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
Restaurant Harmonie
Della Casa
Restaurant zum Äusseren Stand
European
Steinhalle
Brasserie Vue (Bellevue Palace)
Restaurant Bebek
French
Restaurant Colonnade
Restaurant Schöngrün
Restaurant Meridiano
Brasserie
Jack's Brasserie
Brasserie Bären Bern
Fusion
Rice Up Bern
Restaurant Ono Bar & Lounge (Interlaken)
Italian
Restaurant Lorenzini
Pizzeria Ristorante Bindella Bern
Japanese
Restaurant Minamo
Hashi Bern
Modern Swiss
Wein & Sein
Dampfzentrale Restaurant
Swiss Bakery
Bakery Stadtbäckerei Hinnen
Äss-Bar Bern
Swiss Café
Café des Pyrénées
Café Littéraire
Vegetarian
Restaurant Zoe
Tibits Bern
Brunch
Frühstück & Brunch Café Point de Vue
German
Restaurant Rathskeller Bern
Indian
Spice Garden Bern
Mediterranean
Kornhauskeller
Mexican
El Papagayo Bern
Middle Eastern
Pittaria Bern
Modern Café
Café Effinger
Swiss Brewery Restaurant
Altes Tramdepot
Swiss Cheese Fondue
Gourmanderie Moléson
Swiss Fast Casual
Café Marché Bern
Swiss Grill
Metzgerhalle Bern
Swiss Home Cooking
Beizli zum Schwäbis
Swiss International
Restaurant Rosengarten
Swiss Modern
Restaurant Obstberg
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 |