Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Matterhorn – San Francisco
Matterhorn - San Francisco
Photo from Matterhorn
Matterhorn at a glance
San Francisco Polk Gulch
- 🇨🇭 Swiss Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 84 of the guests
#793 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Swiss Restaurant out of 1 in San Francisco
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
543
Reviews
77.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Alpine ambiance
- Friendly service
- Authentic fondue
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Service inconsistency
- Parking issues
The restaurant Matterhorn, a charming Swiss Restaurant in San Francisco’s vibrant Polk Gulch neighborhood, invites you to a truly unique dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed evening.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a casual get-together, this spot offers a welcoming ambiance. Enjoy authentic Swiss flavors and a delightful selection of beverages.
Overview: Introducting Matterhorn
Matterhorn offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its charming atmosphere and attentive staff. Guests frequently highlight the unique Alpine setting and the knowledgeable service, which guides them through the menu with ease.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in service delivery and concerns regarding the overall value. While the ambiance and the staff’s helpfulness are often celebrated, the pricing structure and occasional service hiccups can temper the experience for some.
Good
7.8
out of 10
543
Reviews
77.9%
Satisfaction
95
negative
25
neutral
423
positive
Matterhorn achieves a solid 7.8 overall score, reflecting a generally positive reception from its patrons. Customer satisfaction stands at a good 77.9%, indicating that most diners leave content with their visit.
This assessment is drawn from 543 customer opinions, comprising 423 positive and 95 negative remarks. Diving deeper, the Ambience (8.7) is a clear standout, creating a memorable backdrop for meals.
Service (8.3) also performs well, with many appreciating the staff’s expertise. The Food (7.7) is considered good, though not without specific critiques.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.3), which significantly lags behind other aspects.
What people like
- Charming Alpine ambiance
- Knowledgeable, friendly service
- Authentic fondue dishes
What people don't like
- Significant value concerns
- Inconsistent service experiences
- Parking, digital menus
If you’re seeking a unique dining experience with a strong emphasis on atmosphere and generally good service, Matterhorn is certainly worth considering. The authentic fondue and charming Alpine setting contribute to a memorable occasion, especially for those looking for a special evening out.
However, be prepared for the price point, as Value is a consistent concern among diners. With a strong Recommendation Score of 8.1, it’s a place many enjoy, but managing expectations regarding cost and occasional service variations will ensure a more satisfying visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Matterhorn
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
Get ready for a delightful culinary journey, as the food here scores a solid 7.7 and boasts a strong customer satisfaction of 77.1%. Based on 225 positive remarks out of 292 total, guests rave about the authentic tasty fondue and velvety cheese, often highlighting the Pork Schnitzel and homemade ice cream as standout dishes. Many appreciate the fresh ingredients and diverse menu options, making for a truly enjoyable meal.
However, not every bite is perfect, with 50 negative comments noting some mediocre at best experiences. Some found the fondue too alcoholic or the bland bread for dipping uninspired. There were also mentions of disappointing appetizers and concerns about small food portions, suggesting a few areas where the kitchen could refine its offerings.
Food
292
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
50
negative
17
neutral
225
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Swiss fondue
- Delicious schnitzel options
- Great homemade desserts
What people don't like
- Fondue too alcoholic
- Bland dipping items
- Small food portions
Often praised
- foodThe moving train model was a nice touch, and as a gondola operator, I found the table for two inside a ski lift gondola particularly amusing. Everything we ate was fantastic. Personally, we wished we had ordered two pots of cheese fondue instead of one cheese and one meat, not because the meat fondue was bad, but because we are such cheese lovers!
- fondueMy experience at this restaurant was totally lovely. We went for Valentine's Day, and the owner personally came to our table to talk us through all the options for fondue and wine pairings. I will definitely be back!
- cheese fondueHad some cheese fondue and a couple of other dishes and we all liked what we got.
- chocolate fondueThe chocolate fondue for dessert was perfect to share.
- racletteGot the raclette, onion soup, beef and cheese fondue
- onion soupI really enjoyed the onion soup (think french onion); there was some real work on the broth.
