Restaurants
Dining in Lucerne, and Switzerland in general, is an expensive experience. Lucerne offers a selection of excellent restaurants, often found in hotels, serving up hearty Swiss fare in characterful surroundings. For an authentic, local dish don’t miss Chügelipastetli; puff pastry stuffed with veal, mushrooms, apple and grapes marinated in Cognac and in a cream sauce. For those watching their hip pocket, look out for some of the excellent value lunch specials on offer at restaurants and then have a light dinner. Grab some supplies from one of the city’s supermarkets and have a picnic in one of the delightful parks overlooking the lake and mountains beyond.
Manora Restaurant
Weggisgasse 5, 6004 Luzern
Manora Restaurant is located on the top floor of the Manor department store in central Lucerne. Manora is a self-service buffet restaurant and offers one of the best value options in Lucerne for good quality food at a reasonable price. They offer a range of options including an extensive salad bar, vegetables, pasta, pizza as well as meat and fish dishes that are cooked to order. There are also daily specials such as osso bucco and curries. All products served are sourced locally (within 30km of the restaurant). There is a great rooftop terrace where you can sit, that has spectacular views over the city, the lake and out towards the Alps.
Rebstock Restaurant
St. Leodegarstrasse 3, 6006 Luzern
In the heart of the Old Town, just a couple of minutes walk from the lake you’ll find the excellent Rebstock Restaurant, part of the Hotel Zum Rebstock. Inside you’ll find a traditional and characterful atmosphere with stone floors and timber beams along with linen tablecloths and quality glassware. The restaurant serves up large portions of classic Swiss cuisine, including the Lucerne specialty Chügelipastetli, as well as seasonal specials. The staff are friendly and attentive and happy to recommend some local specialties. There is also a lovely outdoor dining area for the warmer months.
Restaurant Stern
Burgerstrasse 35, 6003 Luzern
In a beautiful 14th century building off a quiet street in the Old Town, just opposite the Franciscan Church and park you’ll find the delightful Restaurant Stern. Serving up modern interpretations of classic Swiss cuisine in stylish yet cosy surrounds, the restaurant is an excellent choice for a memorable dining experience away from the tourist hordes. The restaurant is known for its “Shooting Stars”, little glass jars filled with entrees or dessert (think mousse of smoked Swiss trout or beef broth with omelette strips and vegetables), which enable you to sample a range of creative and delicious courses rather than just the one. The menu is seasonal and much of the produce is locally sourced, including the outstanding lamb from the a la carte menu which is served over two courses. There is a lovely outdoor terrace to enjoy in the warmer months and for a great value meal take advantage of the lunch special! The restaurant is quite small and very popular so be sure to book ahead.
Hotel Hofgarten Restaurant
Stadthofstrasse 14, 6006 Luzern
The Hotel Hofgarten Restaurant is centrally located, just a stone’s throw from Lake Lucerne. However, when sitting in the delightful courtyard, surrounded by the beautiful 17th century hotel, you feel far away from the crowds of the city. The restaurant offers creative yet accessible seasonal menus with a focus on fresh, locally sourced produce. The friendly and professional staff serve up well presented dishes including tagliolini with Burgundy truffle, ragout of deer and roasted guinea-fowl with balsamico sauce. There is also a great wine list. Popular with locals and a bit off the tourist radar, Hotel Hofgarten Restaurant is a charming restaurant serving interesting and delicious food in lovely peaceful surrounds.
Restaurant Balances
Weinmarkt, 6004 Luzern
In an enviable location right on the Reuss River, Restaurant Balances at the Hotel des Balances is one of the finest restaurants in Lucerne, perfect for a special occasion. Inside is an elegant mixture of old and new, with polished timber floors and exposed historic stone walls. Romantic candlelight, linen tablecloths and fine glassware complete the atmosphere, all accompanied by live piano. The outside terrace enjoys stunning views of the river, Chapel Bridge and onwards to the Alps. The menu is modern, seasonal French-Mediterranean and you can choose from a set tasting menu with matching wines or a la carte. The wine list is one of the best in the city, with extensive local and European options by the bottle and glass. The staff are professional and eager to ensure you enjoy your experience and take their time delivering each course, ensuring you have a relaxed and memorable dining experience.
