Bärenstobe : Dorfstrasse 40, 9108 Gonten

We ordered the dinner as part of our package. While fine dining was promised, we were completely blown away by the quality of the food. This is some of the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve been around the block more than once. We had both lamb and kit (goat) as part of our six course menu, and I was blown away. So delicious. Every taste, everything perfectly balanced to highlight the other ingredients. In short: #wow!!!

Like last year and years before, we made reservations for dinner for 4 people at the Bären in Gonten. The disappointment was great; instead of a menu with a few starters, main courses and desserts, there was only one menu. When we asked the waitress, a very friendly young lady, she explained to us that this was the new concept of "fine dining" and we didn't know anything about it. I also didn't look at the menu online in advance (it may not be necessary) because I was convinced that it would be the same as always. The 4-6 course menu always had pork belly but none of us eat pork. The young lady mentioned was able to reserve a table for us in the Löwen across the street and so with a heavy heart we left the Bärenstube with its wonderful, quiet ambience. The staff at Löwen was also very friendly, the food was good but the ambience was never too noisy. Next year we will be on holiday in Appenzell again and we will first take a look at the Bärenstube menu online. If the concept stays like this, we will no longer book.

Wonderful food, prepared with the highest quality ingredients. The atmosphere is very nice and cozy and the service is extremely friendly!