Intro

The city of St.Gallen is known for its legendary “Erststockbeizli”, characteristic, traditional restaurants and wine taverns located on the first floors of the historic timber-framed houses of the old town.

The ground on which the city was built in the Middle Ages was wet and swampy, so that social activities did not take place on the damp, musty ground floor, but on the first floor. Social meeting places such as pubs and taverns were moved to where it was much brighter. The gothic timber beams are still preserved in some Erststockbeizli. Low ceilings and wood-panelled walls contribute to the cosy atmosphere in these rooms. From this elevated position, restaurant goers can watch the hustle and bustle on the streets and squares below. Dinner in an Erststockbeizli is a must when visiting the city of St.Gallen.

 Traditional Erststockbeizli restaurants include: 

  • Genussmanufaktur Neubad: this traditional Erststockbeizli offers a culinary journey in a class of its own. Built around 1550, these historic walls house a restaurant where unconventional interpretations of Erststockbeizli dishes can be expected. Immerse yourself in the world of so-called gourmet plates that reject the classic distinction between starters and main courses. Here, all the plates are the same size so that you can try as many different things as possible and send your taste buds on a voyage of discovery. Welcome to a unique culinary experience where tradition and creativity come together in every bite.
  • Schwarzer Adler: a culinary journey through the region awaits in this house, which is over 300 years old and located on the city’s vibrant market square. There is a special focus on vegetarian delicacies – here, meat is “just” a refined accompaniment. The cosy dining room, the charming Salon Français and the traditionally elegant Zunftstube take guests to a world of regional flavours, where food is prepared with passion and sophistication.
  • Weinstube zum Bäumli: This wine tavern is located in the heart of an enchanting timber-framed house that is over 600 years old. Here, you are not only invited to enjoy exquisite wines in an historic setting, but also to celebrate culinary delights. Discover unusual delicacies, such as delicious tripe in a tantalising white wine sauce or let your senses be enchanted by classics such as calf liver with rösti or St.Gallen bratwurst. 
  • Wirtschaft zur alten Post: welcome to a restaurant that embodies a rustic, cosy atmosphere in a unique way. This lovingly restored house dating back to 1552 is the setting for a perfect symbiosis of nostalgia and contemporary culinary delights. The bratwurst from the lava stone grill, accompanied by a crispy rösti is recommended as a culinary masterpiece and is an absolute highlight.
  • Zum goldenen Schäfli: the cosy restaurant “Zum Goldenen Schäfli” is probably the best-known example of a classic Erststockbeizli. It is located in a former butchers’ guildhall in the centre of the historic old town of St.Gallen. Over 500 years old, this building is the last of its kind in St.Gallen and has a fascinating history. The special trademark of the Erststockbeizli is that everything here is a little off-centre: The floors, the gothic wooden ceiling, the level in the wine glass – and the person at the top of the table sits a good 20 centimetres higher than the person at the bottom. The unique feature of this Erststockbeizli lies in its charming imbalance: The floors tilt slightly, just like the gothic wooden ceiling and the level in the wine glass – and the person at the top of the table sits a good 20 centimetres higher than the person at the far end. Here, history is not only tasted, it is experienced.

You will find an overview of all of the region’s culinary highlights here


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Contact

St.Gallen-Bodensee Tourismus
Bankgasse 9
9001  St. Gallen
Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)71 227 37 37
Fax +41 (0)71 227 37 67
info@st.gallen-bodensee.ch
st.gallen-bodensee.ch
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St. Gallen
Eastern Switzerland / Liechtenstein
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Contact

St.Gallen-Bodensee Tourismus
Bankgasse 9
9001 St. Gallen
Phone  +41 (0)71 227 37 37
st.gallen-bodensee.ch
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