Restaurant Zollhuus

In the heart of Aarau, directly on the banks of the Aare River, Restaurant Zollhuus offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere where culinary passion meets warm hospitality. Whether you're craving perfectly aged steaks, creative plant-based dishes, or a memorable evening on the rooftop terrace, every detail here is designed to turn a simple meal into a genuine indulgence. As part of the historic Hotel Kettenbrücke, the restaurant has long been a gathering place for locals and travelers alike—a spot to celebrate, unwind, and savor life's good moments.

Under the direction of Bastian Semmelroggen, the Zollhuus team works with dedication to ensure that each plate leaving the kitchen reflects a commitment to quality and honest flavors. The kitchen draws on premium ingredients, innovative techniques, and a deep respect for both meat and vegetarian cuisines. The result is a menu that feels both luxurious and approachable, whether you're joining for a business lunch, a romantic dinner, or a festive family gathering.

What Sets the Culinary Experience Apart

At the core of the Zollhuus concept is an uncompromising focus on high-quality ingredients. The meat program is a standout feature, built around a house-made Dry-Age cabinet where select cuts of beef mature under controlled conditions to develop deeper flavor and unmatched tenderness. This process yields specialties such as Côte de Boeuf, Porterhouse, Prime Rib, T-Bone, Flanksteak, and the visually striking Tomahawk. Guests can watch the grill masters at work, adding a theatrical element to the dining experience.

Beyond the steak offerings, the kitchen shows equal creativity in its plant-based selections. The Vegi & Vegan menu proves that thoughtful cooking transcends dietary labels. Seasonal vegetables, house-made sauces, and surprising textures turn dishes into vibrant celebrations of produce. This dual focus means that a group with mixed dietary preferences can share a table without compromise—everyone finds something exceptional.

House Specialties & Signature Dishes

• Dry-Aged Steaks: Côte de Boeuf, Porterhouse, Prime Rib, and Tomahawk prepared to your preferred doneness.
• Roast Beef with Béarnaise Sauce: A classic favorite featuring thinly sliced, rosy beef draped in silky béarnaise and served with Portwein Sabayone.
• Sirloin Steak: A lean yet juicy cut, perfectly seared and paired with seasonal sides and house-made sauces.
• Vegan & Vegetarian Creations: Rotating plates that highlight local produce, inventive grain bowls, roasted vegetables, and complex plant-based sauces.
• Fondue Chalet Experience: A cozy, alpine-inspired retreat on the rooftop where groups gather around melted cheese and good conversation.

Rooftop Terrace & Fondue Chalet

One of Zollhuus's most beloved features is its Rooftop Terrace, an open-air escape high above the streets of Aarau. During the warmer months, the terrace becomes a destination in its own right—a place for aperitifs as the sun sets, lazy weekend brunches, and lively BBQ Nights every Thursday evening. The atmosphere is relaxed, the drinks refreshing, and the panoramic city views unforgettable. It's a setting that transforms a simple dinner into a holiday feeling, right in the city center.

As temperatures drop, the rooftop transforms into the Fondue Chalet, a snug, wood-paneled hideaway dedicated to Switzerland's most iconic dish. The soft glow of lanterns, rustic decor, and the aroma of bubbling cheese create an intimate atmosphere perfect for après-ski gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any evening that calls for comfort and conviviality. Reservations for the chalet are highly recommended, especially on weekends.

Private Dining & Celebrations

Zollhuus extends its hospitality beyond the à la carte dining room. Together with Hotel Kettenbrücke, the venue offers tailored solutions for Meetings & Seminars as well as Feasts & Weddings. Whether you're planning a corporate workshop, a milestone birthday, or your dream wedding reception, the events team crafts packages that align with your vision and budget. Spaces can be configured for intimate groups or larger gatherings, always accompanied by customized menus and dedicated service staff.

The riverside setting provides a romantic backdrop for wedding photos, while the flexible indoor spaces accommodate seated dinners, cocktail receptions, and dance floors. Every detail—from floral arrangements to wine pairings—is coordinated with care, so hosts can relax and enjoy the occasion alongside their guests.

Serving Aarau & the Aargau Region

Located at Zollrain 16, Restaurant Zollhuus sits at a historical crossroads in Aarau, a short walk from the train station and the charming old town. The restaurant's position within the Hotel Kettenbrücke complex makes it a natural choice for hotel guests seeking a convenient yet exceptional dinner, as well as for day-trippers exploring the Aargau canton. The proximity to the Aare River invites a pre-dinner stroll along the water, setting a relaxed mood before the meal.

The team actively participates in Aarau's vibrant culinary scene, offering seasonal specials that reflect the region's agricultural rhythms. From asparagus in spring to game dishes in autumn, the menu evolves to celebrate what's fresh and local. This commitment to seasonality keeps regular guests returning to discover what's new.

What Makes Zollhuus the Preferred Choice

Guests consistently praise the attentive, personable service that defines a visit to Zollhuus. The staff take time to explain dishes, recommend wine pairings, and accommodate special requests without making it feel transactional. This balance of professionalism and genuine warmth creates an environment where diners feel recognized and valued—a quality often noted in reviews.

The restaurant's connection to the Hotel Kettenbrücke also brings practical advantages. Visitors can combine dinner with an overnight stay in one of the elegantly appointed rooms, making it an ideal option for weekend getaways or business trips. The hotel's own breakfast service, featuring local breads, cheeses, and house-made Birchermüesli, provides a delightful start to the day before heading out to explore Aarau.

Hours, Location & Practical Information

• Lunch Service: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (check seasonal variations)
• Dinner Service: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (until midnight on select days)
• Closed: Please call ahead for current closure days
• Address: Zollrain 16, 5000 Aarau, Switzerland
• Phone: +41 62 838 18 18
• Email: home@zollhuusaarau.ch
• Online Reservations: Available through the website; if no slot appears, a phone call may reveal additional availability

Gift vouchers are available for purchase online—an excellent present for friends, family, or colleagues who appreciate fine dining. These vouchers are valid at both Zollhuus and Hotel Kettenbrücke, offering flexibility for recipients.

Questions Visitors Ask

Does Restaurant Zollhuus accommodate vegetarian and vegan diners?

Absolutely. While Zollhuus is renowned for its dry-aged steaks and meat specialties, the Vegi & Vegan menu is crafted with equal passion and precision. The chefs are happy to modify dishes to align with dietary needs, and the plant-based options are substantial enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.

Can I book the Fondue Chalet for a private group?

Yes. The rooftop Fondue Chalet is available for private bookings and offers a cozy, atmospheric setting for birthdays, corporate events, or simply a fun night out with friends. Since capacity is limited, early reservation through the website or by phone is strongly advised.

Is parking available near the restaurant?

Hotel Kettenbrücke provides information on arrival and parking directly on the website. The hotel publishes details on nearby public parking garages and any available hotel guest parking. The Zollrain location is also easily reachable by public transport, being a short walk from Aarau's main railway station.

Does Zollhuus offer a breakfast service?

Breakfast is indeed available—not directly in the restaurant, but at the connected Hotel Kettenbrücke. It features a varied buffet with fresh breads, regional cheeses, cold cuts, yogurt, fruits, and egg dishes. Day visitors can also enjoy breakfast here with a prior arrangement.

How do I purchase and redeem a Zollhuus gift voucher?

Gift vouchers can be ordered online through the restaurant's website. The process is straightforward: select the desired value, personalize the voucher, and print it at home. Redeeming is simple—present your voucher when paying. It can be used at Restaurant Zollhuus or Hotel Kettenbrücke.