GASTRONOMY Factsheet
The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne's ten inviting restaurants, lounges and bars offer a culinary journey around the world. Culinary excellence has long been part of the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne experience. From fine and imaginative cuisines to exotic and modern interpretations of kitchens from far and near, the resort has a passion for gourmet restaurants and the chefs and sommeliers are testament to this. The seven kitchens are hosted in extraordinary architectural and modern designed locations, all being smoothly integrated into a whole experience. The hotel's three wine cellars provide an intimate setting to enjoy wine and champagne, and the Cigar Lounge is a refuge for cigar aficionados. Mike Wehrle, Corporate Culinary Director of The Bürgenstock Collection, is responsible for all ten restaurants, lounges and bars and 95 chefs. He brings three decades of experience in Michelin-starred restaurants such as l’Auberge de l’Ill in Alsace and international luxury hotels such as The Victoria Jungfrau in Interlaken and The Peninsula Hotels in Bangkok, Chicago and Manila. He recently launched his first cookbook “Seven Kitchens” with more than 140 recipes paying tribute to the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne.
Spices Kitchen & Terrace: Authentic Thai, Chinese, Indian and Japanese Cuisine Spices Kitchen & Terrace with its Asian cuisine brings authentic flavours from Japan, China, India and Thailand to the heart of Switzerland with 16 GaultMillau points. Located in the five-star-superior Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, it is a very popular hotspot in central Switzerland. The restaurant is run by the two Thai chefs, Virat and Vilai Kanjan. The twin sisters are among the best Asian chefs in the world. The duo serves modern Asian cuisine at the highest level. Guests at the Spices Kitchen & Terrace enjoy a live cooking experience in the large open kitchen, where 12 specialized chefs are in full action. Here, dishes are prepared in original tandoors, woks, naan ovens, duck ovens and bamboo steamers by three chefs per kitchen. But the restaurant is not just a culinary treat, it is also an architectural masterpiece: It floats above the steep ridge of the Bürgenberg, offering breathtaking views across Lake Lucerne with a 180-degree view of the Swiss Alps on the horizon. The design of Spices Kitchen & Terrace reflects the concept of a modern Asian restaurant with clean lines and warm tones. It seats 130 guests indoors and 66 on the panoramic terrace. Inside, guests can choose between normal seating and seating in the show kitchen at half-moon shaped counters overlooking the kitchen and experience the Chef's Menu.
Oak Grill & Pool Patio: “Nose-to-Tail” and “Farm-to-Table” Concepts The Oak Grill & Pool Patio, awarded with 14 GaultMillau points, celebrates "Farm-to-Table from Nose-to-Tail". The fine wood-fired grill imparts exclusive flavours to Swiss gourmet meats. It is located on the second floor of the Bürgenstock Alpine Spa in a listed building, home to the former Bürgenstock Club, an exclusive VIP members' club of the 1980’s. Impressive beams of oak from the original building, leather couches and a fireplace set the perfect scenery. In summer, the patio with its Californian vibes is sure to impress, overlooking the iconic Hollywood Pool and a listed building from the 1950’s, surrounded by an idyllic spa garden. The view of Mount Pilatus, Lucerne's iconic mountain, tops off the spectacular scene. The steakhouse offers a nose-to-tail concept; sustainable regional dishes and organic vegetables are served, and beef and chicken are grilled over a mixture of oak and beech wood – special flavor guaranteed. Guests can observe their meat being cooked on the grill, directly behind a typical alpine fountain that now serves as a wine cooler. The restaurant's dryaging facility allows chefs to prepare the locally raised meat, including the Swiss Prime Rib Eye Steak and the Swiss Prime Pork Chop, according to the guests' tastes.
Brasserie Ritzcoffier: Traditional French Brasserie Brasserie Ritzcoffier celebrates the art of French brasserie gastronomy at the highest level. The restaurant pays tribute to Swiss hotelier César Ritz, also known as the "King of Hoteliers and Hotelier to Kings," and his best friend Auguste Escoffier, one of France's greatest chefs, father to classic French cuisine. Today, the history-rich restaurant is a place that combines classics with modern elements in an uncomplicated way. The interior design boasts a central stove and traditional copper pots, which were used by the resort's chefs between 1873 and 1940, just like Escoffier, – reminiscing of classic French cuisine. The view through the panoramic windows high above Lake Lucerne perfects the ambience. Whether it's classic brasserie dishes such as oysters, entrecote and crêpes suzette or an extended brunch with live music, this is where guests lose track of time and space. The restaurant in the historic Palace Hotel, which dates back to 1903, seats up to 89 guests (50 indoor and 39 outdoor).
