Le Coucou Montreux — Restaurant in Montreux

This place is, in a word, magical! I almost hesitate to write a review for fear that it will become crowded and I won't be able to get there as often, but it would be wrong not to share this place with the rest of the world 🌎

The drive up is windy and long, but the views over the lake and the mountains across are so beautiful that the time will fly by (there is also a train available that will drop you off a mere 50 meters from the front door). 🚂

The ambiance is classic Swiss chalet and the aroma of wood smoke is seemingly ever-present, adding to the mystique. The service was perfect and we were seated right away (we had reservations, which I recommend).

The view from the terrace is absolutely one to behold. And when I say "terrace", I don't mean outside porch with 4 square tables. No, this terrace is just incredible. Plentiful seating, multiple configurations, lounges, bar style tables... just look at the photo, because it would take too many words to describe properly.

Now onto lunch! The food could have been served on a plastic tray after being microwaved and I'd still have been happy just because of the rest of the experience thus far. But, of course, the food matched the ambiance and expectations in both presentation and flavor. We shared the truffle-prosecco fondue, beef tartare and vegetarian risotto and all were AMAZING. I nearly wanted to make reservations for that night and just take a nap in the grass until dinner!

I could go on and on about this place, but instead will add some photos and end with two simple...

We have been visiting Le Coucou for years whenever we are on holiday in Switzerland. The surroundings and views are beautiful, and in the past we also enjoyed good food. Unfortunately, this year’s visit was very disappointing.

We had a reservation at 7 PM and arrived after a short shower. The manager told us the terrace was wet, so we were seated inside, even though the terrace was already quite full and guests arriving with us were also seated inside. We were the first to sit down, yet other tables received menus and water immediately, while we had to wait about 15 minutes. Even then, I had to ask twice before we finally got water.

The dining room was overcrowded and hot, but no one thought to open a window. When we ordered wine, it was spilled on the table and not served properly.

Later we asked to move outside, since the weather had cleared. The terrace is beautiful, but we had to sit on bare wooden chairs because the cushions were wet. Our drinks from inside only came after repeated reminders.

For our son, they first served a frozen gluten-free ciabatta. When it was replaced, the waiter simply dropped it on the table in front of him in a very rude way. The food overall was only average, far below the expectations in this price category.

Not once did anyone say "sorry" or ask if we were satisfied. Service felt careless and unprofessional. Despite the stunning location, the evening was not worth the money. Next time we will probably just bring a picnic to the gazebo nearby - the view is even...

Rude, arrogant & outdated place. Such poor service! From the moment we arrived it was terrible service! The only saving grace I can offer this place, is it does a great breakfast & it's at least very clean (good housekeeping).

At check-in we had troubles. Once greeted at front desk by staff, told to wait one moment.... 20mins later someone returned to serve us. We then needed to wait for other friends to arrive. The hotel has no foyer, so we asked to sit & wait inside or outside in the garden & in the sun, but was told "no" as they're fully booked.... half the seats were empty & nobody used those chairs for the whole hour we sat on the grass next to front door of hotel, waiting.... where we watched the wasps go flying inside the rotisserie cooker for the chicken they were serving for dinner. Previous to this we had asked for dinner reservations - only to be told it depends how many of us would want to eat... so at this point we gave up trying on our failing negotiations & ate elsewhere for our evening meal (thankfully)

Once the fourteen of us friends got inside to our rooms, we found they were very 'traditional' & few mod-cons. & no hot water for the showers... again we asked at front desk, only to be told, we must wait until later for the water to turn on

On check out we had to pay a state visitor tax, but some of us were overcharged by having to pay for all rooms, even though we had already individually paid. Obviously, somehow, they have internal no...