What Food To Try in Lucerne and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Lucerne for 2024.
National currency: Swiss Franc, symbol — ₣ (international currency code CHF).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Lucerne cafes and restaurants
$30.7
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $22.35
$167.7
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $89.41
$16.8
Combo Meal
Starting from $14.53
What to Try in Lucerne
Must-try Dishes
Älplermagronen - Alpine Macaroni (creamy comfort food) - A hearty mixture of macaroni, potatoes, cream, and cheese, baked until golden. Locals often enjoy this warming dish during cozy family dinners, especially in winter.Rösti - Swiss Potato Dish (crispy fried potatoes) - Grated potatoes, pan-fried to a crispy golden brown, often served with various toppings like cheese or bacon. It's a breakfast favorite, usually paired with eggs on weekends in many homes.
Bratwurst - Grilled Sausage (juicy pork sausage) - Made from finely minced pork and spices, then grilled to perfection. Popular at street food stalls, locals savor it on warm, sunny afternoons with a side of mustard and bread.
Geschnetzeltes - Sliced Veal (creamy veal stew) - Tender veal strips simmered in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, served over noodles or rice. A common dinner option in many Swiss restaurants, it's perfect for special occasions.
Älplermagronen mit Birnen - Adventure Twist (cheese and pear combo) - A surprising yet delightful mix of roasted pears served alongside cheesy macaroni. Locals appreciate this unique pairing for its sweet and savory contrast, especially in autumn.
Chäschüechli - Cheese Tart (savory cheese pie) - A flaky pastry filled with local cheese, eggs, and cream, baked until golden and savory. Often seen in bakeries, these little tarts make a great lunch on the go, especially during festivals.
Schüfeli - Slow-Cooked Shoulder (tender pork shoulder) - Braised for hours until falling apart, this dish is a local favorite for dinner. Typically enjoyed on Sundays, it’s often served with a side of rösti and sauerkraut for a comforting end to the week.
Felfel - Seasonal Stuffed Peppers (hearty vegetable dish) - Bell peppers filled with a mix of rice, vegetables, and spices, then baked until tender. Locals tend to whip this up for summer picnics or family gatherings, making the most of seasonal produce.
Desserts & Drinks
Café Crème - Café Crème (Swiss coffee) - This is a delightful espresso topped with whipped cream, creating a rich and luscious treat. Locals enjoy it after meals or during leisurely afternoons at cafés, often while people-watching near the lake.Rivella - Rivella (herbal soft drink) - A refreshing beverage made from milk whey and various herbs, it offers a unique taste that’s slightly tangy and sweet. It's typically enjoyed chilled on warm summer days or after outdoor activities, making it perfect for those hiking the nearby mountains.
Fendant - Fendant (white wine) - A crisp and fruity Swiss white wine made from the Chasselas grape, often served chilled. Locals savor it during special dinners or gatherings, and it's the go-to drink for pairing with cheese fondue or raclette, especially in colder months.
Nusstorte - Nusstorte (nut cake) - A rich, caramelized nut tart filled with a luscious mixture of walnuts and cream, creating a gooey center. This local dessert is commonly enjoyed during celebrations or special occasions, with many families having their own treasured recipe handed down over generations.
Eis - Glace (ice cream) - Locally made gelato with vibrant flavors like elderflower or chestnut, served in generous scoops. You’ll find it enjoyed during sunny afternoons by the lake, and every scoop brings a refreshing reminder of warm summer days, especially when the weather heats up.
Food and Groceries in Lucerne
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $3.43 |
| Oranges | $2.61 |
| Potatoes | $2.4 |
| Apples | $3.66 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $1.48 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $2.26 |
| Imported Beer | $2.46 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $11.18 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $26.14 |
| Cigarettes | $8.26 |
| Rice | $2.7 |
| Local Cheese | $24.03 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
As the sun dipped behind the mountains, the streets of Lucerne brimmed with locals out to enjoy their evening meal, which typically starts around 7 PM. This habitual scene showcases the local dining culture and the preference for leisurely meals, likely in contrast to the earlier rush often seen in other cities.
Expect to pay between CHF 20-40 for a main course in the charming Old Town, where picturesque narrow alleyways house a variety of restaurants serving everything from traditional Swiss cheese fondue to vibrant Mediterranean dishes. Meanwhile, head towards the lakeside eateries, and you might find a similar meal priced a bit higher—perhaps CHF 30-50 due to the stunning views.
Typically, cash is still king here, though most places accept cards, particularly credit ones. Oh, and before I forget, it’s important to have some cash on hand, as smaller establishments might not take cards. Tipping isn’t a hard and fast rule; rounding up your bill or leaving a modest tip is perfectly acceptable and appreciated.
Tourists often fall into the trap of coming in too late for lunch. Many places stop serving by 2 PM, and while some might offer a late lunch, they could have a limited menu. If you’re aiming for traditional Swiss fare, aim to dine earlier—just before noon when things begin to buzz with flows of locals escaping their offices.
Another interesting habit I’ve picked up on is the love for ‘apéro,’ which is a pre-dinner drink enjoyed by many locals. It’s customary here to grab a drink, often accompanied by small snacks, around 6 PM. It really sets a laid-back rhythm to mealtime in a way that encourages socializing and savoring the moment.
With respect to reservations, they are advisable, especially on weekends or during festivals. Several popular spots fill up fast, so calling ahead or checking online booking options can save you from disappointment.
In the past few months, I’ve noticed certain areas, particularly close to tourist attractions, are slowly becoming more upscale in pricing, while neighborhood spots remain affordable. This could shift typical dining habits; locals are becoming savvy about where and when to eat out, adapting to rising costs while ensuring they still enjoy the rich culinary landscape available to them.
Expect to pay between CHF 20-40 for a main course in the charming Old Town, where picturesque narrow alleyways house a variety of restaurants serving everything from traditional Swiss cheese fondue to vibrant Mediterranean dishes. Meanwhile, head towards the lakeside eateries, and you might find a similar meal priced a bit higher—perhaps CHF 30-50 due to the stunning views.
Typically, cash is still king here, though most places accept cards, particularly credit ones. Oh, and before I forget, it’s important to have some cash on hand, as smaller establishments might not take cards. Tipping isn’t a hard and fast rule; rounding up your bill or leaving a modest tip is perfectly acceptable and appreciated.
Tourists often fall into the trap of coming in too late for lunch. Many places stop serving by 2 PM, and while some might offer a late lunch, they could have a limited menu. If you’re aiming for traditional Swiss fare, aim to dine earlier—just before noon when things begin to buzz with flows of locals escaping their offices.
Another interesting habit I’ve picked up on is the love for ‘apéro,’ which is a pre-dinner drink enjoyed by many locals. It’s customary here to grab a drink, often accompanied by small snacks, around 6 PM. It really sets a laid-back rhythm to mealtime in a way that encourages socializing and savoring the moment.
With respect to reservations, they are advisable, especially on weekends or during festivals. Several popular spots fill up fast, so calling ahead or checking online booking options can save you from disappointment.
In the past few months, I’ve noticed certain areas, particularly close to tourist attractions, are slowly becoming more upscale in pricing, while neighborhood spots remain affordable. This could shift typical dining habits; locals are becoming savvy about where and when to eat out, adapting to rising costs while ensuring they still enjoy the rich culinary landscape available to them.