Location: Lucerne
Top Restaurants in Lucerne
Lucerne Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Lucerne
Lucerne is an ancient town with strikingly modern sensibilities. One of Europe’s oldest covered bridges serves as its centerpiece, and fresco-adorned historic houses line the streets, but it’s also home to the cutting-edge KKL, a concert hall and art gallery. Take the cableways up the Pilatus, Stanserhorn or Rigi mountains for breathtaking views, or see Lake Lucerne on a steamship cruise.
Things to do in Lucerne
1. BOLERO Restaurante
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 609 reviews
BOLERO Restaurante - Tapas, Paellas y Vinos. Centrally located and air conditioned at Bundesplatz Lucerne we offer you our famous pinchos-buffet (tapas), paellas - live cooked from our front-cooking station - filled with your favorites ingredients and many open wines. Bienvenidos!
Reviewed By Ross N - Southampton
We visited here on a Friday evening after a brief stopover in Lucerne for the night. After checking trip advisor we liked the look of this Spanish restaurant, and called ahead to see if they had a table, which they quickly arranged - even though it was clearly a busy night. When we arrived they quickly took us to the table and immediately you could sense the great atmosphere in the restaurant. The decor and layout is really pleasing on the eye, and the staff were extremely friendly, funny and helpful. They have an iPad menu which was really fun to use and very different. A complimentary glass of Cava was also a nice touch.
We chose several tapas and found the quality very good, perhaps slightly expensive, but thoroughly worth the money for the all round experience. The staff were extremely attentive, one Italian chap continued to joke with us and really engage each time he topped up our drinks. The veal carpaccio was stunning. I'd highly recommend for any occasion as they seem to be catering for couples, families, large and small groups very efficiently. The buzz around the place was really nice.
2. Hotel Hofgarten
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By Vicki L - Perth, Australia
Reading the reviews on Trip advisor I decided to email this restaurant on their website requesting a table for 10 people at 6pm. It was already 5pm. A prompt response confirmed our reservation.
We were delighted with the room with an outlook on the garden and the warm welcome from the host -Oliver.
It was a sensational night. The food was delicious. My husband and I ordered soup of the day - celery- and gnocchi . Superb. We had dessert and coffee . The wine was very pleasant and reasonably priced.
The waitress was very friendly and efficient.
Thank you Oliver and your team from the West Coast Eagles fans. It has been a memorable evening.
3. Restaurant La Cucina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Pizza & PastaLa Cucina is the city’s premier Italian restaurant, delivering delicious Italian cuisine including home-made pasta e pizza and great wines in a welcoming Mediterranean environment.
Reviewed By BambinaRosa - Lucerne, Switzerland
Grazie Roberto, Pietro, and Team for another fabulous evening at La Cucina! The truffle pizza was divine! The pasta telephono took my breath away!! I always feel like I am stepping into a warm Italian family home when I go to La Cucina! The food & service is impeccable! One of the most beautiful restaurants in Lucerne!! Bravo!!!
4. Burgerstube im Hotel Wilden Mann
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
The Wilden Mann Stube (parlour) in Luzern, which has been awarded 14 points in the prestigious Gault-Millau Swiss guide, offers and elegant room for a festive dinner. With great attention to detail, head chef, Tobias Kofmel, produces creative cuisine steeped in tradition, inspired by whatever is on offer at the local market. However, he also has great ability at using his knowledge of international cuisine to great creative effect, producing his own contemporary combinations. On the menu, you will find interesting options such as tomato, herb and olive pralines accompanied by a rocket salad with Puschlaver dry-cured ham, beef fillet Stroganoff prepared at the table, or chocolate sour cream slices with a kumquat compote (stewed citrus fruit). There are always numerous options for vegetarians available on the menu. Restaurant manager, Viktor Spath, serves a great choice of outstanding wine from all over the world to accompany your meal. For those of you who wish to enjoy the culinary experience with a cigar or cigarette, it is possible to relax in either the smoker's lounge, or the smokers��� restaurant Burgerstube (Burger parlour). As a particular highlight at the Wilder Mann Stube (parlour), there are numerous events to take part in, such as the murder mystery dinners. Under the motto: a Lucullan meal for the palate, and witty criminal case to solve for the mind. A crime to solve alongside an outstanding 3 course set menu, all part of the service from the staff. All this, just to get the taste buds going.
