GaultMillau-Recommended Restaurants in Basel
You’ll enjoy an exceptional dining experience at these restaurants – and receive benefits with the Platinum Card.
Weiss gedeckte Tische auf der Terrasse des luxuriösen «Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois» mit Blick auf Rhein, Bogenbrücke und Basler Stadtpanorama inszenieren das edle Ambiente des «Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl», das mit 19 GaultMillau-Punkten zu den herausragenden Gourmetadressen Basels zählt. Im Magazin AMEXperience veranschaulicht das Bild, wie American Express exklusive Kulinarik, stilvollen Lifestyle und die Vorteile der Platinum Card zu einem besonderen Fine-Dining-Erlebnis für Leserinnen und Leser verbindet.
Everything you need to know at a glance
Basel offers an excellent selection of GaultMillau-awarded restaurants, led by “Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl” and Tanja Grandits’ “Stucki,” both of which have been awarded the top rating of 19 points. While “Roots” (18 points) takes an innovative approach to vegetables, “Im Ackermannshof” (17 points) offers modern fine dining in a historic setting.
Basel’s culinary scene is further enriched by other GaultMillau-awarded establishments, such as “La” (14 points) with its creative concepts or the strictly vegetarian “Concordia” (14 points). With the Platinum Card, guests enjoy exclusive benefits such as dining credits at restaurants that accept American Express.
“Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl”: 19 points
“Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl” is not only one of the best restaurants in Basel and among the most exquisite dining establishments in Switzerland, but also ranks among the 100 best restaurants in the world. It has been awarded 19 points by GaultMillau and boasts three Michelin stars. You’ll dine in the regal ambiance of the luxurious “Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois.”
The dishes at “Cheval Blanc” are no less magnificent. Artfully plated, each course is served one after another, whether as part of a set menu or à la carte. Peter Knogl and his team serve French cuisine with influences from the Mediterranean and Asia. The focus is on clean flavors and reduction, yet there’s no shortage of surprising flavor combinations.
As a Platinum Card member, you can look forward to a dining credit at “Cheval Blanc” and all other GaultMillau restaurants mentioned in this article: Once a quarter, you’ll receive a credit worth CHF 40.– when you spend CHF 250.– or more at a GaultMillau restaurant that accepts American Express.
“Stucki” by Tanja Grandits: 19 points
“Stucki” is also among the best GaultMillau restaurants in Basel and Switzerland – its 19 points speak for themselves. Furthermore, Tanja Grandits’s aromatic cuisine has been awarded two Michelin stars. Multi-course menus await you – you can choose from four to nine courses. A vegetarian menu is also available.
All dishes at “Stucki” are presented with exquisite attention to detail, in a delicate composition of flowers and leaves. Color always plays a key role in the presentation. For starters, you can look forward to delicacies such as brook trout with horseradish labneh and herb-infused lettuce.
The meal continues with dishes such as entrecôte with sour cherries and balsamic artichokes. The meal concludes with desserts like raspberries with Szechuan pepper sorbet and buckwheat brittle.
“Roots”: 18 points
At “Roots,” vegetables take center stage. Meat and fish are also available, but only as side dishes. Chef Pascal Steffen earned 18 points from GaultMillau for these dishes and was awarded two stars by the Michelin Guide.
For the restaurant’s classic-modern dishes, the team uses regional ingredients – and they must be seasonal. The evening menu features seven to ten courses – exactly what they are remains a surprise. The menu lists only keywords describing the ingredients used, offering hints about the flavors.
“Im Ackermannshof”: 17 points
With 17 points, the restaurant “Im Ackermannshof” ranks among the best GaultMillau-awarded establishments in Basel. It also boasts a Michelin star. Here, you’ll dine in a historic, restored printing house. The beautiful bar area is available for pre-dinner drinks. When the weather is nice, you can grab a seat on the terrace.
“Im Ackermannshof” has a pleasant atmosphere. Here, you’ll experience casual fine dining. Chef Duc Tan Arrigoni and his team conjure up modern, Mediterranean-inspired dishes. You can order a five- to seven-course meal, featuring, for example, homemade pasta, meat and fish dishes, and cheese selections.
“La”: 14 points
Small but exquisite, the restaurant “La,” located in the heart of Basel, has been awarded 14 points by GaultMillau. The restaurant has also been honored with a Michelin star. The dining room features a minimalist interior with a rather purist aesthetic. From some seats, you have a good view of the kitchen.
The dishes are creative. A four- or six-course “Chef’s Choice” surprise menu is served. Owner Matthieu Judenne places particular emphasis on seasonal ingredients. Vegetarian options are also available. Wine or non-alcoholic beverages are served to accompany the meal.
“Concordia”: 14 points
“Concordia” can celebrate a rating of over 14 points in GaultMillau. Here, you’ll enjoy purely vegetarian and seasonal fine dining in a rustic yet modern atmosphere. This Basel restaurant’s tasting menu is designed to be shared, making it perfect for an evening with loved ones.
You can choose between a small or large surprise menu featuring five or seven courses. There are up to 17 different dishes to discover. Exceptional wines round out the gourmet experience. Homemade non-alcoholic beverages are also available upon request.
Which American Express Card fits your lifestyle?
GaultMillau Restaurants in Basel: A Fantastic Selection
Foodies are sure to be in heaven in Basel thanks to the wide selection of outstanding restaurants that have been recognized by GaultMillau for their cuisine. Whether modern or classic, and often seasonal, you’re sure to leave satisfied and happy. With the American Express Platinum Card, you’ll enjoy attractive benefits at restaurants – not just in Basel, but throughout Switzerland – so you can sample your way through the city’s culinary offerings to your heart’s content.
By the way: As a Gold Cardholder, you also receive restaurant perks. Once a quarter, you’ll be credited with a dining credit worth CHF 25 if you spend CHF 80 or more at a restaurant or on a delivery service of your choice.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Basel offers a wide selection of restaurants that have been recognized by GaultMillau. Among them is “Stucki,” run by Tanja Grandits, who was named Switzerland’s best female chef in 2020. “Cheval Blanc,” “La,” and “Im Ackermannshof” are also worth checking out. So is “roots,” where vegetable-based cuisine takes center stage. And at “Concordia,” you can enjoy purely vegetarian fine dining.
At GaultMillau-listed restaurants in Basel and throughout Switzerland, you’ll receive a credit of CHF 40 once per quarter with your Platinum Card when you spend over CHF 250 at a restaurant that accepts American Express.
With its 19 GaultMillau points, “Cheval Blanc” ranks among Basel’s best restaurants and is one of the top 100 restaurants in the world. The restaurant has also been awarded three Michelin stars.
