St. Gallen’s diversity is reflected in its dining scene, which is shaped by chefs that honor tradition but delight in breaking the rules. From candlelit trattorias famous for soulful pasta to future-forward eateries with progressive cuisine, here’s my Guide to the area’s defining dining and brunch experiences.
1733
The house dates back to 1733. They have their own wine cellar and the wine list is very extensive. In summertime, you can sit outside enjoying your chosen wine.
Goliathgasse 29 | 1733.ch
Baratella
Here you can get delicious pasta in huge portions. The atmosphere is welcoming and the crowd is easy-going. The big, quiet garden in the back with plants invites you for further drinks and a long stay. If you love tiramisu, you must try theirs!
Unterer Graben 20 | restaurantbaratella.ch
Barz
This is absolutely one of the culinary gems of the city of St. Gallen! This restaurant has incredible regional and seasonal food, cooked brilliantly and accompanied by amazing local and European wines! They have 14 Gault Millau points and that has its reason.
Bankgasse 4 | barz.ch
Drahtseilbähnli
The Drahtseilbähnli is located in the old town. The dishes are really swiss and traditional. It’s hard to choose something, especially if you love cheese. The team also offers a brunch buffet every Saturday and Sunday from 9am-2pm (booking recommended).
St.Georgenstrasse 3 | drahtseilbaehnli.com
Esswerk
It’s definitely the best takeaway restaurant in St. Gallen! Fast soul food for everyone – also for vegetarians. I especially recommend the burritos, they are delicious! There are a lot of options to build your own burrito with fresh ingredients – just the way you like it.
Oberer Graben 3 | ess-werk.ch
Facincani
Since 1927, the Italian restaurant exists and is one of the best you can find. Toni and Egi are super friendly and legendary for wearing their suspenders. It is a place for locals who always keep coming back for good, traditional Italian food.
Gallusstrasse 39 | facincani.ch
Falkenburg
The most beautiful view over the city and the surroundings! The food is nicely prepared and upper scale for local specialties. It’s only a short but steep stroll away from Mühlegg station. You can also enjoy the pleasant atmosphere on the terrace.
Falkenburgstr. 25 | falkenburgsg.ch
Focacceria
For me, it is literally the best focaccia in Switzerland. You have the choice to pick your own delicious ingredients for the focaccia between many tasty options. They also have a beautiful garden in the back of the first floor – very peaceful and relaxing.
Metzgergasse 22 | focacceria-sg.ch
Fondue Beizli
Located in the old town, this restaurant is renowned for its cheese fondue. Dip into this traditional Swiss dish, which many say is the best to be found in St. Gallen.
Brühlgasse 26 | fonduebeizli.ch
Forchetta doro
This one is unique. It’s quite small with incredibly warm and friendly staff. You feel like you were invited to a private home for dinner. They offer seafood, steak and highly creative vegetarian options. Try the homemade tortelloni with gorgonzola-chicory stuffing and chanterelles.
Geltenwilenstr. 15 | forchettadoro.ch
Geschmackslokal
They cook incredible stews with meat, fish, or vegetables. The meat, but also the vegetables, are sourced from regional suppliers. For starters, there is a bowl of salad. Everything is served at the table. The staff is very charming and kind!
Brühlgasse 30 | geschmackslokal.ch
Gschwend
In summertime, the large back garden terrace is a great place to have a huge ice cream, a nice meal or a good drink. In the wintertime, you should eat «Fondue Chinoise à discrétion» (meat fondue) – Gschwend is famous for it.
Goliathgasse 7 | cafe-gschwend.ch
Habibi
It is a positive experience to eat here. Ahmad, the owner, serves you the best Moroccan tea – poured from a great height.
Zürcherstrasse 42 | habibi-restaurant.jimdo.com
Hans im Glück
Kugelgasse 3 | hansimglueck-burgergrill.de
Himalaya Tibet Restaurant
This is a extremely good tibet restaurant. There is an excellent choice of meals also for vegetarians. Try their Mothuk (Momosoup) – it is superb!
Lustgartenstrasse 14 | himalaya-tibet-restaurant.ch
Kafi Franz
A little pearl a bit outside of the old town with excellent and fresh prepared home-made cakes, quiches, and dishes. You have to try their homemade iced tea, it’s delicious. They have a quiet and pretty back garden. The Sunday brunch is especially good.
Linsebühlstrasse 35 | kafifranz.ch
Klosterhof «Chlösti»
A relaxed and cozy atmosphere with unique cinema-style chairs. The traditional tapas are the best in town! You have to try the Gambas al Ajillo.
Bankgasse 16
La Vigna
A cozy and lively restaurant with the best «Tavolata» in the city! Enjoy a relaxed meal with family or friends: family-like, all the dishes will be put in the middle of the table and you can serve yourself. Wolfgang, the host, personally explains what he has prepared in the kitchen. I love this restaurant for a romantic night out.
Engelgasse 12 | lavigna.ch
Lokremise, Restaurant Lokal
If it’s raining, this is the best address to spend the day. At the Lokremise there is an alternative cinema (Kinok.ch), a restaurant (Lokal), an art museum and a contemporary theatre. If you’re interested, you can also take a look at the old water tower from outside (1906).