Reviewed By yanischan - Hong Kong, China
I've visited the restaurant on 23 Sep night around 6pm with my husband and friends. Lucerne is the first stop for us of our Switzerland trip and we were truly amazed by the beautiful city as well as this historical restaurant.
The food is really amazing, especially for the Luzerner Chugeli Pastete. However, the server, who is a middle-aged man with grey hair provides the worst service I've ever experienced. We were in a group of four and we did order four main courses once we finished Reading the menu. And I talked to him that we would like to have some tap water. He replied in a very rude manner that "We will charge you even you just order tap water for drink, if you order other drinks I can free the tap water for you" Indeed we know the cultural difference between westerners and Asian. But we just want to have some water before order other drinks and enjoy the food. I can just asked for a drink menu form the server but he's still very rude to us. He then placed a baskets of bread on our table. And talked very loudly to me that " the bread is free of charge, you can eat as much as you can" We were all shocked by his attitude. Thus we ordered three glass of red wine from another waitress. We just ignored the server and kept enjoy the delicious food. The server came again and said "enough bread? You sure it's enough? I can give you more, it's free"
To be honest, I can't withstand anymore but I don't want to ruin the first day of our trip and affect my accompanies. Thus I chose to remain silent and left as soon as we could.
Frankly, we are Hong Kong people, we are Chinese and Asian. But we truly behave ourselves and respect European culture a lot. We appreciate Burgerstube traditional food and the historical interior design. All the things are so authentic and worth for a visit. I've visited different counties in Europe including UK, Germany, France, Austria, Hungary, Prague, etc. And I've been living in Australia for a few years. This is the worst experience I've ever experienced in western countries. And I truly face the race discrimination. I wish the management of Burgerstube can read my comments and reinforce the attitude of all staff. At least have basic respect to all customers. As it will definitely affect the reputation of the restaurant, the hotel, Lucerne and even Switzerland.
5. Restaurant Olivo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
With its impressive views from the large lakeside Terrace and its stylish interior Restaurant Olivo is as rewarding as a short break away, whatever the weather. At lunchtime and dinner Chef Hugues Blanchard and his team serve culinary delights inspired by the Mediterranean's light and varied cuisine. The menu features Mediterranean classics with an innovative touch as well as new creations to delight the palate.The wine list is also full of surprises. Besides the finest vintages from the established wine regions around the Mediterranean it also comprises specialities from lesser known regions.
Reviewed By willywonka09 - Melbourne
We booked this restaurant months in advance for our Silver Wedding anniversary dinner, and it did not disappoint. Wow, what a superb evening! The food was divine, and our waitress Stephanie was wonderful. Be aware, it is not a cheap experience. However as the old...MoreDear willywonka09, thank you very much for your positive feedback. We're happy you enjoyed your anniversary dinner and are looking forward to welcome you again. All the best, Katharina – Restaurant Olivo TripAdvisor Team
6. Restaurant Balances
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 559 reviews
In Balances restaurant, Luzern, head chef Andy Fluri creates culinary masterpieces with great success. This master chef, who has been awarded 14 points by the prestigious Gault-Millau guide, takes his guests on a flight of fancy for the taste buds, with delicacies such: as cream of parmesan soup with basil Espuma and beef fillet steak carpaccio; braised veal cheeks in a truffle jus, served with a potato and onion mash and savoy bacon; or dumplings filled with chocolate and nuts, accompanied by apple mousse with sour cream and banana ice cream. All meals are prepared with only market fresh produce and everything is produced according to the season. Guests are welcomed with historic flair, which is also in keeping with modern design and makes for a stylish establishment decorated in warm, natural tones. This extraordinary ambience is even more enhanced by the Terrace, which looks directly on to the Reuss, which sets the mood not only for the romantics, but for all diners, as there is a sense of being on the Venecian Grand Canal.
