Minamo — Restaurant in Lucerne

The restaurant is in a private dining room with I believe 6 chairs but there were 8 during our dinner which was a bit cramped. The concept is an 8 course surprise menu served in 2 hours for chf 180 - expensive so it better be good! There were two vegetarian courses, 2 fish courses, a meat course and three after the main course, 1 a palate cleanser and two desserts. All this in 2 hours.

So was it good and is it worth trying? The food was outstanding and served at about the right speed could have been slightly slower. The problem with that is it should be in 2 hours and not three. It would not be enjoyable to be force fed, so I am glad we were in the second setting and not the first. The service was friendly, but 1 person serving 8 people including setting new cutlery bringing plates clearing plates away and serving drinks is not 5*s as the MOP claims to be.

Then there was the bill. The new „ploy“ in high end restaurants seems to be to charge for bottles of wine instead of glasses. A small difference of chf168. There is no excuse for this and it is the third time in the last 6 months that this has happened. To top off the evening we explained we were in the Japanese restaurant and ask if the MO validated parking tickets. We were told yes and the tickets taken from us. When the lady came back with our tickets she asked for chf20 each! That is the cost for 10 hours whereas we only spent three and a half hour or more like chf 8

So in short great food but a few questionable practices that simply must...

Minamo at The Mandarin is an unforgettable experience where every detail is thoughtfully crafted. From the food to the service, it’s clear that both Chef Yutaka and Bodgan are true masters of their craft.

Chef Yutaka’s dishes were simply stunning. Each course was a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and presentation, showcasing his incredible attention to detail. Every bite felt like a work of art, with layers of thought and care that elevated the entire dining experience.

Bodgan, with his deep knowledge and passion for sake, added an entirely new dimension to the evening. His pairings were impeccable, and the way he explained the stories and complexities of each sake was engaging and inspiring. His ability to connect the sake to the food made the whole experience even more immersive.

What really stood out was the dedication of both Chef Yutaka and Bodgan to ensuring every detail was perfect. Their passion and precision made for a seamless and unforgettable night. Minamo is not just a meal – it’s an experience that lingers with you long...

We tried to book weeks in advance but unfortunately, there were no more seats available. When we checked in to the Mandarin Oriental, however, the staff noted we tried to book at Minamo and were able to secure 2 seats. I am so happy they did! The full meal was a phenomenal experience. We learned so much from the Chef and his staff of one person. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Lucerne! Some advice: book well in advance, show up a little early (the other couples showed up late to our sitting and it was quite disrespectful) and engage with the Chef! He’s a wealth of knowledge!!! If you want to chat it up with friends the whole time, I don’t recommend an Omakase experience. I also recommend the saki flight - Chef had a very knowledgeable saki expert on staff who was fabulous! Thank you Chef for a great meal and overall amazing...