Restaurant Discovery Events in Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Lausanne & Geneva

Looking for a relaxed way to meet new people over food in Switzerland? Whether you’re an expat, local, or just someone who enjoys good conversation with a great meal, restaurant discovery events are the perfect mix of socializing and dining.

Across cities like Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Lausanne, and Geneva, these events bring together small groups for curated evenings at local restaurants — no pressure, no awkwardness, just shared tables and new connections.

Here’s a city-by-city guide to the best social dining events happening right now.

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🍽️ Restaurant Discovery Zurich

Zurich has no shortage of excellent food — from cozy fondue spots to modern fusion kitchens. But with so many options, it’s hard to pick where to go or who to go with.

That’s where restaurant discovery events in Zurich come in:

• A different restaurant each time
• Curated guest lists (small groups)
• Hosted by locals or social apps like City Mates
  

💬 Perfect for: Expats, young professionals, solo diners, and anyone looking for easy conversation over shared plates.

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🍷 Social Dining Basel

Known for its international flair and riverside charm, Basel’s social dining scene is surprisingly vibrant.

Look for:

• Supper clubs in the old town
• Pop-up dinners in cultural spaces
• City Mates dinners that rotate through cuisines and neighborhoods
  

💡 Try joining one of Basel’s foodie groups on Meetup or Facebook to stay updated.

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🍲 Group Dinner Bern

Bern might be relaxed, but its food scene is full of character — and so are the people. A group dinner in Bern is the ideal setting to break the ice in this historic capital.

What to expect:

• 6–10 people per dinner
• Themes like “local favorites” or “hidden gems”
• Often hosted in casual Swiss or modern restaurants
  

🎯 Bonus: Many dinners are multilingual, with German, English, and French all welcome at the table.

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🍛 Food Events Lucerne

Lucerne’s charm doesn’t stop at the lake — its growing culinary scene is a great way to connect with others.

Food events in Lucerne often include:

• Restaurant discovery nights at family-owned places
• Events near the lake or in the old town
• Small group meetups posted on platforms like City Mates or Meetup
  

📷 Plus: the views make it easy to keep conversations flowing.

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🧀 Social Restaurants Lausanne

In Lausanne, the mix of students, creatives, and international residents makes for a welcoming crowd. Add wine, cheese, and French-inspired menus and you’ve got ideal conditions for social restaurant events.

Popular options:

• Rotating “Table d’hôtes” dinners
• Wine & dine evenings in Lavaux
• Social restaurants that host regular group tables
  

🥂 Try starting with an English-speaking group if you’re new to French — many events are bilingual.

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🥘 Dining Events Geneva

Geneva is home to diplomats, NGOs, students, and professionals from all over the world — and dining events are one of the best ways to meet across cultures.

Look for:

• Themed dinners (e.g. Mediterranean night, African cuisine)
• Weekly City Mates events at handpicked restaurants
• Group brunches or lunch meetups near the lake
  

🌍 Geneva’s global spirit makes it one of the easiest cities in Switzerland to meet people over food.

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Why Join a Restaurant Discovery Event?

✅ No need to know anyone — just come as you are

✅ Great for food lovers, introverts, and solo expats

✅ Built-in conversation starter: the menu!

✅ Try new cuisines and new friendships in one evening

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👉 Join the next restaurant discovery event near you on City Mates

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Final Thoughts: One Table. Endless Connections.

Whether you’re in Zurich or Lausanne, Bern or Basel, Lucerne or Geneva — restaurant discovery events turn a regular dinner into a social experience. You never know who you’ll sit next to — and that’s exactly the point.

Ready to reserve your seat?

👉 Explore upcoming social dining events on City Mates

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