Bâlehoo

I am often one to comment on the poor value-to-price ratio found in Basel restaurants (perhaps spoiled by the many exceptional and inexpensive restaurants in Philadelphia and by several friends with significant talent in the kitchen), but Brasserie au violon is a shining exception.

The fact that it is located in the ground floor of the Hotel Brasserie au violon makes its relative affordability even more surprising.

Unfortunately closed on Sunday and Monday, the Brasserie au violon has a charming atmosphere – in good weather make sure to request a seat outside in their adorable courtyard – and an understated menu of well-prepared and reasonably priced dishes.

With French classics such as chèvre chaud (warm goat cheese salad, 16 CHF), tartare de saumon (17 CHF), roasted chicken (29 CHF) and a killer steak frites (38 CHF) as well as tasty seasonal specials, it is a perfect place for a slightly up-market but still casual dinner.

Warning: It books up quickly, so call ahead for reservations.

For more information, visit the website:
www.au-violon.com

Brasserie au violon
Im Lohnhof 4
4051 Basel
Tel. 0041 61 269 87 11
www.au-violon.com

If you think “wurst”salat (essentially a salad garnished with bologna-channeling sausage rings) is the “best” salat, then you’ll want to visit Restaurant Zur Harmonie.

A casual neighborhood eatery, Zur Harmonie’s extensive and reasonably priced menu features an excellent wurstsalat mit pommes (french fries) as well as other tasty traditional Swiss fare like rösti and one of my personal favorites - kaeseschnitte (essential fondue on a plate). They also serve good pasta and seafood dishes, all at a decent price.

But whether or not you’re into wurst, Zur Harmonie is worth the trip for one reason alone: the french fries. A plate of Zur Harmonie fries and a cold beer is indeed one of best treats in town.

Restaurant Zur Harmonie
Petersgraben 71
Basel, Basel-Stadt
4051
Tel: 41 61 272 0718