When traveling to Switzerland, cheese fondue is an absolute must-try traditional Swiss dish. After several failed attempts at finding authentic Swiss cheese fondue during our family trip, we finally discovered the perfect spot in Lucerne.
Our previous fondue adventures included accidentally ordering oil fondue at a restaurant called Bebi’s in Grindelwald (rookie mistake with the menu). We even tried making cheese fondue at our Airbnb using store-bought fondue cheese, but the unfamiliar taste wasn’t quite what we expected.
That’s why before ending our Switzerland trip, we were determined to experience proper Swiss cheese fondue. Our search led us to Restaurant Schiff in Lucerne, which we visited after our Mount Rigi excursion.
Location Near Chapel Bridge
Restaurant Schiff sits in a prime location just steps from Lucerne’s famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
If you’re exploring Chapel Bridge and looking for an authentic Swiss restaurant nearby, this traditional establishment is perfectly positioned for a meal with a view.
Opening Hours Without Break Time
- Sunday – Friday: 10:00 – 24:00 (Midnight)
- Saturday: 9:00 – 24:00 (Midnight)
Unlike many Swiss restaurants that close early or have afternoon break times, Restaurant Schiff operates continuously throughout the day. This flexibility makes it convenient for tourists who might have unpredictable schedules.
The late midnight closing time is particularly helpful for those seeking dinner options after evening activities in Lucerne.
Menu and Pricing
The menu features traditional Swiss cuisine including starters, soups, cold dishes, steaks, and desserts. Note that steak dishes have specific serving times, so confirm availability when ordering.
The cheese fondue appears under the “Vegetarian and Vegan” section of the menu, as it consists of cheese, bread, and potatoes without any meat components.
Restaurant Atmosphere
Restaurant Schiff offers both indoor and outdoor seating options. The outdoor terrace provides stunning views of Chapel Bridge while you dine, making it a popular choice among visitors.
During our visit, light rain had started and temperatures dropped. My mother felt cold, and the staff kindly guided us to indoor seating and even brought blankets – exceptional service that made our experience comfortable.
Our Menu Selection and Taste Review
We ordered three dishes to share:
Traditional Swiss Cheese Fondue
The cheese fondue arrived with an alcohol lamp, accompanied by fresh bread and potatoes. The cheese was perfectly melted and ready for immediate dipping.
Unlike our previous supermarket fondue kit experience, this authentic version had a smooth, pleasant flavor without any off-putting smell. Finally experiencing proper Swiss cheese fondue was satisfying, though it did become slightly heavy toward the end of the meal.
Fresh Garden Salad
We ordered a salad for my mother who prefers lighter options with rich dishes. It arrived in a bottle, which the server poured tableside into our bowls.
The fresh salad provided a perfect balance to the rich cheese fondue, making it an excellent pairing choice.
Swiss Sausage Platter
The sausage dish comes with your choice of sides: bread, French fries, rösti (traditional Swiss potato dish), or lettuce salad. Since we already had salad, we chose French fries.
Rösti, a Swiss specialty of grated potatoes pan-fried like a pancake, would also be an excellent choice to try. The sausage was large and hearty, while the generous portion of French fries ensured we left completely satisfied.
Final Thoughts
Restaurant Schiff in Lucerne delivered the authentic Swiss cheese fondue experience we had been searching for throughout our Switzerland journey. The quality of the traditional dishes, combined with exceptional service and the perfect location near Chapel Bridge, made this a memorable dining experience.
For anyone visiting Lucerne and wanting to try authentic Swiss cuisine, particularly cheese fondue, Restaurant Schiff offers the complete package – traditional food, convenient hours, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of this beautiful Swiss city.
