Returning to the same restaurant after 14 years, and they have grown: Restaurant Stiefels Hopfenkranz (25. September 2024)
I’ve last been to the Stiefels Hopfenkranz back in 2010, so, I do admit I was quite surprised that the place still exists. However, I was also happy to see that and decided to go for the “5 Akte Tasting Menu” (CHF 139.00), which started with a few amuse bouches, which already got your palate moving.
Next in line was “salted butter with bread”, which was absolutely lovely, also the way it was served, but I do admit it wasn’t entirely easy to get it cut properly.
The first course was “watermelon, fresh goat cheese, lemon verveine”, which was absolutely refreshing and overall quite enjoyable. Especially the lightness of the dish, combined with the sweetness of the watermelon made it a great bite.
The second course was “char, kohlrabi, buttermilk”, which did not only look nice, but it was also absolutely enjoyable in terms of flavour profile. Especially the buttermilk really added to the flavour structure of the dish.
Then it was time for “zucchetti blossoms, ratatouille, tomato beurre blanc”, which looked a bit funny at first, but actually turned out to be quite delicious. I specifically loved the intensity of the sauce in which they were served.
The fourth course, “4. Akt: egg yolk, truffle, potato” was a safe bet in terms of taste. I mean, mashed potatoes with egg yolk always work. If you add truffle, you’ll easily make it a great dish. The fact that they also added potato chips on top provided it with that nice crunch, which enhanced the texture of the dish.
Last but not least, it was time for “5. Akt: duo of wagyu beef, pak choi, miso, jus)”, which was a great combination of different meats and definitely truly enjoyable. The pak choi on the other hand has never been my favourite vegetable, and that was just reconfirmed again today.
What I truly liked was the interior – it is a bit psychadelic, so you would probably expect something else when you read about the Stiefel’s Hopfekranz, but somehow it fits the whole place.
The staff is friendly and professional and makes sure that you get everything you need and want within a reasonable amount of time. So, truly good to try out when you’re in Lucerne. And, compared to Zurich, it’s also price-wise super fair.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Stiefels Hopfenkranz
Zürichstrasse 34
6004 Luzern (CH)
Tel.: +41 41 410 78 88
E-Mail: info@stiefels.ch
Homepage: http://www.stiefels.ch
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
