Bindella Opens Its First Santa Lucia in Zermatt

A new chapter for a Zermatt original: the current “Casa Mia” will continue operations under the name “Santa Lucia”. Entrepreneur Rudi Bindella is taking over the restaurant as a personal passion project, developed through long-standing connections with the owners, Nicole and Mario Bregy. The historic building has been family-owned since the 1950s and will remain so.

For the Bregy family, it is essential that the restaurant is entrusted to a partner who values the establishment and operates it with the same care and attention to detail.

Until now, Bindella has deliberately refrained from expanding into alpine regions. The move to Zermatt represents a conscious exception. The Casa Mia location has long been a source of inspiration and will now be enriched with the Santa Lucia concept.

The restaurant will operate year-round, offering around 80 seats as well as a cosy terrace inviting guests to linger on sunny days. The rustic chalet character of the building – the oldest part dates back to 1885–1890 – will be complemented by signature elements of the Santa Lucia style.

The aim is to create added value not only for the local community but also for guests seeking relaxation and renewal in the mountains. At the same time, those already familiar with Santa Lucia from urban locations will recognise the distinctive red lettering as a seal of trusted quality.

In 2025, the Santa Lucia concept celebrates its 60th anniversary. Founded in 1965 with the opening of the original Santa Lucia on Zurich’s Limmatplatz, it was the city’s first pizzeria with a wood-fired oven. Today, the brand counts eleven locations – Zermatt will become the twelfth. Renovation work will begin in May 2026, with the opening scheduled in time for the summer season.