Schmied Bern Review – Is Bern's New Bistro Worth the Hype?

Name: Schmied Bern Review – Is Bern's New Bistro Worth the Hype?
Address: Schmiedenplatz 5, 3011 Bern, Bern, CH
Telephone: +41 31 311 84 12
Price range: $$

Opened on 17 October 2026 – where the traditional Schmiedstube once stood, Schmied now looks fresh and modern
Pumpkin soup with well-balanced spices and garlic croutons – very aromatic and well made
Pork cheeks with a very dark, aromatic jus, served with polenta and creamed savoy cabbage – meltingly tender and wonderfully rich
Caramel cream with caramelised almond slivers and a dollop of whipped cream – a classic, successful finish

Atmosphere: Modern where the Schmiedstube once stood

Exterior view of Restaurant Schmied at Schmiedenplatz in Bern

Since opening on 17 October 2026, Restaurant Schmied has brought new life to Schmiedenplatz 5 – the very spot where the Schmiedstube used to be. From the street, the fresh, modern look is already very inviting.

Entrance area of Restaurant Schmied at Schmiedenplatz

Step inside and it’s clear the space has been reimagined. Wooden tables, large glass windows and a clean, contemporary design define the interior. The room feels generous, though tables are a little close together. If you’re lucky (or not) to sit right by the glass front, you do feel a bit like you’re on display – very much in the heart of the Old Town, but also very visible.

Interior of Restaurant Schmied with wooden tables and large glass windows

The menu is deliberately small – but that’s very much a strength here. Everything feels carefully considered and well executed.

Starter: Pumpkin soup

Pumpkin soup with garlic croutons at Restaurant Schmied Bern

We started with a beautifully spiced pumpkin soup with delicate garlic croutons. It was wonderfully aromatic, perfectly balanced, and got us excited for the main course.

Main course: Pork cheeks with polenta and creamed savoy cabbage

Pork cheeks with dark jus, polenta and creamed savoy cabbage at Restaurant Schmied Bern

For the main, we had pork cheeks with a very dark, intensely aromatic jus, served with polenta and creamed savoy cabbage. The cheeks were incredibly tender, the jus wonderfully rich and a perfect match for the meat. The cabbage was also spot on; the polenta was pleasant but less prominent – no issue at all for a dish that’s all about the meltingly soft meat.

Close-up of tender pork cheeks with dark jus at Restaurant Schmied Bern

Dessert: Caramel cream

Caramel cream with caramelised almond slivers and whipped cream at Restaurant Schmied Bern

To finish, we couldn’t resist the caramel cream (in the style of crème brûlée). It was served with caramelised almond slivers and a nice dollop of whipped cream – a simple, classic dessert done very well.

Service

The service felt very natural and friendly. Our server was a little shy but clearly eager to do everything right. There were also more experienced waitresses on the team, which added confidence and polish. Overall, warm, attentive and a great fit for this fresh new concept.

Verdict

Restaurant Schmied is a very successful new addition to Schmiedenplatz. It’s taken the legacy of the old Schmiedstube and turned it into a modern bistro that feels neither forced nor generic – just a small, tightly edited menu executed really well. The pork cheeks, pumpkin soup and caramel cream were particular standouts. A solid 4.4 out of 5 and an easy recommendation, especially while it’s still brand new.

Details

Address: Schmiedenplatz 5, 3011 Bern (Bern Old Town)
Phone: +41 31 311 84 12
Cuisine: Swiss / Modern Bistro
Price level: $$
Opened: 17 October 2026
Visited: 23 October 2026
Website: schmied-bern.ch

Rating

4.4 / 5 Very good

Since opening on 17 October 2026, Restaurant Schmied has been at Schmiedenplatz – where the Schmiedstube once stood. In a modern setting with wooden tables and large glass windows, its small, refined menu delivers – the pork cheeks with dark jus and the pumpkin soup are real highlights.

Plus:

Food was consistently excellent – from the pumpkin soup to the tender pork cheeks all the way to the caramel cream
Service felt natural and friendly, a little shy but genuinely eager to do a great job, with experienced waitresses on the team
Modern, inviting bistro atmosphere with plenty of wood and large glass windows
Small menu, but every dish is clearly well thought out and well executed

Improvement:

Tables are a little close together
Sitting by the window makes you feel a bit like on display

For whom? Refined bistro dining in central Old Town, A date or small get-together, Those who appreciate a small, carefully curated menu, Combining a stroll through the Old Town with a hearty meal

Practical Info

Address

Schmiedenplatz 5, 3011 Bern
Bern

Phone

+41 31 311 84 12

Website

Visit

Public Transit

From Bern main station, walk through the Old Town to Schmiedenplatz. Restaurant Schmied is located at Schmiedenplatz 5, in the premises where the Schmiedstube used to be.

Opening Hours

Mon 11:30–23:30 Tue 11:30–23:30 Wed 11:30–23:30 Thu 11:30–23:30 Fri 11:30–23:30 Sat 09:00–23:30 Sun Closed

Parking

Public car parks near Bern Old Town

Last visited

2026-10-23

Published

2026-10-24

Updated

2026-10-26

FAQ

Where is Restaurant Schmied located in Bern?

Restaurant Schmied is at Schmiedenplatz 5, 3011 Bern, in Bern’s Old Town – right where the Schmiedstube used to be.

When did Restaurant Schmied open?

Restaurant Schmied opened on 17 October 2026.

What kind of food does Restaurant Schmied serve?

Schmied serves a small, refined modern bistro menu with hearty Swiss-inspired dishes – including pumpkin soup, tender pork cheeks, and classic desserts like caramel cream.

What is the price level at Restaurant Schmied?

Restaurant Schmied is mid-priced ($$) and offers excellent quality for the price.

Do I need to book a table at Restaurant Schmied?

Since it’s a brand new opening that’s already proving popular, booking ahead is highly recommended in these first few weeks.