Parisa - Persian Cuisine: A Taste of the Orient Oriental flair and stimulating flavors: Parisa is a magical place that offers authentic Persian cuisine and exquisite details. The colors and sensual impressions of the Orient meet traditional dishes, which are interpreted in a modern way and prepared with love. Up here the view sweeps over Lake Lucerne and makes guests temporarily forget their daily life. The colorful restaurant concept was inspired by the Parisa Souq in Doha – a tribute to the culture of Qatar and Iran. The restaurant with a total of 129 seats is the perfect place to discover the diversity of Persian cuisine with its deep colors, flavors, and spices. Groups of up to twelve can dine privately in the shisha lounge and on the terrace. Dishes include signature salads and soups, as well as grilled meat to get a taste of the region. Guests love the lamb in tomato sauce, Parisa's specialty, or mahi fillet (sea bass) marinated in Persian saffron and fresh lime juice. Vegetarian dishes are also on the menu.
Verbena Restaurant & Bar: Mediterranean flair on the mountain Verbena Restaurant is part of the Waldhotel Health & Wellbeing, designed by star architect Matteo Thun. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a generous terrace, Verbena offers picturesque views of the Swiss Alps and the Bürgenberg valley, characterized by green hilly meadows, where cows and sheep graze fresh grass. At Verbena, guests are treated to a light, healthy and flavorful cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean with fresh and organic vegetables, carefully-selected ingredients, and herbs from the Waldhotel's own garden beds. Currently, Verbena hosts the “Seven Kitchen Pop Up”. Following the huge success of Mike Wehrle’s “Seven Kitchens” cookbook, the resort brings this culinary showcase to life with Seven Kitchens pop-up dining at Verbena Restaurant & Bar. Menus present signature dishes from across the resort’s kitchens including Middle Eastern flavours by Parisa Persian Cuisine, Asian by Spices Kitchen & Terrace and Brasserie Ritzcoffier’s French classics. Drinks are paired by cuisine, from a fine sake to a smooth Lebanese wine.
Taverne 1879: Typical Swiss Restaurant Guests are delighted by the classic Swiss specialties served at Tavern 1879, which is furnished like a traditional Swiss wooden chalet. The cozy restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating and offers a magnificent view of the Alps from the terrace. Traditional favourites on the menu include "Älplermagronen" (pasta with potatoes, fried onions, roasted bacon, and applesauce), rösti with bacon, cheese and egg, perch fillets with salad and chive dip, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes and Cordon bleu of pork with Bodener Raclette cheese. As far as possible, all products come from local sources to minimize the food miles. For example, milk and dried meat come from Sepp Amstutz, a farmer who lives in the valley just 500 meters from the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne. The Taverne 1879 seats 64 indoor and up to 76 guests on the lively terrace, with views on the Swiss Alps. Guests love to relax in the sun after a hike on the Cliff Walk which leads to the Hammetschwand Lift, the highest outdoor elevator in Europe.
Osteria Alpina Terrazza: Italian-inspired Cuisine The Osteria Alpina Terrazza is set in the midst of rolling hills overlooking the Alps and the resort's artfully landscaped 9-hole golf course, one of the country’s first golf courses. People have been playing golf and admiring nature here since as early as 1928 – a place that even the two illustrious permanent guests, Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren, appreciated during their visits. The perfect location, therefore, for an Italian restaurant offering authentic cuisine that warms the heart with simple dishes and classics that are well-prepared yet unpretentious. One can relax after a round of golf as well as after a hike or a mountain bike tour.
Lakeview Bar & Cigar Lounge: Delicious International Cuisine The Lakeview Bar & Cigar Lounge is a design masterpiece with floor-to-ceiling windows and a breathtaking view of Lake Lucerne. It's the perfect place to indulge in exquisite international dishes such as the popular Club Sandwich and Wagyu Burger, and a selection of original and unique cocktails created by a passionate team of bartenders. Inspired by the many illustrious guests of the house, this bar is truly unique.
Salon1903: Delicate Drinks in a Historic Setting In the historic Salon1903, guests are surrounded by stunning original artwork, faux marble pillars, and classy ambiance. The intimate atmosphere and the magnificence of the room offer a special experience. The fireplace creates coziness, and the grand piano is a source of inspiration – ideal for an elegant afternoon tea or a glamorous cocktail.
Verbena Bar: Mocktails and Herbal Drinks Switzerland's first alcohol-free bar is located on the Bürgenberg with a beautiful view of sun-kissed meadows and grazing cows. At Verbena Bar, the menu offers mocktails and herbal drinks. Particularly tempting: our homemade kombucha and herbal teas with herbs from the on-site garden – an idyllic spot with more than 20 different herbs growing there. Another highlight of the bar: Star architect Matteo Thun created the interior design concept.