- wine selectionwine selection is simple but good
- FoodFood:5
- beef fondueOur favorite was the beef fondue with thyme potatoes, very flavorful and quite filling
- fonduesthe fondues are exactly the same as in France or in Switzerland
Frequently criticized
- fonduethe fondue I was served did not resemble anything like what we have back home
- cheeseThe reason for my 4/5 rating is that there wasn't enough cheese to dip all my toppings. I ran out of cheese while still having plenty of potatoes and bread left.
- SchnitzelSchnitzel and apple sauce with 10 small green beans was also $30
- breadBrot gab es weder zum Salat noch zu Platte
- "real Kölsch"the "real Kölsch" was watery American lager 🤮
- French onion soupFrench onion soup was pretty bad
- MacchiatoBestellter Macchiato hingegen hat sehr enttäuscht
- Pork SchnitzelPork schnitzel was dry
- Spätzli and carrotswenig Spätzli und Karotten
- Veal Zúrcher Stylethe Veal Zúrcher Style...was at the level of prepared food
If you're craving an authentic Swiss fondue experience with delicious schnitzel and delightful desserts, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some aspects, like dipping items or appetizer portions, might not always hit the mark, so manage your expectations accordingly.
Service (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The service here generally shines, with a score of 8.3 indicating a good experience and 78.9% customer satisfaction reinforcing that positive sentiment. Many guests, in 75 positive remarks out of 95 total, praised the staff's attentiveness, welcoming nature, and knowledgeable servers, often highlighting specific individuals who made their visit memorable. However, not every interaction was perfect, with 16 negative comments noting instances where servers seemed to rush guests, or service felt slow and lacking in attentiveness, particularly regarding water refills.
While these are fewer, they suggest some inconsistencies in an otherwise well-regarded service team.
Service
95
Reviews
78%
Satisfaction
16
negative
4
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Welcoming experience
What people don't like
- Rushed service
- Lacking attentiveness
- Slow service
Often praised
- serviceEveryone had a good time. Our server was our guide, expertly helping us to order both food and wine. We ended up getting a wide array of dishes, all excellent.
- staffSuper friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable staff.
- serverOur Service, a lady from Mexico, who already works here for 20 years, understands her job. She is very friendly and attentive
- ServiceService:5
- waitressfortunately that the atmosphere and the waitress were top!
- ownerOur experience at this restaurant was super fun, with a great atmosphere and delicious food. We celebrated our 2-year anniversary, and both our waitress and the owner were fantastic. From their food suggestions to the overall ambiance, we had a blast.
- Jonathanamazing service from Jonathan
- Sarah and ThomasSarah and Thomas were so kind and answered so many questions
- ServerServer was super nice
- Server ThomasServer Thomas
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was ok, annoying paperless menus
- serverWhile the food was excellent, with a Food score of 5, the service was quite disappointing. Our server wasn’t welcoming and seemed to rush us through our meal. They even took plates that still had food on them and hastily delivered the rest of our order.
- credit cardThe fact of taking the credit card from the customer, and that the waitress pays by herself without showing the amount is really bizarre too.
- hastily deliveredOur server wasn’t welcoming and seemed to rush us through our meal. They even took plates that still had food on them and hastily delivered the rest of our order. Despite the poor service, the atmosphere was fantastic, scoring a 5, and the Pork Schnitzel was a recommended dish.
- rushed usrushed us to eat
- service from one mohawked serverthe service from one mohawked server made me question if I had killed his mother in a past life
- staffthe staff wasn’t quite as attentive or knowledgeable
- took platesOur server wasn’t welcoming and seemed to rush us through our meal. They even took plates that still had food on them and hastily delivered the rest of our order. Despite the poor service, the atmosphere was fantastic, scoring a 5, and the Pork Schnitzel was a recommended dish.
- waitressI was constantly looking for more water. The waitress was attentive to the emptying bottle of wine but not the emptied bottle of water. She would take our bottle for water and not come back with the water; we had to ask for it back.
- waterWe're just not really cheese people, but our friends really enjoyed it as they are cheese and wine people. I was constantly looking for more water. The waitress was attentive to the emptying bottle of wine but not the emptied bottle of water.
