Being a vegetarian in Switzerland can be daunting as only 6% of the population falls into this category. However, the vegan and vegetarian trends are slowly catching on in Lucerne and we could compile a healthy mix of cafes, budget, mid-range as well as upscale restaurants that are either vegetarian or vegan or have menus with substantial vegetarian choices.
Tibits (Vegetarian)
After its recent renovation, Tibits enhanced its aesthetics and is now a hotspot amongst the city’s healthy eaters. It sells its food by weight, has moderate prices and features a sparkling clean open kitchen.
Ambience & Seating
The ambience is definitely casual with modern minimalistic décor. There are straight-backed wooden chairs and cute tables with wooden accents though there are some pastel shades too. A pretty floral wall offsets a long lounge seat in the family area of the restaurant… that’s your best bet if you plan on enjoying a longish meal. There is free wi-fi and washrooms (with number locks) and warm water.
Food
The food is on the lighter side and focuses on soups, salads and healthy food options. They offer “meat replacements” that can tempt the staunchest carnivores that are basically repurposed versions of meat-based dishes in Swiss cuisine. Each person gets a bread/ bun free. The food is not all vegan but everything is labelled neatly in multiple languages. There are creative items like vegan currywurst, black bread burgers and you will get plenty of Indian and Continental options
The Cocktail Aperol Spritz and beer selections are good. One of the few places in Lucerne where you can get Mango Lassi, Curcuma Latte and tea along with a vegan wine list. If you opt for takeaway; they have two options and choosing plastic containers costs more… a great message!! Each item has an English explanation on the back of the little dish cards.
Pricing
A two-course meal for two with wine will cost around CHF 37.00
Timings
Open from 7.00 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. on the weekends
Tip: Do not forget to visit the wonderful Modern Art Museum that sits prettily behind this restaurant.
Address
Lucerne Main Railway Station (2nd Floor)
Zentralstrasse 1, Im Bahnhof, 1. Stock, 6003 Luzern
Karls Kraut (Vegetarian, Vegan friendly)
One of the most eclectic Vegan restaurants in Lucerne, Karls Kraut reflects a very “back to the roots” philosophy with its rather pleasantly startling décor and inventive menu.
Ambience & Seating
The interiors are crafted with great care and reflect organic sensibilities with a lot of raw wood and clay… it’s all very Instagram-worthy. The ladies’ washroom is surprising… it has a glass floor that covers an ancient well with an actual fountain. The restaurant overlooks the river but is relatively more affordable and less crowded than other places on this route
Food
The menu is limited to three to four options in starters, mains and dessert but they change seasonally. The aubergine dish with sweet potato puree and harissa, baked potatoes, tofu burger, smoked carrots with chimichurri, Japanese veggies, strawberry mousse and tomato soup are excellent.
Their brunch is sensational with pancakes, waffles and spectacular versions of toasts. The coffee is excellent and so is the wine list. Interestingly, many cabbage-based options are found on the menu… goes well with the vibe as the street on which it is located is called St Karliquai.
The Menu is in German though so you need Google Translate or ask the friendly staff to help you
Pricing
A two-course Meal for two with wine will cost around CHF 37.00
Timings
Open from 11.30.00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. on Tuesday to Thursday and from 11.03 a.m.to late on the weekends (and holidays)
Tip: Do not forget to check their website for their next Brunch date.
Address
Karls Kraut
St. Karliquai 7 , 6004 Lucerne
Phone: 041 534 77 77
Mairube (Vegan)
Mairube literally translates into Vegan soul food so that is what you will get here in this cute restaurant run by Sally and Phil. This is a no-smoking zone but after 4 pm, Meyer Kulturbeiz takes over the place and you can smoke if you like.
Ambience & Seating
The interiors are furnished minimally with wooden chairs and tables but the featured artwork by a local artist is definitely worth taking a look at. There is a red Rhinoceros decked wall and another one with bright tropical flowers that you should definitely photograph.
