As high season wraps up and the crowds clear out, the whole region can start to feel a bit quiet. Locals  know the drill. You get used to figuring out what’s open and finding somewhere you can actually go. But not everything shuts down.

Across the region are plenty of cafés and restaurants that stay open all year round.

You just need to know where to look. This guide is a collection of my top picks. Places where you can count on a decent coffee, something to eat and a warm welcome, even in the off-season.

Chez Bea
Lenkstrasse 3, 3770 Zweisimmen
Chez Bea opened last year and is a standout addition to the region. I travel to Zweisimmen just for the coffee here. It’s family-run, spotless and open all year except for short school holiday breaks. Tourists are warmly welcomed, but most customers are loyal locals who return several times a week for the community feel, the excellent coffee and the homemade soups, sandwiches and cakes, all of which are beautifully plated and presented. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you’re seriously missing out. This is, hands down, my favourite café in the whole region. Put it on your must-visit list.

Dorfladen Saanenmöser
Bahnhofstrasse 24, 3777 Saanenmöser
This spot is interesting on several counts. A cafécum-shop, it makes a handy and surprisingly charming stop. We discovered it after a walk from Schönried and enjoyed coffee and a delicious fruit tart. There’s even a Nespresso capsule ordering machine that wouldn’t look out of place on the Starship Enterprise, perfect for stocking up on coffee for home. At other tables were walkers and farmers alike, showing its popularity with a real cross-section of the local community. You can even post a letter while you’re there, making it a truly convenient all-in-one stop.

The Happy Nest
Bahnhofstrasse 4, 3778 Schönried
Here’s a fun one. The Happy Nest is a unique and lively addition to the local food scene, and best of all, it’s open all year round. Schönried station is now home to an Indian fusion café run by Ritesh, serving up creative dishes like tandoori chicken burgers and tikka pizzas, all thoughtfully adapted to local tastes. With a convenient seating area right at the station, it’s the perfect place to pop in for a coffee, a quick bite, or a tasty snack while on the go. As Ritesh likes to say, their motto says it all: happiness food for all.

Délice Café & Chocolatier
Dorfstrasse 4, 3792 Saanen
Open since 2016, Délice Café & Chocolatier in Saanen is renowned for its inviting atmosphere, outstanding homemade patisserie, and extensive assortment of artisanal chocolates, making them fabulous gifts for friends or family. The café features a small play area to keep children happily occupied, making it a reliable go-to for parents, even when the holiday crowds have cleared out. Many locals drop in throughout the year for breakfast or lunch, but what I like most is the selection of delicious cakes, perfect for a mid-afternoon snack.

Coop Restaurant
Untergstaadstrasse 20, 3780 Gstaad
Gstaad has no shortage of cafés, but when I want one that’s open all year, I often choose the Coop Restaurant. The menu changes daily, it’s well run, and the staff are always friendly. After 14:00 there’s a special deal of coffee and cake for just CHF 5.95. Recently modernised, the space feels relaxed and comfortable. It’s easy to dismiss them as just another chain, yet they consistently do a good job. I especially enjoy visiting during the snooker championships when the matches are shown on the corner TV, which is a nice bonus.

Hotel Restaurant Bären
Gsteigstrasse 1, 3785 Gsteig
The Bären in Gsteig, dating back to 1756 and overseen by the local Gemeinde (local authority), is a warm, welcoming inn full of quiet charm. Fränzi Walker has managed it for the past four and a half years, serving delicious fondues and raclettes alongside a great snack menu for lighter visits. It’s a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists, with many local associations meeting daily after training or community events. Relaxed and comforting, it’s the kind of place you visit when you want something simple, traditional and just right, at any time of year.

Doolys
17 rue des Allamans, 1659 Rougemont
New kid on the block, Doolys introduces something different to the heart of Rougemont. Open year-round from Tuesday to Saturday and on Sunday mornings, this family-run café blends European flavours with village charm. The menu includes crepes, ice cream, coffee, sparkling drinks and speciality products from Italy, France, Portugal and further afield. There’s also a charcuterie counter, fresh baked goods and a takeaway menu. Created by local owner Fabrizio, Doolys is a warm and welcoming spot to gather, enjoy good food, and discover something new and unexpected.

Café des Bossons
Grand-Rue 105, 1660 Château-d’Oex
Café des Bossons in Château-d’Oex has a warm, cosy feel and a real sense of community. Open year-round, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors. Run by Cosette, the café embodies her philosophy of being a true village restaurant —a place to meet, connect, and share time together. The food reflects this spirit: simple, seasonal and traditional, what Cosette calls the “grandmother’s menu”. There’s a daily changing dish plus a snack menu that shifts with the seasons. The welcome is heartfelt, where you’re made to feel at home on your very first visit.

ANNA CHARLES