Espresso with Picasso and co. The most beautiful museum cafés.

Scroll

Intro

Without doubt, the exhibitions in Switzerland’s art museums are really worth visiting. Though it is not just the artworks that will enchant, with the museum cafés or bistros often also a must – a savoury snack or sweet treat will be especially delicious in these arty surroundings!

Culinary delights at Bistro George in Winterthur

A picture is worth a thousand words. This is certainly true of Bistro George in the Fotozentrum Winterthur, which offers a wide variety of cuisine from all around the world. The Bistro is sure to surprise you with its unique flavour combinations and sets great store by using fresh regionally sourced products. When the lights go out at the museum of photography each evening, things are by no means over at Bistro George: it is buzzing even outside regular opening hours, be it for a big birthday, staff party or other event.

More information Common.Of Culinary delights at Bistro George in Winterthur

Flashes and faces at Café Elise in Lausanne

Goings on are sometimes rather lively at Café Elise in the Musée de l’Elysée in Lausanne. Flashes and laughter are in abundance. Everyone is seemingly captivated by a rattling vintage machine: the photo booth made from walnut wood dates back to 1963. Things tend to calm down again after a shot is taken though, because the tables and chairs – all designed by the famous Charles and Ray Eames – are too tempting to not pick up a book from the shelf and sit down for a read or enjoy a snack while thinking about the unique photography exhibits that you have just seen.

More information Common.Of Flashes and faces at Café Elise in Lausanne

Elegance and comfort in the Bistro at Kunstmuseum Basel

The Bistro at the Kunstmuseum Basel spoils its guests with culinary delights for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea. All under the watchful gaze of Auguste Rodin’s The Burghers of Calais or Alexander Calder’s Big Spider. A visit to Kunstmuseum Basel begins in the courtyard with its impressive sculptures by Rodin and Calder. This is also where the Bistro can be found, serving amazing seasonal cuisine made using locally sourced ingredients. Against this artistic backdrop, the Bistro is impressive with its modern and stylish dining room and equally elegant lounge.

More information Common.Of Elegance and comfort in the Bistro at Kunstmuseum Basel

Aperitif and art in LAC café by Gabbani in Lugano

On Piazza Bernardino Luini, the familiar aroma of fresh coffee fills the air in the summer months. From April each year, the “LAC café by Gabbani” entices both visitors of the LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura cultural centre and gourmets of every description to bask in the warm Ticino sunshine. Not only the lake but also world class art and culture are tantalisingly close, just a few metres from those enjoying their coffee.

More information Common.Of Aperitif and art in LAC café by Gabbani in Lugano

Art and indulgence in the Berower Park of Fondation Beyeler in Basel

Fondation Beyeler’s restaurant is located on the ground floor of Villa Berower, a late Baroque building from the 18th century surrounded by a magnificent park complex. Enjoying such a peaceful setting, not far from significant classical modernist and contemporary works, would not be complete without a dose of culinary art. The market-fresh and Mediterranean cuisine is adapted to the latest exhibitions on show at Fondation Beyeler.

More information Common.Of Art and indulgence in the Berower Park of Fondation Beyeler in Basel

Round off the day at Le Barocco museum restaurant in Geneva with Vallotton, Hodler and co.

The works of Vallotton, Hodler and other artistic greats on display at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire (MAH) in Geneva will astound all art-lovers. When it is time to take a break for some food, the museum restaurant Le Barocco is a worthy match for the art with its homemade delicacies. Those who lack the time to visit the museum during the day or simply prefer doing so in the evening should head to an After Work event of the MAH. Three times a year, the exhibition rooms are transformed into welcoming foyers, dance floors and theatre corners. Here, too, Le Barocco takes centre stage, conjuring up impressive culinary delights for the evening.

More information Common.Of Round off the day at Le Barocco museum restaurant in Geneva with Vallotton, Hodler and co.

Princely sushi in the CAFE at Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein in Vaduz

Nigiri and sashimi rather than Käseknöpfle (cheesy pasta) with stewed apple: the CAFE in Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein is all about Japanese cuisine. The top-class art collection in the heart of Vaduz is housed in an elegant building by architects Morger, Degelo and Kerez, which alone warrants a visit. The Japanese specialities served in the art museum CAFE are the perfect way to round off the experience. These sushi specialities have long been regarded as the best in all of Liechtenstein.

More information Common.Of Princely sushi in the CAFE at Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein in Vaduz

Cosmopolitan coffee at the World Café in Lucerne

Unfussy yet sophisticated – this sums up the World Café in the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre (KKL) on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Since the year 2000, the KKL has also been home to the Museum of Art Lucerne and its ambitious programme of international exhibitions. After visiting the museum, stopping off to enjoy the food and drink at the World Café in the KKL is highly recommended: the menu boasts coffee and cake, various salads and set meals as well as international snacks such as wraps and antipasti. The picture-perfect views of the lake and city of Lucerne from the Café are the icing on the cake!

More information Common.Of Cosmopolitan coffee at the World Café in Lucerne

Secret tip: the café of Museum Rietberg in Zurich

It doesn’t get more idyllic than this! The café in Museum Rietberg can be found in the former conservatory of Villa Wesendonck in the picturesque Rieterpark in the district of Zurich Enge. In fine weather, tables are also available on the terrace out in the open air. Here, museum and park visitors will find everything the heart and stomach could desire: alongside coffee specialities and exquisite teas, fresh salads and sandwiches, homemade cakes and pastries and a variety of snacks and meals are all on the menu, matched to complement whatever exhibition is on at the time.

More information Common.Of Secret tip: the café of Museum Rietberg in Zurich

Cultural picnic at Museum Langmatt in Baden

In Baden, a visit to Museum Langmatt is rounded off perfectly with a picnic in the surrounding park complex. By pre-order, a picnic basket with culinary delights can be prepared as the ideal accompaniment to a museum outing. Having looked at the exceptional art collection, nothing beats a full stomach for rounding off a wonderful spring afternoon here.