Culinary highlights in St. Gallen
The best tips for eating and drinking
The people of St. Gallen are known for not wearing their hearts on their sleeves. As a result, they are often underestimated. Unfairly so, as the eastern Swiss metropolis offers many hospitable, charming places to enjoy life. Almost to be expected, and yet still a surprise. We are greeted in the St. Gallen railway station concourse by the most famous resident of eastern Switzerland: the St. Gallen bratwurst – without mustard. However, it does not impose itself on you in the city, but you will encounter it again. Also in the St. Gallen Erststock-Beizen. These bear proud names such as 'Zum Goldenen Schäfli', 'Wirtschaft zur alten Post' and 'Schwarzer Adler'. The climb up to these typical St. Gallen pubs is reminiscent of a trait of the city's inhabitants: just as you climb step by step to the first floor to enjoy yourself, the people of St. Gallen sometimes need a little time to come out of their shell. And then they often surprise you with their great warmth.
St. Gallen bratwurst
St. Gallen bratwurst is an integral part of eastern Swiss cuisine. Its light colour and tender texture make it unmistakable. It is best enjoyed on its own, preferably with a crispy Bürli bread roll, which allows its full flavour to unfold.
Tip: The Bechinger butcher's shop in St. Georgen produces hundreds of St. Gallen bratwurst every day according to a traditional recipe. The professionals of the Swiss Meat Association awarded it the gold medal, and the authors of the book ‘Stadionwurst’ named it the best stadium sausage in Switzerland. This bratwurst is considered one of the best in the country – and anyone who has tried it once understands why.
Milchhüsli snack bar
The Milchhüsli snack bar on the dam between Buebenweiher and Mannenweiher offers snacks, drinks and coffee. For many, enjoying a cinnamon flatbread baked according to an old recipe is an essential part of a visit to the Drei Weieren. It is considered the best cinnamon flatbread in the whole city.
Barbecue in Lagerhaus
An absolute must for meat lovers. The restaurant in the former warehouse (Davidstrasse 42) in the fashionable Stickereiviertel district still exudes urban chic today. Here, meat and fish are prepared in their most original form on an open beech wood grill.
Stopover at the LOK
The size of the locomotive depot bears witness to the heyday of the railway and St. Gallen's international connections. Located directly at St. Gallen's main railway station, it is now a cultural centre with excellent restaurants. The rotunda is a popular place to meet for an aperitif (Grünbergstrasse 7).
Kaffeehaus
In this inspiring coffee house with its own roastery, located in the former police station of the old Linsebühl post office (Linsebühlstrasse 77), you’ll find what is quite possibly the best coffee in town. The selection is truly one of a kind. Our favourite: the Viennese-style Einspänner.
Restaurant Splügen
Located between the cathedral and the Mühlegg Gorge (St. Georgenstrasse 4), Restaurant Splügen has a charm all its own – not least thanks to the many treasures inside its cozy dining room. Our recommendation: Sabich. A hit from Tel Aviv. A vegan wrap with grilled eggplant, hummus, tahini, and salad.
Praliné Scherrer
Since 2008, exquisite pralines, creamy truffles, St. Gallen biber, refined whisky truffles and vegan creations have been lovingly handcrafted here – all without preservatives. A special highlight: delicate “chocolate embroideries” – a sweet tribute to the local textile heritage.
Café g’nuss
St. Gallen’s pastry chef Stefan Bischof is considered the city’s most innovative pâtissier. He works with less fat and sugar – without compromising on flavour. Don’t miss his masterpiece: the Peat of Islay. Grand Cru chocolate paired with the peaty, smoky notes of Laphroaig whisky (Lämmlisbrunnenstrasse 4).