Restaurant Schiff

Restaurant Schiff is a traditional Swiss restaurant at Unter der Egg 8, beside the Reuss in Lucerne’s old town. The setting combines a historic building with a cosy interior, giving the restaurant a sense of continuity and place. Its location by the water also shapes the experience, particularly on the terrace and beneath the arcades, where tables offer an outdoor setting within the lively old-town surroundings.

The kitchen focuses on Swiss gastronomy, with seasonal ingredients and house-made specialities. The menu includes familiar regional fare such as bratwurst, rösti and Fritschipastetli, alongside cheese fondue served throughout the year. Fondue is also available in the restaurant’s Wirtskeller, adding a more enclosed and convivial option for a meal centred on Swiss cheese.

Meat has a separate focus on the menu. Selected cuts are prepared in a Southbend Broiler, an extremely hot grill that creates a browned crust while keeping the centre tender. Steak dishes include Côte de Boeuf, rib-eye and fillet of beef. This combination of traditional Swiss dishes, fondue and broiler-cooked meat gives the restaurant a broad appeal without moving away from its regional character.

Several spaces create different atmospheres within the same venue. The Wirtsstube and Wirtskeller provide indoor settings, while the terrace beneath the arcades brings the riverside location into the dining experience. In colder months, the covered outdoor area remains part of the restaurant’s character, with provided fur coats for added comfort. A separate fumoir offers a dedicated setting for cigar enjoyment after a meal.

Restaurant Schiff suits diners looking for Swiss food in a setting with historical character, as well as groups gathering for a shared meal or a celebration. It also provides a suitable backdrop for a dinner for two. For visitors planning a day in Lucerne from Zurich, the restaurant places traditional local cooking directly within the old town and alongside the Reuss.