Food
There is always a daily special and the menu changes weekly. They do not use Palm oil, or Nestle products but source their vegetables from a family farm on the fringes of the city. If you are in Lucerne on a Saturday then do not miss the full Irish breakfast with veggie hot dogs and creamy homemade mayonnaise.
Thursdays are burger days and patties and sauces are incredibly tasty. The Bologna Panini and the Green salad with roasted seeds and sourdough bread are house favourites. The drinks menu is extensive but specialises in local, smaller brands
Pricing
A full meal including a soup/starter, mains and a dessert costs around 20 CHF
Timings
Open from Mon to Fri 11:30am to 4:00pm and Saturday 11:00am to4:00pm
Address
Bundesplatz 3, Luzern
Phone: +41-765472333
Peacefood.Bio (Vegan)
Established in 2016, this is an all Vegan place in Lucerne, Peacefood is colourful both in its ambience as well as food. This is a really good place for takeout and is probably the healthiest restaurant in Lucerne.
Ambience & Seating
You cannot miss Peacefood as the entrance looks almost like a rainbow with its multi-coloured billboard and recycled coloured artefacts at the front. Inside too, everything from the cash register to the walls is coloured in bright shades that are very photogenic. You take your food from the buffet options and then weigh it before you pay…self-service. At the end of your meal, you also have to put your plates in a tub of warm water… a concept that some may find too homely.
The owner Armando is extremely passionate about healthy food and a health-conscious lifestyle and he will readily share tips about actual plant-based zero sugar vegan food in a very relatable manner.
Food
Unlike other Vegan restaurants in Lucerne, Peacefood does not include sugar even in its smoothies. They also use raw oils (unheated) exclusively to combat trans-fat generation besides ensuring that the food is gluten and allergen-free. This makes the food options super healthy but sometimes cold and without the typical “zing” that the typical diner will look for.
The kochumba, sauces and vinegar are all homemade. Enjoy entrees like coconut soup, salads with fermented tomatoes and homegrown greens, and desserts made from dates and papayas and golden milk. The smoothies have cute names; Pink Kiss and Green Power are just some examples. In the end, you can come away with the satisfaction of having consumed the healthiest meal of your life!!
Pricing
3.50 CHF for every 100 grams of food you take from the buffet
Timings
Open only on the weekends and holidays all day (keep checking the website)
Address
Maihofstrasse 57, Lucerne 6006
Phone: +41 41 420 30 30
Tip: Take bus number 1 to Maihofmatte-Rotsee from the train station and Peacefood.Bio is on the left-hand of the corner where you get off the bus.
Bolero (Vegetarian-friendly)
Bolero stands in the old town, near the train station and is well preferred by locals and tourists alike for its relatively fairly priced food and versatile menu that’s a change from the typical Swiss and German food found in Lucerne.
Ambience & Seating
The interiors are cosy with warm oak tones and complemented by gorgeous Spanish furniture. The servers are friendly and Patricia does a good job of describing the menu in great detail. The place is child-friendly and even has a special kids menu.
Food
Bolero is famous for its Spanish and Mediterranean food, so if you are a tapas and fajitas fan then you will not be disappointed. If you are going in a group and are occupying a whole table, then order the Tapas menu curated by Chef Alessandro Tognazzi (cold Tapas, warm Tapas and sweet Tapas) paired with excellent Spanish wines.
Or you could try the Paella Vegetariana with the Manchego Cheese Balls (can feed up to three people). The Fajitas Vegana with its guacamole, fiery tomato sauce, mixed vegetables and jalapenos is also a good option. Portions are generous.
For dessert, dig into the baked custard, delicious churros and ice cream. The gin and tonic and espresso here are especially recommended.
