Basel is known – amongst other things – for its proximity to the two neighboring countries of Germany and France. And just as Switzerland’s biggest city of Zurich, it has a good offer of fine-dining outlets. Whereas Zurich’s high-end culinary scene is very dynamic – see my post about it -, Basel is a bit more modest in this context. However, that does not mean it is not worth visiting as a foodie. Quite the opposite, it boasts one of only four three-star Michelin spots existing in Switzerland. Furthermore, it also has two two-star Michelin establishments. One of them was already the subject of an earlier post about Basel’s fine-dining scene. I will cover the other and the three-star spot in the sections to follow. And my overview on best fine-dining restaurants in Basel will also include one from abroad, which fits this city as meeting place for three countries.

I begin with the highflier here, the mentioned three-star Michelin place before coming to the two-star and the one-star establishments.

1. Restaurant Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl at Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois

three-star Michelin restaurant featuring fantastic classic French cuisine with a twist in a splendid historical hotel dining-room by the water

This classic French high-end restaurant was for me the last on the list of all the three-star Michelin places in my home country. The reason for this was probably the fact that it is not considered as modern. And I am a big fan of contemporary cuisine. Yet, in hindsight I have to say this should not have hindered me so long. That is because everything was top-notch at my dinner at Cheval Blanc. The chef here, Peter Knogl, has been working here since 2007.

And since day one, he celebrates French haute cuisine, yet influenced by Mediterranean and Asian influences.

The chef is considered as king of sauces, and it really is exceptional what he accomplishes in this field. Each and every sauce was perfect, bursting with flavor and wonderfully balanced. But everything was of the highest standard, and this made by first rate produce and presented in a pleasantly reduced way.

And the setting is beautiful, at Basel’s most upscale luxury hotel – Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois – just by the river Rhine.

The 300 year old dining room (30 seats) is splendid. It is kept in a classical and somewhat opulent style, with intricate chandeliers and fine antiques.

And to my delight, the restaurant manager (Giuseppe Giliberti), although dressed in a black tailcoat, was not stiff at all but showed a good mixture of professionalism and relaxedness.

The dinner I had with my husband and friends at Cheval Blanc was utterly enjoyable. It was full of culinary highlights, accompanied by an immaculate service performance and the most glorious setting. This level of quality along with the highest possible rating (three Michelin stars, 19 point Gault Millau) comes with a price. Notwithstanding, it is still far from being astronomically expensive. On offer is a sole menu, either in the complete version (six courses for 320 SFR/US$) or in five courses (285 SFR/US$).

2. Restaurant Roots

two-star Michelin dining spot with excellent modern cuisine in relaxed ambiance a bit away from the city center at the river (with some service issues)

Our party of four enjoyed excellent modern food at Roots, and this in a chic contemporary setting.

Unfortunately, the dinner was overshadowed by an underwhelming service performance. Right after the opening we entered the premises and were welcomed with the words: Do you have a reservation? Of course we had one, otherwise you get no table at a two-star Michelin restaurant on a Saturday evening. And this was only the start to several service hiccups. It followed insufficient advice on Champagne selection, inflexible dining choices (see below) and not refilling our drinks. While we are at it, everything as to service was immaculate when related to food issues. The staff was obviously drilled to ensure that the cutlery was set when the chefs came to the table with their creations. They did this with every course, which was informative and entertaining at the same time.

Food wise, you can decide on six, seven, nine or ten courses (178/189/208/219 SFR/US$). The server let our party of four know that six courses involve following dishes: twice seafood, once vegetables, twice meat and once dessert. The seventh course would be a dessert, the eighth something with truffle, the ninth langoustine and the tenth cheese. When we asked whether we could have the truffle dish instead of the second dessert as seventh course, it was rejected. And this without giving an understandable reason. Be it as it may, the food we got was really remarkable. The cuisine of the young chef, Pascal Steffen, is innovative and often vegetable-based.

He started here in 2017, at the “Rhypark”, a convention center by the river Rhine a bit away from the city center.

The food is worth two Michelin stars (Roots got its second end of 2022), but this is not enough to create a memorable dinner experience. As a diner at a highly decorated venue (18 points Gault Millau) you certainly may expect a higher standard of service.

