The “Klosterhalle,” located in the heart of Schaffhausen’s Old Town, is a place of contrasts—and exciting fusions. This applies just as much to the modern, elegant interior, which stands in contrast to the exposed, historic monastery walls, as it does to the concept, which straddles the lines between restaurant, bar, and club. Ultimately, this bold embrace of contrasts is also clearly evident in the creations of young chef Neriah Aventaggiato. The menu moves somewhere between Asian, Italian, and French cuisines; the combinations are sometimes daring and often surprisingly irresistible. Among the highlights on the menu during our visit was a starter featuring calamari, yuzu, cucumber, cranberries, and goat cheese, which impressed with its freshness and the harmonious blend of unusual flavors. The open raviolo with chili-corn cream, popcorn, smoked cream cheese, and lime gel was also a delight—a dish that alone makes the visit worthwhile. The celery dengaku with quinoa, sesame, and cashews also left a lasting impression. Dengaku? The patient and very attentive staff led by Jonas Meinhold explained the dish—a variation on the Japanese miso eggplant—to us with wit and charm. Also worth mentioning is the wine selection, which—as one might expect—ranges from classic to modern. Here, natural wine enthusiasts will find just as much to enjoy as fans of aged Bordeaux. Incidentally, the menu also features classics like Café de Paris and tiramisu, but it’s worth venturing beyond the familiar at the Klosterhalle. The only criticism: some dishes were perhaps a bit too sweet. But that’s just a minor detail.
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