Switzerland Restaurants

Petermann's Kunststuben
City/Region: Zurich
Widely considered to be one of the finest restaurants in Switzerland, even perhaps the whole of Europe, maestro chef and owner Horst Petermann's award-winning reputation attracts the wealthy gourmets of Zurich and boasts a celebrity list that includes the Swiss president, singer Tina Turner (who lives nearby) and the emperor of Japan. The restaurant is in the lakeside town of Kusnacht, about 15 minutes from the city, housed in an elegantly decorated building that was once an art gallery. The menu changes regularly, and can include outstanding specialty lobster dishes or a number of other inventive dishes such as Tuscan dove, scampi lasagne in lemongrass sauce or stuffed squid with a fennel confit. All entrées, desserts and cheeses are of exceptional quality, as is the wine cellar. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Advance booking essential.
Address: Seestrasse 160, Küsnacht
Website: www.kunststuben.com

Kronenhalle
City/Region: Zurich
One of Zurich's most famous restaurants, Kronenhalle is the place to see and be seen, and over the years has attracted celebrity greats such as James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Richard Strauss and Yves Saint-Laurent. The interior is decorated with original works of famous 20th-century artists including Picasso, Matisse and Miró. The fare is traditional Swiss and includes huge portions of rösti, a delicious herring in double cream, veal steak and duck liver. Reservations are essential.
Address: Rämistrasse 4 (Right Bank)
Website: www.kronenhalle.com

Zunfthaus Zur Zimmerleuten
City/Region: Zurich
Originally the carpenter's guildhall, Zunfthaus Zur Zimmerleuten is one of the architectural showpieces of Zurich. Up a flight of Baroque stairs, the elegant dining room serves up dishes that combine Zurich specialties with chef innovations, including the Lake Zurich fish soup with garlic rouille or the triple fillet accompanied with rösti and cream sauce. Reservations recommended. Open daily.
Address: Limmatquai 40 (Right Bank)

Zeughauskeller
City/Region: Zurich
The huge dining hall built in 1487, with thick stone pillars, wooden beams and a decorative ceiling, was originally the city's armory, and the medieval character of the restaurant is highlighted by the décor, with weapons and paintings from the Middle Ages, and waitresses in old-fashioned costume. Known for its tasty traditional Swiss meals, the portions are hearty and served with local beer. Classic specialty dishes include the Zurich-style sliced veal and mushrooms and rösti potatoes. Zeughauskeller also offers a wide variety of different types of sausage. Open daily from 11.30am. Reservations recommended.
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 28a, Paradeplatz (Left Bank)
Website: www.zeughauskeller.ch

Blaue Ente
City/Region: Zurich
Situated on the site of a 300-year old mill, this slick modern restaurant draws trendsetters from the advertising and arts scene who are attracted by the modern approach to fresh ingredients and light cuisine. Duck ('blaue ente' means 'blue duck') is the house specialty and comes in various forms. Other dishes include fish and crustaceans, loin of lamb, vegetarian curry and pastas. Reservations recommended.
Address: Seefeldstrasse 223
Website: www.blaue-ente.ch

Bierhalle Kropf
City/Region: Zurich
Bierhalle Kropf attracts locals and visitors alike with its generous portions, delicious well-prepared food and authentic atmosphere. Located in one of the oldest burgher houses in the city, the main beer hall has stained glass windows, wooden panelling and large shared tables, with smaller side rooms for a more private experience. Besides a large selection of sausages, specialties include potato croquettes filled with farmer's cheese, Zurich-style pot-au-feu, and excellent desserts with apple variations. Reservations recommended. Closed Sunday.
Address: In Gassen 16, Paradeplatz (Left Bank)

Der Kropf
City/Region: Zurich
A popular and friendly beer hall, Der Kropf is one of the oldest burgher houses in town, having been founded in 1880. With ornate columns, chandeliers, stained glass windows, woodcarvings and elaborate hunting murals, the ambiance, setting and food at Der Kropf all go hand in hand. Try out the mouth-watering hot meals such as Geschnetzeltes mit Rosti, a traditional Zurich dish consisting of tiny veal strips in a spicy cream, wine, and mushroom gravy, accompanied with a potato croquettes filled with farmer's cheese. A great selection of sausages compliment a great selection of beers, pork shank is a firm favorite and traditional deserts such as Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), round things off sweetly. Bring along a healthy appetite to this authentic Swiss-German restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Saturday. Reservations recommended.
Address: In Gassen 16

