Z'Mutt - Zermatt

The flower-bedecked outside tables of this cozy and cheerful little restaurant immediately greet you as you enter the tiny hamlet of Zmutt from the path that leads here from the Zmutt Dam. Whether you have walked up the little road from the Furi cable-car station or come the longer way on the wide path that starts in Zermatt near the Schwarzee cable-car station, you can rest your weary feet here with your back against the walls of centuries-old but still sturdy huts while delicious food quickly appears on the table in front of you. And while you drink in the views (such as the green hillside with the Matterhorn tip just peeking out over it,) you might want to sip a glass of Prosecco before selecting from the tasty dishes available (a surprisingly wide range of choices, given how much work it must take to get supplies up to this remote area.) Vegetarians, for example, will love the curried ginger soup and the ravioli in garlic sauce (there are also simple cheese dishes, rostis, and risottos, among other possibilities.) As well, we have eaten here a few times with a Zermatt resident who is not vegetarian, and he tells us that the meat in other dishes, such as liver, is both tasty and locally sourced. (He also pointed out that locals love to come here for both the beautiful walk and the enjoyable food, and many of us believe that it’s always a sign of good food and reasonable prices when a restaurant is consistently supported by locals, not just by one-time visiting tourists.) Service is friendly and quick, and I think the prices offer good value, whether you are ordering a complete meal or just a single home-made dessert or a scoop or two of cinnamon ice-cream. (Go for two scoops—this unusual flavour is delicious!) If you are visiting Zermatt for a day or two and you enjoy 2 hours or so of steady uphill walking (not too demanding and always scenic) with delicious food at the end of it, make sure you come here.

A quaint little place tucked amid the old leaning, wooden chalets of charming Z’mutt (which according to the owner means a mound in Celtic.) Dörflein serves up modest but tasty, balanced lunches (I’m not sure they are open for dinner as it is a little remote,) as well as drinks. There’s inside seating but it’s best to eat outside on the layered terraces (plenty of tables, benches and parasols) to imbibe the views and atmosphere. We opted for light soups and excellent local Heida white wine (made from Savagnin or Traminer grapes,) along with pastas for the children and the most fabulous apple strudel (definitely home-made and the best I’ve ever had) with thick vanilla sauce. The setting is fabulous, in an unspoiled, traditional handful of Valais chalets, literally in the shadow of the towering Matterhorn. Service was fast and friendly. Access is either on foot to and from Zermatt, or you can take the Zermatt-Furi lift and walk down from Furi (head right outside the station.) The walk is leisurely, not too steep along a well marked track. Bonuses include the fantastic views and photo opportunities.