Eden Bistro-Bar, c/o Hotel Eden, Spiez

One should always dine during travel as if the vacation is ending — as it indeed was, on the eve of our homeward journey from Interlaken, that five ravenous souls set off on a lakeside drive, equal parts scenic and stomach-led, hoping to find one last Swiss supper worth writing a TripAdvisor review about. Now, vegetarian dining via Google Maps in the Alps is akin to speed dating at a philosophy convention — full of promise, mostly confusing, and inevitably ending with someone eating alone. The first hopeful suggestion was a Mexican joint where the vegetarian menu consisted mainly of fried ambition wrapped in tortilla. The second? Shut — perhaps out of sympathy. And just when all hope seemed lost (cue Alpine violins), we stumbled upon Eden Bar & Bistro at Hotel Eden in Spiez. Did we have a reservation? No. Did we have determination? Yes. Did we have a slightly theatrical look of hunger? Certainly. With all the gravitas of UN delegates seeking asylum, we politely pleaded for a table. The outdoor terrace — a postcard-perfect affair overlooking the majestic Lake Thun — was fully booked. But fortune favours the famished, and we were graciously seated indoors with a sideways lake view, slightly obstructed by the heads of luckier (and evidently earlier) diners. Still, it was charming — like watching the opera from the balcony with a slightly taller person in front. Eden’s menu was a revelation to any long-suffering vegetarian in Europe, who by Day 10 usually survives on a diet of French fries and existential questions — or retreats silently to the nearest Indian restaurant. Here, however, was a menu with actual options. Three among us surrendered to the temptations of the 4-course set menu, while one chose the ascetic path of soup and salad. I, meanwhile, opted for a heavenly baked cauliflower with gnocchi — proof that humble vegetables, when given a Swiss passport and a spa day, can become gourmet celebrities. The meal began with a hors d’oeuvre platter that was more art than appetite, but soon the courses that followed brought flavour, flair, and the kind of presentation that made one pause and wonder whether to eat or applaud. Each dish, a study in edible elegance, arrived with the quiet confidence of a Swiss watch — precise, understated, and infallibly pleasing. Special mention must be made of the service — warm, engaging, and delightfully tolerant of our questions, dietary quirks, and accidental water spills. Bread and water flowed freely (on the house, and thankfully not on the tablecloth), and by the time dessert arrived, we were emotionally invested. As always, dessert stole the show — a finale so indulgent it made parting with Switzerland almost bearable. We departed two hours later, spiritually nourished, culinarily content, and slightly more conversational than we’d arrived. Eden at Spiez, it turns out, is less a restaurant and more a gentle farewell hug from the Swiss Alps — refined, reassuring, and generously vegetarian.

A wonderful spot for a casual drink in a warm and inviting atmosphere with spectacular views! Bistro Bar is beautifully decorated and has delicious drinks served by a phenomenal bartender. Their attention to detail on each drink was a pleasant surprise and it was a great way to begin or end our evenings while staying at Eden Spiez!

With a wonderful view of Lake Thun you may enjoy your meal here in Eden Bistro Bar. The quality of culinary food and variety of Drinks also from the region are excellent. Highly recommended.

Even if you're not overnighting here, go to the bar and have a drink and check out the view. It's impressive beyond description.

We did not stay in the hotel, but stopped to see whether we could get an early dinner after a full day of adventure. We got there around 5:30 and the hotel restaurant didn't open until 6. We were offered the Bistro-Bar. The server was very kind and attentive. Hot food couldn't be served until 6, so I ordered a salad and my husband a smoked salmon sandwich on foccacia. We had wine in the very pleasant atmosphere. The sandwich was delicious, and I really loved the salad. It had marinated beets and coleslaw under red leaf lettuce with pine nuts and cheese and avocado. Also cherry tomatoes and cucumbers! I chose the lemon-lime dressing which was light and zippy. So yummy, I'm going to try to replicate it.

Most of our evening meals we took in the bistro-bar, and were well pleased with the service we received, with the choice of drinks and with the food on offer. The wine soup and fruit bread with cheese deserve special mention.

The Bartender was excellent, providing a great level of service without being intrusive—a skill not known by all, but expected in a setting like this with that old-world class and sophistication.