We dined at the Badestube for a special occasion and had high expectations which were unfulfilled during the evening. The room is beautiful, but has a horrible acoustic for dining as you can hear the most intimate details of neighboring guests’ conversations louder than your table guests. Part of this would be relieved if the tables were positioned differently so voices don’t project from the rounded walls and bounce off the opposite wall and also, if the restaurant is only serving 2 tables, not to position the guests opposite one another. I brought the theme up with the waiter who seemed to be familiar with the problem but not enough to have thought about it before he placed the only 4 guests that evening directly opposite us so that I could only hear their conversations and not my partner.
The amuse bouche set up what the taste would be for the evening: a soggy and flavorless celery root piece with tiny bits of pickled something and a glob of cheese. It was unremarkable at best and certainly not to the standard of 1 Michelin star. The vegi menu was just as disappointing, the only hit was the thinly sliced kohlrabi with sesame, the other courses were a big miss: cauliflower with a very salty espume followed by soggy carrots with greens. We sent back the salty course because we thought something must not be right with it, but it came back exactly the same the second time. For sure, the chef thought we were sensitive diners, so the next sauce was served with a warning from our waiter that it was "intensely reduced” like the last one, and to try first before he poured it all over the soggy carrots, but this one “intensely” reduced sauce proved to be almost tasteless. Dessert might have been the worst course of the evening, a so-called rhubarb sandwich which should have been a red flag. It was literally a thinly sliced toasted broiche napoleon with marinated sour and acidic rhubarb topped with an even more sour and acidic calamansi sorbet. It was so over the top acidic, it was a Mutprobe to eat.
If you think the standard menu is probably more tasty than the veggie, it wasn’t. My partner was also disappointed with it. I have been to the other Michelin stars in Zürich and they all could dance circles around this one, I don’t know why Sternen has a Michelin star, but since only 2 tables were booked when we were there, perhaps they should reconsider their concept. The normal restaurant in house sounded like it was full. The wine list was nice and the only positive about point about the evening, unfortunately. It was a very unfortunate loss of over 400 francs for this sad...
Read moreMy second favourite hotel in the Zürich area (my favourite is the Sonnental in Dübendorf). ||||This is really a restaurant with a few rooms as well - so this review is really of both together. ||The restaurant is good. Friends tell me it's the best restaurant in the area. ||||Plus points:||||A small but charming and lovely guest house. ||In a quiet village not far from Dübendorf. Countryside on the doorstep.||Bus connections (to Dübendorf and Zürich airport) across the road. From Dübendorf it's quick and easy to get into Zürich. ||A good restaurant downstairs. Very good quality food. A good wine list. Seems a bit expensive to me, but hey, this is Switzerland!||Restaurant downstairs is also a good place to have a glass of wine with friends.||Service very helpful and friendly.||||Points for improvement:||||Breakfast is only served in the restaurant downstairs from 08:30 in the morning during the week. (Not sure about weekends). This is very late by Swiss standards, and no good if staying on business. You can get continental breakfast in the room though.||Service in the restaurant - whilst very helpful and friendly - is not very attentive, and can be slow. I've waited ages to order dessert, and in the end given up. ||Rooms are a bit impersonal. Could do with some more lighting.||||Summary||||I'd definitely recommend this hotel for a weekend stay. ||||I so want to give this hotel 4 stars, but the breakfast and service in the restaurant knock one...
Read moreWhen you step into Gasthof Sternen, you are immediately welcomed with a warm ambiance that promises an unforgettable experience. The harmonious blend of traditional architecture with contemporary comforts speaks volumes of the establishment's dedication to preserving its rich history while catering to modern sensibilities.
The culinary delights here are nothing short of exquisite. Each dish is crafted meticulously, boasting locally sourced ingredients that dance harmoniously on the palate. The menu offers diverse options, ensuring that both traditionalists and adventurers will find something to relish.
The staff deserves a special mention. Their professionalism and an authentic touch of hospitality ensure that every guest feels like a part of the Gasthof Sternen family. They are well-versed in the offerings, readily available with recommendations, and always ensure that your dining experience is seamless.
As for the ambiance, it's an experience in itself. With cozy interiors, rustic charm, and a touch of elegance, it's a haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
To sum it up, Gasthof Sternen is not just a dining destination; it's a journey into the heart of authentic cuisine, impeccable service, and memories that will last a lifetime—highly recommended for anyone looking to elevate their...
Read more