St. Gallen Cuisine: The Best Local Dishes and Restaurants
Discovering St. Gallen Through Food: A Feast for All the Senses
St. Gallen is renowned not only for its impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Abbey District with its magnificent cathedral — but also for a vibrant food culture deeply rooted in Eastern Swiss tradition. Anyone staying in St. Gallen should make a point of exploring the local culinary scene. From hearty classics to refined specialities, the city has something to offer every palate.
The Most Iconic Speciality: The St. Gallen Bratwurst
When talking about St. Gallen, there is simply no getting around the bratwurst. The St. Gallen bratwurst is far more than a simple sausage dish — it is a cultural institution. Made from finely ground veal and bacon, it has a pale colour and a mild, subtly spiced flavour that sets it clearly apart from other sausages.
The most important thing to know: in St. Gallen, bratwurst is traditionally eaten without mustard. Ask for mustard and you will instantly give yourself away as a tourist! Instead, it is served in a soft Bürli roll — simple and utterly irresistible.
Where to Find the Best Bratwurst
- Marktplatz and Bohl: At these central squares you will always find freshly grilled bratwursts from local butchers.
- Metzgerei Gemperli: One of the most traditional addresses for handmade St. Gallen bratwursts, straight from the experts.
- St. Gallen Weekly Market: Every Tuesday and Saturday, the Marktplatz transforms into a culinary paradise — perfect for a snack on the go.
Other Traditional Dishes You Must Try
Schüblig
The Schüblig is another sausage tradition from the region. This smoked, somewhat coarser sausage is often served warm and is a staple of St. Gallen's inn culture. It pairs wonderfully with rösti or potato salad.
Birnbrot – St. Gallen's Sweeter Side
St. Gallen's Birnbrot is a centuries-old speciality: a dark bread filled with a sweet mixture of dried pears, figs, nuts and spices. It tastes wonderful alongside a piece of cheese or simply on its own with an afternoon coffee. You will find this unique delicacy in virtually every bakery in the city.
Cheese from Eastern Switzerland
The region surrounding St. Gallen is part of Switzerland's great cheese country. Appenzeller cheese — from the nearby Appenzell region — is particularly renowned for its pungent aroma, which develops through a secret herbal brine. A visit to the local cheese vendor at the market or one of the delicatessens in the old town is absolutely worthwhile.
Recommended Restaurants and Cafés in St. Gallen
Around Gallusplatz – Right in the Heart of the City
Around the historic Gallusplatz and in the lanes of the old town, you will find numerous restaurants that blend local cuisine with modern influences. After a stroll through the Abbey District, this is the perfect spot to stop and dine in a relaxed atmosphere.
Wirtschaft zum Grütli
This traditional inn is an institution in St. Gallen. The kitchen serves honest Swiss home cooking — from veal strips in cream sauce to seasonal specialities. The rustic atmosphere and warm hospitality make every visit unforgettable.
Coffee Houses and Bakeries
St. Gallen has a well-established coffee house culture. Start your morning with a fresh Gipfeli (the Swiss German word for croissant) and a strong coffee at one of the many cafés in the city centre. A visit to one of the traditional bakeries is especially recommended — where the famous Birnbrot comes fresh from the oven.
Local Markets and Delicacies to Take Home
Anyone wishing to bring a taste of St. Gallen home should make a detour to the local delicatessens. Vacuum-packed St. Gallen bratwursts, Birnbrot and authentic Appenzeller cheese make ideal gifts for friends and family.
- Weekly Market (Tuesday & Saturday): Fresh produce directly from regional farmers and producers.
- Marktgasse: Small speciality shops featuring regional products from across Eastern Switzerland.
- Migros and Coop branches: Even in the supermarket you will find a wide range of local specialities.
Your Perfect Culinary Stay in St. Gallen
St. Gallen's gastronomy is as diverse as the city itself. Whether you are biting into a juicy bratwurst at the Marktplatz, savouring local dishes in a cosy inn, or packing up specialities to enjoy at home — here you will experience Swiss food culture in its most authentic form.
To make the most of everything on offer, we recommend staying right in the city. Book your accommodation in St. Gallen directly through our website and secure the best rates with no third-party surcharges. That leaves more budget for what truly matters — great food and unforgettable experiences in one of Eastern Switzerland's most beautiful cities.