The Canton of Bern is Switzerland's second-largest canton, stretching from the UNESCO-listed medieval capital city to the dramatic peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Home to the federal capital of Switzerland, picturesque alpine lakes, and world-class ski resorts, Bern blends political significance with breathtaking natural beauty.
Bern's culinary identity is rooted in hearty, nourishing Bernese cuisine shaped by Alpine farming traditions—rösti (grated potato cake), Bernese Platte (a magnificent spread of boiled and smoked meats), rich cheese fondues, and raclette. The capital city's cosmopolitan character brings a vibrant international restaurant scene alongside its Swiss heritage, while the Bernese Oberland's mountain communities preserve centuries-old dairy and curing traditions.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Bern.
Bernese Platte
The iconic Bernese mixed meat platter with boiled tongue, smoked bacon, pork sausage, and lamb on a bed of sauerkraut and beans
Where to try: Harmonie, Kornhauskeller, Zur äusseren Stand
Price: CHF 38-48
Rösti Bernoise
Swiss grated potato cake cooked in butter—the definitive Swiss comfort food
Where to try: Any traditional Swiss restaurant in Bern
Price: CHF 15-22
Cheese Fondue Moitié-Moitié
Half Gruyère, half Vacherin Fribourgeois—the classic Swiss fondue blend
Where to try: Gourmanderie Moléson, Lötschberg
Price: CHF 26-32/person
Berner Honiglebkuchen
Bern's famous honey gingerbread, traditionally bear-shaped and sold in the Old Town
Where to try: Old Town bakeries and markets
Price: CHF 5-15
Raclette
Scraped melted Valais cheese served over potatoes with pickled onions and cornichons
Where to try: Gourmanderie Moléson, Swiss restaurants
Price: CHF 18-28
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurant Colonnade
The jewel of the Mandarin Oriental Palace, Colonnade holds two Michelin stars and 17 Gault Millau points. Chef Laurent Eperon crafts refined seasonal menus celebrating French technique with Swiss alpine ingredients in an elegant Belle Époque dining room.
Known for: Two Michelin star creative tasting menus
Kochergasse 2, 3011 Bern
Restaurant Minamo
The second of Mandarin Oriental Palace's Michelin restaurants, Minamo holds one star with 15 Gault Millau points. Chef Tatsuo Harada brings authentic Japanese precision to Swiss ingredients, offering omakase menus in an intimate setting.
Known for: One Michelin star Japanese omakase
Kochergasse 2, 3011 Bern
Steinhalle
A one Michelin star restaurant with 17 Gault Millau points, Steinhalle occupies a dramatic stone hall and delivers bold, creative European cuisine. Chef Jonas Stocker's menus are inventive without being showy, rooted in seasonal Swiss produce.
Known for: One Michelin star creative European
Hodlerstrasse 3, 3011 Bern
Wein & Sein
Wein & Sein (Wine & Being) is a beloved neighbourhood fine dining destination with one Michelin star and 16 Gault Millau points. The intimate space, thoughtful wine list, and market-driven menu make it one of Bern's most personal dining experiences.
Known for: One Michelin star intimate wine-focused dining
Münstergasse 50, 3011 Bern
Restaurant Zoe
Switzerland's premier vegetarian fine dining restaurant holds one Michelin star with 15 Gault Millau points. Chef Ivo Adam's plant-based tasting menus are extraordinary feats of technique and flavour that will convince the most committed carnivore.
Known for: One Michelin star vegetarian fine dining
Aarbergergasse 26, 3011 Bern
Kornhauskeller
One of Bern's most atmospheric restaurants, set in the vaulted cellar of the historic 18th-century granary. Frescoed walls, towering arched ceilings, and excellent Swiss and Mediterranean cuisine make the Kornhauskeller a must-visit dining experience.
Known for: Spectacular historic cellar restaurant
Kornhausplatz 18, 3011 Bern
Jack's Brasserie
The flagship restaurant of the Hotel Schweizerhof, Jack's Brasserie is a Bern institution. The elegant Art Nouveau interior, refined Swiss and French brasserie classics, and impeccable service make it a top choice for a special occasion.
Known for: 14 Gault Millau points; classic Swiss brasserie
Bahnhofplatz 11, 3001 Bern
Brasserie Vue (Bellevue Palace)
The restaurant of the legendary Bellevue Palace delivers elegant modern cuisine with stunning views across the Old Town. Awarded 14 Gault Millau points, the Brasserie Vue is a destination for power lunches and celebratory dinners.
Known for: Government guesthouse dining with panoramic views
Kochergasse 3-5, 3001 Bern
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Traditional Swiss
Lötschberg
A rustic wine bar and restaurant named after the famous mountain pass, Lötschberg specialises in air-dried Valais beef (Bündnerfleisch), aged alpine cheeses, and excellent Swiss wines. A beloved local favourite for a traditional Swiss lunch.
