Falstaff Restaurant- and Beizenguide 2024 - Best of Genfersee-Region & Tessin
Seasonality, only the best produce, craftsmanship and a flair for perfect flavour and aesthetic compositions characterise Franck Giovannini and his team. The excellent wine list, the elegant ambience and the perfect service complete the pleasure.
Anne-Sophie Pic brings her sensitive, floral cuisine to Lausanne with chef Jordan Theurillat. The menus change regularly, reduced at lunchtime and elaborate in the evening. French technique meets local produce - precise, fragrant and with great flair.
No, Reto Brändli is not dogged. Although, back at the "Ecco", he naturally wants stars again - two please - he approaches the matter with an enviable composure. And serves French cuisine that is as light-footed and self-confident as he is. Brändli was part of the "Giardino" family for four years before star gastronomy took him to Berlin and St. Moritz. But the connection to Ascona remained - perhaps because of the delicate scent of lemons here, which he loves so much and which accompanies Brändli's signature in many dishes. Such as the greeting from the kitchen: crispy roll with gamba blanca and citrus, a delicate tartelette of old dairy cow with beetroot, radish, caviar and smoked mayonnaise. And a personal favorite: an egg royale with imperial caviar and potato foam that is so creamy and light you want to lie down in it. The star of the show, the iced foie gras filled with orange and lobster espuma, is as delicate as a sorbet. Brändli proves why he is considered an exceptional talent. Fresh turbot follows, flown in from Portugal less than 24 hours ago, accompanied by horseradish, apple, beef tongue rolls, kohlrabi and oxtail essence with lovage. Accompanied by a complex Viognier, recommended by the hostess of the house, Theresa Windhofer. By the way, non-alcoholic diners don't have to miss out on pairings at the "Ecco": The accompanying teas from "Saveur" are so finely tuned that they are in no way inferior to the wine accompaniment. Pastry chef Antje Hauser creates the sweet finish: yoghurt foam, pear sorbet and mousse, iced berries in a lemon sauce. Conclusion of the evening: The stars should come back - please!
Marco Campanella's cooking at La Brezza is as individual as it is confident. His menus - "Ispirazione" or the plant-based "Moving Mountains" - are well thought out and full of character. It is impressive how Campanella manages to show such a clear signature at such a young age.
The Locanda Barbarossa draws on the full range of flavours. It celebrates the diversity and excellence of Ticino produce, complemented by exquisite international specialities. This creates space for creative cuisine that is both a feast for the palate and a feast for the eyes.
L'Atelier Robuchon brings haute cuisine to the counter - directly on Lake Geneva, in the elegant The Woodward Geneva. The open-plan kitchen becomes a stage, with precise cooking, lightness and depth. True to the philosophy of the eponymous legendary chef Joël Robuchon.
The window front offers a sweeping view of the majestic mountains and provides an atmospheric setting for the gastronomic experience. Michelin-starred chef Franck Reynaud composes his Alpine dishes with a touch of Mediterranean lightness. Fantastic wine list.
Only in winter can you experience the creations of Michelin-starred chef Florian Neubauer at After Seven. His cuisine is reduced and precise, in summer he travels the world and is inspired by new flavours and techniques, which he incorporates into his Zermatt menus.
The windows of the modern, elegant dining room offer a marvellous view of the lake. The creations served by the attentive service staff are just as beautiful - and they taste divine. The cuisine is modern, with French roots.
The Basique favours neo-bistro over Michelin-starred cuisine, with Damien Germanier turning simplicity into sophistication. With a great deal of craftsmanship and creativity, he and his team conjure up gourmet moments from local ingredients that are designed to appeal to a young audience in particular.
Stéphane Décotterd's no-frills gourmet cuisine puts Swiss ingredients in the spotlight. He is an excellent chef, so a visit to his restaurant comes with a guarantee of enjoyment, so to speak. The marvellous view over Lac Léman is also guaranteed.
High above Lausanne, Franck Pelux serves French fine dining with rough edges between the mountains and the lake. Intense in flavour, clear in technique - such as poached sea bream or gnocchi with caviar. Sara Benahmed's service is also highly professional.