Gastronomic Delights on a City Break in Switzerland

Nov 30
13:15

2016

Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

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Switzerland – a fusion of French, German and Italian cultures and a gastronomic paradise for your city break.

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Switzerland is a landlocked country that combines the gastronomic history and culture of three great food nations – France,Gastronomic Delights on a City Break in Switzerland  Articles Germany and Italy. I thought I’d take a look at three of its stellar cities that offer a host of delicious delights.

Zurich – a Financial and Gastronomic Hub

Zurich the country’s capital and an international financial centre. It has many fine restaurants to enjoy during your city break in Switzerland – here are just a couple of examples of the very best.

The White Elephant – Located in the Marriot Hotel at Neumühlequai 42, the White Elephant has been serving traditional Thai cuisine and modern interpretations for 25 years. All the chefs are Thai, the service is impeccable and the food… divine! They also offer an amazing selection of some 100 fine wines from around the world to choose from.

Rico’s – Located at Seestrasse 160, Rico’s is a 2-star Michelin restaurant. Thanks to Chef Rico Zandonella’s artistry and skill, Rico’s is considered one of the best French restaurants in Europe. The design is sumptuous and stimulating, the food a delight to look at and a divine taste experience for the gourmet diner. After your meal, you can even purchase some of the dishes, sauces and foams from the online store to take back with you.

Basel – the Cultural and Culinarian Capital of Switzerland

You can’t go far wrong if you choose Basel for your city break in Switzerland. With a rich and varied culture going back centuries, Basel offers visitors, and especially those who are looking for fine restaurants, serving quality and innovative gourmet food. There are plenty of fine establishments to choose from.

Schloss Bottmingen (Schloss Bottmingen, Schlossgasse 9) is set in the fairytale location of medieval Bottmingen Castle. The restaurant has several dining rooms, each with its own majestic and unique decoration. Even before you sit down for your meal, you are transported into a world of grandeur and elegance – the perfect backdrop for the culinary experience that awaits you. Exquisite, classic French dishes, lovingly prepared by Chef de Cuisine Gilles Brunin and Chef de Patisserie Alain Schmidlin provide an unforgettable experience.

Volkshaus (Rebgasse 12-14, Basel, Switzerland) is a bar, a brasserie, and a beer garden all rolled into one, with each area having its own distinct and characteristic style. Located in Basel’s industrial area, the Volkhaus is more suited for the younger diner, one looking for a more relaxed, laid back atmosphere but where the food is still delicious and the service excellent. Check the website for the latest line up of bands and artists who regularly perform here.

Berne – Medieval Architecture, Traditional and Modern Cuisine

With centuries of tradition, history and culture, you would expect to find some excellent dining opportunities in Berne – and you wouldn’t be disappointed.

Wein&Sein – this secluded, 24-seat restaurant is located at Münstergasse 50 in a traditional vaulted cellar. They have a huge selection of seasonal menus and a massive wine cellar. Menus change all the time to accommodate seasonal produce and, even though seating is limited inside, during the summer months there is an outdoor terrace.

Moléson – Found at Aarbergergasse 24 in the centre of the traffic-free Old Town, this restaurant has been serving good food since 1865! The décor is simple yet impressive with magnificent stained glass windows. All the food is prepared from fresh local produce, with humanely reared meat and fish. Try the Gruyère fondue or Alsatian flammekueche. A vegan menu is also available. The site is in German but Google Translate does a good job.

Getting There

If your city break in Switzerland is in Zurich or Basel, you will be able to fly direct from the UK with many airlines. Take the stress out of travelling by pre-booking a shuttle from the airport to your hotel with Shuttle Direct. After all, your time is valuable and your Shuttle Direct driver will be waiting for you as you leave the Arrivals building to take you to your hotel as fast as possible so you can begin enjoying your stay.

Berne, however, has no direct flights from UK airports, meaning that you may have to get a connection. Alternatively, you could order a private or shared shuttle from Shuttle Direct either from Zurich or Basel (about a 90-minute drive).