Charming brunch spots for laid-back weekends in Swiss cities

A leisurely brunch is about much more than combining breakfast and lunch. It’s a ritual for those who want to make the most of their weekends. Sleeping in, sitting down at a beautifully set table, and enjoying long conversations in an inviting atmosphere feels like a mini vacation. Nine handpicked spots between Zurich and Montreux make brunch well worth the outing.

#1 Vierte Wand, Bern
When the morning starts without a rush and there’s nothing to prepare at home, the weekend instantly feels a little more luxurious. The team behind the canteen at the city theater knows this, too. Tucked away in a small alley behind Kornhausplatz, it’s home to Bern’s longest table, the centerpiece of Vierte Wand, where Sunday brunch stretches on in the best possible way. Those who prefer a more intimate setting can also find a cozy spot at one of the many tables for two or four. The generous buffet combines breakfast classics with creative sweet and savory dishes. Options include flambéed grapefruit with rosemary and beet-and-chickpea hummus with olives — the perfect way to ease into the day. There’s even a play area for younger guests. Incidentally, the name of this relaxed, lively venue comes from the world of theater. The “fourth wall” is the imaginary barrier between the stage and the audience. Actors typically perform as though the audience isn’t there.

Every Sunday, 9.00 - 11.30 or 12.00 - 14.30. Price: CHF 49

#2 Fairmont Le Montreux Palace, Montreux
Shining in renewed splendor, this 1906 Belle Époque palace attracts travelers from around the world as well as local bon vivants. They gather at Funky Claude’s Bar, where the music often swings even during the week, enjoy dinner at Montreux Jazz Café, which serves modern brasserie cuisine, and, above all, make time for the Brunch du Dimanche. Every Sunday, this timelessly enchanting grand hotel becomes the social hub of the region. Around 300 to 400 guests stroll through the halls, chat over a glass of Champagne, and sample the extensive selection: breakfast favorites, pasta and roast carving stations, crisp salads, tempting desserts, freshly squeezed juices, and a weekly changing themed station. Together, they turn brunch into a stylish Sunday ritual.

Every Sunday, 12.00 - 15.00. Price: CHF 110. On select Sundays featuring special culinary themes, such as “Foie gras en fête” on 22 November or “La Truffe noire” on 13 December: CHF 135

#3 Grottino 1313, Lucerne
“Our Sunday brunch makes every Sunday special” is the promise of this atmospheric restaurant. And it delivers: Grottino 1313, a lovingly run Italian restaurant in a former industrial district, is the perfect place to celebrate the art of doing absolutely nothing on the weekend. The cozy, rustic dining room, with its wood accents, large fireplace, and warm candlelight, invites guests to linger and savor the moment, while the welcoming service adds to the charm. The open kitchen serves freshly prepared egg dishes, hearty pasta creations, and a varied selection of cold specialties from regional producers. Sunday brunch is no longer a hidden gem among Lucerne locals, so it’s best to reserve well in advance.

Every Sunday, 10.00 - 14.00. Price: CHF 59, including one glass of Prosecco, with or without alcohol

#4 Brasserie Les Trois Rois, Basel
Located in the left wing of the luxury hotel of the same name, Brasserie Les Trois Rois offers sweeping views of the Rhine and embodies brasserie tradition at its finest: classic, timeless, and enhanced by a subtle modern touch. Guests quickly feel like the leading characters in a movie devoted entirely to the good life — from the atmosphere and cuisine to the hospitality. Locals particularly appreciate the restaurant’s brunch with family and friends, often keeping their Sundays free for the occasion. You won’t find lavish buffets at Trois Rois. In keeping with the charismatic style of host Hervé Mahler, brunch is served elegantly at the table in several courses.

Every Sunday, 11.30 –15.00. Price: CHF 175, including Champagne

#5 Drahtseilbähnli, St. Gallen
A family business straight out of a storybook: siblings Claudia Schwarz and Marcel Braun run Drahtseilbähnli with unmistakable passion. Their entire family lends a hand. Grandmother Rita regularly bakes delicious cakes, and even the cookies served with coffee are lovingly made by hand. Grandfather Toni personally picks up cheese and other ingredients from regional dairies and selected producers, and also pitches in at the bakery. The café-restaurant is located just behind the Abbey precinct and opposite the valley station of the Mühleggbahn, which connects the Old Town with the St. Georgen district. Those who stop by for brunch after a leisurely lie-in can look forward to a delicious selection of homemade treats: fresh bread and Swiss braided bread, Birchermüesli, fruit, hummus, sun-dried tomato and smoked salmon cream cheese, mashed avocado with dukkah, pickled vegetables, cheese and ham, plus a variety of other bites. The takeout brunch boxes are just as tempting. Available in classic, vegetarian, or vegan versions, they cost CHF 50 for two people, with each additional person costing CHF 22.

