The Saanenland — the valley that encompasses Gstaad, Saanen, Schönried, Rougemont and five more villages — is one of Switzerland's finest settings for a celebration dinner. Whether you want the Michelin tasting menu grandeur of Chesery or the quieter terrace elegance of Restaurant Sonnenhof overlooking Saanen, there is a table for every kind of anniversary.
Gstaad village gets most of the attention, but Saanen — the historic administrative centre of the Saanenland, two kilometres down the valley — has some of the region's most characterful dining. The 12th-century church on the hill, the old farmhouse architecture and the absence of Gstaad's social theatre make Saanen a more genuinely romantic backdrop for a special occasion. Restaurant Sonnenhof, perched above the village, is the standout; Restaurant Kernen and Da Corrado are warm, local-feeling alternatives for a less formal anniversary lunch or dinner.
Restaurant Sonnenhof was awarded 16 Gault Millau points — a recognition that speaks to Louise and Erich Baumer's thirty-year commitment to French-Italian cuisine built on local Saanenland produce. The terrace has a commanding view over Saanen village and the valley below, and the dining room inside is intimate in a way that the large hotel restaurants in Gstaad cannot match. For an anniversary dinner, request the terrace table in the corner and mention the occasion when booking — the Baumers take genuine pride in occasions.
16 Art-Bar-Restaurant on Dorfstrasse in Saanen is a low-ceilinged, candlelit chalet with exposed timber beams and a wine cellar that receives disproportionate attention for a restaurant of its size. The côte de boeuf for two is one of the best steak preparations in the valley, and the curated wine list leans towards lesser-known Swiss and French appellations. Perfect for couples who want excellent food in an intimate setting without the formal theatre of a tasting menu.
For a milestone anniversary — 10th, 25th, 40th — the Gstaad Michelin table is the appropriate gesture. Restaurant Chesery remains the most personal experience: the dining room is small enough that a special occasion registers with every member of the team, from the maître d' to the sommelier. LEONARD's at Le Grand Bellevue offers a more contemporary alternative with a chef's counter format that is particularly memorable for couples.
For an anniversary where the physical setting matters as much as the food, La Bagatelle at Le Grand Chalet is the answer. The panoramic terrace over Gstaad village — elevated above the Promenade with an unbroken mountain backdrop — creates a setting that photographs beautifully and registers in memory long after the meal. The classical French cuisine is the work of a kitchen that has been perfecting the same techniques for three decades.
Not every anniversary calls for a tasting menu. The Saanenland's farmhouse restaurant tradition — the Stallbeizli, the Berghotel, the family-run chalet kitchen — offers an equally memorable anniversary experience at a fraction of the Michelin price. Michel's Stallbeizli in a converted cow barn, Berghotel Hornberg above Schönried with its working farm and home-made alp cheese, and Viviane's Burestübli in Saanen are all genuinely special in a way that cannot be manufactured.
Hotel Ermitage in the village of Schönried sits above the Saanenland on a slope with views towards Gstaad. Restaurant Azalée serves classical French cuisine with a Swiss Alpine accent — Swiss lamb, seasonal truffles, an elegant wine program — in a dining room that is genuinely intimate. The hotel is quieter than the Palace properties, which makes it a natural choice for couples who want a beautiful anniversary dinner without the social scene of Gstaad village.
Every restaurant in this guide can arrange flowers on the table, a Champagne welcome, a custom dessert with a message, and a personalised menu card for an anniversary. The key is to communicate these wishes clearly when booking — ideally two to three days in advance. Our concierge passes all special requests to the restaurant in the local language, ensuring nothing is missed in translation.
Saanen is two kilometres from Gstaad village — a five-minute taxi ride (CHF 20) or a pleasant 25-minute walk along the valley floor in summer. The train connects Gstaad and Saanen stations directly (5 minutes, frequent departures). Most hotels in both villages can arrange a pickup service for dinner guests. Restaurant Sonnenhof is on a hill above Saanen and requires either a short taxi ride from Saanen station or a 10-minute uphill walk.
Contact us with your preferred restaurant or ask for a recommendation based on your occasion, budget and preference. We call in German, French or English, confirm the table and send the details on WhatsApp. For anniversary tables at Sonnenhof and the Gstaad Michelin restaurants, book at least two weeks ahead — more for peak weekends.
Michelin StarGstaad · Fine Dining, Swiss
Michelin-starred landmark hosted by Chef Robert Speth since 1984. Refined seasonal cuisine in a former cheese dairy built by Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan in 1962.
Michelin StarGstaad · Fine Dining, International
Michelin-starred restaurant inside Le Grand Bellevue. Chef Urs Gschwend combines international flavours with local Saanenland produce in a relaxed-chic setting.
Gstaad · French, Fine Dining
Classic French cuisine in the Hotel Le Grand Chalet. For 30 years one of the best tables in the Berner Oberland with a panoramic terrace over the valley.
Saanen · French, Italian
Louise & Erich Baumer serve French-Italian-inspired cuisine awarded 16 Gault Millau points. Wonderful terrace on top of Saanen with valley views.
Gstaad · Swiss, International
Intimate modern Swiss kitchen on the Promenade. Top-rated on TripAdvisor with a small plate menu that rotates weekly.
Gstaad · Swiss, Mountain
Beloved Stallbeizli converted from a 19th-century cow barn. Rustic Swiss food, farm-fresh produce, beautiful sunset terrace.
Saanen · French, International
Authentic old chalet-style spot in Saanen with low wood ceilings and a cozy ambience. The côte de boeuf paired with great wine is a must.
Schönried · Swiss, Mountain
Alpine Berghotel above Schönried with a farm attached — cows in the barn, fresh cheese on the plate. Traditional Swiss cooking with Saanenland views.
Schönried · French, Fine Dining
Fine-dining restaurant at the Hotel Ermitage Schönried. Classical French cuisine with a Swiss Alpine accent and a beautiful wine program.
Restaurant Sonnenhof is the standout — 16 Gault Millau points, panoramic terrace, and a personal, intimate atmosphere. 16 Art-Bar-Restaurant is the best alternative for a more informal celebration.
Budget CHF 80–150 per person at Sonnenhof or 16 Art-Bar without wine. CHF 180–350 per person at Michelin-starred Gstaad restaurants. Add 30–50% for wine.
Yes. All the restaurants in this guide accommodate special occasion requests. Note these clearly when booking — or tell us and we will pass the request when we call.
Saanen is quieter and more genuinely local; Gstaad has more options and the highest-calibre fine dining. If you want intimate and low-key, Saanen; if you want the full Michelin experience, Gstaad.
Yes — Restaurant Sonnenhof's terrace is the best outdoor anniversary table in the valley. Request the corner terrace position when booking (weather permitting).
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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