3. Restaurant La Table de l’Auberge at Auberge Saint-Laurent in Sierentz/Alsace (France)

well-made modern and traditional cuisine at historical coaching inn in nearby France with an one-star Michelin award

I mentioned it, Basel is located in the tri-border area of France, Germany and Switzerland. And because of that it is common that locals also go abroad for eating out. That is exactly what a dear friend from Basel and I did on a cloudy winter day when heading for Sierentz in the Alsace (France). You get here in less than 20 minutes by car. It is also possible to take the train (18 minute-ride plus 8-minute walk). A lovely 18th century coaching inn awaits you here in rural surroundings. The well-preserved Auberge Saint-Laurent oozes lots of traditional charm. And it offers – apart from ten guest rooms – two Michelin listed restaurants.

On our occasion, we were on our way to the one-star Michelin Restaurant La Table de l’Auberge (16 points Gault Millau). Yet – as my friend told me – the more relaxed Winstub À Côté (Bib Gourmand) is also a good choice. The property has been family-owned since 1982 by the Arbeit family. In 2010, the second generation took over. Chef Laurent, who continues his father’s work, trained in the kitchens of some big-name chefs (Haeberlin and Ducasse). He does this in a differentiated manner. Some traditional dishes that made the house famous such as the duck foie gras with sauerkraut jam are unchanged on the menu.

Furthermore, he revisits others classics and reinvents them in a more contemporary way. Plus, he does his own modern creations. And he was able to retain the Michelin star that his father had earned more than twenty years ago.

We arrived to find a newly refurbished dining room. It now has a fresh look yet without denying its classical origins.

In terms of food, you can choose between an à la carte offer and three menus. As to the former, starters are from 28 to 40 €, mains from 35 to 48 € and desserts from 15 to 20 €. Menu wise, there are three options: the classic “Gourmet” (62 €), the choice menu “Tout à votre Choix” (95 €) – both with foie gras – and the surprise menu “Surprises et Gourmandises” (125 €). My friend and I opted for the middle – with foie gras of course. And we liked what we got. For dessert, I requested a change as I wanted to try the “Tout petit vacherin glacé”. That was no problem, and it was heavenly, although not exactly “tout petit”. Quite the opposite, it was much too big – just as the foie gras. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable meal with a friendly and reserved but not stiff service.

Looking back as to dining in style in Switzerland

In case you are not only interested in best fine dining restaurants in Basel but in Zurich too, then check out my two former posts. One is about great options to dine in style in Zurich city, and this divided in casual places (four options) and sophisticated ones (3 spots). Furthermore, I also did an overview of recommended fine dining restaurants in the Zurich area, i.e. outside of the city. This is about three dining spots, all of them Michelin starred respectively by a Michelin star chef.

Date of visits: December 2023 – January 2024

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Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city, is a good place for dining out in style. While its culinary scene has not been as dynamic as the one in Zurich in the recent past, it is still worth going to as a gourmet. In case you are heading to Zurich in search of great restaurants, also check out my posts that I published a short time ago: fine dining Zurich, casual fine dining Zurich and (casual) fine dining Zurich area. But back to Basel where I have lunched quite a few times lately, and this due to the fact that I resumed a relationship with a dear friend who comes from here. So I am able to provide information of five of the best fine dining restaurants in Basel and surroundings.

Before coming to the establishments in question, four in the city and one in the Basel area, a few lines to the city’s top fine dining outlets.

Short overview of Basel’s top gastronomy

As mentioned, Basel’s upscale restaurant scene is not as broad as the one in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. Yet it is impressive all the same. The showpiece here is Restaurant Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl at Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois for sure, one of only four Michelin three-star dining spots in Switzerland. I have not eaten yet at the grand master of “haute cuisine classique”, but a visit here is certainly on my bucket list.

Another well known name in Basel is the Michelin two-star Restaurant Stucki – Tanja Grandits. I have dined here several times in the past. And I also happened to have lunch here a short time ago, so I can report on a recent eating experience too. On offer is a modern, creative cuisine.