If you're looking for a place with generally friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff, this spot is usually a great bet. Just be aware that on occasion, the service might feel a bit rushed or less attentive than ideal, so manage your expectations for a consistently perfect experience.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines, boasting an excellent score of 8.7 and an impressive customer satisfaction of 92.3%. Based on 120 positive remarks, guests absolutely adore the Swiss chalet theme, complete with a tiny model train and unique Gondola table seating. Many felt transported to the Alps by the authentic decor and cozy ambiance, making it a fantastic date spot or for special occasions.
However, a few of the 10 negative comments noted some minor drawbacks. Some found the atmosphere a bit gimmicky, while others mentioned it could get too warm or even noisy. A few also found the smell of the restaurant to be a little overpowering, and some felt it was dark at times.
Ambience
130
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
120
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Swiss chalet theme
- Unique decor elements
- Cozy, authentic vibe
What people don't like
- Can be too warm
- Potentially noisy
- Overpowering smell
Often praised
- atmosphereAs visitors from New York, we had no idea what to expect from this restaurant in San Francisco, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. We experienced great service, great food, and a great atmosphere. It's a darling place, and we highly recommend it.
- decorThe decor is so pretty
- ambianceTucked away on a cute corner of Van Ness, it offers a truly exotic angle with its great Swiss dishes, including four distinct cheese fondues. The interior is an extremely cute Alpine village, complete with beautiful wood paneling and much Swiss paraphernalia. The ambiance was rated a 5, the service a 5, and the food a 5.
- experienceFrom their food suggestions to the overall ambiance, we had a blast. Everyone should try it not only because it's educational but also for a fantastic experience. We can't wait to come back!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- interiorTucked away on a cute corner of Van Ness, it offers a truly exotic angle with its great Swiss dishes, including four distinct cheese fondues. The interior is an extremely cute Alpine village, complete with beautiful wood paneling and much Swiss paraphernalia. The ambiance was rated a 5, the service a 5, and the food a 5.
- vibethe vibe is nice, very "wood cabin on the hills"
- wood panelingTucked away on a cute corner of Van Ness, it offers a truly exotic angle with its great Swiss dishes, including four distinct cheese fondues. The interior is an extremely cute Alpine village, complete with beautiful wood paneling and much Swiss paraphernalia. The ambiance was rated a 5, the service a 5, and the food a 5.
- date nightsuper great place for a date night
- gondolaGot the gondola for our anniversary dinner celebration
Frequently criticized
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- QR code menusditch the QR code menus
- atmosphereThe atmosphere is ok, but pretty gimmicky
- darkalbeit dark
- heatit really puts out heat and things get too warm
- noisyThis was terrible. Despite the food issues, the atmosphere was sweet, though it was also dark and noisy. The diners around me seemed happy, but I will not return.
- parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- smell of the restaurantThe smell of the restaurant is a little overpowering
- washroom passwordwashroom passwords
If you're looking for a truly immersive and unique dining experience that transports you to the Alps, this place is definitely worth trying. Its charming Swiss theme and cozy atmosphere are a huge draw, though be prepared for a potentially warm or slightly noisy setting.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value has some serious challenges, a few guests (3 out of 26 total opinions) did find things to appreciate. They mentioned feeling the experience was priced appropriately and offered excellent value for what you get, suggesting that for some, the cost aligned with their expectations. However, the overwhelming majority, with 19 negative remarks, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the value for money was not great, citing issues like a healthy sf fee, service charge, and price increase making the final price per person feel unreasonable. The overall score for value is a poor 3.3, and customer satisfaction is a very low 11.5%, indicating this area needs serious attention.
Value
26
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Priced appropriately
- Excellent value
What people don't like
- High price
- Hidden fees
- Poor value
Often praised
- Priced appropriatelyPriced appropriately.
- excellent valuethought it was an excellent value
- valueI really feel like the value is great here for the type of experience you get
Frequently criticized
- priceThe appetizers were disappointing in all aspects (price, taste, serving size, presentation)
- Checkuntil the Check arrived! $300 later
- PricesPrices jumped from $30 to $45 in one year
- SF Health fee6 % SF Health fee
- fixed menufixed menu $ 65 per person total rip off
- healthy sf feeadd a 6% “healthy sf” fee to the bill
- huge priceAnd that all for a huge price
- liquor licenseno liquor license
- price increaseThat's a 50% price increase
- price per personYou get a total of 2 slices of bread and 5 baby potatoes and a pot of WAY too strong alcohol cheese. That's it for $28 per person. Our service was also poor.