Pricing
44 CHF for a meal
Timings
Open from 11.30.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 11.30 a.m.to 11.30 p.m. on Sunday and 3 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. on Saturday
Address
Bundespl. 18, Lucerne, Switzerland
Phone: +41 41 226 80 88
Pikante Peruvian Cuisine & Pisco Lounge (Vegetarian friendly)
Looking for an unconventional restaurant (that’s not Italian or Swiss) but vegetarian and vegan friendly? Your search ends at Pikante, the pioneering Peruvian restaurant in Lucerne managed by Chef Emilio Espinosa Schwarz
Ambience and Seating
There is an eclectic mix of South American flavours, Latin warmth and a focus on quality that is undeniably Swiss. The terrace (open on Wednesday and Friday) is delightful. The staff is very friendly and takes time to explain everything on the menu. Special mention must be made of Marco who is extremely customer-centric in approach. The atmosphere is suitable for romantic dates, family dinners and pleasant conversations.
Food
This restaurant is known for its spicy and sharp, rather tangy flavours and the curated sauces are a good demonstration of this. Start off with Camote frito (sweet fried potatoes and Huancaina Salsa) and then move on to Quinotto Alpino-Andino (a concoction of Quinoa, seasonal vegetables, mushrooms and parmesan) and maybe the Ensalada Gourmet Andina (mixed salad with passion fruit dressing). A side of coconut rice serving should not be missed.
Do not miss the Pisco or the burnt grape juice Peruvian schnapps. You will find a wide range of cocktails based on it. The Mamacita is most recommended and so are the exotic desserts including Mousse made from the Lucuma fruit… Sorpresa de Lúcuma (one is enough for two diners).
Pricing
A full meal for two including starters, main course and cocktails/ dessert is around 80 CHF.
Timings
Open from 11.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and from 6.00 p.m.to 11.000 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. On Sundays, the restaurant is open from 11.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
Tip: Burn off your calories by walking on the Pont Spreur (a few meters away) and then taking a river walk to the old chapel bridge.
Address
Klosterstrasse 4, CH-6003 Lucerne
Phone: +41 41 248 48 00
Bierliebe and Friends (Vegetarian-friendly)
Tourists with less adventurous palettes can heave a sigh of relief here which serves all American, vegetarian-friendly food with an excellent view of the chapel and an array of local beers.
Ambience & Seating
The ambience is decidedly casual, British pub style with a smattering of simple wooden chairs and tables in warm, earthy tones. The staff is very friendly and helpful and special mention must be made of Cynthia and Vincent. The view of the old Chapel Bridge and Lake Lucerne is definitely the highlight.
Food
This place is known for its hamburgers and hotdogs and there is a burger of the month that is invariably delicious. The bratwurst, burgers, Swiss hotdogs, and mac and cheese are some of the best options. The burgers have rind patties and also come with sweet potato fries. The Green Burger and Vegi Dog are highly recommended. Try the warm chocolate muffin or the mango passion fruit sorbet afterwards.
The beer tap display with multiple options looks great and there are 12 options… all Swiss!! A tasting flight tray is a good option for those who want to try multiple variants. The Weiss is especially recommended amongst the local beers on offer.
Pricing
$4.50 for a small beer and $ 8.50 for a large one. A full meal for two including a flight of 4 beers, two meals and two full beers is around 70 Euros.
Tip: Burn off your calories by a long walk on the old Chapel Bridge afterwards.
Timings
Open from 11.30.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. from Sunday to Wednesday and from 11.30 a.m.to 12.000 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Address
Rathausquai 10, Lucerne
Phone: 41 41 220 23 24
GourmIndia (vegetarian-friendly)
Look no further for authentic Indian vegetarian fare than this charming restaurant flashing the orange-green-white Indian tricolour combination at the gate. True to its name, GourmIndia specializes in true blue Punjabi Indian food.
Ambience & Seating
The ambience is soothing and quintessentially Indian with carved wooden screens, Eastern-style chandeliers and red damask chairs complimented by tables covered in crisp white clothes. Special mention must be made of server Jaswinder Singh and Jyeshna and the manager Gurjiner who make sure that everybody feels comfortable.
