GaultMillau restaurants in Lucerne: 6 great places to eat
Discover these selected GaultMillau restaurants in Lucerne for special moments of indulgence.
Colonnade: elegant dining with two Michelin stars
The Colonnade is located in the Mandarin Oriental Palace Hotel, right on the lakeshore in Lucerne. The aesthetic ambience combines classic charm with an elegant, modern look. Marble columns and Art Nouveau lamps are complemented by stylish furniture. The tall glass-fronted wine cabinet is a particular eye-catcher.
The Colonnade team, led by restaurant manager and Michelin-starred chef Gilad Peled, serves modern French cuisine. The tasting menu consists of three, five, or eight courses. You can put it together as you wish—including vegetarian options.
Minamo: Japanese surprise menus in an exclusive setting
Like the "Colonnade," the "Minamo" is located in the "Mandarin Oriental Palace" hotel, which now houses two GaultMillau restaurants in Lucerne. The setting in this elegant restaurant is exceptional: only a few guests sit at a counter directly opposite the chef and experience Japanese culinary art up close.
An omakase menu is served, which means that the chef decides on the combination of dishes. There is therefore no classic menu. Chef Yutaka Kobayashi has been cooking at Minamo, which has been awarded 15 GaultMillau points, since 2024.
Nice to know: the Japanese expression omakase means "I leave it to you" and expresses great trust in the kitchen. Guests are served an individual surprise menu, which often consists of fresh seasonal ingredients.
Lucide: Fine dining at the KKL
Lucide is located close to the train station in the Culture and Congress Center Lucerne (KKL), somewhat hidden away on the first floor. Those who find it are rewarded with exquisite cuisine and a magnificent view of the lake. The interior is characterized by warm brown and red tones and golden lamps, which create a festive atmosphere.
Good to know: The KKL
The KKL was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and opened in 1998. Its creative concept brings water into the building via canals. The concert hall has optimal acoustics, which can be adjusted to different styles of music using adjustable sound chambers.
"Thai Garden": Thai cuisine at its finest
Located in the four-star Astoria Lucerne hotel, Thai Garden has been serving upscale Thai cuisine for more than 30 years. To enter this exquisite restaurant, you descend a sophisticated staircase. You are then greeted by an exotic ambience with warm lighting, large plants, and Buddha statues.
Fourteen GaultMillau points attest to the quality of this Lucerne restaurant, which has been ensured for years by chef Narong Kumtaan. From satay skewers and spicy soups to curries and a Thai lunch box, there is something for every taste.
Secure dining credit with American Express
American Express credit cards are the perfect companions if you enjoy dining out and trying new restaurants: the Platinum Card and Gold Card offer you exclusive benefits. The dining credit is particularly attractive, allowing you to earn credits when you visit restaurants:
With the Gold Card, you receive CHF 25 per quarter when you spend at least CHF 80 in restaurants or order from delivery services in Switzerland that accept American Express. This means you can earn up to CHF 100 in credits per year.
If you spend at least CHF 200 with your Platinum Card at a GaultMillau restaurant that accepts American Express, you will receive a credit of CHF 40, up to CHF 160 per year. You can also reserve your table at selected restaurants through the Platinum Travel & Lifestyle Service and enjoy individual benefits when you visit restaurants.
"Sauvage": Enjoyment with tradition
The Sauvage restaurant is located in the Wilden Mann hotel, which was built in 1517. The atmosphere is appropriately historic, with wood-paneled walls, coats of arms, and classic dark wood furniture. In summer, you can also take a seat on the hidden terrace.
The Wilden Mann hotel has more than 500 years of history. It started out as a pub, later became a tavern, and has been a hotel since 1860. History can be felt everywhere in the winding corridors with creaking floors and beams.
"Drei Könige": French cuisine with a surprise effect
Right next to the Hotel "Three Kings" is the restaurant of the same name, which exudes a stylish bistro atmosphere with wooden furniture. French-inspired dishes are served at lunchtime and in the evening, with chef Thomas Bischof offering seasonal and creative interpretations of classic dishes. This excellent Lucerne restaurant has been awarded 14 GaultMillau points.
GaultMillau restaurants in Lucerne: culinary delights by the lake
In central Switzerland, you will find numerous culinary highlights in the GaultMillau restaurants in Lucerne. Whether modern French cuisine, Japanese surprise menus, traditional regional dishes, or upscale Thai cuisine – there is a restaurant to suit every taste in the city on Lake Lucerne.
Visiting a restaurant is even more enjoyable with the Platinum Card or Gold Card from American Express, which entitles you to a credit once per quarter. The Platinum Card can save you up to CHF 160 per year.
And if you're staying in the city for longer, you can visit Lucerne's beautiful sights before or after your restaurant visit. For example, the Chapel Bridge, the picturesque old town, and of course Lake Lucerne.
Frequently asked questions and answers
GaultMillau is a well-known restaurant guide that rates restaurants according to specific criteria, such as cuisine, service, and ambiance. A maximum of 20 points can be awarded.
There are numerous GaultMillau restaurants in the canton of Lucerne, most of them in Lucerne itself. The six restaurants presented here are just the beginning—there is much more to discover in terms of cuisine.
The Colonnade restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Palace hotel was awarded 17 points, making it the top-rated GaultMillau restaurant in Lucerne and in Switzerland as a whole.
