Gstaad is a genuine family resort — it has been hosting multi-generational Swiss and international families for over a century. The dining scene reflects this. From wood-fired pizza at Arc-en-Ciel to the mountain farm tables at Berghotel Hornberg, families with children of all ages are warmly received in most Saanenland restaurants. This guide identifies the best options by age group, preference and budget.
Swiss restaurant culture is more family-inclusive than most of its European neighbours. In the Saanenland, this tradition is reinforced by the resort's long history as a family destination — multi-generational holidays are the norm rather than the exception. Most Gstaad restaurants have high chairs, children's menus or at minimum the willingness to adapt a main course for smaller appetites. The exception is the very top Michelin tables (Chesery, Sommet) which are better suited to older children and teenagers.
Restaurant Pizzeria Arc-en-Ciel is the most reliably family-friendly restaurant in Gstaad village. Wood-fired pizzas, fondue, simple pasta and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere make it the natural choice for families who want a straightforward dinner without ceremony. The terrace is family-friendly in summer; the inside dining room is warm and welcoming in winter. Open daily until 22:30. Children's portions available on request.
Ristorante Pizzeria da Corrado in Saanen is the closest thing to a neighbourhood Italian in the valley — wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta and a tiramisù that is made daily. The warm family welcome is genuine: the restaurant has been serving Saanen families for decades, and the staff understand exactly what families with young children need. High chairs, children's menu, and a flexible kitchen that will adapt dishes without fuss. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Posthotel Rössli has been family-run since 1845 — four generations of the same family serving traditional Swiss food in the same Stübli on the Gstaad Promenade. This generational depth extends to how they treat families: high chairs, a children's menu, and a kitchen that genuinely enjoys cooking for young guests. The truffle fondue is adult territory, but the regular cheese fondue and veal with rösti are perfectly suited to older children. This is the restaurant where Gstaad's own families have their birthday dinners.
The Wispile gondola from Gstaad village is one of the best family outings in the valley — a short cable car ride, a flat walk to the restaurant, and a menu of rösti and apple strudel that children reliably enjoy. Berghaus Wasserngrat at 1,920m is higher and more dramatic but requires the longer cable car journey. Berghotel Hornberg above Schönried is the most educational family option: the working farm means children can watch cows being milked and chickens being fed before sitting down to a meal made from the farm's own produce.
Mango Restaurant on the Gstaad Promenade is the rare Indian option in the Saanenland, and it is a genuinely good one for families with older children. The tandoor chicken, palak paneer and vegetarian thali are popular with visitors who want a break from Swiss cuisine. The kitchen can adjust spice levels for children, and the shared family-style service of Indian food — dishes arriving in the centre of the table — naturally suits the family dining format.
Restaurant Gildo's on Hauptstrasse is a Gstaad institution for raclette and fondue. The family-friendly atmosphere — casual, warm, without a dress code — makes it an easy choice for an early evening dinner with children. The raclette format is particularly good for families because children can see and interact with the food preparation at the table. The kitchen is open until 23:00 daily throughout the winter season.
Restaurant Rössli in Feutersoey, run by the Reichenbach family since 1919, is the quietest and most village-like of the Saanenland's family restaurants. The drive from Gstaad takes ten minutes along the Lauenen road. The famous poached trout is the dish to order, but the kitchen makes excellent simple pasta and vegetable dishes for children. The unhurried pace and garden setting in summer make it particularly pleasant for a long family lunch.
Book early in the evening — 17:30 to 18:30 — to get the best tables and unhurried service before the main dinner rush begins. Mention that you have small children when booking; good restaurants will seat you accordingly. The Gstaad ski bus means you do not need to drive between restaurants and your hotel, even in the evenings. In winter, restaurant meals are often followed by a walk along the lit Promenade — a natural end to a family dinner.
Swiss children typically eat rösti, pasta, pizza and simple meat dishes from a young age. Most Gstaad family restaurants reflect this. The children's menu standard in the Saanenland includes pasta with butter or tomato sauce, rösti with egg, chicken escalope or small pizza. For children who are adventurous eaters, the fondue experience is usually a highlight of any Gstaad visit. Always ask the kitchen — they are almost always willing to adapt.
Gstaad · Swiss, Fondue
Family-run since 1845 — the oldest hotel in Gstaad. Traditional Swiss dishes in the woodpanelled Stübli, from truffle fondue to creamy mushroom veal with rösti.
Gstaad · Mountain, Swiss
Iconic mountain restaurant at 1,920m with a sun-drenched terrace and 360° views of the Saanenland. Famous for summer aperos and hearty Alpine lunches.
Feutersoey · Swiss, Fondue
Family-owned since 1919 by the Reichenbach family — one of Gstaad's longest-standing restaurants, famous for its legendary poached trout.
Gstaad · Italian, Fondue
Wood-fired pizzas, regional specialities and fondue in a warm family-friendly setting. Beloved by locals year-round.
Saanen · Swiss, Fondue
Classic Saanen village restaurant with warm wood interior. A reliable stop for hearty Swiss comfort food and local wines.
Gstaad · Indian, International
Modern Indian cuisine and tandoor specialities on the Gstaad Promenade. Rare Indian option in the Saanenland, popular in winter.
Saanen · Italian
Warm neighbourhood trattoria in Saanen with wood-fired pizzas, homemade pasta and an easy family welcome.
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.
Gstaad · Swiss, Fondue
Family-friendly Gstaad institution specialising in raclette, fondue and classic alpine comfort food — a local favourite for winter evenings.
Gstaad · Mountain, Swiss
Mountain restaurant at 1,770m, accessed by gondola from Gstaad. Authentic Swiss cuisine with rösti, homemade apple strudel and unreal views.
Restaurant Arc-en-Ciel is the most reliably family-friendly — wood-fired pizza, fondue, relaxed atmosphere and a terrace. Posthotel Rössli is the best choice for a traditional Swiss family dinner.
Most mid-range and informal restaurants do. The more casual the restaurant, the more likely. Michelin restaurants (Chesery, Sommet) do not offer children's menus but accommodate older children with adapted courses on request.
Yes — fondue is a participatory experience that children enjoy. The hot caquelon is a safety consideration for very young children, but most restaurants provide guidance and are experienced with family groups.
Berghotel Hornberg above Schönried — a working farm restaurant where children can see farm animals and learn about where their food comes from, followed by a farm-fresh meal.
Yes — most Gstaad restaurants open for dinner from 18:00 or earlier. The earliest dinner option is usually 17:30 at casual restaurants like Gildo's and Arc-en-Ciel.
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