Thanks for your reply and tips ...
The train we’re taking tomorrow midday has a bistro car? Does anyone know the difference to the restaurant car? I know it’s only on the lower level of a double-decker but what about the menu? Same or different to the restaurant menu? Can you make bookings?
Thanks.
But nothing about the menu or reservations there.
The first two blocks - menus and reservations
For the restaurant. I was hoping someone that had experienced the bistro could tellme what’s different from the restaurant.
Does SBB offer spoon feeding in the Bistro?
Sandwiches, chips (crisps if you are English), coffee, drinks
I don't know if you've eaten on SBB before, but I would never choose to eat the foods on their trains. Drinks are OK - but otherwise, you are better off grabbing something from the station or close by.
Also, I've noticed bistros/restaurants have been closed on many trips lately (they make an announcement).
My understanding is the restaurant car is table service while the bistro is takeaway - so more likely to be snacks and drinks.
MrsNickatBasel and I once took a train from Bern to Zurich during lunch and sat in the restaurant car for a half litre of white and a cheese / charcuterie board. Service was friendly and food was alright. Nothing special, but a pleasant way to pass the time. We didn't try a hot meal.
Cheers,
Nick
Of course. You'll have to fetch it at the counter though.
Table service is not always offered and if it is it the same as the restaurant. I have not eaten there since before covid. I'd recommend sandwiches or a take away.
"Food and beverage menu.
Now available as take-away."
https://www.sbb.ch/en/station-servic…rant/menu.html
Tom
One time on a journey from Basel to Zurich (late evening) the buffet car attached to the train had a couple of craft beers on draft - I never saw that one again - assumed it was some special that happened to be hooked on to be taken back to its depot.
Jaded Americans tired of “pretentious overexplanation” often found in US restaurants escape to the UK where they can unwind and enjoy typical, well, Indian and even Sri Lankan cuisine. At a pinch a savoury pie to remind them where they really are is thrown in their general direction …
The truly adventurous Transatlantic foragers are wont to conclude their travels (travails?) with an expedition on a SBB serviced buffet train in Switzerland. The low numbers of survivors rumoured to have returned to their native shores have not yet allowed compilation of generally valid, up to date statistics. Of the favoured few, many seemed content that they didn’t have to fork out tips for the same rubbish on top of everything else…
In the "Bistro Zones" of the BLS trains operating between Bern, Zweisimmen and Brig, any maybe further afield, you find a vending machine for drinks and snacks. I doubt if you get can even a beer. Recommendation: take sandwiches and a thermos flask with you.
Thank everyone for their comments. We’ve decided to grab a bite at a local restaurant before catching the train. Will takes some drinks on the train.
We’ll ask the ticket people about what’s available for the return journey.
Same on the Voralpen-Express between Luzern and St. Gallen, the bistro is a vending machine . It does have beer and even wine though 