FAQ for Restaurateurs
What is the Fait Maison Label?
Fait Maison is a culinary label that recognizes restaurants preparing most of their dishes on-site, using fresh ingredients and avoiding pre-packaged industrial products.
Its purpose is to showcase genuine culinary craftsmanship and to counter the standardization of taste.
What Does “Fait Maison” Mean According to the Label?
“Fait Maison” means that the dishes are prepared in your establishment from fresh, minimally processed ingredients, with skill, care, and passion.
Who Founded the Label?
The Fait Maison label was established in 2017 by GastroSuisse, Slow Food Switzerland, the Swiss Taste Week (Fondation pour la promotion du Goût), and the Federation of Swiss Consumers (FRC).
How Can My Restaurant Obtain the Fait Maison Label?
If your kitchen primarily prepares homemade dishes, you’re in the right place. Most of your dishes must be cooked on-site.
The use of convenience products is allowed within a clearly defined framework and must be declared.
After registering online, we will contact you to plan the next steps together.
How Does the Fait Maison Certification Process Work?
It’s simple:
1. Online registration
2. Interview and initial inspection
3. Menu adjustments
4. Label award — and you’re ready!
During the first evaluation, our specialists verify that your establishment meets the criteria. Afterwards, inspections are conducted approximately every 12 to 18 months.
What Happens If We Don’t (Yet) Prepare Enough Homemade Dishes?
Not everything needs to be 100% homemade. The key is that homemade dishes form the core of your offering, while convenience products play only a complementary role.
Certain items, such as olives, dried pasta, or puff pastry, are considered tolerated products.
If your kitchen currently relies more heavily on convenience items, we are happy to advise you on adjustments to meet the criteria.
See the list of products that are permitted or not according to the Label’s criteria.
Who Decides Whether My Restaurant Can Display the Label?
The decision is made by the internal Fait Maison committee, based on a clear, transparent set of requirements that apply equally to all establishments.
What Are the Benefits of the Fait Maison Label for My Restaurant?
You make your artisanal skills visible to your clients, your team, and the industry, and you benefit from:
-
A trusted and recognized label
-
Professional communication materials
-
Joint campaigns and increased visibility
-
Networking events and training sessions
-
A strong community of over 600 establishments
Are There Costs or Obligations?
Yes. Membership requires an annual fee:
-
CHF 350.– for independent restaurants
-
CHF 560.– for collective catering establishments
This fee also covers the cost of inspections.
How Does an Inspection Work?
Every 12 to 18 months, a specialist conducts an unannounced visit, either in the morning or afternoon.
We review your menu together and inspect the kitchen, storage areas, and cold/frozen rooms.
What Needs to Be Indicated on the Menu?
Any items that are not homemade and are not on the list of tolerated products must be clearly marked on the menu.
This ensures transparency and builds trust with your clients.
Is the Label Relevant for Small Establishments?
Yes, absolutely. Smaller restaurants or cafés especially benefit from a clear positioning: clients can immediately see that you prepare your dishes with care and skill.
Do You Provide Support During Implementation?
Yes, of course! We provide guidance, materials, training, networking events, and inspiration. We are available to answer any questions you may have.
Can the Label Be Revoked?
Yes, if the requirements are no longer consistently met. But rest assured: we favor dialogue over sanctions and work together to find solutions.
We Work with Local Producers and Seasonal Ingredients — Is This Compatible with the Label?
Absolutely. Even though regionality and seasonality are not controlled criteria, they align perfectly with the philosophy of the label. The focus is on artisanal work and high-quality ingredients.
Who Can We Contact?
If you have questions or want to get started, contact us directly:
📞 021 721 07 15
✉️ info@labelfaitmaison.ch
FAQ for Guests
What Does the “Fait Maison” Culinary Label Mean?
The label identifies restaurants that cook fresh, on-site, prioritizing genuine culinary craftsmanship over pre-packaged industrial products.
On the menu, you can clearly see which dishes are homemade — and where any exceptions apply.
How Can I Recognize a Fait Maison Restaurant?
The label is displayed at the restaurant entrance, on the menu, or on the restaurant’s website.
All certified restaurants are also listed online at: labelfaitmaison.ch/restaurants
How Can I Find Certified Restaurants?
On our website, you can explore all Fait Maison restaurants in Switzerland. A simple search allows you to filter by region, city, or name.
Tip: save your favorite spots so you can easily find them again!
Why Is Homemade Food Better?
Homemade means freshness, fewer additives, and genuine artisanal craftsmanship. You know exactly what’s on your plate and support establishments that focus on quality, care, and flavor.
Pre-packaged dishes can be easily reheated at home. At a restaurant, you come to experience real culinary skill — and that’s what you choose to pay for.
Is Everything 100% Homemade at Fait Maison Restaurants?
Not entirely. Some products, such as mustard, pickles, puff pastry, or dried pasta, may be purchased ready-made without needing to be declared — these are considered “tolerated products.”
However, any preparation that can be made on-site by the kitchen team must actually be prepared in-house. If not, it must be clearly indicated on the menu.
This way, you have a complete overview and can make informed choices.
What Does This Mean for Me as a Guest?
More transparency on the menu. Greater confidence in what you’re eating. And above all, more enjoyment at the table, knowing that your meal is crafted with real skill — and contains fewer hidden additives.
How Can I Support the Fait Maison Label?
Spread the word and recommend your favorite restaurant!
If you know a restaurant that cooks exceptionally well and fits the spirit of the label, you can submit it directly through our website. You help expand the network.
On your next restaurant visit, you might also ask:
“Do you prepare your dishes in-house?
If so, why not get certified to clearly showcase your craftsmanship?”
Why Aren’t All High-Quality Restaurants Certified?
Many restaurants already cook at a very high level, but not all are aware of the label or are ready to fully commit to total transparency.
Some may not yet meet all the criteria or simply haven’t applied. Every new certified restaurant is a great addition!
Is Compliance Checked?
Yes. Each restaurant is inspected before certification and then regularly afterward. This ensures credibility and trust in the label.
What Happens If the Rules Are Not Followed?
If any issues are found, the restaurant is asked to correct them. In the case of repeated or serious violations, the label may be revoked.