Whether you’re after fine-dining or something more casual, Bern has some of the best restaurants in Switzerland.
From a beautifully-restored farmhouse on the city’s outskirts to a riverside microbrewery and historic wood-panelled dining room that’s the local’s favourite lunch spot, there’s something for everyone among my list of the best restaurants in Bern.
Innovation Haberbüni
I adore this restaurant in the spacious repurposed hay loft of an old farmhouse on the city’s outskirts. Marrying tradition with innovation, local seasonal produce is combined with rarely-seen ingredients like pine and spruce from the surrounding forest, in beautifully presented dishes. Wine selection and service by the charming Dominic and his team are first class too!
Tradition Restaurant Harmonie
Full of locals enjoying a lunch of traditional fare, Harmonie is always my first stop in Bern, whether for a classic fondue or excellent rösti with speck and spiegelei. This casual wood-panelled dining room has been the lunch spot of choice for Bernese for over 100 years, so I was delighted to see that nothing’s changed with new ownership since 2023. The menu of the day is still great value too.
Casual Altes Tramdepot
Sometimes you just want a delicious snack rather than another fancy meal! That’s when I head to this micro-brewery next to Bern’s famous Bear Park overlooking the River Aare at the bottom of the historic city centre. A freshly baked pretzel filled with ham, tomato, pickles and mustard works a treat with a tasting tray of five of their beers, including seasonal specials like Hoppylirium made with plum and apricot.
Fine-diner Meets Café Steinhalle
Fine-diner by night/al fresco café by day, this restaurant in the grounds of Bern’s History Museum has something for everyone. One of Switzerland’s most innovative chefs, Markus Arnold, warrants a Michelin star for his dinner menu, with prices to match. During the day you can grab a seat in the garden and enjoy refreshments like house-made iced tea, ramen and salads, made with the same attention to detail at a fraction of the price.
Something Different Sua
As much as I love Swiss food, every now and then – even in Bern – I crave something a little different. That’s when I head to Sua, just a few doors down from the iconic Restaurant Harmonie (above). Their menu offers a range of slow-cooked dishes, from Moroccan tagine to Greek stifado and Indian curry. Plenty of salad and fresh veggies too.