Chez Crettol
City/Region: Zurich
A trip to Switzerland would be incomplete without sampling traditional Swiss fare. A country famous for cheese, most notably the tasty Gruyere variety, communal dishes such as Raclette and Fondue are commonplace in both Swiss homes and upmarket restaurants. Ideal for a wintery treat, head to Chez Crettol where these particular dishes are the specialty. With a selection of Fondues to choose from, patrons can while away the time dipping, twirling and eating and finishing off with a zesty local white wine. For those who can't handle more than a few mouthfuls of bread, opt for Raclette, which is a combination of boilt potatoes, pickled onions and gherkins, drizzled with melted cheese, which is scraped off a melting block. For a heart-warming Swiss evening, a warm crackling fireplace and an understated environment that looks characteristically similar to a Swiss dining room, Chez Crettol is the place. Open daily for dinner.
Address: Florastrasse 22, Kusnacht

Seerose
City/Region: Zurich
With one of the best locations in Zurich, the Seerose offers a romantic element to Zurich dining. Situated on the vast lake, guests are surrounded by water, quaint boats, city lights and majestic snow-capped mountains. Whether you are looking for a sunny and crisp lunchtime venue or an evening out, with a European flair, the Seerose will fulfil your expectations. Reminiscent of a yacht on the Mediterranean with elegant beachhouse trimmings, the Seerose serves up fresh cuisine ranging from seafood to curry. Start with goat's cheese and honey on a salad bouquet or a Salade Noel, with chicory, nuts, fresh fruits and an Indian sauce. Popular mains include moule et frites and duck l'orange or for the more adventurous, a red beef curry. Open daily for lunch and dinner, booking recommended.
Address: Seestrasse 493

Lasalle
City/Region: Zurich
A Zuri-West hotspot, Lasalle is an emblem of sophisticated inner city cool. Created within a renovated shipbuilding factory, the stylish restaurant forms part of the Schiffbauhaus complex that also houses two theaters and a jazz bar. A great location to kick start a cultural evening or end one, Lasalle serves simple international cuisine, packed with flavor and beautifully presented. Try the grilled fillet of salmon with artichokes, tomatoes, and herbs, Swiss dumplings or the chopped veal liver with sage. Alongside the restaurant is a cosy lounge area, where patrons can enjoy a quiet drink, consider the extensive wine list and marvel at the design genius of Lasalle, the endless windows, steel beams, coarse walls and high ceilings, not to mention the elaborate soft pink Venetian chandelier. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: Schiffbaustrasse 4

Café des Bains
City/Region: Geneva
A warm and friendly bistro situated opposite the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in the trendy Plainpalais district, Café des Bains serves fresh innovative dishes from all over the world. With a varying daily lunch menu, patrons can expect mouth-watering quality dishes, prepared with only the finest ingredients, which are creatively presented. Take lunch at the new bar area where you can access free wifi or just sit back and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee. In the evenings patrons can choose from an attractive a la carte menu that is accompanied by a good winelist. For a relaxed dining experience in Geneva head to Café de Bains. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Address: 26 rue des bains
Website: www.cafedesbains.com

La Perle du Lac
City/Region: Geneva
Popular with tourists and locals alike, La Perle du Lac is the only restaurant in Geneva that is situated directly on Lac Leman. Known for its large flowered terrace overlooking the Alps mountain range and the tranquil lake, guests at La Perle du Lac easily unwind whilst relishing the flavors of their pan fried escalope of duck liver with apple or the much loved slow-cooked lamb shanks. Situated in pretty Mon Repos Park, La Perle du Lac has been serving five star French cuisine to diplomats and businessmen for over 30 years. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Address: 126 rue de Lausanne
Website: www.laperledulac.ch

Café du Soleil
City/Region: Geneva
Situated about three miles (five kilometers) outside of central Geneva, city slickers and tourists alike cannot help but gravitate towards Café du Soleil. With a leafy outside sitting area dotted with blood red tables and a simple interior with antique wooden chairs and elaborate framed mirrors adorning the bare white walls, the frank décor of Café du Soleil only highlights the scrumptious cuisine. Regarded as one of the oldest restaurants in Geneva and one of the best fondue restaurants to boot, there is no uncertainty over what to order. For a light lunch try their brochettes or freshly prepared salads otherwise the sirloin and rump steaks are a good bet. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Address: 6 Place du Petit-Saconnex, Petit-Saconnex
Website: www.cafedusoleil.ch

