Badrutt’s Palace Hotel converted this historic farmhouse in the centre of St. Moritz into a soirée for gourmets and nightlife lovers. Since 1936 Chesa Veglia catered to the most demanding clientelle visiting St Moritz but also to diners preferring a casual, quick and family friendly environment.
Chesa Veglia covered by snow
Atmosphere: Piano plays each night creating an elegant and cosy setting, the room is dark and classy while it still feels mountain authentic. The Grill Chadafö is located in the building’s highest floor, above a casual pizzeria, traditional Swiss “stube”and perhaps the most exclusive private night club in town downstairs. The Grill is the most romantic and quiet of all. Couples, families, business partners or friends who want to enjoy a pleasant conversation over a meal are all in the right room. Do not wear your ski boots and jeans, but you do not need to wear anything formal. Smart casual will strike the dress code target right in the core.
The Grill at Chesa Veglia
Food: Everything on the grill is a specialty, but also fashionable creations such as Seared tuna sashimi style or foie gras do not disappoint. You can start with a salad if you plan on getting one of the restaurants generous steaks, lamb chops or veal later. If you are in the mood for an Asian creation then I can recommend the Seared tuna with sesame crust and shaved vegetables. The fish is superb. Fresh and meaty texture together with eastern spices are lovely with a glass of elegant red wine such as most of Bordeaux.
Seared tuna
The grilled fish (changing according to availability and season) is also very good so you do not need to go for the cholesterol-boosting flank of red meat. Nevertheless, most diners come here for the meat. It is usually served with creamed spinach and potatoes, both generous and tasty. Some of the dishes will be finished in front of you on a small cooking station that the waiters stage there just before serving. Flames and flipping pancakes and meats just in front of you or behind your back if you face the windows adds a theatrical accent to the restaurant’s ambiance.
The pancakes are the sweet highlight of the menu as they are prepared in front of you. After all that meat we usually refer a cheese plate that is in tune with the savoury nature of our previous courses.
Drinks: The wine list is spectacular. Old vintages of Bordeaux and Burgundy are for the real connoisseurs and those fashioning big pockets. There are also wines from other regions, but with the grilled meat I prefer the old-fashioned Bordeaux. The champagne selection is extensive and invites you for a fizzy cocktail before or even after your dinner, particularly if you head out afterwards (the nightclub downstairs is convenient).
Cuisine: Swiss with Italian accents. Specialises in grilled meats and seafood.
Visit: January 2013
Price: High (St Moritz isn’t cheep in the first place, plus the restaurant belongs to the luxurious Badrutt’s Palace hotel although it is located separately from the main hotel’s building).
Opening hours: Grill Chadafö only in winter from 7.30pm – 11.00pm
Contact: Tel: +(41) 81 837 28 00
Address: Via Veglia 2, 7500 St Moritz, Switzerland.