Restaurant Des Alpes

Restaurant Des Alpes is the hotel restaurant of Hotel des Alpes at Rathausquai 5 in the old town of Luzern, in the canton of Lucerne, Switzerland. The terrace sits on the Reuss quay, facing the river and the historic facades on the opposite bank, and the Rathaus and the Kapellbrücke are within a few minutes' walk. The position makes it one of the more convenient all-day dining options in the old town, particularly for visitors who start with a long breakfast or brunch and want to stay on the river.

The kitchen serves traditional dishes in a reinterpreted style, with influences from Italy, France and Germany. Menu items include bratwurst with rösti, Ofetori (a Swiss baked potato dish), veal shank (Kalbshaxe) and risotto, so the range runs from Swiss comfort food to Italian-style plates. Breakfast and brunch are served from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, an unusually long window that allows late risers and travellers on irregular schedules to eat at almost any time. Prices are mid-range ($$), with mains typically CHF 28 to 45.

The wine list focuses on Luzern and Swiss wines, which are rarely exported and therefore worth trying locally. The dining room has a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere, with moderate noise, and the terrace is livelier in good weather. Dress is casual. The restaurant works well for mixed groups because of the breadth of the menu, and families often choose it for the straightforward dishes.

Reservation is advised for dinner, and lunch and dinner service hours should be confirmed on +41 41 417 20 60. Terrace tables are the first to fill in summer, so a request when booking is useful. Walk-in tables are usually available at breakfast and brunch. For visitors wishing to try Swiss wines, asking the staff for a recommendation from the regional list is a practical way to taste a Luzern bottle alongside a classic dish like the veal shank.