Recently renovated and under new ownership, this cheery trattoria offers authentic Italian specialities from recipes handed down through generations of nonnas. The owners, Emidio Medda and Fabrizio Contu, bring their wealth of experience at Gstaad’s premier hotels to Rougemont’s quaint main street. With a “Come fatto da mamma” (like mom does it) philosophy, Medda and Contu go out of their way to provide a warm, friendly atmosphere and simple, delicious meals.

From one of the scenic terrace’s many tables or at the cosy bar, you’ll hear waiters switch happily from Italian to French to English to German and back again, often all in the same conversation. Need a wine recommendation or just want to chat about the current state of Italian politics? All banter is welcome here, where waiters are more than happy to welcome you as a guest of honour into their very delightful, very Italian world.

Despite a tiny, open kitchen, Le Braconnier serves up several plats du jour as well as tasty appetizers like Parma ham with juicy melon wedges and homemade potato gnocchi. With prices ranging from 8 to 35 francs, an evening full of food and fun won’t break the bank.

 Le Braconnier, rue du Village 20, Rougemont, is open daily from 8 am to 11 pm.