Reviewed By Svetlana C - Sydney, Australia
Perfect place to have a coffee, wine or antipasto plate. Best view overlooking Lucerne. Very nice and cosy inside. In summer time you can sit out on the balcony which overlooks the lake.Dear Svetlana C, thank you very much for your fantastic review! We are happy that you also enjoyed your time at our Restaurant. We would happily welcome you soon again.
7. Pacifico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 755 reviews
Enjoy ever-popular fajitas, juicy steaks, home-smoked spare ribs and Cajun wings in a stunning ambience. The Pacifico's celebrated cocktails and margaritas are highly recommended before and after a meal. In summer our Terrace is open too. Bienvenidos!
Reviewed By Linaki212 - Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
We went to Pacifico at Christmas and we felt really lucky that we actually found a place for dinner, as most restaurants were fully booked on that day. My partner is celiac so our food had to be gluten-free. Although there is no specific gluten-free menu and gluten-free options are not clearly marked on their general menu, the stuff is aware of the issue and very willing to accommodate it. Our waiter informed us that most salads, nachos and fajitas are safe for us and they were actually delicious. Try the coconut and banana chicken fajita, and the red banana juice!
8. GourmIndia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 413 reviews
Located close to the famous Gutsch castle and Utoring apartments, Restaurant GourmIndia Luzern provides an authentic Indian experience. Using a blend of traditional Indian spices, our chefs from India create true Village style Indian cuisine. Our hearty portions and friendly service mean everyone eats like a King. We specialize in classic regional dishes such as Goan prawn curry and Tandoori chicken served on a sizzling platter. These are accompanied by aromatic basmati rice or freshly prepared Naan bread baked in a traditional Indian tandoor (clay oven). Sip on a refreshing mango lassi to cool down while enjoying the blend of Indian spices The Kings menu is highly recommended for those who wish to try a variety of our favourite dishes and enjoy it to your heart's content. Book in advance for Kings menu and enjoy a complimentary hot masala Chai. We look forward in giving you a taste of Authentic Indian food.
Reviewed By Carol S
I was surprised at the authenticity of the Indian dishes on the buffet line available there. Moreover, the buffet is priced at a lower level and on top of this allows multiple servinngs according to the motto serve yourself "à discretion" which makes it very cheap for the big eater. Friendly service, good food and take-away at the buffet price make this restaurant suitable for return visits.
9. Grottino 1313
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 482 reviews
Reviewed By Peter M - Bangkok
We were seated at a small table, and were presented with bread and salami. After that, nothing happened for 27 minutes!!! We waited so long to get the attention of one of the many waitresses and "Italian manager". The waitress asked: "Is this your first visit here?" I almost replied "Yes and my last". She explainde us that there is only one (1) set menu available, no a la carte, no wine list, no choices on what to get for dinner. Everybody gets a salad and the soup and then a roast. And that's it...... i said I don't like meat, so they offered me a fish, which obviously was not coming form their heart! The soup was a "saffron soup" which was like dish wash water. The meat main course was small and apparently not good, the fish was also not up to swiss standard. Very poor meal and slow service, not attentive. Absolute waste of time and money.
10. Restaurant Geissmatt
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
Reviewed By Lus10tig
The only reason I am writing this review is that the staff and chef were so delightful, the food exceptional and the wine list had some amazing obscure wines. The prior critical review was obviously written by an Aussie who likes his meat well done and should eat at home. The experience was seriously nice and we have been fortunate to eat at half of the Pellegrino top 50 restaurants. The total value, experience and quality of food is worth enjoying. Just wanted to compliment the restaurant so others will try it but negative reviews out of touch with reality can affect a truly enjoyable experience. You will enjoy the meal if you don't mind the chef picking the entire experience so your tastes have to be varied. We really enjoyed it. Thx
