Update to what is still good & what is new:

Now it is up to Aarau’s (casual) fine dining scene, after providing an overview of the whole region Olten-Aarau and looking into the one of the neighboring town of Olten. And again I will create descriptions of each and every fine dining restaurant in Aarau that serves truly good food. These will include their food, ambiance, service and prices. I have made following classification: top restaurants, modern (innovative) dining spots and classic eateries with a twist.

As there are no top establishments in the town of Aarau – I mean such ones denoting as “a very good restaurant” (Michelin one star) or “excellent cooking that is worth a detour” (Michelin two stars) – I directly come to modern dining venues.

1. Restaurants in Aarau with modern (innovative) fine dining

I am afraid that there is no dining spot in Aarau that is at the same time modern and innovative – that is at least my opinion. There are three restaurants that can be describes as modern – and this only if you stretch the term somehow.

First to the one where there was a change in the recent past, and this is Restaurant Zollhaus.

Restaurant Zollhuus Aarau (earlier: Restaurant Kettenbruecke, previous post)

As from May 2021, Restaurant Kettenbruecke was renamed oh–so–cleverly into Restaurant Zollhuus. This might make sense insofar as it used to be one (a customs house). However, you have to know that in Olten – a 15-minute drive away – already exists a restaurants with the same name, and this since 1889! Be it as it may, it also changed its concept. From this point of time, it was turned into a meat lover’s place (same chef).

I have not yet tried it out, so I cannot comment on how the food is. While it is still in the Michelin Guide, it is so with the former concept. Though, it did not get any points from the Gault Millau Guide – as it used to do.

The setting of Restaurant Zollhuus is nice,

and so is the decor. It is kept in a contemporary style and has a casual vibe. Service used to be pleasant, however sometimes a bit on the spotty side. Maybe this has changed in the meantime?

When looking at the menu, you get here starters from 8 to 22 SFR/US$, favorite mains from 28 to 42 SFR/US$, meat from 23 to 56 SFR/US$, side dishes 3 to 8 SFR/US$, vegetarian mains from 28 to 44 SFR/US$ and desserts from 3 to 12 SFR/US$.

Restaurant Einstein Aarau (previous posts)

This is a place about which I have written quite a number of posts. The hippest restaurant in town

changed its concept quite many times since it was opened in 2005. The last one (No. 3) took place in October 2018 (see my review). Since then, Franz Meier has been in charge here, and I think he does a good job. He is amiable, competent and hospitable. And the food – newly interpreted Mediterranean classics – is always good, however not necessarily imaginative.

But it does not have to be, does it? The ambiance is still cool, service is kind and prompt.

As to starters, they are available from 14 to 28 SFR/US$, favorites from 36 to 49 SFR/US$, vegetarian favorites from 29 to 33 SFR/US$, meat from the aside grill from 36 to 59 SFR/US$ and desserts from 4 to 16 SFR/US$.

Restaurant Imada Aarau (previous post)

UPDATE: out of business in August 2022

I find this Japanese restaurant difficult to classify because for me as West European it is about modern cuisine. However, from the Japanese point of view, it probably is a traditional one. Be that as it may, they serve authentic Japanese food at this dining venue with its typical minimalist Japanese decor.

You get here sushi, tempura and other Japanese staples

but also hot pot dishes such as sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. Service – it is owned by Japanese lady – is always gracious, informative and solicitous.

As to the price level, it is not cheap – but Japanese food is never – , yet I consider value for money as good. Portions at Imada are not big but sufficient. Overall, I have been visiting this dining spot regularly for many years. And the performance was always to my satisfaction. Expect some wait if the place is full, otherwise the service is paced just right.

They offer either a four course menu for 72 SFR/US$ or an à la carte selection (cold starters from 7 to 23 SFR/US$, hot starters from 8 to 19 SFR/US$, mains from 29 to 36 SFR/US$ (Wagyu beef from Kyushu 105 SFR/US$), side dishes from 4 to 6 SFR/US$, hot pots 57 SFR/US$, donburi pots with rice from 24 to 35 SFR/US$, sushi and sashimi platters from 37 to 54 SFR/US$).

2. Classic restaurants in Aarau offering fine dining with a twist

In this category fall restaurants where you find classic fare on the menu that is not downright ordinary. The dishes have this certain something that make them stand out in some positive way, be it that they are either inspired, imaginative or else.

In Aarau, I am aware of two such eateries, both long established places.

Restaurant Muerset (previous post)

This restaurant has three parts, the classic, elegant Restaurant Muerset, the Brasserie

with traditional bistro cuisine and the Weinstube (wine bar) with barbecue classics. I have dined several times at the former two, over the years. But I have to admit that the last time were a few years ago. So, my level of information is not up-to-date.

In the past, I enjoyed good dinners at Restaurant Muerset – awarded with 12 Gault Millau points. While the place has some panache, it has some outmoded feel. The latter is true for the Brasserie too. The interiors are not of recent date, yet the typical bistro food is well made.

Go here if you are looking for safe bets but do not expect contemporarily styled premises. As to service, there were never any issues in this regard. It was just fine.

Pricewise, you get at Restaurant Muerset starters from 14 to 20 SFR/US$, mains from 24 to 47 SFR/US$ (chateaubriand – beef tenderloin from the center piece in two courses 68 SFR/US$) and desserts from 7 to 16 SFR/US$. There are also two four-course menus, at 85 SFR/US$ or at 72 SFR/US$. As to the Brasserie, starters are available between 13 and 19 SFR/US$, mains between 22 and 43 SFR/US$ and desserts between 8 and 16 SFR/US$. At the Weinstube, you can opt either for a field salad (16 SFR/US$) or a starter platter to share (29 SFR/US$). For mains you spend between 23 and 69 SFR/US$, for desserts between 7 and 16 SFR/US$.

Restaurant zum Schuetzen (previous post)

Here I can look back at two visits, one decades ago (too long ago to be significant) and one on a more recent occasion. And I enjoyed the latter one, not so much the former. Food was good – although rather traditional – and service was pleasant.

As to the Schuetzen offerings, you get here Swiss classics

and the one or the other dish that is a bit off the beaten path. And you do not have to dig deep in your pockets to eat here. The prices are stunningly reasonable. Ambiance is pleasant – with white tablecloths and fine service.

When the dining spot is full, and this is often the case, it may become a bit noisy. I would recommend this place if you are a food lover that likes to dine on a budget.

Starters cost between 8 and 15 SFR/US$, mains between 23 and 44 SFR/US$ and desserts between 6.80 and 12.50 SFR/US$.

Looking back and forward

After an overview of all the restaurants in the Olten-Aarau region in Switzerland’s northwest, I went into details of all the places where you can go for dining in style in the town of Olten. And now I did the same for the town of Aarau too. Next will be a list of all the (casual) fine dining outlets in this area outside of these two towns.

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