Bern
Discover Bern's Culinary Highlights
Bern enchants not only with its medieval old town and its UNESCO World Heritage status but also with a varied food scene. The best restaurants in Bern offer the right culinary experience for every taste. From traditional Swiss cooking to exotic international specialities, the federal capital surprises with an impressive variety of restaurants that delight locals and visitors alike.
Whether you are planning a romantic dinner for two, organising a business meal or simply want to discover the local food, this comprehensive guide shows you the ten best restaurants in Bern that you should not miss.
The Best Restaurants in Bern for Traditional Swiss Cooking
Swiss cuisine has far more to offer than just fondue and rösti. In Bern you will find authentic restaurants that combine traditional dishes with modern influences while keeping to the highest quality standards.
Restaurant Kornhauskeller: Historic Ambience Meets Fine Food
The Kornhauskeller is regarded as one of the top addresses for traditional cooking. The imposing 18th-century vaulted hall offers not only a unique ambience but also excellent Swiss specialities.
- The famous Berner Plättli, a platter with regional types of meat
- Homemade rösti in various variations
- Seasonal game dishes in autumn and winter
- Extensive Swiss wine list
💡 Tip: Book in good time, as the Kornhauskeller is very popular at weekends.
Altes Tramdepot: A Brewery Restaurant with Character
Altes Tramdepot combines craft-brewed beer with hearty Swiss cooking. The former tram depot offers a rustic ambience with a view of the Aare.
The Best Restaurants in Bern for International Cuisine
Bern surprises with an impressive choice of international restaurants offering authentic flavours from around the world. This culinary variety makes the city a true paradise for food lovers.
Yù: Asian Fusion at the Highest Level
Restaurant Yù is definitely among the best for Asian cuisine. The innovative fusion cooking blends Japanese, Chinese and Thai influences into a harmonious taste experience.
- Fresh sushi and sashimi prepared daily
- Creative ramen variations with homemade noodles
- Vegetarian and vegan options available
- Modern décor with an open kitchen
Osteria Italiana: Authentic Italian Cooking
For lovers of Italian cuisine, Osteria Italiana is among the best. Traditional recipes are prepared here with fresh ingredients imported from Italy.
Fine Dining: The Best Restaurants in Bern for Special Occasions
If you are looking for a memorable culinary experience, the fine-dining restaurants in Bern offer exceptional delights at Michelin-star standard.
Restaurant Meridiano: Gourmet Cooking with a View
Restaurant Meridiano in the Hotel Schweizerhof is regarded as one of the best for fine dining. The head chef's creative cooking combines French techniques with regional Swiss produce.
Schwellenmätteli: Romance on the Aare
Right on the Aare, Schwellenmätteli offers a romantic ambience with a terrace and a view of the water. The upmarket cooking focuses on seasonal and regional specialities.
- Starters with local produce such as Bernese Alpine cheese
- Main courses with meat from the region
- Homemade desserts with Swiss chocolate
- Extensive wine list with Swiss and international wines
- Seasonal menus with changing specialities
The Best Restaurants in Bern for Families and Groups
Families and larger groups have a wide choice of restaurants in Bern that are child-friendly while also serving high-quality food.
Restaurant Rosengarten: Panoramic View Included
Restaurant Rosengarten is among those with the finest view. From the terrace you have a spectacular view over the whole of Bern's old town.
- Large terrace with a panoramic view
- Children's playground very close by
- Children's menu with healthy options
- Group tables for up to 20 people
💡 Tip: Visit the restaurant at sunset for the best view over Bern.
Brasserie Obstberg: Cosiness for Everyone
Brasserie Obstberg is a good choice for relaxed family meals. The casual atmosphere and the varied menu make the restaurant well suited to different tastes.
Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Bern
The vegetarian and vegan scene in Bern is growing steadily. More and more restaurants specialise in plant-based cooking or add innovative meat-free alternatives to their menus.
Tibits: A Vegetarian Buffet Concept
Tibits is revolutionising vegetarian cooking with its innovative buffet concept. Here you pay by weight and can choose from more than 40 different dishes.
Roots: Vegan Gourmet Cooking
Restaurant Roots proves that vegan cooking can rank among the best. The creative plant-based food surprises even committed meat eaters with intense flavours and refined methods of preparation.
- Completely vegan menu
- Seasonal ingredients from organic farming
- Innovative meat-substitute creations
- Gluten-free options available
The Best Restaurants in Bern for a Date
For romantic evenings for two, Bern has a selection of restaurants with a special ambience, soft lighting and an intimate atmosphere.
Restaurant Harmonie: Intimacy and Elegance
Restaurant Harmonie is among the best for romantic dinners. The elegant décor and attentive service create a fitting atmosphere for special moments.
Café du Nord: Bohemian Chic
Café du Nord offers a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. The small, intimate menu focuses on high-quality dishes with French influences.
Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Bern
Good food does not have to be expensive. Bern has various restaurants serving excellent food at affordable prices without compromising on quality.
Lötschberg: Traditional and Affordable
Restaurant Lötschberg is among the best in the mid-price segment. Here you get authentic Swiss cooking at fair prices in a cosy atmosphere.
- Dishes of the day from 18 CHF
- Large portions at fair prices
- Traditional Swiss dishes
- Friendly, unfussy service
Beiz zur Einsiedelei: A Hidden Gem
Beiz zur Einsiedelei is an insider tip among the city's restaurants. The small, family-run restaurant serves homemade food at very low prices.
📍 Discover more: Explore further recommendations for Bern on our city page.
Conclusion: The Best Restaurants in Bern for Every Occasion
Bern offers an impressive variety of restaurants that have the right culinary experience ready for every taste and every occasion. From traditional Swiss cooking and international specialities to innovative vegan food, the restaurants win people over with quality, creativity and hospitality.
The key takeaways for your restaurant visit in Bern:
- Book in good time, especially at popular restaurants
- Be sure to try the traditional Swiss cooking
- Make use of the variety of international restaurants
- Plan a fine-dining experience for special occasions
- Explore the vegetarian and vegan options too
Whether you live here or are visiting Bern as a tourist, these restaurants promise memorable culinary experiences in the charming federal capital. Let the hospitality and the cooking of Bern's restaurants win you over, and discover your personal favourites.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Restaurants in Bern
Which are the best restaurants in Bern for traditional Swiss cooking? The Kornhauskeller and the Altes Tramdepot are regarded as top addresses for authentic Swiss cooking in a historic setting.
Do you need to book at the best restaurants in Bern? Yes, especially at weekends and in popular restaurants such as the Kornhauskeller or Restaurant Meridiano, you should definitely book in advance.
Are there vegan options among the best restaurants in Bern? Absolutely! Restaurants such as Tibits and Roots have specialised entirely in vegetarian and vegan cooking and serve innovative plant-based food.
Which restaurants in Bern are suitable for families with children? Restaurant Rosengarten with its playground and Brasserie Obstberg are especially family-friendly and offer special children's menus.
What do the set menus cost on average in Bern's best restaurants? Prices vary widely: budget restaurants from 18 CHF, upmarket restaurants 35–60 CHF, fine-dining restaurants from 80 CHF per person.
Martin Wolf
