This popular establishment has been feeding travelers since 1931 in what was originally built as a farmhouse in 1858, now containing a beautifully contrived collection of 17th-century antiques, leaded glass, and an old-world style—everything pleasantly burnished by more than 90 years of service. The standing menu includes specialties from around the country: cubed fillet of beef in a green-pepper mustard sauce, pike perch with ratatouille, and chocolate mousse. In warm weather you can enjoy your meal in the outdoor seating area, which spills out onto the pedestrian-only zone.

I avoided it like the plague for years thinking it must be all tourists, until a client of mine who lives in Lucerne told me it was her favorite place in town. We had a wonderful meal there.

The Old Swiss House, a landmark half-timbered building dating from 1858 and located a stone's throw from the city's Lion Monument, attracts tour groups galore with a mix of fine European cuisine and a sense of occasion (the staff is attired in traditional local dress). It's something of a must-visit for many, and standards have remained high over the years, thanks to the consistent management of the Buholzer family, members of which have run the restaurant since 1931. The 40,000-strong wine cellar and dishes such as Zurich-style veal in a cream sauce served with rösti should be enough for most diners, but the interior decorations that hark back to the 17th century (think hand-carved wall panels, solid oak doors, brightly polished silverware, oil paintings, stained-glass windows, and a porcelain-tiled stove) do their best to distract.

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You can’t leave Lucerne without ordering a Wiener schnitzel, which is fried in an inordinate amount of butter right next to your table at the Old Swiss House. Diners have indulged in the ritual since 1931 and the rest of the menu hasn’t changed much since then—you can expect French-infused classics, such as homemade lobster soup with a dash of cognac, snails in herb butter, and racks of lamb with potato gratin and Provençal vegetables. It’s all hearty fare that’s fitting for the dimly lit, wood-paneled dining room in which it’s served.

But places in town like the Old Swiss House, Restaurant Balances and Drei Könige have all been recognized by the Michelin Guide for their commitment to quality and excellence. Traditional Swiss food (in theory) can be very “stick-to-your-ribs,” with savory stews, hearty potatoes served in a multitude of ways, rich cheeses, heavy creams, different meats and breads. Think of it like this, if you’re subsisting in the dead of winter in the Alps, your meals will likely be more high-caloric in nature, so they don’t burn off as quickly.

Fasnacht Some cities of Switzerland including Lucerne and Basel celebrate a rousing carnival just before lent each year. The version celebrated here is famous for its chaotic "march any direction you like" street parades of the so called Guugemusig (band of wind instruments and drummer, typical to the carneval of Central Switzerland) and elaborate masks. The carneval week of Lucerne starts on the Fat Tuesday and ends at Ash Wednesday.

This historic restaurant near the Lion Monument is best known for its signature dish, Wiener Schnitzel, which is prepared right at your table. The Old Swiss House delivers a nostalgic Swiss dining experience with heavy wood interiors and a proud history. One reviewer recently loved their visit and said “Old Swiss House is full of traditional Swiss decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

It is said that the restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in Lucerne, and has a blue pigeon as a logo. This restaurant is located in a peaceful alley, so it has a very comfortable atmosphere. The Chügelipastetli puff pastry with its with cream, mushroom and veal is a local specialty in Lucerne.

The Old Swiss House is an incredible old restaurant that is a Lucerne Icon. In this historic building, you’ll feel as if you were transported back in time to the Romantic period and are now experiencing the Grand European Tour. The menu and wine list are both extensive.

The Old Swiss House creates a masterful fusion of traditional dishes with modern touches. The chefs emphasize the use of the best ingredients to create unforgettable moments of pleasure. With the Wiener Schnitzel, they accomplish this without a doubt.

We continue the tradition of celebrating Italian dining culture in the heart of the old town quarter. A delightful place that's perfect for enjoying good food, good company and gioia di vivere.

Dinner at Old Swiss House for the history, ambience, and their house speciality – the schnitzel!. The walls are lined with interesting pictures of incredibly famous people who have dined there.

Old Swiss House—Indulge in the decadent and delicious Wiener Schnitzel (veal escalope). The restaurant’s specialty for more than 50 years, the dish is prepared in front of the guests’ eyes.