Nologo
City/Region: Geneva
A small but trendy Italian bistro in a warm industrial space, Nologo combines delicious Italian cuisine with a relaxed yet refined setting, ideal for a business lunch or laidback evening meal. The screened open kitchen allows patrons to glimpse at the work of the skilled chefs who prepare simple Italian fare such as pastas, fish dishes and traditional meat dishes. Complimented by an appealing winelist, the black and white clad waiters are more than willing to go through the day's specials with you. Open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday and dinner Sunday.
Address: 11 Rue de Fribourg
Website: www.nologo.ch

Auberge de Floris
City/Region: Geneva
Ideal for a business lunch or gastronomic night out, Auberge de Floris is a sophisticated terrace restaurant overlooking the lake in the picturesque village of Anières, 15 minutes southwest of the city. Claude and Inès Legras warmly welcome patrons to this Michelin star restaurant known for its delectable seafood. Try the tuna carpaccio starter drizzled with orange zest and olive oil and follow with pecorino-stuffed calamari in octopus ink sauce with chorizo potatoes and steam courgette flowers. Next door is the bistro, offering less complex but still inventive dishes at slightly cheaper prices. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Address: 287 Route d'Hermance
Website: www.lefloris.com

Les Papilles de Lavinia
City/Region: Geneva
A haven for wine lovers, Les Papilles de Lavinia is a new wine and tapas bar that combines the sweet and savoury dishes created by chef Stephan Sanial with a wonderful selection of wines from leading producers around the world. Sit intimately at a table for two or join a larger group around the heavy wooden tables. With tasteful décor and a trendy wine bar atmosphere, Les Papilles de Lavinia is ideal for a sophisticated lunch or after-work drink. Open for lunch and early dinner from Monday to Saturday.
Address: Rue de Coutance 3bis

Parc des Eaux-Vives
City/Region: Geneva
The elegant Restaurant du Parc des Eaux-Vives is situated in a historic mansion dating back to the 18th century in the picturesque Parc des Eaux-Vives along the lake. The gourmet restaurant, decorated with two Michelin stars, is overseen by talented chef de cuisine Olivier Samson whose refined menu is composed according to the produce of the season. The art deco dining room is complimented with world-class wines and outstanding service. In summer, the Parc des Eaux-Vives terrace is one of the most beautiful settings in Geneva. Ideal for business or leisure, the Parc des Eaux-Vives is open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: Quai Gustave-Ador 82

Gaya
City/Region: Geneva
Traditional yet stylish interior decoration is what greets you as you enter Gaya restaurant in Geneva center. The light natural colors, soft blinds and diverse use of paper add to the airy traditional atmosphere of this popular Korean restaurant. The extensive menu incorporates soups, marinated meats 'Bulkogi' and vegetables 'Kim Chi' many of which can be brought into play on the integrated grill on your table. Service is in English and booking is recommended. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturday for dinner only.
Address: Rue Ferrier 19

Heaven Lounge
City/Region: Geneva
A non-smoking bar and restaurant, Heaven Lounge serves up provincial Mediterranean and French fusion dishes in an ubercool and trendy environment. Owned by Australian chef of Italian parentage, Chef Yvette ensures that what's on your plate emanates the chic standard set by your surroundings. With modern furnishings and carefully considered lighting, patrons will never want to leave. A great place to kickstart a night out in Geneva, Heaven Lounge also hosts performances by musicians and DJ's. Open Monday to Saturday for dinner.
Address: Rue Phillippe-Plantamour 25
Website: www.heavenlounge.ch

Little India
City/Region: Geneva
If you're craving Indian cuisine in Geneva you must visit Little India. With the characteristic Bollywood movie showing on a big screen television, this characteristic Indian restaurant will leave you enchanted by the quality of the food and attentive service. Taste the flavors of traditional Indian cooking methods in their superb curries, special Tandoori dishes and other delectable courses. With vegetarian options and a children's menu, Little India caters well for families, couples and business associates. Open Monday to Friday for lunch and daily for dinner.
Address: Rue du Prieuré 20

Chez Ma Cousine
City/Region: Geneva
A casual restaurant with a cheery air and country style, Chez Ma Cousine On Y Mange Du Poulet (At My Cousin's House We Eat Chicken) is a popular Geneva restaurant that quite simply specializes in spit-roasted chicken. Accompanied by chunky potato fries and a fresh tossed salad, meals at Chez Ma Cousine are tasty and unpretentious. With mismatched cutlery and yellow-sponged walls, the laid back atmosphere of Chez Ma Cousine attracts patrons looking for a relaxed lunch venue and charming dinner spot. Affordable Chez Ma Cousine has three restaurants: in the Old Town, St. Gervais and Petit Saconnex. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: 6 place Bourg-de-Four

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