Dining in and around Basel

In the heart of the city

Der 4. König (the fourth king)

Located at the shores of the Rhine river, just beside the famous hotel "Drei König" (three kings) is that lovely restaurant with great atmosphere, with a good choice of wines – a hidden gem in Basel. The food is freshly prepared, yet the prices are in the same range as restaurants that don't put so much work and good ingredients in it…. They offer a four course dinner with selected wine for each course.

Tel +41 61 261 54 42 | Tripadvisor review

Veronica

The Veronica has atmosphere! It is an outdoor place, only open during summer, located on the Rhine river – not just "at" the Rhine river but on a historical wooden platform build as a "bath house". The view is spectacular, the food is of high quality, all organic – it has it's price.

If you are walking on the other side of the Rhine promenade, where the Tinguely Museum is, take a ferry boat ride over the Rhine. The Rhine has 4 traditional ferries, here the link to Wikipedia (in German) and the link to the Basel Fähren (in German).

Sud-Haus

Bar, cafe, some life music events, check on their website for events.

Opening times: Wednesday & Thursday 4pm - 1am | Friday & Saturday 4pm – 4am

Just across the border, in Germany

This region, called "Baden" of Germany is lovely, has an excellent hospitality, and is much more affordable in comparison to same Swiss standard restaurants.

These are my favorite restaurants from this area:

Sichtwerk

Lunging and dining in a lively atmosphere, fantastic food, inspiring desserts and all at very reasonable rates.

Image Gallery, reservation: +49 7621 70625625 (closed on Tuesday)

Fünfschilling, 5-Schilling

The special thing about Fünfschilling is that it only serves local grown food and wine – therefore always in-season vegetables, that the prices are super affordable, that it is one of the best places to eat white asparagus during the asparagus season in spring.
In Summer the garden is great, kids play under the cherry trees on the play ground while parents talk in an easy atmosphere. It's a blend of farmers restaurant with locals and people from all around the area, of all ages, from family with kids to young couples and seniors, blue collar workers to white collar ….
The down side of Fünfschilling is that it is very crowded in the evenings (one can find a spot to sit or stand on a bar table regardless), and the inside parts of the restaurant a big halls and when full it is too loud to have a good conversation.

Fünfschilling (english-pdf-link) | Tripadvisor review | Closed on Sunday

Villa Feer

Excellent food, located in neighboring Lörrach, romantic, high-end, a bit costly but probably better value for price than restaurants Switzerland. Villa Feer

Berghofstübli

Outstanding excellent food, beautiful location, beautiful view over the Rhine valley, romantic, high-end, by car about 20 min. from Basel. Berghofstübli

Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 11pm