Ligerz, Switzerland
From Michelin Guide
A narrow road leads up to this wonderful restaurant surrounded by vineyards and boasting a pleasantly shaded terrace overlooking Lake Biel ā dining al fresco here is an absolute joy! Allow yourself to be pampered by the charming front-of-house team led by maĆ®tre d' Cynthia Lauper as you savour the Menu Surprise conjured up by chef-patron Marc Joshua Engel. This is sophisticated cuisine imbued with creative accents, eg venison fillet with black garlic, asparagus and cherries. Alternatively, there are a handful of Ć la carte dishes. Your hostess and sommelier will gladly recommend fine wines ā including some local gems ā to complement your food. Tip: It's best to park in the restaurant's car park and walk the last few metres.
From Visitor Experiences
1. Location and Access Experience
Aux Trois Amis is uniquely situated in the small village of Ligerz on the slopes above Lake Biel, accessible not just by car but notably via a funicular railway followed by a scenic five-minute walk through vineyards. This journey offers diners spectacular views of the lake and iconic Alpine peaks such as Eiger, Mƶnch, and Jungfrau, enhancing the dining experience with a memorable approach and setting.
2. Hyper-Local Sourcing and Seasonal Focus
Approximately 90% of the ingredients used at Aux Trois Amis come from the immediate surrounding area, including fresh fish from Lake Biel, meat from a nearby pork butcher, wine from a local winegrower, and herbs grown in the restaurantās own garden. This commitment to local sourcing supports sustainability and ensures freshness, reflecting a strong connection to the terroir.
3. Culinary Style and Team Dynamic
The restaurant is led by chef-patron Marc Joshua Engel and maĆ®tre dā Cynthia Lauper, who together helm a young, dynamic team praised for its creativity and innovation. The cuisine features modern interpretations of regional dishes with sophisticated, creative accentsāsuch as venison fillet with black garlic, asparagus, and cherriesāwhile maintaining balance so dishes feel neither overworked nor heavy. The teamās performance has been notably commended by Michelin inspectors, highlighting a high level of cohesion and excellence.
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Aux Trois Amis in Ligerz include:
These ingredients are significant as they represent the restaurant's philosophy of combining local Swiss produce with sophisticated, creative culinary techniques to deliver a refined dining experience. The venison fillet with black garlic, asparagus, and cherries is a signature dish that exemplifies this approach.