Given the poor 3.3 score and very low 11.5% customer satisfaction, value is a major sticking point here. If youre sensitive to hidden fees and high prices that dont always feel justified, you might find the final bill a bit shocking. Be prepared for costs that could outweigh the perceived experience.
How are the prices at Matterhorn?
You’re looking at roughly 58 per person – reported by 84 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Swiss Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a nice mix. While many guests are in that $51–$60 sweet spot, there’s also a good number enjoying slightly cheaper options, and others splurging a bit more for a premium experience.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 84 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Swiss Restaurant in San Francisco. It offers a good balance, catering to both those looking for a solid mid-range meal and those wanting to indulge a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Matterhorn
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Best Swiss Food in San Francisco!
I believe this is the best place to go in San Francisco if you're looking for Switzerland food. 🇨🇭 The atmosphere is perfect; it's a calm place with very good ambient music. Furthermore, the people are really kind.
As a French person, I can confirm that the fondues are exactly the same as in France or in Switzerland. I recommend it to everyone!
- Switzerland food10
- atmosphere10
- ambient music8
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing French Raclette Experience!
As a French person, I can be quite picky about cheese, but my experience at this restaurant was truly amazing. I was craving raclette and finding this place was a delight. The service, the plates, and the wines were all perfect.
It was a wonderful experience.
- raclette9
- service10
- plates10
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Mixed Experience: Great Atmosphere, Poor Main Course
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of positive and negative. The atmosphere was nice, and the service was great, receiving a 5-star rating. However, the main course, the Veal Zúrcher Style, was disappointing, comparable to prepared food from grocery stores, earning a low food score of 2.
If you can steer clear of that particular dish, it could be a fun place to visit.
- atmosphere8
- service10
- Veal Zúrcher Style2
- prepared food2
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Fantastic Fondue and Swiss Delights
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic and unique. We stopped here for authentic tasty fondue and other Swiss treats. My fiancé and I particularly enjoyed the pork schnitzel and veal meatballs, which were excellent accompaniments to our fondue.
The homemade applesauce was a welcome addition, enhancing many of the bites. The atmosphere was rated a perfect 5, and the service also received a 5-star rating. The food itself was rated 5, reflecting the high quality of our meal.
- authentic tasty fondue10
- pork schnitzel9
- veal meatballs9
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Mixed Experience: Good Vibe, Lacking Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mix of pleasant atmosphere and disappointing service. The smell in the place was very potent, and the vibe was nice, evoking a "wood cabin on the hills" feel. However, the service was lacking.
The appetizer was unappealing and served without any explanation on how to eat it. The food itself was just okay. While the pork schnitzel was good, the rosti felt bland.
The moitie moitie fondue was extremely heavy and tasted almost alcoholic, and the accompanying items were uninspired, consisting of simple boiled potatoes and bread. Thankfully, the pickles were a saving grace.
- smell7
- vibe8
- food5
- service3
- appetizer2
- rosti4
What Matterhorn offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and atmosphere can you find at Matterhorn?
At Matterhorn, you can enjoy a romantic, cozy, and casual atmosphere perfect for dinner. They offer dine-in service with comfortable seating and table service. You’ll also find a bar onsite, serving happy hour drinks, wine, beer, and cocktails to complement your meal.
Are there family-friendly amenities and parking available at Matterhorn?
Yes, Matterhorn is good for kids, offering a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. For parking, you’ll find free and paid street parking, though spaces can sometimes be difficult to locate. The restaurant also provides wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms.
How does Matterhorn generally rate with diners?
Matterhorn holds a 7.8 overall score with 77.9% customer satisfaction. Diners particularly appreciate the Ambience (8.7) and Service (8.3), while Food (7.7) is good, and Value (3.3) is a notable concern.
What makes Matterhorn's atmosphere special?
Customers frequently praise the charming “Alpine village” ambiance, complete with “wood paneling” and Swiss decor, creating a unique and often described as a “date night” spot.
Are there any common complaints about Matterhorn?
The most frequent concern revolves around Value, with many guests finding the “price” high and mentioning additional fees. Some also report “inconsistent service” or “parking” difficulties.