The rising star chef in Basel is Pascal Steffen at Restaurant Roots, no doubt. Since he has opened his relaxed place in 2017, he knows how to persuade with creative and varied creations. While they are predominately vegetarian, you also get meat and fish. And the young chef’s efforts were crowned with the second Michelin star in fall 2022. Again, I have not been here yet. However, my friend and I had a lunch reservation at Roots just when the second wave of Covid-19 started. Therefore, we cancelled it. After restaurants were allowed to open again, there was unfortunately no lunch service anymore. Yet Roots is still on my “to do” list!

Some of the best fine dining spots in Basel and surroundings

I have visited all the restaurants I am going to write about in the course of the last two and a half years. And I have been at four out of five spots for the first time ever. The only place I was familiar with, is Restaurant Stucki – Tanja Grandits where I had already enjoyed dinner on two different occasions in the distant past. Having said that, I know one more chef from the restaurant he used to cook before, and this is Andreas Schuermann, currently at Restaurant Zum Wilde Maa.

1. Restaurant Stucki – Tanja Grandits Basel (left river bank, Bruderholz)

creative cuisine by the country’s best female chef in posh neighborhood

This is the place I know best as I have already eaten here three times, this with bigger time gaps between. And each time, the experience was quite different from the one before. I limit myself on the recent visit where I had lunch at Restaurant Stucki – Tanja Grandits.

Tanja Grandits, Switzerland’s most known and probably best female chef, has been in charge at Restaurant Stucki since 2008. If you wonder about the restaurant’s name, it goes back to the former chef, Hans Stucki, who helmed it during 40 long years (and got two Michelin stars). In terms of awards, Tanja Grandits is as successful as her predecessor (two stars Michelin, 19 point Gault Millau). She, who once studied chemistry, celebrates a subtle cuisine and is considered as “queen” of  colors and flavors. Harmony is important to her, not only from the point of view of culinary but also aesthetically speaking. And nature is her biggest source of inspiration.

When I had dinner at Stucki for the first time, not only the food was kept in aubergine but also the dining room. Nowadays, the interiors are decorated in warm colors, as you experience it in many restaurants these days.

The restaurant is housed in an imposing building that suits the posh neighborhood where it is situated.

On my latest visit, staff was discreet, cordial and smooth. The chef said hello to us, as she had always done on previous occasions.

Food is a big deal here, also at lunch time. There is either the business lunch or the full menu to choose from. As to the former, you can decide on three to five courses (95/125/140 SFR/US$). There is a selection of two starters, two second courses, three mains and two desserts.

In terms of the latter – the flavor menu – it comprises of nine courses and costs 265 SFR/US$. Price wise, eating here is not inexpensive yet probably justified for the experience.

2. Restaurant Im Ackermannshof Basel (left river bank)

best upscale Italian cuisine in historic premises

Since April 2021, chef Flavio Fermi has been back in Basel (before in Bad Bubendorf), where he started his culinary career. He his now at the Ackermannshof, a dining spot in a historic townhouse in the city’s St. Johanns-Vorstadt (suburb of Saint Johann).

He brought along the hosts from his former place of work as well (Roland and Evelyne Tischhauser). The chef is considered as the master of the Italian cuisine in the area. And he ist not only talented but also ambitious.

When my friend and I lunched here, three months after opening, it was not overly busy. We were told that is the “new normal” as a consequence of the pandemic and that they would not offer a lunch service after the summer season anymore. And I had read, that the Ackermannshof’s location is considered as “difficult” in town. Some predecessors already failed here. Be it as it may, I think that Flavio Fermi’s chances to succeed are good! The premises are not large,

you find here a somewhat small dining room, a tiny bar and a nice courtyard outdoor area. The decor is timelessly modern.

On our visit, we were first cared for by the friendly chef himself before the host, Roland Tischhauser, took over. Also the latter is amiable and at the same time knowledgeable and helpful. The food offerings for lunch were limited. We could make our choice between chicken stripes with a cream sauce, mushrooms, spaetzle and vegetables or linguine noodles with white wine, fresh tomatoes and olives. This together with a small salad or a soup costed 34 SFR/US$ respectively 29 SFR/US$.

My lunch companion and I both chose the linguine, and they were fantastic! While it was a simple meal, it was impeccably done. And the dessert, rhubarb compote with yoghurt ice cream was of the same caliber (10 SFR/US$)!

