Since the opening of the Marguita restaurant at Baur au Lac in June, the establishment has found itself welcoming streams of eager guests – both local and international – as it becomes one of the trendiest places in Zurich. The elegant design of the space incorporates both Mediterranean and contemporary elements, and provides an atmospheric ambience to the space.
A Charming Mediterranean Design
After designing Baur’s in 2019, the internationally acclaimed designer Martin Brudnizki has returned and worked his magic on Marguita. The Mediterranean cuisine served at the restaurant is perfectly complemented by Brudnizki’s smart design – as he seamlessly blends Swiss and Mediterranean influences, infusing it into the overall atmosphere of the space.
The design also kept the outside world in mind, incorporating as many natural elements as possible. From the use of warm colours that implements a Southern charm to the space, to the hand-painted botanical motifs such as olive branches and edelweiss that reflect the flourishing gardens encircling the restaurant. As for the floors, Brudnizki had designed a detailed floral mosaic pattern, in line with the outdoorsy theme the restaurant boasts. Additionally, the restaurant’s chairs are adjustable based on the season, such as using linen for hot weather, and mohair fabric for the cold. The space is drowned in plenty of natural light due to its architecture, and the chandelier, made with Venetian Murano glass, adds a touch of elegance and brilliance.
The terrace was originally built in 1914 as a dance pavilion, but the timeless quality it emits had made it the ideal environment to serve various other purposes throughout the years. Now in 2024, a whole 114 years later, it is now where the Marguita restaurant resides, its unique design exuding joie de vivre, or ‘joy of living’.
“Our new restaurant celebrates the Mediterranean lifestyle. Effortless sophistication, naturalness and timeless grace can be found in everything, from the dishes and wine list to the interior. We are delighted beyond measure to now be able to spoil our guests in this enchanting place”, says Marguita Kracht, the hotelier that has been managing Baur au Lac together with her father Andrea Kracht since 2021.
Top-quality Mediterranean Cuisine
The restaurant offers a delightful selection of high quality Mediterranean cuisine, courtesy of head chef Maximilian Müller. The chef worked for months in search of the finest ingredients and experimenting with his team, and the result of that is the diverse menu showcasing the best of Mediterranean cuisine offered in the restaurant. Surely, the restaurant is not only famed for its ambience, but also for its exquisite food. A popular menu item adored by guests is the Sea Bass in Salt Crust – and thankfully, this dish is not seasonal and can be enjoyed all year round. However, guests can also expect some exciting, seasonal, autumn-inspired dishes, such as Braised Veal Cheek and Lobster Thermidor.
Southernly Curated Wine List
The wine list at Marguita includes around 150 items, and the fine selection was carefully curated by top sommeliers Aurélien Blanc and Marc Almert after a multitude of tasting sessions. A third of the selection is sourced from the wine retailer owned by Baur au Lac – the Baur au Lac Vins. The rest of the wine selection includes Mediterranean classics from renowned vineyards such as Alvaro Palacios and Tenuta Sette Cieli, while also including hidden gems found across the Mediterranean region. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the restaurant also serves sparkling wines from French Bloom. Apart from the restaurant’s own wine selection, guests are also able to access the Baur au Lac hotel’s ‘Grand Wine List’, with an astounding selection of over 700 items.
“My family is the seventh generation to run Baur au Lac. Continuous evolution is essential for the future success of the entire hotel. Marguita is in line with this philosophy and we are delighted to have set an important course for the future”, says Andrea Kracht, the Owner of Baur au Lac.
For more information, visit Marguita.