Grünbergstrasse 7 | lokremise.ch
Militärkantine
If you want to spend a few hours outside in the sun and combine it with a fresh and tasty lunch, you shouldn’t miss out on this extraordinarily big front garden. It is perfect for children, too. You can also brunch here every Saturday and Sunday from 8 am-3pm.
Kreuzbleicheweg 2 | militaerkantine.ch
NAZ | Zum goldenen Leuen
The oldest table in this restaurant dates back to the 18th century. The restaurant is very traditional and authentic. You have to try the famous «Chäschüächli» (pie with a cheese filling) – they taste gorgeous. And they also brew their own beer «huus-braui».
Schmiedgasse 30 | naz.sg
Pärkli
Every Friday and Saturday they offer a Lebanese Buffet (7pm, all you can eat). The food is delicious and the staff is lovely.
Oberer Graben 12 | paerkli.ch
Perronnord
The charm of the place comes from the crowd – mostly authentic suburban inhabitants and some seniors. Here you can go for a beer and something to eat. You have to try out their extraordinary Cordon Bleu. But be aware: If you’re there, you’ll never want to leave.
Rosenbergstrasse 48 | perronnord.ch
Restaurant Lagerhaus
They serve high-quality food with a focus on excellent meat. The atmosphere is elegant and modern. The lamb rack is delicious, as well as their different steaks. You can choose your meat and get it perfectly grilled. Try the truffled mashed potatoes!
Davidstrasse 42 | restaurantlagerhaus.ch
Sauceria
Engelgasse 13 | sauceria.ch
Schwarzer Engel
This alternative restaurant is in the middle of the popular «Bermuda Dreieck» and has a comfortable atmosphere with a back garden. In the evenings it’s a wonderful, relaxing place. It is a good place to drink beer, make new friends and play cards. Sometimes there is live music.
Engelgasse 22 | schwarzerengel.ch
Stickerei
If you love handmade burgers, then the Stickerei is the right place for you (booking recommended). They use high-quality swiss beef with melted cheese and other fresh garnishes and ingredients. You can choose between over ten different deluxe burger creations.
Oberer Graben 44 | stickerei.sg
Stripped Pizza
No matter how much pizza you have eaten, there is always a better one to come, which you might find here. All ingredients are healthy and organic and they offer amazing gluten-free and vegan pizza!
Unterer Graben 1 | stripped-pizza.com
Radio Mumbai
In the historic Hörnli building, renowned Indian Chef Jagpreet Singh Alang puts a modern touch on traditional classics to offer the best Indian food in town.
Marktplatz 5 | radiomumbai.ch
Restaurant Dreilinden
If you are in St. Gallen, you should go up the hill to this restaurant near the three ponds. You will be rewarded with lovely food, friendly service, a convivial atmosphere and a great view over the city and, in the far distance, Lake Constance. The menu contains traditional swiss dishes using local produce, but with a slight modern twist.
Dreilindenstr. 42 | restaurant-dreilinden.ch
Restaurant Falkenburg
Enjoy the pleasant atmosphere on the terrace with stunning views over the city and the surroundings.
Falkenburgstrasse 25 | falkenburgsg.ch
Tibet Corner
This is the best place for Tibetan food. Great flavour, tasty ingredients and good service. The food is freshly prepared and tastes really good. Best Momos (traditional dumplings) in town. Try their flatbread – you’ll love it.
Schmiedgasse 4 | tibet-corner.ch
The Pinch
There it is – my favourite restaurant! An urban bistro of sorts, with great innovative food, great coffee, fun cocktails and a homely relaxed vibe. It’s cool, it’s cozy and the meals are indescribably good. Enjoy a delicious breakfast on the sunny terrace during the summer months.
Davidstr. 20 | thepinch.ch
Tibits
The atmosphere is very cozy and they updated the buffet concept with a modern feel. I especially like the dessert buffet! It’s a vegetarian and vegan restaurant with fresh seasonal dishes and pimped-up salad bar. From breakfast through to your evening meal.
Bahnhofsplatz 1A | tibits.ch
Wilde Möhre
This collection of yellow pilled up containers is St. Gallen’s latest cool hangout and coworking space location called «Lattich». It’s a small, green and wonderful oasis between old factory buildings and trains passing by. There is a lovely restaurant in one of the containers.
Güterbahnhofstr. 7 | wildemöhre.ch
Wirtschaft zur alten Post
This is a very traditional and elegant restaurant and one of those typical
St. Gallen first floor «Beizli» in the old town. The food is plane, fine and tastes very delicate. The huge and heavy wine book is full of tasty wines. They call it the wine bible.
Gallusstr. 4 | apost.ch
Zur Werkstatt
In the middle of the center. There are three open kitchen areas where you can watch the chef cooking. But if you want, you can also stand behind one of the three kitchen in special cooking workshops or cocktail courses. They have space for over 60 people!
Marktplatz 11 | zurwerkstatt-sg.ch
