Le Mayen — Restaurant in Crans-Montana

We wanted to try authentic Swiss Fondue while travelling through Crans Montana and saw this restaurant being well reviewed and right nearby. Perhaps we expected too much but getting a sack of par-boiled mini potatoes (some still quite crunchy) and some bread pieces to go with a bowl of melted cheese(s) was pretty underwhelming. But maybe that IS what genuine Swiss fondue is like and we just expected more of a variety of things to dip…as presented, it kinda felt like something you’d serve if you were low on groceries, or to a guest you wanted to go away.

Our kids were pleased with the burgers they ordered, to be fair. And our unfriendly, sour-faced server may have been having a bad day, but that certainly didn’t...

Classic Swiss restaurant not very large but if you have a big party - ask for the function room downstairs. The service is good, waiters are attentive to your request. The highlight of the cuisine is the Raclete - unlike fondues - the half cheese head is melted layer by layer and served to you - 3 or 4 cheese varieties. New baby potatoes, gerkins and pickled onions are served to dip into the melted cheese. It is a bit heavy but quite an experience. For better digestion - select a bottle of white wine specifically offered with Raclete. Traditional Swiss aperetif is also in the offering. After dinner you may want to proceed to Amadeus Bar which local claim is a go-to...

Traditional Valais cooking including Valais Fondues, Röstis and Raclettes. Friendly service in an Alpine setting.

We shared a mixed salad to start and followed up with a Raclettes a degustation which was a selection of Valais AOC from the canton. You get shown a map of where the cheese is made and 4 chesses for that evening. If you want more you ask for the cheese from the area you enjoyed. You also get potatoes and pickled gherkins and onions as an accompaniment.

We also tired the tomato fondue which was different to a regular fondue.

Finally for a sweet we shared a Toblerone chocolate mousse.

Good food and the right place for...