Known for: Swiss wine bar with excellent charcuterie and cheese
Zeughausgasse 16, 3011 Bern
Restaurant Harmonie
A genuine neighbourhood restaurant beloved by Bern locals for unpretentious, excellently prepared traditional Bernese cuisine. The Bernese Platte, rösti, and geschnetzeltes are all made with care and serve as a benchmark for the region's culinary traditions.
Known for: Authentic Bernese home cooking
Hotelgasse 3, 3011 Bern
Della Casa
An institution in Bern since 1879, Della Casa is a wood-panelled traditional Swiss restaurant popular with politicians from the nearby Bundeshaus. Hearty Swiss classics in a warmly lit, historic setting define this beloved local favourite.
Known for: Historic Swiss institution since 1879
Schauplatzgasse 16, 3011 Bern
Restaurant zum Äusseren Stand
A classic Bernese restaurant in an atmospheric guild building dating to the 14th century, serving traditional dishes that have barely changed in generations. The Bernese Platte and seasonal game dishes are outstanding here.
Known for: 14th-century guild house with authentic Bernese cuisine
Zeughausgasse 17, 3011 Bern
French
Restaurant Schöngrün
Attached to the Paul Klee Centre, Restaurant Schöngrün is a destination in its own right. Set in a glass-and-steel pavilion surrounded by green hills, the menu combines Swiss produce with French refinement for a truly cultured dining experience.
Known for: Fine dining adjacent to the Paul Klee Centre
Monument im Fruchtland 3, 3006 Bern
Restaurant Meridiano
A refined restaurant near the Federal Palace offering contemporary French-Swiss cuisine with an excellent wine list focused on Swiss and French regions. Popular with diplomats and Bundeshaus staff for business lunches and evening dining.
Known for: Swiss wine-focused contemporary cuisine
Aarbergergasse 45, 3011 Bern
Fusion
Rice Up Bern
A popular and affordable quick-service Asian fusion restaurant inside Bern train station, serving rice bowls, noodle dishes, and fresh Asian-inspired meals. Perfect for grabbing a satisfying meal before or after a train journey to the Bernese Oberland.
Known for: Quick and affordable Asian bowls in Bern station
Bahnhof Bern, 3011 Bern
Restaurant Ono Bar & Lounge (Interlaken)
A lively international restaurant and bar in central Interlaken popular with adventure travellers and locals, serving everything from burgers and pizza to sushi rolls. The après-ski and post-adventure atmosphere is reliably fun.
Known for: International fusion for adventure travellers in Interlaken
Höheweg 2, 3800 Interlaken
Italian
Restaurant Lorenzini
A stylish Italian restaurant in the Kornhaus building with a lively atmosphere and excellent pizza, pasta, and antipasti. Popular for after-work aperitivo and weekend dinners, Lorenzini is one of Bern's best-loved Italian establishments.
Known for: Italian in the historic Kornhaus building
Kornhausplatz 16, 3011 Bern
Pizzeria Ristorante Bindella Bern
Part of the respected Bindella group, this Bern outpost serves excellent Neapolitan-style pizza from a wood-fired oven alongside classic Italian pasta and antipasti. The warm atmosphere and genuine Italian hospitality keep it consistently busy.
Known for: Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza
Genfergasse 2, 3011 Bern
Swiss Bakery
Bakery Stadtbäckerei Hinnen
A proper Swiss artisan bakery and breakfast spot serving fresh-baked Züpfe (Swiss plaited bread), gipfeli (croissants), and seasonal pastries. A local institution for breakfast, Hinnen uses traditional recipes and quality Swiss ingredients.
Known for: Traditional Swiss baked goods since 1865
Marktgasse 15, 3011 Bern
Äss-Bar Bern
An innovative social enterprise concept, Äss-Bar sells day-old pastries, breads, and sandwiches from top Swiss bakeries at 50% off. A guilt-free way to enjoy quality Swiss baked goods while reducing food waste—a local favourite for budget-conscious foodies.
Known for: Premium bakery goods at half price
Bollwerk 25, 3011 Bern
Swiss Café
Café des Pyrénées
Known affectionately as 'Pyri' by locals, this legendary Bern café-bar has been a meeting point for artists, intellectuals, and bohemians since 1864. The original tile floors, marble tables, and lively buzz make it the most atmospheric café in the Old Town.
Known for: Bern's most iconic historic café-bar
Kornhausplatz 17, 3011 Bern
Café Littéraire
A charming literary café connected to the Stauffacher bookshop, offering excellent coffee, homemade cakes, and light lunches in a book-lined atmosphere. Popular with academics, writers, and anyone seeking a quiet corner in the Länggasse district.
