These are the most exquisite restaurants in Switzerland
Champagne bubbles, the first course is served - six top-class Swiss restaurants.
"Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville" in Crissier: the living legend
The "Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville" in Crissier near Lausanne is an institution in Swiss gastronomy. With three Michelin stars and 19 GaultMillau points, the restaurant follows in the tradition of former chefs Frédy Girardet and Philippe Rochat. Today, Franck Giovannini runs the kitchen with a brigade of 24 chefs.
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"The Japanese" in Andermatt: the twins' two stars
The Japanese-inspired fine dining restaurant "The Japanese" is run by the twin brothers Dominik Sato and Fabio Toffolon. In 2024, they were named "Rising Star of the Year" by GaultMillau and their restaurant was awarded 18 points. It is located in the hotel "The Chedi Andermatt" and boasts two Michelin stars.
The modern Japanese cuisine with European influences is served in omakase format: you choose how many courses you want, the kitchen decides what goes on the plate. Surprise meets confidence. Particularly delicious are, for example, the Norway lobster with miso and pumpkin and the Ozaki Wagyu A5 with special Japanese rice varieties.
"Cheval Blanc" in Basel: a master of sauces
At the "Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois", Peter Knogl runs the "Cheval Blanc" restaurant, which has been awarded three Michelin stars and 19 GaultMillau points since 2015. Born in Bavaria, he is known for his sauces and precise kitchen technique.
Knogl's cuisine combines the sophistication of French haute cuisine with creative accents from the Mediterranean and Asia. His trademarks are the toro course with triple-vacuumed cucumbers and his famous Château Chalon sauce with Breton lobster.
The "Cheval Blanc" service team includes maître Giuseppe Giliberti and top sommelier Christoph Kokemoor, who received the "Sommelier Award 2019" and was named "World's Best Sommelier" in 2022. In addition, the exquisite Swiss restaurant was ranked first among the best restaurants in the world by the renowned website "La Liste" in 2025.
"Schloss Schauenstein" in Fürstenau: sustainability meets perfection
Top chef Andreas Caminada has developed "Schloss Schauenstein" into an all-in-one dining experience. With three Michelin stars and 19 GaultMillau points, the Swiss exquisite restaurant stands for sustainable top cuisine.
The restaurant is characterized by simple, Nordic-inspired noblesse. Caminada and head chef Marcel Skibba work together to develop dishes that make the most of seasonal produce. The menu features classics such as tortellini with braised beef filling and nut butter as well as innovative creations.
"The Counter" in Zurich: urban fine dining
Mitja Birlo, GaultMillau's "Chef of the Year 2022", has established a new format in Zurich with his restaurant "The Counter". Instead of a classic menu, there are 16 small bites that you can eat by hand. The cuisine is internationally inspired, from Japanese to Mexican, and focuses on surprising flavor combinations.
"Chez Vrony" in Zermatt: hospitality with a view of the Matterhorn
Located at 2,100 meters, the mountain restaurant "Chez Vrony" belongs to the Julen family and is now run by Vrony Cotting-Julen - she is GaultMillau's "Hostess of the Year 2022" - and her husband Max. The restaurant has stood for family tradition for more than 100 years and is almost always fully booked, especially in winter.
The cuisine at "Chez Vrony", which has been awarded 14 GaultMillau points, under the direction of Oliver Waldispühl, focuses on organic produce from the restaurant's own livestock, which only feeds on alpine grass. Dried meat, homemade sausage and alpine cheese are produced according to traditional recipes. The Vrony burger is the undisputed bestseller.
Switzerland as a gourmet nation: tradition and innovation in harmony
Top Swiss gastronomy combines tradition and innovation at the highest level. These six exquisite restaurants represent the diversity of Swiss cuisine: from classic French haute cuisine to Japanese-inspired creations and authentic Alpine cuisine.
The restaurants focus on sustainability and regional products, demonstrating that top cuisine and environmental awareness can go hand in hand. The many Michelin stars and numerous points in GaultMillau also show that Switzerland has reached a culinary level that does not need to shy away from international comparisons.
And you can experience this Swiss culinary scene at the highest level particularly well with the American Express Platinum Card. It gives you privileged insights into the world of top gastronomy. You secure preferred table reservations in sought-after restaurants, experience exclusive culinary events with renowned chefs and benefit from attractive dining advantages in more than 2,000 premium restaurants worldwide.
Frequently asked questions and answers
For the Michelin-starred restaurants, we recommend booking four to eight weeks in advance. For the "Restaurant de l'Hôtel de Ville" and "Chez Vrony", you should try to make a reservation particularly early. As a Platinum Card holder, you can simply make your reservation via Platinum Travel & Lifestyle Service.
Menu prices range between CHF 260 and 410 for tasting menus.
In the Michelin-starred restaurants, elegant formal dress is encouraged, sportswear is not permitted. At "Chez Vrony" the requirements are more relaxed.
