Brasserie Uno — Restaurant in Zermatt

I'd recommend this restaurant over any other I've ever been to.

My dinner here on 2023/12/13 was one of my most memorable meals, combining the signature precision, invention and craft of fine dining with the care and authenticity you'd find in a special home-cooked meal and the safety and relaxed environment of a low-key Thanksgiving potluck at a friend's Brooklyn apartment.

The food, their farm-to-table surprise menu, managed to cover a lot of ground. It brought back flavors and memories, like with the flavorful aguachiles (served, if memory serves, on the crispiest but sturdy tostada, a perfect match for the dish's zest). I remember a variety of thoughtful & unabashed flavors in each dish, and of course the textures were all precise and complementary. I unfortunately didn't believe in taking pictures of food at the time I had this meal, but I remember it all being well-presented and really showing off its ingredients, with pleasant color combinations.

The service felt especially personable. I remember hearing more wine lore than I've ever encountered elsewhere- learning about not only the flavors and feel of the wine, as well as the regions of origin, but little details like the family dynamics and cultivation strategies of the vineyard owners. It felt like each wine, each coffee bean had been handpicked through a personal bond the restaurant staff had forged with some hidden gem artisans they'd come across in long searches. Each meal came with more detail than usual (even by fancy fine-dining standards) about its sourcing, intentions, backstory, etc.

The ambience also felt comforting, really inviting. The music felt accessible- Black Keys, Foster The People; apparently it's a personal collaborative Spotify playlist. The kitchen had the rhythms and flow you'd expect of consummate professionals, but it also seemed to have a certain lightness to it. The lighting and setup felt cozy, warm, a perfect complement to the wide open white mountains nearby. The whole restaurant felt like it was set up to remind us that the more serious, passionate, and determined we are, the more crucial it is that we relax and enjoy ourselves. Everything at least tasted and felt like the people who made it had a lot of fun making it, if that makes any sense; it had the charm of disinhibition. It made me rethink my life a little.

Even now when I think of my dining here I feel an energizing contentment. I'm really happy I ate here, and I think this restaurant is going to be as much a reason for my future Zermatt visits as the incredible skiing. If you're reading this review and on the fence, and especially if you're a fan of farm-to-table or just unpretentiousness as a concept, in my eyes this restaurant adds as much to a Zermatt trip as...

Brasserie Uno: A Culinary Journey Through the World, Rooted in Swiss Excellence

Dining at Brasserie Uno in Zermatt is more than just a meal—it’s an adventurous culinary experience that transports you across the globe while staying deeply connected to the heart of Switzerland. This intimate and inviting brasserie takes pride in sourcing ingredients from local Swiss farmers and wineries, blending regional excellence with international inspiration to create an unforgettable dining experience.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. The staff was not only welcoming but truly passionate about the experience they were about to share with us. Rather than simply serving dishes, they guided us on a carefully curated journey through flavors and textures, making each course feel like a chapter in a beautifully written travelogue.

The menu at Brasserie Uno is a rotating masterpiece, changing with the seasons to reflect the freshest local ingredients. Every dish we tried was a work of art, crafted with precision and bursting with flavor. The starters set the tone, offering unexpected yet harmonious combinations that showcased the chef’s creative approach. One standout was a delicate yet boldly flavored dish that married Alpine ingredients with global influences, an emblem of the restaurant’s philosophy.

The main courses continued the adventure, featuring locally sourced meats, fresh seafood, and vibrant vegetables, all cooked to perfection. The wine pairings, carefully selected from nearby Swiss vineyards, enhanced the experience, proving that the region’s wineries deserve just as much attention as its legendary slopes.

Dessert was the perfect finale—a sweet yet balanced indulgence that left us savoring every last bite. Much like the courses before it, the final dish was thoughtfully prepared, proving that at Brasserie Uno, every detail matters.

What makes Brasserie Uno truly exceptional is the combination of flawless execution, warm hospitality, and an adventurous spirit. It’s not just about dining; it’s about discovery. If you find yourself in Zermatt, this hidden gem is an absolute must-visit for food lovers seeking something beyond the ordinary. Whether you're a traveler, a foodie, or simply someone who appreciates an exquisite meal, Brasserie Uno invites you to embark on a journey you’ll...

Their system made and an error and booked my party on the wrong date and the restaurant proceeded to charge me $772 for a no show. I booked this as a birthday dinner (I.e. a very distinct date) and shared the date/time, number to call, and instructions to change the reservation for my group (just in case).

They did not call or text to confirm, simply sent an automated reminder email to justify the booking and charge (which was missed because we were on a ski holiday). The restaurant manager was extremely rude and made no attempt to accommodate. I tried to find a date in the future to reschedule (even asked openly what is the next available date was after being shot down when I provided suggested dates) and the restaurant manger simply said “there is no availability”. Clearly I was not welcomed.

No service recovery was offered, no accommodation for a future reservation was made, simply a firm message that I will be charged $772 for a dinner I never experienced because the meal was already prepared (this was a 3 hour tasting and they said all the food was already made and it would be thrown in the trash).

This is not Michelin star service. They do not deserve their star after the rude, unaccommodating, and non-proactive experience they provided.

Given how stern and quick to defend their cancellation policy and fees the restaurant manager was, I assume this establishment has encountered this situation before.

The right thing to do was to recognize your guests’ needs, offer to accommodate, and recover services. I walked away feeling robbed, unseen, and completely violated by a team that was more interested in taking my money vs. doing the right thing and providing Michelin star service.

Where was the text or call to confirm the reservation? Where was your service mindset and empathy? Where was the anticipation of needs and the propensity to delight?

I have lost faith in the Michelin star rating system after this. You have corrupted the entire institution by getting...