Wirtshaus Taube serves Luzern and Swiss dishes prepared from old original recipes in a rustic inn at Burgerstrasse 3. In summer the terrace sits right on the Reuss beside the Nadelwehr (needle weir) with a view toward the Kapellbrücke. It is one of the most direct ways to try typical Luzern cooking in the old town.
Wirtshaus Taube is a traditional inn at Burgerstrasse 3 in Luzern's Kleinstadt, the part of the old town on the left bank of the Reuss, in the canton of Lucerne, central Switzerland. The kitchen is built around Luzern and Swiss dishes prepared from old original recipes, which makes the Taube one of the more direct ways for a visitor to taste local home cooking rather than a generic Swiss menu. The setting is a rustic Wirtshaus: wooden furnishings, a relaxed tavern atmosphere and a mixed crowd of locals, office lunch guests and travellers walking between the Kapellbrücke and the Spreuerbrücke.
The signature of the menu is Luzerner Chügelipastete, the classic veal and mushroom filling in cream sauce under a pastry lid, which has long been regarded as the emblematic festive dish of the city. Alongside it the kitchen cooks other Luzern and Swiss classics from traditional recipes, and it runs seasonal Swiss specialty weeks that change the menu through the year. Portions follow the Swiss inn tradition and are generous, and prices sit in the mid-range ($$) bracket, with main courses typically in the region of CHF 30 to 45 at dinner.
The main draw in warm weather is the terrace, which sits directly on the Reuss beside the Nadelwehr, the historic needle weir that regulates the level of Lake Lucerne. From the tables there is a view toward the Kapellbrücke, so the setting works well for a long lunch or an early evening meal after sightseeing. Inside, the dining room is quieter and cosier, suited to colder months, and noise levels are moderate rather than loud. Dress is casual; no jacket or formal wear is expected.
Beverages follow the regional pattern, with Swiss wines by the glass and local beer. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends and on sunny summer evenings when the riverside terrace fills first. Booking is possible through taube-luzern.ch, by phone on +41 41 210 07 47 or by email. For lunch, walk-in tables are usually easier to find, though terrace seats at midday in July and August should still be requested in advance. Because the restaurant sits within a few minutes' walk of the main station, it is also a convenient first or last meal for visitors arriving or leaving by rail.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Lunch and dinner service; confirm current opening hours by phone on +41 41 210 07 47 or at taube-luzern.ch |
| Reservations | Recommended for dinner; book at taube-luzern.ch, by phone on +41 41 210 07 47 or by email to wirtshaus@taube-luzern.ch |
| Address | Burgerstrasse 3, 6003 Luzern |
Signature dishes
- Luzerner Chügelipastete-style veal and mushroom pie in cream sauce
- Luzern and Swiss classics cooked from traditional recipes
- Seasonal Swiss specialty weeks
Good to know
- Known for
- Traditional Luzern cooking with a terrace beside the Reuss weir
Location
Burgerstrasse 3, 6003 Luzern
47.0507, 8.3031 View on map
Highlights
- Terrace on the Reuss beside the Nadelwehr needle weir, with a view toward the Kapellbrücke
- Luzern and Swiss dishes cooked from old original recipes
- Luzerner Chügelipastete-style veal and mushroom pie in cream sauce
- Seasonal Swiss specialty weeks that change the menu through the year
Tips for visiting
- Reserve the riverside terrace in advance for summer evenings; those tables fill first.
- Book dinner via taube-luzern.ch or +41 41 210 07 47, especially on weekends.
- Lunch is usually easier to book as a walk-in than dinner.
- Ask about the current specialty week, as the menu rotates seasonally.
- Dress is casual, so no formal wear is needed.
When to visit
Late spring to early autumn for the terrace on the Reuss; early evening gives the best light toward the Kapellbrücke.
Accessibility
Mobility access is not confirmed for the historic inn building and the riverside terrace; visitors who use a wheelchair should phone +41 41 210 07 47 before visiting to confirm step-free seating.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
What is the Wirtshaus Taube known for?
It is known for Luzern and Swiss dishes prepared from old original recipes, including the veal and mushroom pie Chügelipastete, and for a terrace on the Reuss beside the Nadelwehr.
Is a reservation needed at Wirtshaus Taube?
Reservations are recommended for dinner and for summer terrace seats. They can be made at taube-luzern.ch, by phone on +41 41 210 07 47 or by email.
Where is Wirtshaus Taube?
It is at Burgerstrasse 3, 6003 Luzern, on the left bank of the Reuss in the Kleinstadt, a short walk from the Kapellbrücke and the railway station.
How expensive is the restaurant?
It falls in the mid-range ($$) category, with mains typically around CHF 30 to 45 at dinner.