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What Food To Try in Luzern and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Luzern for 2024.

National currency: Swiss Franc, symbol — ₣ (international currency code CHF).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Luzern cafes and restaurants
$30.7 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $22.36
$167.7 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $89.42
$16.8 
Combo Meal
Starting from $14.53

What to Try in Luzern

Must-try Dishes
Rösti - Swiss Potato Dish - Grated potatoes, pan-fried until crispy on the outside and tender inside. It’s a popular breakfast item, often enjoyed at cozy local cafés, perfect with a poached egg on top.

Bratwurst - Sausage - Flavorful, juicy sausages made from a mix of pork and spices, grilled to perfection. You’ll find them as a go-to street food option at festivals and markets, often served with a dollop of mustard.

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes - Sliced Veal Dish - Tender slices of veal sautéed with mushrooms and creamy white wine sauce, served over buttered noodles. Locals savor this classic dish during dinner, typically enjoying it in a relaxed restaurant setting.

Älplermagronen - Alpine Macaroni - A hearty dish made of macaroni, potatoes, cream, and cheese, often topped with caramelized onions. It's a traditional comfort food frequently enjoyed after a day in the mountains, signaling the end of a long hike.

Cheese Fondue - Käsefondue - A rich, melty cheese blend served in a communal pot with bite-sized bread pieces for dipping. Many locals favor it in winter months for family gatherings, creating a warm and convivial dining experience.

Wild Game Stew - Wildschwein-Eintopf - A robust stew of seasonal game meat, vegetables, and herbs, simmered to bring out deep flavors. It's typically enjoyed during the hunting season in fall, showcasing the region's culinary traditions.

Rüeblitorte - Carrot Cake - A unique blend of finely grated carrots and nuts, this moist cake is a beloved local favorite often served at celebrations. Interestingly, it pairs well with coffee and is a common afternoon treat enjoyed with friends.

Burli - Soft Pretzel - An irresistible, soft pretzel topped with coarse salt, enjoyed as a satisfying snack. It’s best to grab this while strolling through the streets on weekends, when locals indulge in leisurely bites.

Desserts & Drinks
Glühwein - Glühwein (mulled wine) - A warm blend of red wine infused with spices like cinnamon and cloves, often enjoyed steaming hot. Locals savor it at Christmas markets during winter, wrapped in cozy scarves while savoring the festive atmosphere.

Tea - Luzerner Tee (fruit-infused tea) - A delightful mix of black tea, fruits, and aromatic herbs, served hot and perfect for a chilly day. Often consumed in local cafes during afternoon breaks, it'll keep you toasty while sharing laughs with friends.

Fresh Juice - Zmorge Saft (breakfast juice) - Freshly squeezed juice, mainly orange or apple, served chilled, bursting with natural sweetness. Best enjoyed during a lazy Sunday breakfast in one of the lakeside cafés, where locals gather to kickstart their day.

Nusstorte - Nusstorte (nut tart) - A rich, buttery pastry filled with caramelized nuts, primarily walnuts, creating a chewy texture. Traditionally served on special occasions like birthdays or holidays, it pairs perfectly with afternoon coffee at a local bakery.

Giessbär - Gumpige Giessbär (jelly bear candy) - Colorful gelatin candies, often shaped like bears, commonly seen during Luzern's Fasnacht celebrations. Kids and adults alike indulge in them while parading through the streets, enjoying the sweet and chewy treats amid the festive spirit.

Food and Groceries in Luzern

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $3.43
Bananas $2.55
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
Milk 1L $1.89

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $71.26
Chicken $33.25
Cigarettes $9.61
Rice $2.7
Local Cheese $24.03

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

In Luzern, mealtime habits reveal a distinct flow that might catch newcomers off guard. Lunch is usually served between 12:00 and 14:00, and surprisingly, many locals indulge in longer meals. Dinner, on the other hand, tends to be enjoyed from 18:00 to 20:00. It’s fascinating to see how families gather at the table, often sharing dishes and taking their time, reflecting a slower, more communal approach to eating.

When it comes to pricing, you’ll find a range between CHF 15 and CHF 30 for a lunch set menu in the city center, while a casual dinner can easily reach CHF 25 to CHF 50 at some mid-range places. In the Altstadt (Old Town), expect to pay a bit more, especially with the picturesque views of the lake. Meanwhile, the Wesemlin area has hidden eateries that offer lunch for around CHF 12, making it a popular spot for budget-conscious locals.

I once made the classic tourist mistake of assuming all places accepted credit cards without question. While most mid-priced and upscale restaurants do accept them, you’ll find that many smaller establishments stick to cash—especially in more local neighborhoods. Always good to have some cash on hand, especially if you're keen on trying a hearty Wurst von der Grill (grilled sausage) from a street vendor, which will set you back around CHF 6.

As for payment customs, tipping in Luzern isn’t obligatory since service is generally included in the bill, but rounding up the total or leaving a small change (around 5-10%) is appreciated by staff (it’s a nice touch!). While dining, it's customary for locals to engage in warm conversation rather than rush through their meals, adding to the leisurely atmosphere.

Oh, and if you're trying to avoid long waits, be mindful of rush hours around lunchtime between 12:00 and 13:00. Later lunches around 14:00 can lead to a much quieter experience. Reservations for popular restaurants, especially on weekends or during festivals, are essential; it’s common for local favorites to book up quickly.

With unique influences from seasonal ingredients, you’ll notice menus changing throughout the year, with hearty dishes in winter giving way to fresh greens and light fare as spring approaches. Be sure to check what's currently fresh at the local markets; they usually run from early morning until around 13:00, making it a perfect stop before lunch.

Luzern’s dining scene is wonderfully vibrant, a blend of traditional habits and evolving practices that thrill both locals and visitors.