restaurant reservations (Switzerland)
 

Do you find necessary to reserve in advance in Luzern or Zurich in the summer(Aug.) for restaurants?

If it's a popular restaurant, definitely yes.

Schuler, I think I read you live close to Luzern?? Can you recommend a restaurant there for a nice meal. We are staying at the Montana...I actually switched to stay there since we are there the weekend they have fireworks and I thought it would be a nice view. We are eating there the night of the fireworks so we need a recommendation for one other night.

I haven't been myself but all my friends are ranting and raving about Cucina. Seems everything is in Italian and the food is fantastic.
It's located in Hotel Astoria.

Rest. Lupin is a nice restaurant with good Swiss food at good prices.

Cucaracha has good Mexican food and is located in the Schiller hotel.

Type in Lucerne for other recommendations in Lucerne.

Oh yes, and Manor has a nice self-service restaurant on the top of their department store. You can even eat on their rooftop!

I'm going to Lucerne myself for a city tour on July 4th with my English class. Wanna join?

I would love to but unfortunately we will be there Aug. 4,5,6. Are you learning english or teaching it??

Teaching it. Although sometimes I'm learning with the rest of my students. All that grammar!

Won't be around in August so we can't meet up. Have a terrific trip!

Thanks. I am really looking forward to this trip. It would have been fun to meet you (and your class).

Schuler, by Lupin you meant Lapin (= rabbit) at Hotel de la Paix? Or is there one called Lupin (like Arsène Lupin)?

Lapin! Of course! Sorry about that.

> Manor has a nice self-service restaurant on the top of their department store. You can even eat on their rooftop!

Schuler, good to know above. Maybe next time I will be in Luicerne, I might take a look. Geneva's Manor (in Placette Dpt Store) restaurant is the same style on the top floor with great view of Jet'Eau St.Pierre Chruch and a bit of French alps.But it does not have a roof top terrace :(

One of the finest restaurants in Luzern is the Old Swiss House, next to the Bourbaki Panorama and down from the Lowendenkmal. Another nice option is Rotes Galler, with river and Pilatus views.

JN, could you tell us a bit more about the Old Swiss House? My husband and I will be in Luzern in August. Thank you! :)

Katzen,
Here is the web address for OSH: http://www.oldswisshouse.ch/index.ph...language=en_US

This restaurant first opened in 1858. The buiding has that dark wood/old world elegance look and feel to it.

I guess you'd classify the OSH as fine continental dining with Swiss specialties as well. You'll want to dress up a bit--unless you can sit outside, where you can be less formal.

The service is formal, though the staff is pleasant and you leave there feeling that you received high-quality service comparable to what you should expect, given their prices.

They have outdoor tables for warm weather and several indoor seating areas. Their food is just outstanding and beautifully prepared. We've had their schnitzel, great Geschnetzeltes (like strogonoff) and Roesti. My spouse says their deserts are to die for--especially the Swiss chocolate mousse. They have a huge wine list, including some major-expense Rothschild vintages.

Thank you so much JN. The chocolate mousse sounds delicious and I love schnitzel!! :)

I'm thinking we may hit the StadtKellar for local yodeling and some great fondue!

Stadtkeller is a lot of fun. You know it's hokey, but you have fun anyway. I've not tried their fondue, but enjoyed their beer!

Des Alpes had wonderful fondue the times we've tried it. Great view of the Reuss, Kappelbrucke and Pilatus add to the ambiance.

I am trying to decide so I can make reservations before I leave for Switzerland on Friday. Has anyone eaten at the Wilder Mann? (the burgestube or terrace) I wonder if my daughter would like the stadtkeller? Is the food good? She likes rosti. I couldn't find a menu for the Lapin but it sounds good also. The rotes galler looked nice eating on the terrace. What other restaurants have tables on the river that are good? Anyway I am going to call or email today or tomorrow so any suggestions will be appreciated.

People have commented on Wilden Mann here on Fodors--very positively as I recall.

Your daughter will enjoy the entertainment at the Stadtkeller. I found the food to be good--but must say my attention was drawn to the show more than the food. I believe they serve Roesti.

Cafe Hug on the river near the altstadt side of the Spreuerbrucke has a nice patio area and view. Their Roesti and Raclette are excellent and their prices are very reasonable.

Other riverside eateries:
--Hotel Des Alpes is one of our favorites. Ith has nice indoor and outdoor seating, great views, excellent salads and fondue. Several beer and wine choices.
--Hotel Schiff--with seating underneath the arcade. They serve good fondue and salads, and have a view of Jesuitenkirche and Pilatus;
--Hotel Mr. Pickwick--next to Des Alpes. More pub food like
--The Rathaus-they brew their own beer. My spouse loved the Alpenmagronen, which is like mac and cheese only better. I don't recall the food as memorable, but did like the german bierstube atmosphere inside. They do have tables under the arcade.
--Opus wine bar on the other side of the Reuss from the restaurants listed above. I've only had wine there.