While eating out can be expensive in Crans-Montana, it’s no pricier here than in other upmarket resorts in Switzerland, and the quality is reliably high. There are also options beyond the usual Swiss specialities, with restaurants specialising in food from Japan, Lebanon, Argentina and Portugal.
For a real splurge, there’s the one-starred Michelin restaurant, Le MontBlanc at LeCrans hotel serving modern French cuisine. Cheaper burger and pizza venues are available in both Crans and Montana but it’s not an ideal destination for hungry families on tight budgets.
For further Crans-Montana inspiration, see our guides to the resort’s best accommodation and après ski.
In resort
Burger Lounge
Locals agree the best burgers in town are served at the Burger Lounge on Rue Centrale in Crans. Regular burgers start at CHF12 and there are also child-sized portions for CHF9. Bread and meat are sourced locally and the menu also includes salads and veggie burgers.
Price: £
Contact: burgerlounge.org
As its name suggests, Burger Lounge is said to serve the best burgers in town
Le Continental
After working at a number of highly-rated restaurants elsewhere, chef Paul Da Silva-Clivaz opened his own place on Rue Pas-de-L’Ours in Crans. Le Continental offers classic French cuisine with a twist in a light, modern environment. A la carte options include fresh pasta, risotto and steak, with a three-course menu at CHF69, a pricier chef’s choice option and a children’s menu.
Price: ££
Contact: lecontinental.ch
Le Continental offers classic French cuisine with a twist in a light, modern environment
Credit: deprezphoto
Mosaic
Well-presented, bistro-style food is served at Mosaic on Route du Rawyl, near the tourist office in Montana. Among the traditional meat and fish grills, signature main dishes include poke bowl and quinoa (also available as a half portion), or spaghetti with lobster.
Price: £££
Contact: mosaic2016.ch
Mosaic serves bistro-style food, including traditional meat and fish grills
On the mountain
Relais Chez Erwin
A simple wooden chalet with outside tables on a small terrace overlooking the lower Chetzeron slopes, Relais Chez Erwin is tucked away from the main drag and a great choice on a sunny day, an additional sun terrace was added for 2021/22. The atmosphere is informal with the menu chalked on a board, and tasty dishes include soup, raclette, cold meat platters and mouth-watering fruit tarts.
Price: £
Contact: 00 41 79 479 78 09
The terraces of Chez Erwin is a great choice on a sunny day
Merbé
Owned by CMA (the lift company) and run by the former owner of Zero Dix, the popular après bar by the Cry d’Er lift station in Crans. Merbé, on the half-way station of the Cry d’Er gondola, is easily accessible to non-skiers and was smartly refurbished for 2021/22. Service is slick, the vibe is laid-back and the food is mouthwatering. Entrées include raclette and beef tataki, with burgers, fondue or cauliflower rösti as mains. You can also opt for salad-based Buddha bowls with chicken, salmon or grilled tofu, with tables outside or in.
Contact: merbe.ch
Price: ££
Merbé is known for its laid-back vibe and mouthwatering cuisine
Chetzeron
An impressive conversion of a cable car station into a modern hotel and restaurant, at 2,112m close to the top of the Cry d’Er gondola, Chetzeron offers creative, high-priced cuisine including champagne cheese fondue, lobster bagel with French fries or beef rib with red wine butter.
Price: £££
Contact: chetzeron.ch
At an altitude of 2,112 meters, the view of the Alps from Chetzeron is breathtaking