La Table du Carina — Restaurant in Zermatt

Short version: I was really excited to try this restaurant per the recommendation of a few chefs here in Zermatt. However it was by far the worst and most disappointing dining experiences in Zermatt. Avoid this place and go to Cervo or Brasserie Uno instead.

My friend and I arrived to a restaurant that was maybe half full and ordered tartar and tortelloni. The kitchen accidentally brought us two portions of tartar which they apologized for and comped us for the second portion. Unfortunately the tartar was pretty tasteless and bland (and somehow watery tasting). If you want a great tartar go to Sonmatten hotel!

Then an hour after waiting the waiter came over to say that despite accepting our order for tortelloni, they were all out. The suggested substitute was seafood pasta, which we declined due to food sensitivity. So they offered a premade spaghetti like pasta with shaved truffle. When it came 30 minutes later it was basically bland noodles with butter/cream and a stale truffle topping. Both my friend and I disliked it and didn’t even finish it (only ate it bc what else was open in Zermatt so late). Honestly the worst pasta Ive had in a long time. We told Manuel the host and he apologized but when they bill came they still charged us for the tortelloni (which was handmade with short rib) claiming the substitute store-bought pasta was more expensive therefore we should be happy…

When you have many options to choose from in Zermatt, its just not worthwhile choosing a place with poor kitchen management and worse customer service (especially at this price point!). Like I said before, if you want great homemade pasta go to Cervo instead. No reason to patronize this place. Shame bc Manuel was a very friendly guy.

Definitely would not recommend...

What a fantastic experience at this restaurant! We initially were going to another restaurant only to find it was closed - but we found this place on Google and what a blessing in disguise! The server (I believe her name is Laura) and her partner (head chef) are extremely passionate about food and you can tell!

Context: we came as a party of two as a walk-in in October. I would probably recommend a reservation during busy season as we went during off season. There were a lot of tables available but some reserved.

Environment: it is located in the Hotel Carina. Don’t let that deter you! The food here is amazing.

Food: we ended up walking in on Tuesday which is Pasta Night. We did the pasta course tasting which was 55 CHF per person and allowed us one wine, four pasta types, a dessert.

Wow! The pasta you can tell is handmade and made with love. The pesto was fabulous and I will dream about it! The ravioli walnut moons were delicious, and the lasagna was so unique! The process they do is so intricate and you can tell in the quality of the food

Service: Laura was fantastic and you can tell she is passionate about food! She was so excited to see us and talk to us. I felt so welcome! She explained each menu like we were at a fine establishment! She has great energy!

Overall I would recommend...

Super inclined to write an excellent review of our dining experience yesterday evening here. This relatively newer culinary experience in Zermatt is worth everyone’s visit at least once during their Zermatt stay. The owner couple is the most talented and accommodating hosts, and we had such a welcoming experience dining here with two small children also. Their kids menu of butter and tomato pasta were devoured voraciously by our two children (mind you, the portion size is generous, but they were licked clean), and the attention to detail the chef puts into them was discernible. The mocktail drinks we ordered were so excellent, that my mother in law wants to go back even if it’s just for the drink. Sharing menus were so simple and hearty, yet immensely creative, and we found the pricing very reasonable for the quality too. We know only bright and successful future is ahead for La Table du Carina. Many thanks again for making our first evening in Zermatt...