We really got value for money! I immediately knew that I had to come back for dinner soon (4 to 8 eight courses at 133/173/213 SFR/US$, awards: one Michelin star, 16 point Gault Millau).

3. Restaurant Puro at Hotel Moevenpick Basel (left river bank, main train station)

well-made South American fusion cuisine with Asian touches in new hotel high rise

When Hotel Moevenpick opened in the new built high-rise

in September 2021, this was also the hour of birth of the Puro Restaurant. It is located on the second floor of this splendid building and offers a South American fusion cuisine with Asian touches. While all the dishes are suitable for sharing, you can also order individually.

The chef, Pablo Loehle, a German who was born in Argentina, is familiar with South American food. After years of wandering through hotel kitchens in Argentina and Germany, he settled in Basel. Here he was executive chef at the Brasserie at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois. And now he has the same function at Restaurant Puro at the new Hotel Moevenpick Basel (14 points Gault Millau). Together with Raphaël Mazurek, he is in charge for the well-made dishes, which I found especially convincing when it came to starters.

For lunch, there are three options to choose from. First, you can opt for the Weekly Business Lunch (1, 2 or 3 courses for 30, 38 or 46 SFR/US$). Second, you can go down the sushi road (Puro Susi), a miso soup (10 SFR/US$), followed by three different sushi variations (29 to 36 SFR/US$). Third, you may try out the Puro Sharing Experience (3 to 4 dishes from 6 to 68 SFR/US$). My friend and I ordered our two individual dishes from the Cold and the Grilled & Co section and shared the bread as well as the dessert (76 SFR/US$ for each).

I found it quite expensive for what we got and it was not that plentiful either.

Dinner is a bit different, again there is the sharing experience, either in the form of the chef’s choice (4 courses for 105 SFR/US$) or you compose it yourself (3 to 4 dishes from 6 to 68 SFR/US$). When doing so, I think that you can also include the Puro Signature Sushi (2 variations, 48 and 68 SFR/US$, plus 4 sorts of Uramaki, 22 to 28 SFR/US$, and Nigiri, 6 to 14 SFR/US$).

As to the interiors, Puro is a large restaurant, but it is cleverly divided into several areas. When I was visiting a few weeks after the opening, one of them was closed down. I suppose they need all this space for their hotel guests (breakfast service etc.). The dining-room is modernly styled in warm hues, paired with natural materials. It feels elegant yet contemporary at the same time.

4. Restaurant Le Murenberg Bubendorf (Basel-Countryside, 19 minutes by car)

exquisite classic French cuisine in rural surroundings

This is the only restaurant I am going into that is not in the city of Basel but a bit outside of it. It is about Le Murenberg, located in the canton of Baselland (Basel-Countryside), precisely in Bubendorf. This is a small town in a rather rural area. And here this dining spot is housed in a somewhat unassuming building in a residential neighborhood. Yet the interiors are nice, decorated contemporarily in subdued colors.

And there is a cozy outdoor area too.

Denis and Melanie Schmitt, a husband-and-wife team, have taken over Restaurant Murenberg in 2012. And they renamed it in Le Murenberg, probably because Denis Schmitt is an Alsatian und celebrates a classic French cuisine (one Michelin star, 16 point Gault Millau).

His wife is responsible for the desserts and the service. And both had worked at 5-star hotels in Zurich before.

For lunch, you can decide on two or three courses (55 or 65 SFR/US$). The rate includes a small bottle of mineral water and a coffee. Instead, you can go for the degustation menu, the same as you get in the evening. Here you make your choice out of three to six courses (100/115/130/145 SFR/US$). In case you do not want to have the degustation menu for dinner, they also offer alternatives.

When my friend and I had lunch at Le Murenberg, the “lady of the house” was absent but we were well cared for by hospitable and informative staff. We could make our choice of two starters and three mains from the lunch menu. There was only one dessert available but this one was delicious.

The same was true for the rest of the meal. This place is a real find, not only is the food exquisite, but it is also competitively priced.

