Housed in a former bell foundry on a charming back street in Saanen, 16 Art Bar feels like dining at a good friend’s house, with warm service and interiors that nod to the building’s bones. Exposed wood beams sit alongside contemporary art. Grilled entrecôte with herb jus sits alongside a long natural and biodynamic wine list that keeps locals and food‐focused travellers coming back. Best to book ahead, though the bar always holds space for walk‐ins.

At 1,920 metres, Wasserngrat stands out for excellent mountain dining with a focus on local produce. Expect Simmental beef entrecôte, rösti with eggs and bacon, and gruyère moitié-moitié fondue served with pickles, potatoes and a sharp shot of schnapps. Meringues with thick double cream from Gruyère often close out the meal. Two terraces follow the sun, with sweeping views across snow-dusted peaks. Winter bookings are wise.

Just off Dorfstrasse in Saanen, Saanerhof (from the folk behind 16 Art Bar) is about as close as the region gets to a classic pub – think snug wooden interiors, well-kept beer on tap and piled-up plates including fish and chips or Pipers salt-and-vinegar crisps that pair well with a pint. Locals and visitors pull up stools at the bar after ski runs or summer hikes, whipping out a deck of cards to play rounds of snap before or after supper.

Part butcher, part wine shop, part restaurant, Boucherie is from the team behind 16 Art Bar and Saanerhof Pub. Queues form early for quality cuts of meat displayed upfront, but locals also drop in for lunch. The menu rotates between burgers, Thai-leaning plates and daily specials, with bottles from the well‐stocked wine fridge opened on request. Tables spill outside in summer, and takeaway is seamless for a slope‐side snack.