Restaurant Anker

Restaurant Anker is the grill restaurant and bar of the Boutique Hotel Anker at Pilatusstrasse 36 in the Neustadt district of Luzern, in the canton of Lucerne, Switzerland. The Neustadt lies on the left bank near the railway station, away from the old town's tourist crowds, and Pilatusstrasse is a main route toward the Pilatus bus and the cable-car approach. The restaurant gives the area a modern dining option that stands apart from the traditional taverns of the Altstadt.

The defining feature of the kitchen is the Josper grill-oven, a charcoal-fired oven that reaches 300 to 350 degrees. Meat, fish and vegetables are cooked in it, which gives a smoky char and keeps interiors juicy. The menu includes Josper-grilled meat cuts, fish dishes and grilled vegetables, along with grilled platters to share, which suit groups. Prices sit in the upper-mid bracket ($$$), with grilled mains typically CHF 38 to 65, depending on the cut. Sharing platters are a useful way to taste several items and to manage the bill.

The dining room has raw masonry and dramatic lighting, which gives it an industrial-chic, modern look. Noise is moderate, there is a bar attached to the restaurant, and the clientele is a mix of hotel guests, couples and groups in the evening. Dress is casual to smart casual. The cocktail and wine selection at the bar suits a drink before or after dinner, and wine is available by the glass and bottle.

Reservation is advised for dinner, especially on weekends; call +41 41 220 88 00. Lunch service should be confirmed by phone. For visitors who like to see the cooking style before ordering, asking for a table near the grill is a worthwhile request when booking, if the layout allows. The location is a short walk from the station and from the lake, so a visit to the restaurant is easy to combine with an evening stroll along the lakefront.