Karls Kraut is a 100% vegan, natural restaurant at St. Karliquai 7, 6004 Lucerne, on the Reuss riverfront just east of the Old Town. It bills itself as Lucerne’s first fully plant-based restaurant, and it is a good stop for travelers who want seasonal, organic-leaning cooking in place of the cheese-and-sausage staples of classic Swiss menus.
What to Expect at Karls Kraut
The kitchen cooks entirely without animal products, and the team describes the food as meant to leave guests satisfied and happy. Organic quality is the aim, with regional and seasonal ingredients used whenever possible, so the menu shifts through the year. A new evening menu is introduced periodically, and a separate lunch offer runs on weekdays, which makes the midday visit a quick and affordable way in.
The setting is as much of a draw as the plate. The restaurant sits directly on the Reuss at St. Karliquai, so a table here comes with river views and a short walk to the Chapel Bridge and the Old Town lanes. The restaurant also runs a Sunday brunch, sells vouchers and gifts, and has published its own cookbook, which makes for a practical souvenir if you want to recreate the cooking at home.
- Plant-based evening menu: A rotating dinner card of fully vegan dishes, refreshed with new creations through the seasons.
- Weekday lunch offer: A set midday option served from 11:30 to 14:00 on Tuesdays through Fridays, suited to travelers on a tight sightseeing schedule.
- Sunday brunch: A vegan brunch from 10:00 to 13:30, the one day the dinner service is not offered.
- Riverside location: St. Karliquai runs along the Reuss, putting the restaurant steps from the water and the historic center.
- Cookbook “Bei Karl Zuhaus”: A collection of 60 recipes from the Karls Kraut kitchen, sold alongside homemade treats and gift vouchers.
Karls Kraut at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | St. Karliquai 7, 6004 Lucerne, Switzerland |
| Neighborhood / Area | Reuss riverfront, east of Lucerne Old Town |
| Operating Hours | Tue-Wed 11:30-14:00 and 18:00-ca. 22:00; Thu-Fri 11:30-14:00 and 18:00-ca. 22:30; Sat 12:00-15:00 and 18:00-ca. 22:30; Sun brunch 10:00-13:30; Mon closed. Confirm current hours with the restaurant, as the schedule can change seasonally. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (mid-range); no entry fee, pay per meal |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours for lunch or brunch; 2 to 2.5 hours for dinner |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Central Lucerne bus stops within walking distance; public parking garages near the Old Town; no on-site parking |
| Official Website & Phone | karlskraut.ch | +41 41 534 77 77 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book a table through the online reservation form on the official website, particularly for Friday and Saturday dinners. Larger groups, or anyone who cannot find a free slot online, should phone the restaurant directly. The weekday lunch is the easiest time to walk in, while evenings fill with both locals and visitors. Lucerne’s compact center makes walking the simplest approach: the restaurant is a short stroll from Lucerne train station and the main lake pier, and the city’s bus network serves the center and the river quays. Parking in the center is limited, so garages near the Old Town are the practical choice if you arrive by car.
Check with the restaurant about step-free access and seating before your visit, as this is a historic riverfront building in an Old Town district. Pair a meal with a walk along the Reuss to the Kapellbrucke (Chapel Bridge), a few minutes away, then continue to the Spreuerbrucke or the lion-sculpted Lowendenkmal. The lake promenade and the Old Town’s painted facades are also within a 10 to 15 minute walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best time to visit Karls Kraut?
Karls Kraut serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with a Sunday brunch from 10:00 to 13:30; Monday is closed. Lunch on a weekday is the quietest time, while dinner is better booked ahead.
Do I need a reservation, and what does a meal cost?
Reservations are made online through the restaurant’s website, or by phone for large groups. The restaurant sits in the mid-range price tier ($$), and the website lists the current evening menu and lunch offer.
How much time should I allow?
Plan 1 to 2 hours for a lunch or brunch and 2 to 2.5 hours for a multi-course dinner. Add time for a riverside walk before or after your meal.
Is Karls Kraut suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and special diets?
Yes. Every dish is fully plant-based, so vegans and vegetarians can order freely. Guests with allergies or gluten sensitivities should ask staff about specific ingredients. Contact the restaurant about step-free access before arriving.
When planning your Lucerne travel guide or browsing verified swiss restaurant in Lucerne, pair this stop with standout local spots including Ristorante Da Ernesto, Männliturm, Hirschpark Luzern, and Spreuerbrücke (nearby).
