Looking for the some great places to eat in Lucerne?
Whether you’re looking for riverside fine dining, authentic Swiss specialties, or a casual Italian deli, this handy list brings together the city’s most loved restaurants.
Note: I will add dollar signs to the name to give you a rough idea of how expensive it is from 1-3 $ (cheap, middle, expensive). I know, nothing is cheap in Switzerland, but try to experience something tasty and different while in a great city like Lucerne :>
1. Stadtkeller $$
Location: Sternenpl. 3, 6004 Luzern (Google Maps)
This is one I recommend to many of my clients who do consult calls with me.
It’s dinner with entertainment, and delivers a truly Swiss experience — think alphorns, yodeling, cowbells, and flag-throwing, all while enjoying classic Swiss cuisine.
The restaurant is quietly hidden away in a centuries-old building in the Old Town. It’s part restaurant, part show. The food includes hearty fare like fondue, sausages, schnitzel, and rösti, which is your typical “Swiss food,” so it’s a great place to try that and see one of the few places with Swiss traditions as well.
Some people said: “It’s touristy, but in the best way — fun, loud, and unforgettable.” The folklore shows run from April through October, and booking in advance is recommended, especially for groups or families.
2. Restaurant Balances $$$
Location: Hotel des Balances, Weinmarkt, 6004 Luzern (Google Map)
Set in an almost perfect location with views over the Reuss River, Restaurant Balances combines Swiss and French cuisine with high-level presentation.
With 14 Gault&Millau points and creative seasonal menus, it’s a top pick for a refined night out.
people rave about the views from the terrace and great service — one reviewer even called their meal “absolutely phenomenal… unlike anything I’ve had before.”
This is a pricey restaurant, so perhaps for that memorable birthday or anniversary in Switzerland?
3. Wirtshaus Galliker $$
Location: Schützenstrasse 1, 6003 Luzern (Google Maps)
For a super local experience that is not so hard on the wallet, why not try Wirtshaus Galliker, a traditional tavern that’s been serving Lucerne-style classics since 1856. The room has a lovely wood paneling with that old homely Swiss feeling, and the kind of vibe you come to Europe for.
Dishes like the Chügelipastete (a veal pie specialty), rösti, and apple strudel are often local favorites.
One recent reviewer said, “We loved this place. It’s quaint, great service, and the food was delicious. The menu is large, with lots of options to choose from. I would highly recommend it.”
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4. Old Swiss House $$$
Location: Löwenpl. 4, 6004 Luzern (Google Maps)
This historic restaurant near the Lion Monument is best known for its signature dish, Wiener Schnitzel, which is prepared right at your table.
The Old Swiss House delivers a nostalgic Swiss dining experience with heavy wood interiors and a proud history.
One reviewer recently loved their visit and said “Old Swiss House is full of traditional Swiss decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The service throughout was highly professional, with staff were all attentive. The portions were impressively generous — the famous schnitzel and veal rösti were hearty and well-prepared.”
5. Zunfthaus zur Pfistern $$-$$$
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Location: Kornmarkt 4, 6004 Luzern (Google Maps)
Housed in a beautifully frescoed 16th-century guild hall, Zunfthaus zur Pfistern offers a full menu of Swiss comfort food like fondue, veal in mushroom cream sauce, and raclette.
Its riverside terrace is a summer favorite, offering epic views of the Chapel Bridge—you won’t forget it!
While service reviews are mixed, most diners appreciate the location and classic dishes. One reviewer wrote, “The veal was fantastic — my favorite meal in Europe so far.”
6. La Cucina $$
Location: Kornmarkt 4, 6004 Luzern (Google Maps)
If you’re craving Italian, La Cucina delivers. This stylish restaurant is located near the train station, featuring fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and authentic antipasti in a buzzing atmosphere.
With 4.5-star reviews and mentions on several “best of” lists, guests praise the food and friendly staff.
One regular said, “Their pastas are like generous gifts from the gods… and the tiramisu is sinful.”
7. Mill’Feuille $$
Location: Mühlenpl. 6, 6004 Luzern (Google Maps)
A trendy brunch and bistro spot on the river, Mill’Feuille is popular with locals and travelers. I was there recently on a weekend, and the service was great. The actual Mille-feuille looked insane.
Their menu is known for steak tartare, pulled-beef lasagna, vegan-friendly breakfast options, and killer desserts. It’s a great spot to chill in the back corner of the old town on a warm summer’s day, although the inside is also quite lovely with windows towards the river.
Reviewers highlight the riverside view and laid-back vibe. A fan noted, “The pulled beef lasagne was incredible, and the apple strudel — next level.”
7. Thai Garden $$$
Location: Pilatusstrasse 29, 6003 Luzern (Google Maps)
In the newer part of town, this is often considered one of Switzerland’s best Thai restaurants, Thai Garden offers refined cuisine in a lush, exotic setting. Part of the Astoria group and awarded 14 Gault&Millau points, it will impress with complex flavors and beautifully plated dishes.
Although Thai is certainly not what a lot of people come to Switzerland for, but if you have a hankering for Thai and are willing to spend a little for great food, it’s worth booking in here while in town.
One regular put it simply: “Authentic, flavorful, and worth the splurge.”
9. Grottino 1313 $$$
Location: Industriestrasse 7, 6005 Luzern (Google Maps)
A true hidden gem, Grottino 1313 is a rustic Italian restaurant offering a surprise multi-course menu that changes daily. It’s a little strange for some people as there’s no printed menu — just trust the chef.
You dine by candlelight in a cozy converted workshop, which is often described as one of Lucerne’s most memorable food experiences.
As one reviewer put it: “Wow, what a menu — every course better than the last.”
10. Salvatore Icilio La Bottega Del Buongustaio $$
Location: Löwengraben 6, 6004 Luzern (Google Maps)
This charming Italian deli in the Old Town serves fresh pasta, salads, and Sicilian specialties made with love. The owner, Salvatore, is known for his warm hospitality and high-quality ingredients.
With a 4.8-star rating on Google, reviewers call it a must-visit: “No frills and authentic… the fish ravioli was superb.” Stop in for lunch or grab some imported antipasti to go.
