Ask locals in Bern where to go for a memorable meal and they’re likely to direct you to “Chübu,” a former granary first erected in the 1800s. With its high vaulted ceilings and high Baroque architectural touches, its hard to imagine that this grand sandstone edifice was once used for food storage. Chandeliers, dark wood, and intricately painted walls make it feel a bit like dining at a fancy restaurant in Middle Earth. 

Today, the palatial, partially subterranean space in the historic heart of the city plays host to public events and weddings with up to 700 guests. The menu includes a number of local specialties, including rösti with Bergkäse (mountain cheese), seared calf’s liver, and Bernese Geschnetzeltes (a creamy stew, made here with veal), along with rainbow trout and other fish caught nearby. While the food is quite good, many guests opt instead to come for a drink to soak up the time capsule vibes.