Au Violon
A French bistro converted from a former detention center, holding a Michelin Bib Gourmand, offering simple and reasonably priced dishes.
Located in a quiet courtyard in the Old Town's Lohnhof, this building once served as a monastery and later a detention center, and is now a hotel and French bistro. Chef David Goldbronn has maintained a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2017. Michelin praises the restaurant for serving unpretentious, home-style French cuisine using high-quality seasonal ingredients. Recommended dishes include chicken breast, braised veal shoulder, and Burgundy snails, alongside onion soup, a trio of crème brûlée, and lunch set menus. It features a shaded terrace for outdoor dining. Close to Barfüsserplatz, within walking distance.
Opening hours
Mon–Thu 11:30–15:00, 17:30–23:00, Fri–Sat until 23:30, closed Sun
Nearby sights
- Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel
- Basel Christmas Market
- Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche
- Tinguely Fountain
- Museum der Kulturen Basel
- Natural History Museum Basel
- Basel Town Hall & Marktplatz
- Basler Fasnacht