5. Restaurant Zum Wilde Maa Basel (right river bank, Kleinbasel)

UPDATE: out of business end of 2024

excellent modern cuisine by experienced chef in neighborhood-style restaurant

As stated, I know chef Andreas Schuermann from several dinners at his former place of work, Restaurant Bonvivant in Basel. Yet, I am going to report only from my recent lunch at his new restaurant. And that is Restaurant Zum Wilde Maa (stormy guy in English) that was opened in June 2020. This happened to be in the midst of the first wave of Covid-19.

This small neighborhood-style dining spot with just a few outdoor tables is located in Kleinbasel.

This is the area on the Rhine river’s right bank which was long considered as the “lesser Basel”. Nowadays, it has turned into a vibrant neighborhood with lots of trendy eateries and bars. And Zum Wilde Maa is one of them, helmed by Andreas Schuermann who is an accomplished chef. In an earlier job he even gained a Michelin star (at the moment, he holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand and 14 points Gault Millau). And you notice it! Everything I had on my recent lunch here was superb, from the beetroot soup to the Lostallo salmon with risotto (35 SFR/US$) and the chocolate tart with hazelnut ice cream (19 SFR/US$). And you do not have to break the bank for a lunch here!

Petra von Gunten, the chef’s partner, is responsible for the service, and she does it in an engaged manner. She is also into decorating. When my friend and I were here before Christmas, we astonished at the wreaths on the walls that she had made herself. I liked the interiors at Zum Wilde Maa, which are a mix between traditional and modern. And the white-clothed tables give the restaurant a stylish touch.

Short, it is a place where you feel at ease and epicurean delights are for sure. Apart from the lunch offer mentioned earlier, there is a dinner menu as well. You can either choose the chef’s menu (3, 4 or 6 courses at 69, 89 or 119 SFR/US$) or go for the à la carte menu (small dishes from 15 to 28 SFR/US$, big dishes from 19 to 55 SFR/US$).

What I found a bit odd was how a reservation request was answered when I wanted to eat here again. The host let me know that the reservation was only provisional and that there would be a follow-up. At my request two days later, I was told that she cannot book us into their restaurant right now. She informed me that I would have to wait one or two days longer. And this was three days before we wanted to have dinner here! So I canceled the request. A day later, I got another message from Petra von Gunten, and that was a cancellation from their side.

Date of visits: October 2020 – November 2022

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After several visits to Chez Donati in the 1990s my husband and I dined here yet again and imagine, nothing has changed in the meantime! The place is an institution in Basel, for more than 65 years it has been serving traditional Italian cuisine in a high-end setting. After having been under the management of the best hotel in town, Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, for some years, there will be a change in 2020. As from then, the Bindella restaurant group from Zurich will take over. Time will tell what consequences this will have for Chez Donati.

Location

Ambiance

Food concept

Sampled dishes

beef with parmesan cheese and rocket salad, the other one with fish,

sea bass with fennel. While both dishes were tasty, it has to be said that the beef was by no means one of the most tender ones I have had recently.

When it comes to mains, we went for pasta, noodles with fresh porcini mushrooms,

which was delicate, although my portion was a bit on the small side, I am not sure whether this was due to a misunderstanding because my husband’s serving size was okay.

The highlight of the meal was the dessert, served – as already mentioned – from the trolley.

One of the delicacies chosen was a floating island, meringue on a vanilla custard.

It was a real delight, albeit not exactly a light one, but the calories were extremely well invested!

Service

Pricing

Overall

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Since Restaurant Noohn was opened some 10 years ago, my family has dined a couple of times at this modern restaurant offering Asian fusion cuisine in good quality in an urban atmosphere. The place is huge with a combo of choices, either for just having a drink, for food to take away, for self-service or for regular service. Noohn is especially known for its sushi bar which probably offers some of the best sushi in Basle.

Location/Ambiance

Food concept

Sampled dishes

Service/pricing

Overall

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Classic French cuisine with a twist, amiable hosts:

Hosts

1st starter: Scallops with Ugli Fruit

Food

2nd starter: Asparagus with Char

3rd starter: Foie Gras with Medlar & Hazelnuts

Main: Saddle of Veal with Chanterelles & Peas

Other information

Dessert: Mille-feuille with Strawberries & Vanilla

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