Kornhauskeller Restaurant & Bar Travel Guide

Built between 1711 and 1718 from Ostermundigen sandstone, the Kornhaus stands as a masterpiece of Bernese High Baroque architecture. Inside Kornhauskeller, guests dine under soaring vaulted ceilings that evoke a grand cathedral, with exposed brick, elegant wood paneling, and a massive historic barrel adding to the timeless allure. This atmospheric cellar setting transports diners to 18th-century Bern, where grain storage once occurred, now transformed into a sophisticated culinary haven.

The menu celebrates regional, seasonal Swiss ingredients with pride. Signature dishes include the hearty Berner Platte—featuring boiled beef, smoked ham, bacon, cured pork belly, Bernese sausages, organic sauerkraut, dried beans, and boiled potatoes. Indulge in Aare Valley Duroc pork Cordon Bleu stuffed with Bernese mountain cheese and country smoked ham, served with herb-salt Bern fries. Other highlights: Kornhaus Rösti topped with onions, tomatoes, Bernese Bergkäse, and a fried egg; creamy Bärner Geschnetzeltes veal ragout with mushrooms and Rösti; and fresh catches like bio alpine salmon or whole rainbow trout. Vegan and vegetarian options abound, such as chickpea patties, chestnut gnocchi, or planted chicken steak.

For meat lovers, the menu offers luxurious choices like filet mignon with Bremgarten truffle sauce, bone-aged entrecôte Café de Paris, lamb duo with herb crust and Bärnerwy risotto, or Chateaubriand for two with béarnaise and truffle sauces. Starters range from Swiss beef tartar with Belper Knolle cheese to Grisons barley soup and Bernese white wine soup. Desserts tempt with warm chocolate lava cake, vegan apple tart, or Gioia ice pralines in flavors like dark chocolate and salted caramel.

Upstairs, the bar provides a cozy retreat with cocktails, wines from an extensive cellar, and lighter bites. Ideal for aperitifs or late-night drinks, it complements the restaurant's formal dining. The venue hosts banquets and events, drawing on its historic prestige for memorable gatherings in Bern's old town.

Situated at Kornhausplatz 18 in central Bern, it's steps from landmarks like Zytglogge. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations are recommended for this popular spot. Prices reflect the upscale experience, focusing on quality Swiss produce and attentive service in an unforgettable setting.