Luciole Restaurant — Restaurant in La Chaux-de-Fonds

During our recent travels, we had the absolute pleasure of dining at Luciole Restaurant in La Chaux-de-Fonds, and an experience it was... From the moment we stepped inside and were welcomed to the warmth of not only the beautiful interiors and attention to detail but the hearty welcome of owners Gabi & Danny, we knew we were in for something special.

The 8-course tasting menu is a true work of art. Each dish showcased a brilliant blend of creativity and precision, using the finest ingredients in the most innovative ways. The Rôsti d'Or, Yakitori Kohlrabi, and the Tarte 0 Déchet were the perfect introduction, offering a delightful mix of flavours and textures, presented beautifully, a wow factor introduction to what was to come.

The Bouillon (dashi, apple, wasabi, and lapsang souchong) was both comforting and intriguing, we couldn't believe the flavours both in aroma and taste. This course was a treat to the senses.

Every course continued to delight, the main course of Lions Mane mushroom, asparagus blanches & pompon paired with white pumpkin, nettle, morel sauce and wild garlic, was indeed the showstopper.

The desserts were a highlight in their own right, notably the most delicious crème anglaise featured on the Fraise & Rhubarbe dish - such a refreshing yet sophisticated treat. The trio of petits fours added a final touch of sweetness to an already outstanding experience.

A special mention must go to the wine pairings. Each selection was thoughtfully chosen to complement the dishes, with the sparkling merlot providing a treat to the pallet - something I hadn't tried until visiting – it was all just simply perfect.

Gabi's expertise was evident and did nothing but enhance our dining experience, she provided an in depth wealth of knowledge both on the dishes and wine, even inviting Chef Danny to introduce himself and some of his creations.

Luciole is a labour of love and undoubtedly setting a new standard for vegan fine dining in Switzerland. The detail of the interiors, cutlery, plates and furnishings is a feast to the eyes - notably the firefly "Luciole" oil lamps and the glass carafes with a mould of the Swiss mountains as the bottle punt!!

The innovative approach and exquisite execution of each dish make it a must-visit. We wouldn't be surprised to see it featured in the Michelin Guide soon. With a seasonally evolving menu, and undoubtedly high prospects, I look forward to travelling back to this lovely little corner of Switzerland to experience this magic all over again.

For anyone seeking a unique and extraordinary dining adventure, Luciole Restaurant is a gem that shouldn't be missed. We couldn't recommend it highly enough. Five stars...

It's hard to describe such an amazing experience. Luciole delivered far more than I expected. Every dish was bursting with so many complex flavours that worked together perfectly. The food has to be tasted...you can't explain in words all the sensations it delivers! The setting was cosy, and the staff (all two of them!) were warm, friendly, and very knowledgeable. I really can't believe that the two of them alone have created such magic. My partner and I have already decided that we've found the restaurant for our anniversary each year, and I'm just sad I have to wait a whole year to go back! It is an expensive meal, and you do not get huge plates of food (so definitely go for 10 courses and not 8), but this is exactly in line with other gastronomic restaurants so...

Luciole Restaurant is a true culinary gem. This vegan restaurant offers a high-level gastronomic experience that will delight all food enthusiasts, whether they are vegan or not. I had the pleasure of enjoying their 8-course menu and I must say it was an exceptional experience. Each dish was a work of art, showcasing creative cuisine with bold and perfectly executed flavor combinations. The warm welcome added a personal touch that made the evening even more enjoyable.

The restaurant's layout is also worth mentioning. The two rooms, each with only two tables, provide a rare sense of intimacy and space that allows you to fully appreciate each dish in a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

I highly...