Dining and Drinking

For a long time, it seemed as if Basel would never be a city known for its good food, yet in the last few years, the situation has improved dramatically. A range of factors, such as longer opening hours, have contributed to this change and anyone who has recently visited the city will no doubt testify that you will be able to find food and drink to satisfy even the most cultured of tastes.

There are lots of corner watering holes with excellent snack menus. These are easily missed though and it has to be said that there are not as many as there once were. There has, however, been a distinct rise in demand for foreign cuisine. The area around the Central Train Station is home to many good restaurants, such as L'Escargot which, not surprisingly, is a French restaurant. Sakura in the train station has adopted traditional Japanese minimalist decor but its prices are anything but minimalist! Nonetheless, it’s a case of "you get what you pay for" and it is without doubt the best place in Basel to sample Japanese cuisine.

A range of restaurants can also be found around the Barfüsserplatz; in fact, you may find it hard to decide what tickles your fancy most, such is the choice. The Kunsthalle-Restaurant is much-favoured. Its menu is small but exquisite and in the summer you can sit outside, a practice that is particularly enjoyed by couples. If you are planning to eat at Bodega zum Strauss be prepared for a wait. This is, however, always worth it in the end because the food is mouth-watering. The Stoffero Café & Bar first brought the Italian coffee-culture to Basel and is a favourite with the local fashionable crowd. The French brasserie-inspired Birseckerhof near the Heuwaage is also popular.

The Gundeli area still has some catching up to do but if you do find yourself here, you could visit the Gundeldingerhof or the Wanderruh. Both serve good food and are increasingly booked-up in advance.

Go up the mountain a bit more and you will get to the Stucki, named after the district of the same name. Hans Stucki, one of Switzerland’s most renowned chefs, worked his magic here for many years and the restaurant has managed to sustain its high standards since his death.

The surroundings of Leonhardskirche are home to the innovative cooking of the Teufelhof. Food is presented elegantly and is understated; connoisseurs and aspiring food buffs will feel right at home here! The restaurant also has an excellent wine list.

Those with a sweet tooth should definitely visit Confiserie Schiesser on the main market place. The cakes here are nothing short of divine and you can gaze upon the picturesque Rathaus. Café Pellmont, near Historisches Museum Basel, is also a good choice.

Seafood lovers are no strangers to Basel and people from all over this region of Switzerland flock to the Spitz restaurant, known for its expert handling of fish. The food here, which is already first-class, tastes even better when enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the beautiful River Rhine.

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