Old Swiss House is a historic restaurant at Löwenplatz 4, 6004 Lucerne, in the Löwenplatz quarter just beyond the Altstadt, set in a building filled with antique furniture, carved panelling and heraldic decor. It is best known for classic Swiss and Central European cooking, above all the veal escalope finished at the table, and for a wine cellar that includes a Mouton Rothschild collection. Travelers come for a full evening in rooms that feel more like a private museum than a standard dining room.
What to Expect at Old Swiss House
The house is arranged as a sequence of separate rooms rather than one open dining hall, and each is furnished with period pieces, giving the restaurant a layered, collector’s-cabinet character. Beyond the à la carte dining rooms, the building has banquet spaces that Lucerne groups use for weddings, anniversaries and corporate dinners. The restaurant has long been associated with the Buholzer family. According to its website, since 1 August the Studer-Friedli family has taken over management, with the stated intention of keeping the house’s history, atmosphere, wine collection and signature table-side cooking intact.
The kitchen leans on traditional dishes prepared with theatrical service at the table. The Wiener Schnitzel is the headline order and gained wider fame through a TikTok video with more than twelve million views. The menu also draws on a Metzgete (autumn butchery feast) tradition and on seasonal Swiss ingredients. Expect formal, attentive service, linen-set tables and a relaxed but unhurried pace suited to a long meal.
- Table-side Wiener Schnitzel: The veal escalope is the restaurant’s best-known dish and is finished at the table, which is why it dominates reviews and social media.
- Mouton Rothschild collection: The wine list features a Rothschild collection, with artist-designed labels that the restaurant highlights on its website.
- Antique-filled dining rooms: Furniture, weaponry, stained glass and decorative objects line the rooms, so the setting is as much part of the visit as the meal.
- Metzgete tradition: The seasonal butchery-style menu reflects regional Swiss cooking rarely found in more modern restaurants.
- Banquet halls: Private rooms accommodate groups and celebrations, making the house a fixture for local family and business occasions.
Old Swiss House at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Löwenplatz 4, 6004 Lucerne, Switzerland |
| Neighborhood / Area | Löwenplatz, beside the Lion Monument and the Glacier Garden |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday to Saturday 11:30am–2:30pm and 6–11pm; closed Sunday and Monday |
| Admission / Price Range | Premium dining, roughly $$$$; verify current menu prices on the official site |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours for dinner; about 1 hour for lunch |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Löwenplatz bus stop; Lucerne railway station is about a 10-minute walk; public car parks nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | oldswisshouse.ch | +41 41 410 61 71 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve ahead through the online reservation link on the official website, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings, when the dining rooms fill with both locals and visitors. Lunch is the calmer option and a good way to see the interiors in daylight. Because the restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday, plan the visit for midweek or Saturday. Lucerne’s local buses stop at Löwenplatz, and the railway station and lakefront are within a short walk. Several public car parks sit within a few minutes of the square.
The restaurant occupies a historic building arranged across multiple rooms, so guests with limited mobility should ask about step-free access and seating when booking. Within a 5 to 15 minute walk, the Lion Monument (Löwendenkmal) carved into a sandstone cliff and the adjoining Glacier Garden make a natural pre-dinner stop. The Altstadt, the Chapel Bridge and the Reuss riverfront are reachable on foot for an after-dinner stroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit Old Swiss House?
Old Swiss House serves lunch from 11:30am to 2:30pm and dinner from 6pm to 11pm, Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed Sunday and Monday. Weekday lunch is quieter, while dinner offers the fullest atmosphere.
Do I need a reservation, and how much does a meal cost?
Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made through the online reservation page on the restaurant’s website or by phone at +41 41 410 61 71. The restaurant sits in the premium price tier ($$$$), so budget accordingly and check the current menu on the official site.
How much time should I budget for a visit?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for dinner, since table-side preparation and multiple courses set a leisurely pace. A lunch visit can be completed in about an hour.
Is Old Swiss House accessible and suitable for families?
The house is a historic multi-room building, so contact the restaurant before visiting to confirm step-free routes and seating. The atmosphere is refined, making it better suited to celebrations and older children than to very young diners.
When planning your Lucerne travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and swiss restaurant in Lucerne, pair this stop with standout local spots including Mamma Leone, Des Alpes, Torbogen Luzern, and Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne (nearby).
