Where to Eat in Basel: Five Places We’d Go Back to

We’ve been lucky enough to visit Basel in both peak winter and peak summer, and after experiencing the city in two very different seasons, we’ve built a solid list of our favourite places to eat.

Basel is a vibrant, creative city with a strong art culture and a modern edge, so it’s no surprise that its food scene feels just as exciting.

From comforting Swiss classics and one of the best burgers we’ve possibly ever had, to quick bites in beautiful settings and a spot that steps away from traditional regional cuisine, this guide covers a little of everything for everyone. 

Below, I’m sharing our top five places for where to eat in Basel, exactly what we ordered, and why each one deserves a spot on your list when you’re planning a trip to Basel

Restaurant Hasenburg

Schneidergasse 20, 4051 Basel

I’ll begin with what has easily become our favourite restaurant in Basel for a traditional, comforting Swiss meal. 

Last summer, when we were visiting Basel and had our sights set on trying a classic Swiss meal at one of the best restaurants, we came across Restaurant Hasenburg.

Located in the heart of Basel’s city centre, Restaurant Hasenburg is one of the city’s oldest restaurants, with over 120 years of history. The building itself was rebuilt after the 1356 earthquake and is nearly 700 years old.

With a small but hearty kitchen, Restaurant Hasenburg serves “traditional Swiss dishes along with modern seasonal dishes”. They prepare everything in-house, from sauces and smoked salmon to bread and desserts. 

During our summer visit, we sat outside and could’ve stayed for hours, as the restaurant is on the corner of a busy street and a cosy courtyard, the perfect quaint surroundings and people-watching atmosphere. 

The first time we visited, I had the pork tenderloin, which is either not on the menu anymore or only seasonal, and Maria found her true calling, pan-fried veal pieces in a creamy mushroom-wine sauce served with crispy potato rösti. 

It’s easily one of the best dishes we’ve eaten on our travels and feels like the kind of comforting meal you might have at home, just elevated in the way only a long-standing restaurant can manage.

Restaurant Hasenburg has firmly earned its place as a spot we’ll always return to whenever we’re back in Basel.

Bohemia

Hotel Märthof Basel, Marktplatz

Located on the corner of Marktplatz, within the Marthof Hotel, Bohemia very much stands on its own as a café and restaurant, rather than simply an extension of the hotel.

The sister restaurant to Bohemia Bar & Grill in Zurich, Bohemia Basel, offers bistro-style dining in a convivial setting.

From the moment you enter, especially during a busy time of day, it’s an energising atmosphere that makes you want to stay, hang out, and sip a glass of Swiss wine.

It’s the kind of place that works just as well for a quick coffee or drink, breakfast, a comforting bowl of French onion soup for lunch, or, our favourite, a well-executed steak or burger.

On our first visit, we ordered the rib-eye steak, which impressed us enough that when a winter burger craving hit on our second trip, Bohemia was an easy choice. It more than delivered.

This was honestly one of my favourite burgers I’ve had: a soft, lightly toasted brioche bun, juicy beef without being overly fatty, caramelised red onion, crispy bacon, cheddar, and chipotle mayonnaise. It came with piping-hot, crisp fries and truffle mayo, the perfect accompaniment.

We tried to squeeze in one last visit before leaving Basel, but couldn’t quite find a table that fit our schedule, which says everything about how popular Bohemia is, and how quickly we’d return.

Basel City Market

Marktplatz

Basel City Market is open Tuesday to Thursday from 8 am to 2 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Now that we’ve covered two classic sit-down restaurants in Basel, it’s time to move on to a few wildcards.

While Basel City Market isn’t a restaurant in the traditional sense, we were so impressed when we came across it at Marktplatz during our last trip that it felt essential to include it in this guide.

Set in Basel’s grand Market Square and framed by the magnificent Rathaus (Town Hall), Basel City Market is more than a place to pick up fresh produce, flowers, or stop for a quick chat.

Several local food stalls gather here to serve up an excellent lunch, with everything from pasta and sandwiches to currywurst, salads, and mushroom dishes.

There really is something for everyone, and it’s difficult to beat enjoying a high-quality, local meal at a fraction of the price of a sit-down restaurant, alongside some solid people-watching in the very heart of the city.

Theatercafé

Theatercafé , Elisabethenstrasse 16, 4051 Basel

The café is open until 9 pm every day except Monday and welcomes everyone, no theatre ticket required.

Feeling overwhelmed by the city buzz? Theatercafé is one of the best places in Basel to slow down, enjoy a good meal or coffee, and settle in for some truly unique people-watching.

Part of Theater Basel and located right in the city centre, just across from the iconic Tinguely Fountain, Theatercafé sits within Basel’s main theatre, home to the city’s leading Opera and Ballet companies.

While it’s absolutely worth visiting Theater Basel for a performance, especially during the Christmas Advent season when free daily Advent performances take place, this time we were here for the café itself and its distinctive setting.

The café is located in the middle of the theatre foyer, offering an open, bird’s-eye view down onto rehearsals, warm-ups, and even dance classes taking place below.

The atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, and if I lived in Basel, it’s the kind of place I’d return to regularly, whether to work for a few hours or simply enjoy a quiet coffee and a good read.

The food genuinely surprised us. Cafés in cultural venues can sometimes be underwhelming, but here we found hearty, home-style cooking alongside excellent espresso.

A rotating seasonal lunch menu, with vegetarian and meat or fish options, is served Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. We opted for the vegan dish, a comforting bowl of lentil curry with grains and cabbage.

Nooch 

Gerbergasse 73, 4001 Basel

Not every meal in Basel needs to lean into Swiss classics, and when we were craving something a little different, Nooch was an easy choice.

Located just off Barfüsserplatz on Gerbergasse, Nooch sits right in the heart of Basel’s old town, making it a convenient stop while exploring the city centre or before heading out for the evening.

The menu is modern and Asian-inspired, offering a welcome shift away from traditional regional dishes without sacrificing quality or atmosphere.

During our visit, we ordered a mix of sushi and pad Thai, both of which were well executed, but the clear standout was the truffle edamame gyoza.

Rich and full of flavour without feeling heavy, they were easily the most memorable dish of the meal and the one we still talk about afterward. If we were to return, it’s exactly what we’d order again, and reason enough to keep Nooch on our list of places worth revisiting in Basel.

We were so impressed with Basel’s food scene, and now every time we come back, we have those staple spots our stomachs grumble at the thought of returning to, plus new finds we’re already excited to try.