Switzerland is a land of luxury, precision watchmaking, beautiful cities and lakes and impossibly steep valleys and of course, the snow-capped Alps. But what about restaurants serving sushi made by Michelin star chefs? It turns out the land of watchmaking and snowy mountains also has superb sushi on offer!
This is a round-up of the best Michelin star restaurants in Switzerland that serve or specialise in Sushi. We will endeavour to provide details on each Swiss Michelin star restaurant, including the number of stars, address, type of food, must-try dishes, decor and prices.
But before we list the top 6 Michelin starred restaurants in Switzerland serving sushi, let’s get to the nub of this ancient way of preparing seafood, which the Japanese have elevated to an art form.
The Art Of Sushi
The Chinese have marinated fish and rice in vinegar as a way of preserving fish seafood for centuries. Then the Japanese discovered it and it turned it into a jaw-dropping art to behold. Rice is the base of sushi, always seasoned with vinegar. If it contains just raw fish and no rice, then it is referred to as sashimi.
But you know all that. The WAY the sushi chef prepares and cuts the fish and then arranges the garnishing and coloured ingredients is the THING. Every sushi chef, while honouring age-old traditions, develops his (they were usually men, but the world is evolving) own signature style.
The way fish and seafood are filleted and cut makes a big difference to the way it looks and tastes. While simple with very little cooking, sushi is highly complex and requires precise technical skills to pull it off. Nothing is left to chance.
Right, let’s turn to the top 6 sushi Michelin star restaurants in Switzerland.
Superb Sushi Serving Michelin Star Restaurants In Switzerland
The Japanese Restaurant – 1 star
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- Address: Gotthardstrasse 4, Andermatt, 6490, Switzerland
- Price: 160-220 CHF
- Type of Food: Japanese Contemporary, Fusion
As part of the swish and elegant Andermatt hotel group, The Japanese Restaurant is an authentic sushi experience under Executive Chef Dietmar Sawyere. With 5-10 course Kaiseki menus, the restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star and 17 Gault Millau points. The restaurant also offers an extensive range of sake too, perfect for pairing with your meal. A beautifully appointed interior reflects Swiss attention to detail and diners can choose between the tasting menu and an a la carte menu.
The Japanese by The Chedi – 1 star
- Address: Gotthardstrasse 4, Andermatt, 6490, Switzerland
- Price: 95-140 CHF
- Type of Food: Japanese Contemporary, Fusion
The Chedi sits on a ledge at an altitude of 2, 344m and its architecture and interior design reflect pure Swiss design coupled with panoramic mountain views and a warm ambient interior. And of course, there is a terrace, bracing on calm winter days and breathtaking in summer.
Take a look at the comprehensive gallery and get an idea of this magnificent setting. The sushi menu is superb and is an experience that will stay with one forever.
Sushi Shin – 1 star
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- Address: Zinnengasse 7, Zurich, 8000, Switzerland
- Price: 125-299 CHF
- Type of Food: Japanese Contemporary
Situated on Münsterhof square in cosmopolitan Zurich, this small upmarket but casual sushi restaurant is close to a river and serves an omakase menu at 8 counters. Chef Kenichi Arimura created harmonious and impeccable sushi at two sittings per evening, and a small sushi and sashimi menu at lunchtime. A deposit of CHF150 is required before reservations are confirmed. The offerings change daily with only the freshest fish and wild-caught seafood. The style is Edomae sushi.
Asia – Bib Gourmand
- Address: Piazza G. Motta 25, Ascona, 6612, Switzerland
- Price: 64-133 CHF
- Type of Food: Asian
Asia is situated overlooking a lake from an outdoor terrace. The indoor seating is Oriental in style and the lunchtime menu changes daily. Ristorante Asia guarantees an authentic fusion of Asian and Japanese cuisines from an open kitchen for sushi diners plus a Teppanyaki grill where specialities are prepared directly in front of the guests. Signature dishes include dim sum platters, Thai curries as well as a fusion of sushi, sashimi and others from a rich Asian tradition.
Edo – Bib Gourmand
- Address: Route Sierre-Montana 43, Crans-Montana, 3975, Switzerland
- Price: 58-68 CHF
- Type of Food: Japanese, Sushi
In a similar vein to Asia, Edo serves classic Japanese food from gyozas and sushi to fondue, and chicken among others with signature high-quality ingredients. Japanese food is prepared in front of diners, allowing them a glimpse into time-honoured traditions. Takeaways are available and there is also a terrace affording beautiful views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
Myò Sushi Bar – Bib Gourmand
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- Address: Allée Ernest–Ansermet 1, Lausanne, 1000, Switzerland
- Price: 32 – 115 CHF
- Type of Food: Japanese
Situated in the heart of Lausanne, this light and airy Japanese restaurant offers a gorgeous menu to match the views on the summer terrace. The service and food are impeccable and vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available. With more than 250 reviews on Trip Advisor (the majority rave) Myo Sushi Bar is a good choice to satisfy those sushi cravings while in Lausanne.
Switzerland is home to many fine restaurants serving impeccably prepared Japanese food from not only sushi, but also teppanyaki, kare raisu curries, shabu shabu, and udon. Most have an extensive range of icy Kirin beer and sake too to make your meal 100% authentic.
Speaking of authenticity, are you craving some authentic Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese food and happen to be in Switzerland? There are many restaurants offering fine fare in all major cities and regions.
In today’s globalised world, the Swiss foodie scene has grown from traditional staples such as fondue, Papet Vaudois (leeks with potatoes and sausage), rosti and ragu of veal and mushroom. As you can see from this extensive list, Asia and fine sushi have made their mark in Michelin star restaurants in Switzerland. If it’s the real deal you’re after, these are the restaurants you need to try!
Sebastian is a former hedge fund trader who worked only to indulge his true passion – food.
He has dined at over 240 Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, savoring culinary masterpieces and understanding the stories behind them. He now advises restaurants on menu design, decor and holistic diner experience.