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4 gourmet restaurants in Lucerne directly on the lake

Highly rated by GaultMillau and with a view of Lake Lucerne: 4 top Lucerne restaurants.

Gedeckter Restauranttisch mit Weingläsern, dahinter die Aussicht auf den Vierwaldstättersee und verschwommen die Stadt Luzern.

Swisscard Media Info

Officially issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH 07.10.2025

Publisher: Maja Juzwiak

Rights: Scala

fheil
Written by Florian Heil 07.10.2025

"Scala": Lake, mountains and fine cuisine

The "Scala" restaurant in the "Art Deco Hotel Montana" not only pampers your palate with fresh and creative cuisine. But also your eyes, which are likely to wander away from your plate a few times during dinner: the panoramic view of the mountains, Lake Lucerne and the city of Lucerne is just that impressive.

From the terrace, which is open from spring to fall and on mild winter days, or from the heated conservatory, you have the best view. The cuisine of this fine Lucerne restaurant by the lake has its roots in the Mediterranean.

Blick auf die Terrasse eines Restaurants, im Hintergrund der Ausblick auf einen See und ein Panorama mit Bergen und Stadt.

Swisscard Media Info

Officially issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH 07.10.2025

Publisher: Credit Maja Juzwiak

Rights: Scala

The restaurant guide GaultMillau awarded 15 points to the "Scala" - a high degree of culinary art, creativity and quality. The menu is extensive. Sometimes French-inspired, sometimes Italian, always accentuated with a personal twist. The warm and professional commitment of the service and kitchen team is also worth mentioning. 

Interesting fact: For you as an American Express Platinum Cardholder, visits to "Scala" and all the other restaurants presented here are a special reason to be happy. Because the culinary experience is rounded off with a Dining, which you can use directly for another dinner - in GaultMillau restaurants throughout Switzerland. 

"Olivo": Mediterranean feeling in the Grand Casino

In the neo-baroque Grand Casino Lucerne, you can not only spend an elegant evening at the gaming tables, but also dine excellently in the restaurant "Olivo". 16 points from GaultMillau make the Lucerne restaurant directly on the lake a great culinary address.

The intense flavors of southern Europe stand out on almost every plate. The spacious lakeside terrace offers the best seats in summer. The homemade pasta, which is often served in combination with seafood, is very Italian, very classic and of a high standard of craftsmanship.

In addition to the pasta, the menu at "Olivio" includes all kinds of fish and shellfish as well as an excellent chateaubriand. You can also choose between two menus, one of which is vegetarian. And there is always a suitable wine on the wine list.  

Ein Koch in weisser Kleidung steht vor eingedeckten Tischen und blickt über ein Geländer, im Hintergrund verschwommen ein See.

Swisscard Media Info

Officially issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH 07.10.2025

Publisher: Thomas-Buchwalder

Rights: Thomas-Buchwalder

Interesting fact:

The Dinner & Casino packages at the "Olivio" are very popular: first you can indulge in culinary delights in the restaurant, then immerse yourself in the world of gambling and exciting thrills. 

"Balances": spectacular terrace directly on the Chapel Bridge

In the heart of Lucerne, you can take a seat on the terrace of the "Hotel des Balances" in the "Balances" restaurant. You can sit directly above the Reuss with a view of the Chapel Bridge, Lucerne's landmark. It is questionable whether there is a better place to eat when the sun is shining. Because the arrangement on the plates also stands out throughout the city.

In addition to numerous classics, there is an extra grill menu and an exquisite seven-course menu. The French-Mediterranean cuisine is based on predominantly local ingredients, which are refined with sophisticated flavors and variations from all over the world.

The "Balances" restaurant has been awarded 14 points by GaultMillau. Whether pumpkin soup with porcini mushroom foam and smoked duck breast, St. Peter's fish or saddle of venison - there is a suitable wine recommendation for almost every dish on the menu. 

"Quai 10": Outdoor ambience directly on Lake Lucerne

Quai 10 is the uncomplicated Mediterranean restaurant of the Mandarin Oriental Palace. In this excellent restaurant in Lucerne on the lake, you can dine in the open air. Only the promenade separates you from the water. You should try the fresh focaccia, grilled fish from the lake or grilled meat from local farms.

Most of the herbs and vegetables are also sourced locally. Excellent desserts, cakes and local delicacies round off a successful meal. Even if you just want to try an afternoon tea or one of the innovative cocktails, you are very welcome on the terrace of "Quai 10". 

Blick auf das Hotel Mandarin Oriental in Luzern, davor Wasser und ein Weg, der von Bänken und Bäumen gesäumt ist.

Swisscard Media Info

Officially issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH 07.10.2025

Publisher: GEORGE-APOSTOLIDIS-PHOTOGRAPHY

Rights: GEORGE-APOSTOLIDIS-PHOTOGRAPHY

Interesting fact:

In addition to the open-air restaurant "Quai 10", the five-star hotel is home to two other top-class culinary addresses: the omakase restaurant "Minamo" and the French haute cuisine temple "Colonnade" (17 points from GaultMillau). 

Gold Card or Platinum Card? Which card will accompany you to Lucerne and the restaurants by the lake?

Lucerne's restaurants with a view of the lake: Pleasure for all the senses

Lucerne's urban area and the surrounding area are blessed with plenty of water, surrounded by a fantastic mountain panorama. This means that in many restaurants you can enjoy GaultMillau-awarded food and the view of the landscape at the same time. Especially if you like Mediterranean cuisine with lots of fish, good cuts of meat and crunchy vegetables, you will find what you are looking for and be happy.

And remember: with your Platinum Card, you will receive a credit of CHF 40 once a quarter for visits to upscale restaurants that accept American Express if you have dined and drunk for at least CHF 200. This means you can save up to CHF 160 per year. Not only in Lucerne and the surrounding area, but also in other regions of Switzerland such as St. Gallen, Bern or Geneva. 

Frequently asked questions and answers

With the Platinum Card, you will receive a credit of CHF 40 once a quarter for visits to Swiss GaultMillau restaurants that accept American Express if you have dined and drunk for at least CHF 200. This means you can earn CHF 160 per year.

With 17 points from GaultMillau and two Michelin stars, the "Colonnade" restaurant in the "Mandarin Oriental Palace" hotel has the best rating among Lucerne's restaurants.

Lucerne is located in central Switzerland, south of Zurich and east of Bern, directly on Lake Lucerne.

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