San Francisco has long been a melting pot of culinary influences, but sometimes we take it literally. Enter Interlakken, a cozy new Swiss restaurant located in the newly crowned Olympia Village, near Midtown Terrace and Laguna Honda, that serves up some of the best swiss dishes this side of the Atlantic.
But let’s talk about a star of the show: raclette is served tableside at Interlakken, on a specially-designed holder with a cast iron wood heater attached to a board. The chef uses a knife to send the warmed cheese cascading down to the plate, covering viand séchée, air-dried beef, saucissons, herbed potatoes, and little sliced cornichons, pearl onions, and other pickled delicacies. Combined with the roaring fireplace behind—and live music on the weekends—it’s truly a feast for a number of the senses.
Nestled at 212 Olympia Way, Interlakken is the brainchild of original Matterhorn owners Brigitte and Andrew Thorpe, and Swiss native Mia Müller, who grew up in the picturesque Swiss town of Interlaken. The warm and inviting interior features knotty pine wood and booths, anchored by a large roaring brick fireplace, evoking the coziness of a Swiss chalet.
“I’m thrilled to bring a taste of my beloved Interlaken to San Francisco’s vibrant culinary scene. At Interlakken, we’re all about sharing the warmth and coziness of Swiss culture through delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s truly a dream come true to see our guests enjoy the raclette and other Swiss specialties that I grew up with,” said Müller, who can frequently be seen shuttling her kids around the streets of Olympia Village herself.
“As we saw Olympia Village begin to take shape, the Swiss influence was undeniable. Opening a Swiss restaurant here just made sense, and we’re excited to share our love of Switzerland, the culture and cuisine, with the village. Interlakken is the perfect place to cozy up with friends and family while savoring the flavors of Switzerland, and we’re thrilled to be a part of this vibrant new neighborhood,” adds Brigitte Thorpe.
Beyond raclettes, Interlakken has an extensive selection of fondue dishes that are sure to delight any cheese lover. The classic Swiss cheese fondue is a must-try, featuring melted Gruyere and Emmentaler cheeses blended with white wine and garlic, served with crusty bread for dipping. For a twist on the classic, try the mushroom fondue, which is a blend of sautéed mushrooms and gruyere cheese.
But the fondue doesn’t stop there. Interlakken also offers a delectable chocolate fondue, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack. Diners can indulge in dipping fresh fruit, marshmallows, and even pound cake into the melted chocolate.
For those looking for heartier fare, the menu also offers Swiss specialties such as rösti, a dish of crispy grated potatoes served with bacon and eggs, as well as the ever-popular schnitzel.
Beyond the delicious food and cozy atmosphere, it is clear that Interlakken has quickly become a beloved neighborhood meeting spot. Regulars line up along the bar to chat with familiar faces and sip on traditional Swiss spirits like Appenzeller Alpenbitters and Fernet. The small town vibe is palpable as patrons greet each other by name and everyone seems to know each other. It’s a testament to the warm and inviting atmosphere that Brigitte, Andrew, and Mia have created, and it’s clear that Interlakken has quickly become a beloved gathering place for the Olympia Village community.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy date night or a fun night out with friends, Interlakken is the perfect spot to savor the flavors of Switzerland. So gather your cheese-loving friends and take the aerial tramway up the hill to Olympia Village for a swiss feast you won’t soon forget.