Du Cerf
Sonceboz, Switzerland
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Set in the heart of the peaceful village of Sonceboz, this establishment is a culinary landmark in what is known as the Jura Arc and also throughout Switzerland. Chef Jean-Marc Soldati, at the helm for many years now, has played a major role in the restaurant's success. For this alumnus of Crissier, where he worked alongside Fredy Girardet and Philippe Rochat, tradition is a serious business. His classic cuisine is rigorous and harmonious, drawing mainly on local and French ingredients and even the chef's own kitchen garden. The wine list features a selection of regional, Swiss and French wines, as well as terrific picks by the glass. Book yourself into one of the modern, well-appointed guestrooms and stay on after dinner.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique or unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Du Cerf in Sonceboz:
1. Chef's Own Kitchen Garden
Chef Jean-Marc Soldati draws mainly on local and French ingredients, including produce from his own kitchen garden, which adds a personal and fresh touch to the classic French cuisine served at Du Cerf.
2. Location in the Jura Arc Region
Du Cerf is a culinary landmark not just in Sonceboz but throughout the Jura Arc region of Switzerland, a less typical setting for Michelin-starred restaurants compared to major cities, offering a peaceful village atmosphere combined with high gastronomy.
3. Combination of Classic Tradition and Modern Hospitality
The restaurant balances rigorous, harmonious classic French cuisine rooted in tradition (influenced by Chef Soldati’s training with renowned chefs Fredy Girardet and Philippe Rochat) with modern amenities such as well-appointed guestrooms, a lovely terrace, and facilities for conferences and banquets, making it a versatile destination beyond just dining.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Du Cerf in Sonceboz are primarily local and French ingredients, often sourced from the chef Jean-Marc Soldati's own kitchen garden. Key ingredients include:
- Local seasonal vegetables: Grown in the chef's kitchen garden, these vegetables emphasize freshness and terroir, forming the basis of many dishes that highlight natural flavors.
- French regional produce: Ingredients from the Jura Arc and broader French regions are used to maintain classic French culinary traditions with a local twist.
- High-quality meats and fish: Selected carefully to complement the rigorous and harmonious classic French cuisine style.
- Herbs and aromatic plants: Likely from the kitchen garden, these add refined flavors and freshness to the dishes.
- Swiss and French wines: While not an ingredient in dishes, the wine list is a significant part of the dining experience, pairing regional and French wines with the food.
These ingredients are used in classic French, farm-to-table dishes that reflect tradition and precision, showcasing the chef's commitment to quality and locality.