Restaurant Balances in Hotel des Balances on the Weinmarkt offers French-Mediterranean cooking and has a Gault&Millau listing. It has a 96-seat terrace directly on the Reuss.
Restaurant Balances is the dining room of Hotel des Balances on the Weinmarkt in the old town of Luzern, in the canton of Lucerne, Switzerland. The Weinmarkt is one of the historic squares of the city and the hotel stands directly on the Reuss, a few steps from the Kapellbrücke and the Rathaus, so the restaurant occupies one of the most central and scenic positions available. It is positioned as a hotel fine-dining address, the highest price bracket ($$$$) among the old-town restaurants, and it carries a Gault&Millau listing.
The cooking is French-Mediterranean, with a grill element, and the menu changes with the seasons. Visitors can expect Mediterranean-inflected main courses, grilled meats and refined presentation. A tasting-style evening with several courses suits those who want to treat the meal as the highlight of a Luzern stay, while a more modest a la carte lunch is a quieter way to experience the room and terrace. Main courses are typically in the range of CHF 45 to 70, and wine is a significant part of the bill.
The defining feature is the 96-seat terrace, set directly on the Reuss. In summer the terrace is the most sought-after seating, with views of the river, the historic facades and the passing bridges, and lunch there is a popular way to spend an hour in the old town. Inside, the dining room is elegant and calm, with attentive service and a refined tone. Dress is smart casual to smart; jackets are not mandatory but beachwear and sportswear are out of place. Wine lists cover Swiss, French and Mediterranean regions in line with the cuisine.
Reservation is advised for both lunch and dinner, and booking for riverside tables should be made as early as possible in July and August; call +41 41 418 28 28. The restaurant is the natural choice for a celebratory dinner in the old town, and a table on the terrace at sunset is the best-regarded seat. For visitors on a tighter budget, a weekday lunch is the more economical way to try the kitchen.
| Price | $$$$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Lunch and dinner service; confirm current opening hours by phone on +41 41 418 28 28 |
| Reservations | Reservation advised; call +41 41 418 28 28 |
| Address | Weinmarkt, 6004 Luzern |
Signature dishes
- Seasonal French and Mediterranean dishes
- Grilled meats
Good to know
- Known for
- Elegant dining with a 96-seat terrace on the Reuss
Location
Weinmarkt, 6004 Luzern
47.0519, 8.3049 View on map
Highlights
- 96-seat terrace directly on the Reuss at the Weinmarkt
- French-Mediterranean cooking with a grill and a Gault&Millau listing
- Seasonal dishes and grilled meats in an elegant hotel dining room
- Central position steps from the Kapellbrücke and Rathaus
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a terrace table on +41 41 418 28 28, particularly in July and August.
- Weekday lunch is the more economical way to sample the kitchen.
- Choose the terrace at sunset for the best atmosphere.
- Dress smart casual or better; sportswear is out of place.
- Budget for wine, which makes up a large part of the bill.
When to visit
Summer evenings and lunchtimes for the Reuss terrace; weekday lunch in other seasons for a calmer visit.
Accessibility
Mobility access to the hotel restaurant and the terrace is not confirmed. Visitors who use a wheelchair should phone +41 41 418 28 28 to arrange suitable seating.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of cuisine does Restaurant Balances serve?
The cuisine is French and Mediterranean, with grilled dishes and seasonal menus.
Is there a riverside terrace?
Yes, a 96-seat terrace sits directly on the Reuss.
Does it have an award listing?
The restaurant has a Gault&Millau listing.
Is a reservation needed?
Reservation is advised, particularly for the terrace in summer. Call +41 41 418 28 28.