Restaurants in Switzerland
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A
L’Antica Osteria del Porto
Set back from Lugano’s sailing club, this is the place for savouring local fish and Ticinese dishes. It’s hard to resist the grigliata mista di pesci di mare e crostacei (mixed fish and shellfish grill). The terrace overlooking the Cassarate stream is pleasant, and you also have lake views.
reviewed
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B
Erlkönig
It's a bit of a schlep to reach Erlkönig, but you know you're off the tourist trail. Located in the nt/Areal, it's a very cool merger of squat bar/restaurant and formal dining room, serving Basler and modern international cuisine. Take tram No 1 or 14 to Musicaltheater or the No 33 bus to Mattenstrasse.
reviewed
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Antica Osteria Vacchini
Diners find no shortage of pasta, meat and fish options in this old-time eatery (with outdoor section across the lane) but the house special is piodadella della Vallamaggia, a set of three kinds of cold meats with three matching sauces, salad and fried – a filling and tasty summer option.
reviewed
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C
Cesary
A slice of Milan’s slick, jet-black apero scene has arrived in Bern thanks to Cesary, where you’ll find great coffee, even better cocktails and lip-smacking Italian snacks such as piadina and pasta salads.
reviewed
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D
Ichi-Ban
Check out the stylish and innovative Japanese eateries of Lausanne. Run by a George Clooney lookalike, this place offers especially good meat dishes (request how you want it cooked), fabulous sashimi and delicious futto maki (with seven ingredients mixed in, including avocado, shrimp and tuna).
reviewed
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E
Zunfthaus zum Rüden
In the 14th century, Zürich's craftsmen formed themselves into 13 guilds, and this building belonged to the noble Constaffel society, whose ranks included the mayor for a time. In the stunning Gothic dining room, you can sample Swiss staples and seasonally changing international cuisine.
reviewed
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F
Sassafraz
A lovely address for wine lovers, this contemporary lounge and vinothèque cooks up the whole gamut of cuisines, English fish and chips (Sfr25.50) included, but it is the Italian mozzarella bar that steals the culinary show. In summer tempting smells waft across the teak tables outside.
reviewed
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Charon
In what looks like someone’s home, this understated restaurant with art-nouveau decorative touches offers carefully prepared dishes leaning slightly to French tastes. One of the house specialties is the Seezunge gebraten mit Minikapern (a whole slab of sole baked with baby capers).
reviewed
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La Maison du Prussie
This one-time brewery in a grand old house, enclosed by woods and cradled by the impetuous babbling of a nearby brook, is a treat – and it has great rooms too. Hop aboard Cormondrèche-bound bus 1 from Place Pury, alight at Beauregard and head down the stairs to your right following the signs.
reviewed
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Benacus
Super-cool Benacus is a breath of urban air with its glass walls, slick wine-red sofas, lounge music and street-facing terrace. The TV show Funky Kitchen Club is filmed here. The menu stars creative flavours like potato and star anis soup and Aargau chicken with caramelised pak choi.
reviewed
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Le Pont de Brent
Set in a pretty country house, this is one of Switzerland’s top restaurants and has three Michelin stars (one of only two in the country). A changing and imaginative menu is complemented by a fine wine list. It’s northwest of Montreux in the hamlet of Brent, accessible by train.
reviewed
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Schloss Brandis
Make for Schloss Brandis, a lofty 15th-century tower housing one of the canton’s best restaurants. You can almost picture the hog-roast feasting of yore in the beamed, lantern-lit dining room, where folk tuck into Maienfeld riesling soup and meatier specialities.
reviewed
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Jöhri’s Talvo
Set in a converted 17th-century Engadine farmhouse in nearby Champfér, this gourmet haunt shines with two Michelin stars. Light pine, crisp white linen and candles create a backdrop for French taste sensations, such as Pyrenean milk-fed lamb and bouillabaisse (fish stew).
reviewed
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Sternen Grill
This is the city’s most famous – and busiest – sausage stand; just follow the crowds streaming in for a tasty grease fest. The classic Kalbsbratwurst mit Gold Bürli (veal sausage with bread roll) costs Sfr6.50. They have a few vegetarian options too.
reviewed
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K
LaSalle
Treat yourself to fantastic modern Italian cuisine inside this trendy former warehouse (the so-called Schiffbauhaus). A spectacular glass cube inside the outer walls is bedecked with chandeliers and houses the dining area, while Zürich's beautiful people pose at the nearby long bar.
reviewed
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Wirtshaus Galliker
Don’t eat for a day before visiting this old-style tavern, passionately run by the Galliker family over four generations since 1856. It attracts a lively bunch of regulars. Motherly waitresses dish up Lucerne soul food (rösti, chögalipaschtetli and the like) that is batten-the-hatches filling. Book ahead for dinner.
reviewed
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Le Lion d’Or
Formal and packed with suits, the Golden Lion sits in the heart of Cologny, Geneva’s most expensive ’burb. Mouth-watering fish and seafood creations honour a fine wine list. To avoid blowing a small fortune, dine in the cheaper bistro, which has a flowery garden.
reviewed
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Auberge d’Hermance
Auberge d’Hermance, one of the most prestigious culinary addresses, where chickens are baked whole and served in a magical salt crust. TPG bus E (Sfr4.60, 30 minutes, at least hourly) links Hermance with Rue de Pierre Fatio on Geneva’s left bank.
reviewed
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Chesa Veglia
This slate-roofed, chalk-white chalet is St Moritz’ oldest restaurant, dating from 1658. The rustic interior is all low beams and creaking wood floors, while the terrace affords great views. Thin and crisp wood-oven pizzas are a good pick, as are the herby lamb cutlets.
reviewed
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O
La Truffe Noire
Truffle junkies will be left breathless by this elegant boutique restaurant specialising in black truffles and cuisine from southwestern France. Rapée de truffe (grated truffle; around CHF48) followed by cuisse de canard (duck thigh) is a typical feast.
reviewed
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Belvédère Brasserie
Yes it’s attached to the boring-look Hapimag, but this brasserie has upbeat modern decor and a terrace with appetising Jungfrau views. It serves international favourites such as veal in merlot sauce, alongside a handful of Swiss stalwarts like fondue and rösti.
reviewed
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Q
Buvette des Bains
Meet Genevans at this earthy beach bar – rough and hip around the edges – at Bains des Pâquis. Grab breakfast, a salad, the plat du jour or dip into a fondue au crémant (Champagne fondue). Dining is on trays and alfresco in summer.
reviewed
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R
Oliv
A trendy hang-out not far from the zoo, Oliv leans towards fresh and varied Mediterranean cooking – great for those who can’t bear the thought of more Spätzli. They do a tasty Marseille-style bouillabaisse. You can order half portions.
reviewed
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Goldener Anker
Even fussy eaters will find tastebud pleasers at this beamed restaurant, which, locals will whisper in your ear, is the best in town. The globetrotting menu tempts with everything from sizzling fajitas to red snapper and ostrich steaks. It also has a roster of live bands.
reviewed
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Giesserei
This former factory in Oerlikon is a winner with its scuffed postindustrial atmosphere and pared-down menu (three starters, three mains and three desserts). The abundant brunch (Sfr49) is renowned across town. Take tram 11 to Regensbergbrücke from the Hauptbahnhof.
reviewed