Indian food has found a delicious place in Switzerland. Chefs in Switzerland mix Indian and other flavours from around the world, serving dishes that feel like a warm hug. They started small, but now some Indian restaurants in Switzerland have won Michelin stars.
Did you know? Chef Vineet Bhatia won a Michelin star for his restaurant in Geneva in 2009, making him the first Indian chef to hold this honour in two countries!
Over the past decade, Indian restaurants in Switzerland have become a significant part of the country's culinary landscape. They've earned top awards. They've created new kinds of menus. And they serve tasty food that reminds people of home.
From the bustling streets of Zurich to the picturesque lake in Lucerne and the sophisticated atmosphere of Geneva, Indian food is more than just comfort for people from India. It's now a special part of Switzerland's diverse food scene.
Top 10 Indian Restaurants in Switzerland
Whether you want classic North Indian food or new and exciting dishes, these top Indian restaurants in Switzerland will give you something amazing.
1. Rasoi by Vineet, Geneva
Headed by Chef Vineet Bhatia, the first Indian chef to earn a Michelin star, it is now numero uno in our list of best Indian restaurants in Switzerland. At Rasoi, Indian tradition meets fancy cooking.
Located inside the fancy Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Indian food here looks like art and is combined with the sophistication of fine dining.
- Signature dishes: Tandoori scallops, smoked lamb chops, and chocolate samosas
- Ambience: Elegant, intimate, with lake views and impeccable service
- Why it stands out: The first Indian restaurant in Switzerland to get a Michelin star, a big deal for food lovers. Perfect for a fancy evening out.
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2. Tamarind Hill, Zurich
If you want to taste food from India's coastline while looking at the breathtaking Swiss landscapes, Tamarind Hill is the place to go. They have dishes from Kerala, Goa, and Hyderabad. This restaurant offers a deeper look into different Indian cuisines.
- Signature dishes: Goan prawn curry, appam with stew, Hyderabadi biryani
- Ambience: Elegant but comfortable, with wooden decorations and a coastal vibe.
- Why it stands out: An exciting choice for spice-loving people who want to try different regional Indian flavours.
3. Hiltl, Zurich
Hiltl has been a Zurich favourite since 1898. It not only serves delicious Indian food, but also worldwide cuisines. Think creamy lentil soup, spinach and cheese, and soft naan bread. You can pick what you want from a buffet.
- Signature dishes: Chana masala, samosas, coconut curry
- Ambience: Lively and casual, with a buzzing café vibe
- Why it stands out: They have many different and authentic Indian dishes. It's a dream for vegetarians who miss the taste of home.
4. Namaste India, Lucerne
Close to the beautiful Lake Lucerne, Namaste India brings the warm flavours of Punjab to Switzerland. People love it for the big portions and authentic recipes. A crowd favourite among Indian families and couples, it has rightfully earned its place on the list of best Indian restaurants in Switzerland.
- Signature dishes: Paneer tikka, butter chicken, tandoori roti
- Ambience: Cosy and colourful with ethnic décor and views of the lake
- Why it stands out: The North Indian food tastes with the scenic charm and tastes surreal.
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5. Kormasutra, Zurich
Don't let the funny name fool you because Kormasutra is a serious player in Zurich's modern food scene. It has a modern menu and fancy decorations. With a menu that reimagines Indian staples, bold plating and creative cocktails, it is one of the best restaurants in Switzerland.
- Signature dishes: Mango curry, Kerala-style prawns, lamb rogan josh
- Ambience: Swanky and modern, with candlelit tables and upscale charm
- Why it stands out: A trendy way to enjoy Indian food. It's perfect for dates or a fancy night out.
6. Gandhi Café, Basel
Hidden in a cute little street, Gandhi Café is all about simple, tasty food. They serve hearty, honest meals in a warm and relaxed place. Simple, affordable and bursting with flavour, this family-run cafe is a gem in Basel
- Signature dishes: Aloo gobi, rajma chawal, homemade desserts
- Ambience: Casual, friendly, and tucked into a cosy Swiss corner
- Why it stands out: It feels like eating at your nani’s house, satisfying, familiar, and full of love.
7. Thali House, Bern
Seeing the sights in Bern and don't have much time? Stop by Thali House for a quick and flavorful meal. Known for their thalis, they are one of the best Indian restaurants in Switzerland, serving affordable meals. Students, people travelling alone, and backpackers love it because it tastes like street food you had back in India. Also, it’s just as affordable.
- Signature dishes: Veg thali, chicken biryani, masala chai
- Ambience: No-frills, fast-casual with a vibrant local crowd
- Why it stands out: You get fast service and great prices without losing the real taste of India.
8. Masala, Lausanne
Fancy dining meets Indian style at Masala. It's one of the most stylish Indian restaurants in Lausanne. Expect balanced flavours, careful attention to detail, and a menu that respects Indian traditions and European tastes.
- Signature dishes: Lamb shank curry, grilled sea bass with curry leaves, saffron kulfi
- Ambience: Upscale and intimate, with warm tones and candlelight
- Why it stands out: The service and how the food looks make it great for special events and business dinners.
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9. Magdalena, Rickenbach
A fancy vegetarian restaurant with Indian touches? Yes! Magdalena mixes modern Swiss cooking with strong Indian spices. They make beautiful plant-based meals that will surprise and delight you.
- Signature dishes: Seasonal vegetable curry, cumin-spiced beetroot, cardamom desserts
- Ambience: Minimalist chic with panoramic Alpine views
- Why it stands out: It's one of the most creative restaurants in Switzerland. If you care about food and love Indian flavours, you have to go here.
10. The Bombay Restaurant, Geneva
The Bombay Restaurant has been a Geneva favourite for over twenty years. It offers classic Indian hospitality in a fancy spot by the lake. Expect timeless dishes served with style. They have many loyal customers, including diplomats and travellers.
- Signature dishes: Tikka platters, korma, gulab jamun
- Ambience: Traditional but elegant, with white-tablecloth service
- Why it stands out: It's a restaurant that has been loved for a long time. The food is always good, the service is great, and it feels very traditional.
Conclusion
This list of the best Indian restaurants in Switzerland offers more than just a meal. After a day spent seeing waterfalls in Lauterbrunnen or enjoying the peace of Lake Geneva, they offer a connection.
Yes! A spoonful of lentils, a bite of biryani, or the smell of a tandoor oven can take you right to Delhi, Mumbai, or Amritsar while you’re sitting in an Indian restaurant in Switzerland.
Each of these Indian restaurants in Switzerland shows a nice mix of Swiss friendliness and Indian warmth. It proves that good food brings people together.
So next time you're in Switzerland, maybe skip the cheese fondue for one night. Follow your cravings for Indian food. Enjoy the flavours of home, one delicious plate at a time.