Known for: Book-lined literary café with excellent coffee
Neuengasse 25, 3011 Bern
Brasserie
Brasserie Bären Bern
Named after Bern's symbolic bear, this lively brasserie near the town centre serves classic Swiss and international brasserie dishes in a buzzing, informal atmosphere. A reliable favourite for everything from a quick Wiener Schnitzel to afternoon coffee.
Known for: Classic brasserie dishes in a central location
Schauplatzgasse 4, 3011 Bern
Brunch
Frühstück & Brunch Café Point de Vue
Bern's favourite brunch destination near the Aare River, Point de Vue offers lavish weekend brunch spreads with Swiss and international dishes. The sunny terrace and relaxed atmosphere draw long queues on weekend mornings.
Known for: Best weekend brunch in Bern
Marzilistrasse 23, 3005 Bern
European
Restaurant Bebek
A popular neighbourhood restaurant in Bern's Lorraine district with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a concise menu of well-executed modern European dishes. The friendly service and good-value lunch menus make it a favourite with locals.
Known for: Neighbourhood bistro favourite in Lorraine
Lorrainestrasse 15, 3013 Bern
German
Restaurant Rathskeller Bern
A traditional Gasthof-style restaurant beneath Bern's historic Rathaus (City Hall), serving generous portions of classic Swiss and German comfort food in a vaulted cellar setting popular with locals and workers from nearby offices.
Known for: Traditional Gasthof beneath historic City Hall
Rathausgasse 65, 3011 Bern
Indian
Spice Garden Bern
The best Indian restaurant in Bern, Spice Garden serves fragrant, authentic curries, tandoori dishes, and fresh naan breads. A popular choice for vegetarians and anyone craving bold, aromatic flavours at accessible prices.
Known for: Authentic Indian curry and tandoori in Bern
Aarbergergasse 4, 3011 Bern
Japanese
Hashi Bern
Bern's most beloved ramen bar, Hashi serves rich, slow-cooked broths with perfectly crafted noodles in a compact, buzzing space. The tonkotsu and miso ramen are consistently praised by locals as the best in the city.
Known for: Bern's best ramen
Münstergasse 47, 3011 Bern
Mexican
El Papagayo Bern
Bern's favourite Mexican restaurant, El Papagayo serves generous and authentic-tasting burritos, tacos, and nachos with house-made salsas and good margaritas. Lively atmosphere and colourful décor make it popular for group dinners.
Known for: Best Mexican food in Bern
Aarbergergasse 40, 3011 Bern
Middle Eastern
Pittaria Bern
A beloved budget institution near Bern station serving generous and delicious pita sandwiches, falafel, and shawarma. Pittaria has been feeding students and locals with hearty, affordable, and flavourful Middle Eastern street food for over 20 years.
Known for: Best budget falafel and shawarma near the station
Neuengasse 32, 3011 Bern
Modern Café
Café Effinger
A pioneering specialty coffee and creative workspace café in Bern's Länggasse district, the Effinger roasts its own coffee and serves excellent single-origin filter coffees alongside seasonal brunch dishes. A top destination for the digital nomad and specialty coffee crowd.
Known for: Best specialty coffee in Bern
Effingerstrasse 10, 3011 Bern
Modern Swiss
Dampfzentrale Restaurant
In a converted 19th-century steam plant on the Aare River, this cultural centre restaurant serves creative seasonal Swiss cuisine to a hip local crowd. The riverside terrace in summer is one of Bern's most coveted outdoor dining spots.
Known for: Creative Swiss cuisine in a converted industrial space
Marzilistrasse 47, 3005 Bern
Swiss Brewery Restaurant
Altes Tramdepot
Perched above the Bear Park with wonderful views over the Aare River and Old Town skyline, the Altes Tramdepot is a beloved brewery restaurant brewing its own craft beers. The hearty Swiss menu and lively atmosphere make it one of Bern's most popular venues.
Known for: House-brewed craft beers and panoramic Old Town views
Grosser Muristalden 6, 3006 Bern
Swiss Cheese Fondue
Gourmanderie Moléson
Bern's definitive fondue restaurant, the Gourmanderie Moléson has been serving bubbling Gruyère fondue and raclette in a cosy chalet atmosphere for decades. An essential Swiss dining experience, especially in the cooler months.
Known for: Bern's best cheese fondue and raclette
Aarbergergasse 24, 3011 Bern
Swiss Fast Casual
Café Marché Bern
A fresh market-concept café chain with a strong Swiss presence, offering salads, sandwiches, and hot dishes made with visible fresh ingredients. The Bern station branch is ideal for a quick, fresh breakfast or lunch before catching a train.
