiss-raised) features prominently on the menu, and the sea urchin preparations — when available — are exceptional. The sake pairing (five pairings, CHF 85) is the concierge-recommended approach on a first visit.
The choice between Sommet and MEGU depends entirely on what you want from the evening. Sommet is the correct choice for a special occasion that calls for European fine dining ceremony — tasting menu, wine pairing, long unhurried service. MEGU is the choice for a more energetic, visually exciting dinner where the counter experience and the show of sushi preparation are part of the pleasure. For a couple who want to try both, dinner at MEGU one night and Sommet the next is the optimal Alpina dining programme.
The Alpina's main bar serves cocktails and light food from 11:00 and is open to non-hotel guests. The cocktail programme is one of the best in the valley, and the bar is warmer and more intimate than the bars at the Palace. Before dinner at either Sommet or MEGU, an aperitif in The Alpina bar is the natural starting point. The bar also serves late-night food until midnight for those emerging from a long tasting menu who want a nightcap and something small.
Both Sommet and MEGU take reservations through The Alpina's central reservation line at +41 33 888 98 88. The staff speak English and German. For Sommet, book two to three weeks ahead for a regular season weekend; for the Christmas and New Year period, four to six weeks. MEGU is slightly more accessible but still benefits from advance planning on winter weekends. Our concierge calls The Alpina directly and handles the booking in your preferred language.
The Alpina is at Alpinastrasse 23, a fifteen-minute walk from Gstaad train station along the main road heading south from the village. The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle for restaurant guests during the winter season — contact the hotel or ask us when booking. Taxis from Gstaad village cost CHF 15–20. Parking is available at The Alpina for those arriving by car.
We call The Alpina reservation team in German or English, confirm your preferred restaurant (Sommet or MEGU), date, time and party size, and send you the details on WhatsApp. For special occasions at Sommet — proposals, milestone birthdays, anniversaries — we pass the note to the team who will arrange the table accordingly.
Michelin StarGstaad · Fine Dining, Swiss
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Michelin-starred restaurant inside Le Grand Bellevue. Chef Urs Gschwend combines international flavours with local Saanenland produce in a relaxed-chic setting.
Michelin StarGstaad · Fine Dining, French
One-Michelin-star dining at The Alpina Gstaad. Chef Martin Göschel serves an elaborate "Signature" set menu balancing rustic Alpine charm with modern elegance.
Gstaad · Japanese, Fine Dining
Cosmopolitan Japanese cuisine in an interior by Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance. Sushi counter with Chef Tsutomu Kugota and the largest sake collection in Switzerland.
Yes — both restaurants are open to non-hotel guests. Hotel guests get priority for in-demand time slots, but external reservations are always accepted.
No — Sommet is a winter-season-only restaurant. MEGU may open for selected summer events — check with The Alpina directly for current season information.
Smart to smart-casual. Jackets for men are appreciated but not required. No denim or sportswear.
The Signature tasting menu is CHF 170–320 per person before wine. Wine pairing adds approximately CHF 100–150. Budget CHF 400–500 per person all-in for the full experience.
MEGU can accommodate vegetarian diners with advance notice — the kitchen prepares vegetarian sushi and composed vegetable dishes. Vegan requests are more challenging but possible with a week's notice.
Send one WhatsApp message. We call the restaurant in English, German, French or Italian, confirm the table, and reply with your booking details — usually within 10 minutes.
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