The 10 Best Restaurants In Lucerne, Switzerland

Lucerne
Lucerne
Jing Xuan Teng

The picturesque Swiss town of Lucerne is a food lover’s paradise, with a combination of stylish new restaurants and well-loved old taverns on every corner. Here are 10 great spots in Lucerne that every traveler should visit for a taste of Swiss cuisine at its finest.

1. Mill'Feuille

Bistro, Cafe, Swiss, European, American

Mill’Feuille, located right by the River Reuss, is one of the best places in Lucerne for breakfast and brunch. Breakfast is served until 6pm, and features items like quark served with a goji berry compote and muesli, alongside traditional breakfast combinations of bread, homemade jam, and hazelnut spread. Try the baked eggs with various toppings, a favorite of regular patrons, or the signature “Mill’Feuille” steak tartare, which is best enjoyed on the roof terrace with a view of the river.

2. Wirtshaus Galliker

Restaurant, Swiss, European

Wirtshaus Galliker Lucerne
© Jeremy T. Hetzel
The Galliker family has been running this tavern for over a century, serving hearty, traditional fare to generations of Luzerners. The atmosphere at Wirtshaus Galliker can best be described using the untranslatable German word, Gemütlichkeit (a combination of coziness, familiarity, and the feeling that all’s right with the world). Enjoy a homemade Luzerner Chügelipastete (a veal and mushroom puff pastry pie) while surrounded by old regulars at this family and pet friendly restaurant.

3. Valentino

Restaurant, Italian, Mediterranean

Rathaus weissbier
© James Cridland
This classic spaghetteria and pizzeria, situated in the picturesque Old Town of Lucerne, has developed a loyal clientele over the past 30 years. Valentino’s features an extensive menu of authentically prepared pasta dishes and pizzas along with Valentino’s specialty seafood risottos. The old-fashioned decor definitely adds to the restaurant’s charm.

5. La Cucina

Restaurant, Italian, Mediterranean, European

Savvy travelers in Switzerland quickly catch onto the fact that most restaurants put out an affordable lunch set menu that changes every week and La Cucina is no exception. The restaurant, part of the Hotel Astoria, combines authentic Italian fare with an elegant setting, and has earned an impressive 12 Gault Millau points. Travelers who don’t want to break the bank can still enjoy La Cucina during weekday lunches, when the daily set menus include options like ricotta gnocchi with chicory and buffalo mozzarella, octopus carpaccio, and pizza prosciutto.

6. Restaurant Stern

Restaurant, Swiss, European

Wandbemalung am Zunfthaus zu Pfistern
© Niels Heidenreich
Restaurant Stern boasts architecture with 714 years of history, a great summer terrace with a view of the Franciscan Church, and a refreshingly contemporary take on Swiss and international cuisine. Try the special summer set of three light starters (gazpacho, fennel and orange salad, and cucumber with gin dressing), or the vegetarian tagliatelle with rocket, strawberries and Seelisburger cheese. The menu is seasonal, so there is always something new to try.

7. Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern

Restaurant, Swiss, German, European

The premises of Zunfthausrestaurant Pfistern date back to the 16th century, when it was built as a guild hall for the city’s bakers and millers. A beautiful fresco on the facade, depicting a tree bearing many coats of arms, makes the building one of the Old Town’s crown jewels. The typical, seasonal Swiss cuisine also comes with the fantastic view of the famous Kapellebrucke.

8. Burgerstube

Restaurant, Asian, Ice Cream

Part of the Hotel Wilden Mann, Burgerstube is decorated in early 20th century neo-gothic style, and offers a great menu of regional treats, as well as a selection of items with an Asian twist. Try the sliced veal with rösti, or the crab terrine with saffron mayonnaise. The dessert menu is the real highlight, featuring mouthwatering items as an apricot and amaretto terrine, and creme brûlée with berries and sour cream ice cream. For maximum indulgence, order the “Probiererli” plate, which lets you sample multiple dessert items.

9. Rösslistube

Rösslistube

Rösslistube is owned by the proprietors of Gasthof Rössli, a beautiful family-run inn on the outskirts of Lucerne. The lovely wood-panelled dining room, with its bright green open fireplace, is the ideal setting for a leisurely Sunday lunch. The menu mainly comprises of modern interpretations of old recipes, like salmon marinated in coffee and served with nut mayonnaise, or zander (similar to perch) with melon and lime chutney.
Rösslistube, Gasthof Rössli, Dorfstrasse 1, Adligenswil, Switzerland, +41 370 10 30

Lucerne

10. Brasserie Bodu

Bistro, Brasserie, Restaurant, European, French

An appealing ambience is definitely one of Brasserie Bodu’s strong points. The French restaurant is decorated in charming bistro style, with assorted framed pictures and vintage knick-knacks adorning the walls. The menu covers the classics of French cuisine, like a house entrecôte, ratatouille, and bouillabaisse, offering no big surprises but providing a very satisfying meal in an enchanting setting.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article