Some restaurants I could recommend to a friend (4): Fribourg

I don’t know why, but Fribourg, quite a small town, has got plenty of good restaurants, from higher gastronomy to typical bistros. And the city is full of medieval charms, lodged between the upper town and lower (basse ville). All that climbing about is worth it though.

Let’s begin with the best place in town, assuming you’re fairly well-off or have something to celebrate. Le Pérolles in boulevard de Pérolles is very design restaurant - access is via stairs leading down from boulevard de Pérolles. Pierrot Ayer, the chef, is attached to his roots but he knows well how to modernize them. His cookery is full of distinctly Mediterraneen quality. Don’t miss it.

Drive 2 kilometres to Bourguillon and Les Trois Tours (turn right just after the big bridge and straight on). In summer, take in the romantic garden and if the house has charming sense of history, the restaurant is entirely new. The service is friendly, and chef Alain Bächler has great talent. The monkfish with lemongrass and bee balm is excellent, and the vitello tonato is ethereal. For what you get, it’s not at all expensive.

Back in town, go to the Hôtel de Ville. In a trendy bistrot atmosphere, you can watch Frederic Kondratowiczc and his team at work as the kitchen opens into the restaurant. Big paintings on the wall, a terrace, and kind service - this along with the chef’s inventiveness convince you you’re in the right place. The bill is ridiculous.
Still looking for good cooking without killing your budget? Head down to the River Sarine, and discover the Schild. If the setting is medieval, the dishes that come out of Serge Chenaux’s kitchen are not, and their modernity is highlighted by his attention to visual effects. This chef really knows how to cook - and to surprise his guests, as in the funny way he presents rabbit with carrots, very stylish as well.

Back at basse ville, la Fleur de Lys is worth checking out. Jacques-François Douek loves producing hearty food for big eaters, but it’s still modern cuisine, based on rural products.

Not far away, you’ll discover l’Auberge de la Cigogne where Frédéric Duvoisin is also inventive, and fairly talented. You’ll love his pike perch with apple and curry, and the beautiful cheeses.

We could also mention Brasserie de l’Epée or l’Aigle Noir: not bad, but not at the same gastronomical level as the others featured above.

A typical restaurant with real fondue? Don’t miss Le Gothard, just after the Cathedral. A very warm atmosphere, good fondue and Swiss dishes. Or the Café du Midi, for example.

The Punkt is an amusing place with contemporary styling, serving all sorts of Asian dishes at a good price..

If you need accommodation, go to the Auberge Aux Quatre-Vents, a surprising place in the middle of a fine park. Each room has a personality of its own, and it’s very artistic too. There’s also a restaurant.

• Le Pérolles, boulevard de Pérolles 18a, 1700 Fribourg. Phone 026 347 40 30. Closed on Sunday and Monday.
• Les Trois-Tours, route de Bourguillon 15, 1722 Bourguillon. Phone 026 322 30 69. Closed on Sunday and Monday.
• Hôtel de Ville, Grand-Rue 6, 1700 Fribourg. Phone 026 321 23 67. Closed on Sunday and Monday.
• Le Schild, Planche-Supérieure 21 , 1700 Fribourg. Phone 026 322 42 25. Closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
• La Fleur-de-Lys, rue des Forgerons 18, 1700 Fribourg. Phone 026 321 49 40. Closed on Saturday for lunch, Sunday and Monday.
• La Cigogne, rue d’Or 24, 1700 Fribourg. Phone 026 321 18 30. Closed on Sunday and Monday.
• Le Gothard, rue du Pont-Muré 16, 1700 Fribourg. Phone 026 322 32 85. Closed on Sunday.
• Le Midi, rue de Romont 25, 1700 Fribourg. Phone 026 322 31 33. Open 7/7.
• The Punkt, place de Notre-Dame 4, 1700 Fribourg. Phone 026 32265 21. Closed on Sunday.
• Aux 4 Vents, route de Grandfey 124, 1700 Fribourg. Phone 026 347 36 00.