Brasserie Au Violon - Basel

We were walking past the back of this restaurant and, since the courtyard looked nice, went in and booked a table without knowing what it was called. On returni... read more We were walking past the back of this restaurant and, since the courtyard looked nice, went in and booked a table without knowing what it was called. On returning the next day we were seated at a good table outside and, from that moment on, everything went perfectly: good ambiance, service and, above all, cuisine. Half way through, my wife looked up and saw a 'violin ' on the wall at which point we realised that we were at a restaurant that had been recommended to us. It was well worth the surprise.....

We needed a hotel for the night preceding our river cruise. While there are a variety of hotels in the city, most that I researched seemed either very corporate... read more We needed a hotel for the night preceding our river cruise. While there are a variety of hotels in the city, most that I researched seemed either very corporate or underwhelming. The fact that Au Violon was a very small hotel right in the old town with an interesting history made it immediately appealing to me but the fact that it is also a Brasserie made the decision easy. The front office staff were efficient, friendly and helpful. The rooms were clean, comfortable and quaint (yes, in a good way). The building had been a residence for nuns, and a women’s prison among other things during its history and this is reflected in the rooms and the building as a whole. It is a bit spartan but it is also cozy, steps from the oldest part of Basel and very secluded on a small hill overlooking the town. The food in the Brasserie is wonderful as is, of course, the service! All in all, a very pleasant way to begin a vacation.

Very nice place, warm atmosphere, nice view on the old town of Basel and good products on top. Just go! read more Very nice place, warm atmosphere, nice view on the old town of Basel and good products on top. Just go!

Had dinner at the restaurant very kind and helpful staff a bit slow to serve but wonderfully helpful. Delicious food and great dessert read more Had dinner at the restaurant very kind and helpful staff a bit slow to serve but wonderfully helpful. Delicious food and great dessert

Beautiful room with a view of the cathedral, the hotel is up high above the town centre so no traffic noise at night. Friendly staff at reception, we also had b... read more Beautiful room with a view of the cathedral, the hotel is up high above the town centre so no traffic noise at night. Friendly staff at reception, we also had breakfast here which was continental style, plenty of choice and lovely fresh bread. Easy access via the lift straight into the centre of town. We ate at the restaurant on our second night (it's closed on Sundays). Beautiful setting under the trees, a good quality meal, well cooked, lovely waiting staff. We would definitely stay here again, it was a perfect 2 night break on our journey to the Alps. The only problem was the lack of air conditioning in the room as we were there during a very hot week. Service: 5