The 10 Best Restaurants In Lucerne, Switzerland

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.

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.

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.

Adjoining Lucerne’s town hall is its very own restaurant and brewery, Rathaus Brauerei, where you can enjoy the staples of alpine cuisine in a convivial, pub-like setting. Highlights of the menu include the Älplermagronen mit Apfelmus (a macaroni cheese pasta dish served with applesauce), the Luzerner Käsekuchen (a savory cheese cake), and rabbit fillet with oyster mushrooms. Naturally, all food at the Rathaus Brauerei goes well with Rathaus Natürtrub and Rathaus Bock, the two in-house beers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.