Summer Restaurants in Bern

Hungry? Not in Bern!

It’s really not easy, giving tips on food and drinks in Bern. Besides the countless classics, many pop-up bars open up in summer, making a recommendation even more difficult.

But let’s start with the basics: thanks to its proximity to Italy and France, Bern’s cuisine has a Mediterranean touch, even if the classic dishes such as the »Berner Platte« are very hearty. Of course, classics like fondue and raclette should never be left out – but are more suitable for temperatures below freezing. On hot summer days, Bernese prefer to be by the water, so we will give you the best tips along the Aare. The first addresses are the Schwellenmätteli restaurants. Here, both palate and eyes are taken along for an experience: the restaurants terrace, the Ristorante Casa, the fondue hut and also an event lounge are integrated into the unique environment between water and forest, with stunning views of the old town of Bern. Local recreation meets urban living culture, modern architecture meets diverse nature.

French, with a twist, seems to be the unofficial motto of the restaurant Bay – the modern brasserie. You want to know what the modern in the cuisine is? Well – here, the classic Coq au vin is not prepared in a traditional Burgundy red wine, but a white vino. The whole thing rounded off with handmade Tagliatelle, vegetables Julienne and crispy scratchings, makes us drool just writing about it.

If you prefer it rustical, definitely visit the Altes Tramdepot: the ambience of the restaurant in the former Tram hall is one of a kind. But the real highlight is the integrated brewery. The tram beers are all unfiltered, natural and without chemical additives. Depending on the season, they are brewed four to six times a week, just within the restaurant.

The many pop-ups of Bern are right in the middle of it all. It’s a pity, that many of them only open from April to October. Our favorite is the Grottino by Metzgerstübli. Anna and Andres (that’s the name of the couple who own it) serve Ticinese specialties here. As the restaurant only provides outdoor seating, you really depend on the weather. If you’re lucky and it’s a nice summers’ evening, you should dare someone to a boccia match! The Grottino is located on the grounds of the 1922 founded Circolo Bocciofilo Ticinese, the Ticino Bocciaclub in Bern. If you aren’t feeling those Dolce Vita vibes, we don’t know what to reccommend anymore…

Or maybe we do!: with a quick spin to Serini Eichholz. Located next to a public park and the riverbanks the restaurant is surrounded by green and is very close the Aare. The food and drinks are uncomplicated and get the job done. Be sure to try the cider on tap, right next to more local apple wines from the bottle. And trust us, they don’t just taste good with fondue! Especially these moments take us back to summer breaks.

But enough of the tips – we`re hungry, let’s go!