The story
Salmen, at Ringstrasse 39 in Olten, is a classic cuisine restaurant that Gault&Millau scored 13 points in 2026. The brasserie sits in a historic house, and guests often find lunch and dinner tables booked ahead.
Daniel Bitterli is listed as head chef and managing director. Gault&Millau described his classic, unfussy cooking as consistently convincing. Michelin has listed the restaurant as Recommended for 2026. The house says all dishes, including stocks, sauces and ice cream, are made from scratch.
The menu changes with the seasons and with what suppliers can deliver. Recent listings included Entrecôte from Biohof Scheibler in Oftringen, served with béarnaise, potato gratin and vegetables. Rindsfilet Stroganoff comes with almond rice or house-made pasta. Salmen classics remain on the card. For dessert, look for a warm chocolate cake with balsamico vanilla ice cream and passion fruit sauce, or a mille-feuille with vanilla mousse and raspberry sorbet.
The building was completed in 1898 by architect Karl Suter-Meister. During renovation in 2002, a stucco ceiling in the Säli was uncovered and restored under heritage protection. The restaurant takes its name from Salmenbräu beer, brewed in Rheinfelden from 1799 to 1973, and some of the old brewing objects are on display.
Twelve to fifteen wines are available by the glass. A wider list is poured from the open-pour system, which the house says keeps quality consistent.
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