Every Saturday and Sunday, 9.00 - 13.30. Price: CHF 36, excluding drinks other than juice from the buffet

#6 The Dolder Grand, Zurich
When it comes to gastronomy, few hotels in Switzerland can rival The Dolder Grand. From fine dining and Zurich classics to Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisine, seasonal pop-ups, and vegetarian menus, the culinary offerings all bear the signature of acclaimed chef and Culinary Director Heiko Nieder. Naturally, breakfast, served daily from 7 to 11 a.m., is also a highlight. So it’s hardly surprising that the hotel’s former Sunday brunch became so popular that it is now offered every Saturday and Sunday from noon onward. Guests can look forward to a varied combination of a buffet featuring elegantly portioned dishes in small plates and bowls, live cooking stations, and a “flying” service, with hot and cold dishes brought directly to the table. Accompanied by music from a DJ, the Weekend Brunch features an array of savory dishes before drawing to a delicious close with an irresistible selection of sweet treats.

Every Saturday and Sunday, 12.00 - 15.00. Price: CHF 128. With free-flowing Champagne: CHF 186

#7 Sablier, Zurich Airport
Its strikingly opulent design may not appeal to everyone, but it instantly transports guests into a world of its own. The restaurant’s name, “Sablier,” is French for hourglass and symbolizes an invitation to leave the hustle and stress behind, if only for a carefree moment. Located on the eighth floor of The Circle complex at Zurich Airport, this rooftop restaurant is well worth a visit not only for travelers but also for local food lovers looking to experience the airport’s unique atmosphere from a different perspective. On Sundays, guests can enjoy an exceptional brunch. The selection includes crisp pastries, freshly prepared egg dishes, fine cheeses and charcuterie, oysters, salmon with horseradish cream, shrimp cocktail, beef tartare, and a variety of couscous creations — leaving little to be desired. Around noon, a juicy Sunday roast and a delicate quiche are added to the buffet for those with a bigger appetite.

Every Sunday, 10.00 - 14.00. Price: CHF 79. With free-flowing Champagne: CHF 142

#8 Bohemia, Basel
Unlike the other brunch spots featured here, Restaurant Bohemia, located on the ground floor of the boutique Märthof hotel on Basel’s Marktplatz, offers an à la carte brunch. This is particularly appealing to guests with smaller appetites, who pay only for what they actually order. Whether it’s classics like blueberry pancakes, deliciously filled bagels, an Original English Breakfast with fried eggs, sausages, and baked beans, or a protein-packed Healthy Combo, the weekend is the perfect time to relax and embrace la vie de Bohème.

Every Saturday and Sunday, 11.00 - 16.00. Price: À la carte

#9 Libelle, Lucerne
Where cars were once repaired and mattresses later sold, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries now fills the air. Located in Lucerne’s Maihof neighborhood, the cheerful Libelle is a beloved local café and restaurant with plenty of charm and character. Many guests end up staying longer than planned, especially during the weekend brunch, aptly named “Super Libelle.” The spread includes croissants, bread and braided Swiss Zopf, homemade jam, bircher muesli, egg dishes, and regional cheeses and meats. Those looking for something more substantial can order rösti with bacon or French toast, and a vegetarian brunch option is also available. Libelle is more than just a restaurant. It is a social enterprise that helps unemployed individuals facing challenging life circumstances gain professional experience and prepare for their return to the workforce. Working in the kitchen, service, and buffet areas, participants train under real hospitality industry conditions while receiving guidance and support from experienced professionals. The integration program is operated by SAH Central Switzerland.

Every Saturday from 9.00 - 13.30 and Sunday from 9.00 - to 14.00 Price: CHF 49, including a glass of Prosecco.

Text and Selection: Claus Schweitzer

 

Published on 22 October 2026