Restaurant Dählhölzli, Bern
In Bern, those looking to enjoy an apéro with a water view don’t need to travel far. At the terrace of the Restaurant Dählhölzli, the river Aare flows straight past the tables. Yet it isn’t just the views that make the restaurant a popular spot in the summer.
See the day out by the riverside
It might only be a few minutes to the city center, yet Bern feels surprisingly far away here. Nestled between age-old trees, Dählhölzli Animal Park, and the gentle murmur of the River Aare, the atmosphere is more akin to a tranquil rural setting than that of a capital city. And that makes it the perfect place in which to unwind at the end of the day.
Inside the "Fischerstube" dining area and on the large terrace outside, apéro platters in various sizes and thoughtfully composed seasonally inspired menus whet appetites. It shouldn’t be surprising that the Dählhölzli is a popular venue for birthdays, weddings, corporate events and apéros of all kinds. And for those who like things more simple, the newly renovated restaurant also has a self-service buffet.
What do the guests order, what does the chef love?
As a starter or a light main course, the chef’s favorite is the Burratina, with rucola, colorful cherry tomatoes, basil pesto and fig chutney. Afterwards, his choice falls on the classic Vitello Tonnato, with pickled onions and a crispy tapioca chip: two dishes that demonstrate how much enjoyment Italian cuisine can offer – without the need for elaborate presentation.
And the diners? As an apéro, they happily share the homemade apéro platter, with marinated olives, sun-dried tomatoes, brittle Sprinz cheese, smoked salt butter, homemade hummus, and other delicacies. After all, as the owner explains, "we believe sharing and enjoying to be inextricably linked." Those who stay a while longer frequently order the homemade tempura fish and chips with French fries and remoulade sauce – a dish that also fits perfectly in the center of the table.
