"Waterside" Restaurants in Basel
In the magnificent Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois, the Cheval Blanc delights with French haute cuisine full of clarity and finesse - refined with Mediterranean and Asian nuances. The cuisine is of the highest calibre - a gastronomic royal experience.
Everything here revolves around vegetables - fresh, regional, seasonal. Meat and fish? Only as a delicate addition. Everything is sourced directly from the local farmers. And it's all very uncomplicated: no stiff dress code, just a relaxed lounge feeling with gourmet cuisine.
The idyllic terrace on the Kleinbasel Rhine promenade is well-known, but a visit to the "Krafft" is also worthwhile in bad weather. Guests have been coming here since the 19th century and the establishment has retained much of its historical splendor. Once seated, the friendly service staff bring an antique trolley with a selection of aperitif drinks to the table. A warm sourdough roll with flavored butter is served with the glass of champagne. The menu is quite small, offering classic French cuisine with modern touches, including two grand pièces: a côte de boeuf and a sole meunière. Adventurous guests can also choose a three- or four-course surprise menu. We order a starter and a main course and start with a beef tartare, strongly seasoned with egg yolk, Gruyère and pickles as well as leek with vinaigrette and hard-boiled egg. Both taste classic and down-to-earth. For the main course, we are served steamed sea bass with a ragout of green asparagus, morels and cabbage stalks and white asparagus with tarragon beurre-blanc and two poached eggs. We are also satisfied here, there is nothing to complain about in terms of the craftsmanship and the portions are also very good. We therefore have to skip the selection from the cheese trolley, but manage to share a dessert: A crème anglaise with rhubarb and strawberry ice cream. It's a simple finale that brings back childhood memories and we really like it. It was a harmonious evening at the "Krafft" restaurant, which will make fans of classic cuisine happy.
In spring, Les Trois Rois unveiled the newly renovated front building of the hotel. Star architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron personally oversaw the project - including the conversion of the former ballroom on the mezzanine floor, which is now home to the hotel's third restaurant, the "Banks". Its centerpiece is an oval bar, above which hangs an art installation by Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger consisting of countless elements. If you eat alone at the bar, you can easily entertain yourself for an evening by looking at it. Contemporary Asian-European-Peruvian fusion cuisine is served in the form of sharing plates. Head chef Kevin Bornschein previously worked at "Matsuhisa" in Munich, and you can tell from the dishes. There was a variety of different flavors and textures: a carrot in kataifi batter with tahini, red lentils and spices, a first-class sea bass ceviche, whose leche de tigre could have used a little more zing for our taste, but this was balanced out by a very well-seasoned wagyu tataki served at the same time. There was nothing wrong with the execution and presentation of the dishes; the miso salmon was also perfectly cooked, as was the grilled fillet with chimichurri. One dish that should definitely remain on the menu was the "Banks Carbonara" - udon noodles with hour egg and nori, served at the table. For dessert, the fine matcha tiramisu was a winner. The rather high-priced drinks menu offers many exciting wines, some sakes and a good selection of non-alcoholic beverages.
Elegant fish creations meet Mediterranean inspiration and regional classics: the kitchen refines fish in a salt crust, serves creative classics and focusses on sustainable freshness. The historic ambience directly on the Rhine and a wide selection of wines round off the experience.
Situated on the Rhine, the Rhywyera combines a Basel lifestyle with Mediterranean lightness. Antipasti, fresh pasta, meat and seafood are served on the plate, accompanied by well-chosen wines. The terrace is perfect for balmy summer evenings.
Beautiful restaurant on the banks of the Rhine with uncomplicated and tasty dishes made largely from local ingredients. Fish often finds its way onto the menu, which makes sense given the location. If you like, you can try a variety of appetisers with friends.
In the harbour area, Der Rostige Anker scores with fresh, regional market cuisine. The menu varies daily. Four main courses are available in the evening: veggie, pasta, meat and fish. Flexibility meets quality. A delicious brunch is also served here on Sundays.
At Schliessi on the outskirts of Basel, you sit right next to the meadow, surrounded by greenery and a relaxed crowd. Simple dishes, tarte flambée, sandwiches and salad bowls are served. Plus sun, terrace and water - a place that immediately evokes holiday feelings.