Top 10 Budget-Friendly Restaurants for Families in Switzerland

Switzerland may be known for its high prices, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank—especially when traveling with family! Whether you’re looking for classic Swiss comfort food or international flavors, these 10 budget-friendly, family-approved restaurants will keep both your taste buds and wallet happy.

1. Sternen Grill (Zurich)

🌭 What to Eat? Swiss bratwurst with famous mustard & Bürli bread
📍 Where? Bellevueplatz, Zurich
💰 Why It’s Budget-Friendly? High-quality Swiss sausages at street food prices.

Sternen Grill is a Zurich institution, famous for its crispy grilled bratwurst served with a spicy mustard kick. Kids will love the simple but delicious meal, and parents will appreciate the fast service and affordable prices.

💡 Tip: Order at the counter and grab a seat outside for a true Swiss street food experience.

2. Wirtshaus Galliker (Lucerne)

🥔 What to Eat? Rösti & homemade meat dishes
📍 Where? Tellstrasse 20, Lucerne
💰 Why It’s Budget-Friendly? Large portions at reasonable prices

This cozy, family-run restaurant serves up hearty Swiss classics in a welcoming atmosphere. Their Rösti, a crispy Swiss potato pancake, is a favorite among both kids and adults.

💡 Tip: It’s a popular local spot, so go early to grab a table!

3. Pizzeria Molino (Various Locations)

🍕 What to Eat? Wood-fired pizzas & pasta
📍 Where? Zurich, Bern, Basel, Geneva, and more
💰 Why It’s Budget-Friendly? Generous portions, kid-friendly menu

Craving Italian food? Pizzeria Molino offers delicious thin-crust pizzas and fresh pasta with family-friendly seating and reasonable prices. Plus, the kids’ menu makes it a perfect stop for young travelers.

💡 Tip: Ask for the kids’ portion pasta—cheaper but just as tasty!

4. Altes Tramdepot (Bern)

🍔 What to Eat? Burgers, homemade beer (for parents!), & Swiss specialties
📍 Where? Grosser Muristalden 6, Bern
💰 Why It’s Budget-Friendly? Kid-friendly meals with a view

Located near the Bear Park, this lively brewery-restaurant offers hearty dishes and a fantastic view of Bern’s Old Town. The menu includes burgers, cheese fondue, and schnitzel, making it great for families with different tastes.

💡 Tip: Visit the Bern Bear Park right next door before or after your meal—it’s free!

5. Hirschen (Interlaken)

🍲 What to Eat? Swiss cheese fondue & schnitzel
📍 Where? Hauptstrasse 11, Matten bei Interlaken
💰 Why It’s Budget-Friendly? Traditional Swiss food at fair prices

Located in a charming Swiss chalet-style building, Hirschen serves classic Swiss dishes in generous portions. Their cheese fondue is perfect for sharing, and the friendly service makes it a great stop for families.

💡 Tip: Order one fondue to share—it’s big enough for 2-3 people!

6. Tibits (Various Locations)

🥗 What to Eat? Vegetarian buffet with global flavors
📍 Where? Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva, and more
💰 Why It’s Budget-Friendly? Pay by weight, so you control the cost

This trendy vegetarian buffet is perfect for families with picky eaters—everyone can choose what they like! From fresh salads to Swiss-inspired plant-based dishes, Tibits offers something for everyone.

💡 Tip: Grab a takeout box for an easy picnic by the lake!

7. Restaurant de l’Hotel de Ville (Vevey)

🥞 What to Eat? Swiss crepes & local dishes
📍 Where? Rue du Simplon 45, Vevey
💰 Why It’s Budget-Friendly? Generous portions at a great price

A hidden gem in Vevey, this casual eatery serves sweet and savory crêpes, along with hearty Swiss comfort food. It’s a fantastic stop for families exploring the Lake Geneva region.

💡 Tip: Try the cheese crêpe with Gruyère—a Swiss specialty!

8. Migros & Coop Restaurants (Nationwide)

🥘 What to Eat? Freshly made Swiss & international dishes
📍 Where? Inside major supermarkets in every Swiss city
💰 Why It’s Budget-Friendly? Affordable, cafeteria-style dining with Swiss quality

These self-service restaurants inside Swiss supermarkets are a lifesaver for budget travelers. They offer a wide variety of fresh, healthy meals at half the price of traditional restaurants.

💡 Tip: Look for the daily specials, which often include a main dish, side, and drink for under CHF 15.

9. Grotto Morchino (Lugano)

🍝 What to Eat? Polenta & local Ticinese specialties
📍 Where? Via Carona 1, Lugano
💰 Why It’s Budget-Friendly? Authentic Swiss-Italian food at fair prices

For a taste of Ticino, Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region, Grotto Morchino is a must. It serves polenta with melted cheese or slow-cooked meats, plus homemade pasta that will make you feel like you’re dining at Nonna’s house.

💡 Tip: Go for lunch—it’s cheaper than dinner, and the portions are just as big!

10. Manora Restaurant (Nationwide)

🥗 What to Eat? Swiss and Mediterranean-style buffet
📍 Where? Inside Manor department stores in major Swiss cities
💰 Why It’s Budget-Friendly? Great food at self-serve prices

This casual buffet-style restaurant inside Manor department stores offers freshly cooked meals at a fraction of restaurant prices. Perfect for families who want a quick, healthy, and affordable meal.

💡 Tip: Kids will love the dessert station, with fresh fruit, pastries, and Swiss chocolate mousse!

Final Thoughts

Eating out in Switzerland doesn’t have to be expensive—especially when you know where to go! These budget-friendly, family-approved restaurants serve up delicious food without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re craving Swiss fondue, wood-fired pizza, or even vegetarian options, these spots will keep your whole family happy.

Which one are you excited to try? Let me know in the comments! 🍽️✨