It’s hard to believe we’ve been back from Switzerland for almost two weeks already! One thing I’m really missing is tasty, non-processed food. Before I arrived, CJ warned me that everything from eating to shopping was very expensive. Going to restaurants everyday is pricey, even in the U.S. Since we were there for three weeks, we had to get very creative. Fortunately, I had plenty of time to make a list of restaurants that are budget friendly with good ratings. I created a “trip” on Trip Advisor where I could plan out each day. We were able to try all of them, and I can confidently say that they are Cazee approved! Below are 10 affordable restaurants in the heart of the Lucerne.
Takrai
We went to Takrai three times! There aren’t very many affordable dinner restaurants, so we returned to our favorites. The first night I chose a green curry, and then Pad Thai the next two times. They were all delicious.
Pastarazzi
Pastarazzi is just what it sounds like…pasta! Seriously the best homemade raviolli. We went here for dinner one of our first nights, and it didn’t disappoint. The chef was very friendly and explained how to choose our pasta, the fillings, and the toppings. It would be easy to rack up an expensive bill here, so we just stuck with a main course and still water.
Restaurant Opus
We only ordered some wine here, but the dinner menu was reasonable, too. This is a Mediterranean restaurant, and has a huge outdoor area facing the canal. It’s worth it to eat here, not only for the prices, but for the views.
The Queen Camilla Tea Room
This was one of my favorite places. The tea list is out of this world, and it’s so fun to watch the barista make different orders. It’s a quaint little place and smells amazing. Very reasonably priced if you’re looking for tea and a breakfast or lunch snack.
Made in Sud
This is another one of our affordable restaurants in Lucerne that we visited 3 times. It was probably the best value dinner we had. They specialize in pizza and pasta, and the portions are larger than most. We were even able to enjoy a beer/wine. The service was great and it was super cozy!
Cafe Bar Lokal
Although I only ordered a latte here ($4.50), their breakfast and lunch menu looked delicious and was inexpensive (comparably). The cafe is in a great location, and overlooks the canal. It was also adorable on the inside. I didn’t want to leave!
Jeff’s Burger
We were pleasantly surprised by the prices here, as beef is a rare commodity in Switzerland. I was a little hesitant to try this place, since I normally don’t like restaurant burgers that aren’t fast food. It was one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. The Swiss take a lot of pride in the way they cook meat, and it was truly cooked to perfection. The fries were amazing too!
Neubad
Okay, so this place was a little walk from the city-center, but I’m including it for the prices and ratings. The menu is fixed for each day of the week, and ranges from $18-21 from what I saw. The bistro is located in an arts & culture center, where there is artwork on display and where concerts are held. We only ordered drinks because there was a charity dinner going on that night instead of the regular fixed menu. It has a brewery feel, and looks like an amazing place to hangout outside in the summer! If you are looking for more of a local place away from tourists, it’s great.
Bierliebe & Friends
This is a newer restaurant located along the canal in Old Town Lucerne. It’s adorable inside, definitely Instagram worthy! 😉 The first time we came here, we sat outside and just ordered a beer. We came back the following week to try one of their hot dogs (pictured below). It was as good as it looks!
Heini Luzern
Somehow I didn’t discover this place until the day before leaving. I only ordered this latte, but their breakfast/lunch menu was comparable to the U.S. I absolutely loved the atmosphere in here. It felt like a family style restaurant that you would find in a Christmas Hallmark movie. I stayed in here for hours just because it was decked out for Christmas already!
You can certainly find affordable restaurants in Lucerne. It’s possible to have an inexpensive and delicious restaurant experience, but expect to pay around $20 minimum for a main course at dinner. The great thing about Switzerland (and maybe all of Europe, at that) is that tips are included. If you ever venture to Lucerne, either for the first time or returning, be sure to stop by one of these places!
Have you been to Lucerne before? Comment below if you have any other recommendations!