Restaurant El Camino

Restaurant El Camino brings a unique fusion of fine Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine to the heart of Aarau’s charming Old Town. With a rating of 4.4 stars and over 600 Google reviews, the kitchen team under Chef Stephan crafts dishes defined by handcrafted precision, subtly balanced nuances, and a passion for genuine hospitality. This is not a place of fleeting trends or gimmicky presentations; instead, every plate is built on carefully sourced ingredients, many drawn from regional producers whose quality you can taste from the first bite.

The atmosphere combines stylish, tasteful interiors with a welcoming Mexican flair, making it equally suited for a relaxed midday lunch or an elegant, multi-course evening dinner. Guests can choose to dine in the comfortable indoor restaurant, gather at the bar, or enjoy beautiful days on the outdoor terrace. Whether you’re stopping in for the weekly changing lunch menu or settling in for a leisurely à la carte exploration, the team’s dedication to fine dining without pretension defines every visit.

Services & Facilities

El Camino is built around a full-service hospitality model that adapts to the needs of its diverse clientele. The restaurant offers multiple ways to experience its menu, from quick business lunches to long, celebratory dinners, and provides private event spaces that can host up to 100 guests.

• Lunch & Dinner Service: A la carte and daily changing lunch menus featuring seasonal, regionally inspired dishes.
• Bar & Lounge Area: A dedicated space for enjoying handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and a curated drinks menu.
• Outdoor Terrace: Fresh-air dining with dedicated standing tables and ashtrays for smokers, as the indoor space is entirely non-smoking.
• Private Events & Catering: Full-service organization for business events, private celebrations, and banquets up to 100 guests, managed directly by the chef and management team.
• Gift Vouchers: Purchasable vouchers for gifting dining experiences to friends, family, or colleagues.
• Tisch reservieren (Table Reservation): Online booking through the website or by phone, with confirmation via email. Phone reservations are particularly recommended for groups larger than eight.

What We Offer

The culinary philosophy at El Camino revolves around a heartfelt commitment to seasonal, local products interpreted through the lens of Mexican and Mediterranean traditions. The menu is designed to evolve regularly, ensuring that returning diners always find something new while enjoying trusted favorites. Chef Stephan and his team maintain direct relationships with regional producers, allowing the kitchen to work with peak-season vegetables, high-quality meats, and sustainably sourced seafood.

The menu is divided into clear, accessible offerings that cater to different appetites and occasions:

• À La Carte: A full dinner menu featuring fine Mexican and Mediterranean arrangements, from fresh starters and creative main courses to delectable desserts.
• Weekly Lunch Menu: An unbeatable value lunch that includes soup, salad, and a small dessert alongside the main course, perfect for a midday culinary break.
• Drinks & Wine Program: Extensive and thoughtfully compiled wine and beverage lists designed to complement the food. Guests can explore the full Getränkekarte (drinks menu) and Weinkarte (wine list).
• Seasonal Specials: Regularly rotating specials that showcase the best available ingredients, keeping the menu fresh and surprising.

Serving Aarau & Aargau

Nestled at Pelzgasse 19, right between the iconic city gates, El Camino enjoys a unique and treasured location in Aarau’s historic center. The restaurant is only a few minutes’ walk from landmarks such as the Stadtmuseum, making it an ideal pre- or post-cultural visit destination for both locals and tourists exploring the Canton of Aargau. The surrounding Old Town provides a picturesque backdrop that enhances the overall dining experience.

Aarau’s residents have embraced the restaurant as a neighborhood anchor, but its reputation draws guests from across the region. The combination of a convenient central location and the availability of on-street and nearby parking makes El Camino an easy choice for a spontaneous night out or a planned event. The commitment to local sourcing also means that the menu serves as a showcase for Aargau’s agricultural bounty, creatively transformed through Nikson’s culinary vision.

Why Customers Choose Us

Patrons repeatedly highlight three consistent elements that set El Camino apart: the exceptional quality and freshness of the cuisine, the warm and attentive service, and the effortlessly stylish ambiance. These themes run through hundreds of reviews and create a loyal following of guests who return year after year. The team’s professionalism is matched by a genuine friendliness that makes every diner feel recognized and welcomed—an ethos summarized in the company’s own words as “ehrlich und direkt wie humorvoll und verspielt” (honest and direct as well as humorous and playful).

Culinary precision matters here. The kitchen avoids heavy-handed, overcomplicated plates in favor of nuanced flavors where each ingredient has room to express itself. This approach has earned the restaurant high praise for dishes like fajitas, burgers, nachos, and creatively plated seasonal specialties. The price point of 30–70 CHF per person reflects the high quality of ingredients and the skill involved in execution, positioning El Camino as a compelling option for special occasions and elevated everyday dining alike.

Reservations, Hours & Directions

Guests can reserve a table easily through the website’s online form or by calling the restaurant directly at 062 822 36 77. The reservation team is available Monday through Saturday between 11:00 AM and midnight. Confirmation comes by email; groups of more than eight are asked to call to ensure seamless coordination.

The restaurant’s operating schedule is designed to cover lunch, dinner, and late-evening dining:

• Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Thursday & Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

To find the restaurant, enter Pelzgasse 19, 5000 Aarau, Schweiz into your navigation, or use the Google Maps link provided on the website to get precise directions. Look for the entrance positioned between the historic city gates, a landmark that marks the threshold into a memorable culinary journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many first-time visitors have similar questions before their experience at El Camino. The team has structured information to answer these clearly and make planning a visit straightforward.

How do I book a table for a large group?

For parties of more than eight people, El Camino asks that you call the restaurant directly at 062 822 36 77. This allows the event team to discuss specific table arrangements, possible menu customizations, and any special requirements to make the occasion flawless.

Is the restaurant fully non-smoking?

Yes, the indoor dining room and bar area are entirely non-smoking. Designated smoking areas with standing tables and ashtrays are available on the outdoor terrace.

Can I buy a gift voucher and how does it work?

Gift vouchers can be ordered through the website by filling out the dedicated form. These make excellent presents for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate gifts, allowing the recipient to enjoy a complete dining experience at their leisure.

Are vegetarian or special dietary options available?

The kitchen regularly incorporates vegetable-forward and adaptable dishes within its seasonal menus. When making a reservation, it is recommended to note any dietary restrictions; the culinary team will do its best to accommodate allergies, intolerances, or strong preferences using the fresh ingredients on hand.

Is there a bar area separate from the dining room?

Yes, El Camino features a bar where guests can enjoy drinks, small plates, and the full beverage menu without committing to a full dinner. It’s a popular spot for a casual evening drink that may turn into a spontaneous culinary discovery.