Food
Sunday brunch serves piping hot dosa with chutney and sambhar, palak paneer, peas pulao, puri, achari aloo gobhi and dal tadka with kesar kulfi as dessert (check available brunch dates on the website). The spinach and cheese naan, paneer tandoori salad, amritsari chole puri and veggie shahi korma curry are especially recommended. They offer complimentary papadam and rice.
They source most of the produce locally and have separate options for vegans. This is one of the few places in Lucerne where you can get the Cobra beer that is so popular in North East India apart from Masala Chai and Mango Lassi.
Pricing
Sunday Brunch is priced at 38 CHF per person. A full meal with drinks will cost around 50 CHF
Timings
Open from 11.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 5.30 p.m.to 11.30 p.m. on Sunday and Saturday
Address
Baselstrasse 31, Lucerne 6003
Phone: +41 41 250 43 43
Tip: Take a short bus trip to reach the Gutsch Bus Stop. Reserve a table in advance if you are coming on the weekends. If you want to know all about the best Indian restaurants in Lucerne serving both north and south Indian cuisine, then check out Great Indian Restaurants in Lucerne.
Hotel Hofgarten Restaurant (vegetarian-friendly)
An upscale restaurant in the lovely Hofgarten Hotel, this kid-friendly restaurant has a graceful courtyard meant for slow lingering conversations.
Ambience & Seating
The restaurant is in the terrace area with a lovely outdoor courtyard filled with shrubbery. The layout is elegant and modern and the service is polite and very friendly. The location is a bit downtown but still shielded away from the noise that usually surrounds all waterfront restaurants.
Food
The menu is accommodating for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diners and those with allergies. The menu is also extensive with a variety of starters, salads, mains and desserts. Mathias Losli is the presiding chef and he has a reputation for playing around with seasonal flavours.
The polenta with the side of al dente vegetables and the gnocchi with rocket salad are especially recommended, and so are the mixed veggie salad, vegetarian ravioli and Thai curries.
For dessert, you can choose pancakes with ice cream and stewed fruit. Or the Crème Brulee with passion fruit or the Millie Feuille with raspberry sorbet is a good choice.
Pricing
A meal for two with wine and starters will be around 100 CHF
Timings
Open from 8.00 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. from Monday to Sunday
Address
Stadthofstrasse 14 (near the Lion Monument) | 6006 Lucerne
Phone: +41 41 410 88 88
Tip: walk in from the garden side of Dreilindenstrasse Street to find this beautiful hotel
Scala Restaurant- Art Deco Hotel Montana (Vegetarian-friendly)
An upscale and elegant restaurant, featured in almost all Lucerne food guides, this offers separate menu options for vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free diners and kids.
Ambience & Seating
If you are lucky enough to get a table near the windows then you will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of the mountains of Central Switzerland, Lake Lucerne and the Old Town. The décor is staid yet elegant and rich as befits the Montana Hotel. The elevation of the restaurant gives it an advantage in terms of visuals.
Tip: reserve at least ten days in advance if you want to secure a window-side table.
Food
The menu is geared to please vegetarians and leans towards Mediterranean food conceptualized by Chef Johan Breedijk. Some of the imaginative creations are coconut risotto with papaya garnish and polenta gnocchi with thin chanterelles. The homemade pasta with goat cheese and sun-dried tomato is delectable. There is a good range of soups and lemongrass / sweet potato/ asparagus are some of the more deserving ones.
There are lots of inventive desserts but sipping a cup of hot chocolate or munching on the cheese platter is equally rewarding. The brunch offers an endless array of delicious entrees that can be impossible to finish. The bread variety and the homemade marmalade are excellent.
Pricing
This is a relatively upscale place recommended in the Gault & Millau restaurant guide so the prices are on the steeper side. A meal for one with wine and starters and an aperitif will be around 100 CHF.
Timings
Open from 11.30 a.m. To 9.30 p.m. the whole week
Address
Adligenswilerstrasse 22, Lucerne 6006
Phone: +41 41 417 35 41
A travel addict. Still celebrating the day when he quit his high-profile corporate job to pursue his passion for travel writing.