Stadtkeller Luzern

Stadtkeller is a protected four-storey stone house on Sternenplatz 3 in the old town of Luzern, in the canton of Lucerne, Switzerland, and has hosted guests since the 1870s. It is the city's best-known event restaurant, built around a dinner show rather than a conventional restaurant service. From April to October the house stages a Swiss folklore programme with alphorn, cow bells, yodelling and flag throwing over dinner. The show typically begins around 7:30 PM and runs for roughly 1.5 hours, and is aimed at visitors who want an entertaining introduction to Swiss traditions in one evening.

The food is Swiss and is served as part of the dinner programme, with Swiss dishes accompanied by the house beer. The cooking is designed for groups and a set rhythm of service, so diners should expect a communal, lively atmosphere with long tables, applause and a fair amount of noise rather than a quiet, intimate meal. Dress is casual. Prices are in the upper bracket ($$$) because the ticket includes the show; a dinner-show package is commonly in the range of CHF 70 to 100 per person, and visitors should confirm the current rate when booking.

In winter the character of the house changes. From November, dining is a la carte and the Stadtkeller becomes a concert venue for Swiss rock, pop, blues, jazz and comedy, so the experience then depends on the programme of the evening. Checking the event calendar is the best way to decide whether to eat there on a given night, since concert evenings can be busy and louder than regular dining.

Reservation is required for the folklore dinner, and bookings can be made on +41 41 410 47 33. In July and August, and on weekends in the shoulder months, seats can sell out several days ahead, so a booking made once an itinerary is fixed is sensible. The location on Sternenplatz is a short walk from the Reuss and the Kapellbrücke, which makes the venue easy to combine with an afternoon in the old town. Travellers who prefer a quieter meal can choose another old-town restaurant and visit only for a winter concert.