Known for: Fresh market food in Bern train station
Bahnhof Bern, 3011 Bern
Swiss Grill
Metzgerhalle Bern
Set in the atmospheric former butchers' hall, this popular restaurant specialises in quality Swiss and regional meats grilled to perfection. The open grill and industrial heritage setting create a memorable dining environment in the heart of the Old Town.
Known for: Grilled meats in the historic Metzgerhalle
Theaterplatz 5, 3011 Bern
Swiss Home Cooking
Beizli zum Schwäbis
A genuine, no-frills Swiss Beizli (local pub-restaurant) in Bern's old town serving generous, home-cooked Swiss daily specials at prices that seem impossible in modern Switzerland. Beloved by locals, ignored by tourists, and better for it.
Known for: Cheapest real Swiss lunch in the Old Town
Gerechtigkeitsgasse 62, 3011 Bern
Swiss International
Restaurant Rosengarten
Perched in the Rose Garden park above the city, the Rosengarten restaurant offers seasonal Swiss-international cuisine with one of Bern's finest panoramic views across the Old Town and Bernese Alps. The terrace is spectacular on sunny days.
Known for: Spectacular panoramic views over Bern Old Town
Alter Aargauerstalden 31b, 3006 Bern
Swiss Modern
Restaurant Obstberg
A neighbourhood gem in the Kirchenfeld district offering modern takes on Swiss classics in a relaxed, welcoming setting. The seasonal menu changes weekly, the wine list focuses on Swiss producers, and the lunch specials represent exceptional value.
Known for: Seasonal Swiss cooking in a local neighbourhood setting
Elfenauweg 26, 3006 Bern
Vegetarian
Tibits Bern
Tibits is a Swiss vegetarian buffet chain famous for its colourful, fresh, and creative dishes priced by weight. The Bern branch near the train station is perfect for a quick, healthy, and affordable meal with an exceptional variety of global vegetarian options.
Known for: Swiss vegetarian buffet by weight
Bahnhofplatz 10, 3011 Bern
Food tours & tastings in Bern
Eat your way through Bern with a guide.
Browse food experiences in BernWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Bratwurst vom Grill
Swiss grilled veal sausage from a market stall with mustard and bread roll
Find it at: Bundesplatz, Bern Waisenhausplatz markets
Falafel Pita
Generous falafel sandwiches from Pittaria near the train station
Find it at: Neuengasse, Bern
Soft Pretzel (Laugenbrezel)
Chewy Swiss-style soft pretzels with coarse salt from bakery windows
Find it at: Old Town bakeries on Marktgasse
Chestnuts (November-February)
Hot roasted chestnuts from vendors in the Old Town during winter season
Find it at: Bundesplatz and Waisenhausplatz, Bern
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Bundesplatz Tuesday/Saturday Market
Bern's most beloved open-air market with fresh produce, flowers, cheese, meat, and local specialties from regional farmers
Hours: Tue 07:00-13:00, Sat 07:00-14:00
Waisenhausplatz Market
Complementary to the Bundesplatz market, selling organic produce, artisan foods, and Swiss specialties
Hours: Tue and Sat 07:00-13:00
Bern Onion Market (Zibelemärit)
Famous annual market in November with 50+ tonnes of plaited onion strings, autumn vegetables, and traditional foods
Hours: Fourth Monday of November, 06:00-20:00
Organic Saturday Market (Ryfflihof)
Smaller weekly organic market with biodynamic produce, artisan breads, and regional specialties
Hours: Sat 07:30-13:00
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch Tagesmenü (daily special, 2 courses) offers the best value at most restaurants—typically CHF 20-28
Swiss restaurants do not expect tips but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for excellent service is appreciated
Restaurants can be closed Sunday and Monday—always check ahead
Booking is essential for fine dining restaurants, especially Michelin-starred venues
Tap water is safe and excellent—you can always ask for 'Hahnenwasser' (tap water) free or cheaply
- Vegetarian
- Well catered for with Tibits, Restaurant Zoe (Michelin star), and most Swiss restaurants offering substantial vegetarian options
- Halal
- Several Middle Eastern and Turkish restaurants in central Bern; halal meat less common in traditional Swiss restaurants
- Gluten free
- Most fine dining restaurants accommodate gluten-free requests with advance notice; traditional Swiss rösti is naturally gluten-free
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | CHF 15-25 per meal | Bakeries, Pittaria, Äss-Bar, Tibits by weight, and lunch specials at local Beizli |
| Mid-range | CHF 35-65 per meal | Traditional Swiss restaurants, Italian, and casual upscale dining |
| Upscale | CHF 100+ per meal | Michelin-starred restaurants and fine dining including Colonnade, Minamo, Steinhalle, and Wein & Sein |