Gasthaus zum Kreuz

Dating back to 1906, the Mandarin Oriental, situated on the lakeshore, is certainly a stylish setting in which to dine. This restaurant exudes the charm of yesteryear with contemporary elegance. With wonderful Art Nouveau light fittings hanging from the high ceiling, striking marble columns and an almost floor-to-ceiling glazed wine cabinet, the interior is a sight to behold. Chef Gilad Peled and his enthusiastic team showcase their modern take on French cuisine – take, for example, the sweetbreads with peas, asparagus, morels and wild garlic. There are two tasting menus, which can comprise th

This restaurant with a counter-dining concept brings a slice of Japan to the exclusive Mandarin Oriental, with its pared-back Far Eastern decor and an eight-course traditional Japanese omakase menu served to all diners at the same time. From your comfortable seat at the counter, you can watch, for example, as various nigiri are prepared before your eyes. The accompanying sake pairing is particularly enticing. And don't hesitate to ask any burning questions you may have – the chef and the competent front-of-house team will gladly provide answers and do their best to make your evening enjoyable.

This place ticks all the boxes! In a central location right by Lake Lucerne, on the first floor of the Culture and Congress Centre, it commands fantastic views of the lake and the city. It boasts a stylish and chic interior. Furthermore, the large, friendly team provides proficient service. And then there's the food: By enlisting Maximilian Huber, previously chef at Munich's mural farmhouse, they have brought in a master at elevating regional cuisine with delicate precision. Proximity to producers and the quality of the ingredients play an important role. The precise technique and balance of f

Chef Robert Steuri heads up the kitchen of this lovely restaurant at a remove from the city centre. In the evening, he and his dedicated team showcase precise craftsmanship and top-notch ingredients in two five- or seven-course set menus, one of which is vegan. A marriage of elegance and bold flavours, the dishes are carefully composed and thoughtfully balanced – intricate without ever feeling overworked. A fine example is the duck with red cabbage, chestnut and orange. At lunchtime, the set menu is shorter, comprising three or four courses. Diners enjoy professional and well-attuned service i

In a prime Old Town location right by the River Reuss, this couple – Oscar de Matos and Nadine Baumgartner – run their restaurant, which has a tastefully modern bistro vibe with a relaxed feel and an open kitchen. Made from top-quality ingredients, the dishes are brimming with personality – bold, creative and out of the ordinary, characterised by an intense interplay of acidity and contrasts. Think kohlrabi with Nashi pear, buttermilk and chipotle ketchup, or halibut with walnut, parsnip, Chasselas grapes and sauerkraut beurre blanc. "Unusual, but down-to-earth and with a pinch of punk" is how

A great place to experience nature untamed – in a sensational location at an altitude of 1 550m! Under the direction of Benedikt Voss, the cuisine is well devised and very technically sophisticated; refined yet brimming with ideas, it steers well clear of gimmicks and ostentation. Only high-quality, mostly organic produce from Switzerland is used, as well as over 400 different herbs from their own garden. Opt for the alcohol-free drink pairings, which include house-made lemonades. Why not book one of the simple but well-kept guestrooms at the Kräuter Hotel Edelweiss, in which the restaurant is

Patrick Mahler and his team offer a unique culinary experience in the form of an exciting six- or eight-course set menu. Replete with intricate details, it blends classic, Japanese and Scandinavian elements. Amuse-bouches, such as shiitake dashi with a lovely hint of ginger, provide the perfect prelude. Hard to be beaten in terms of intensity and complexity of flavour is the combination of Miéral pigeon and truffle, accompanied by the wonderful depth of pigeon jus, as well as Albufera sauce and white cabbage foam. The signature dish of duck liver ice cream with beetroot and beef tartare also d