roots

roots, seasonal fine dining in Basel's Bachletten district

roots is a fine dining restaurant located in the Bachletten district, in the immediate vicinity of Basel Zoo. Its approach revolves around vegetables: the kitchen gives plant-based produce the leading role, while fish and meat serve as accompaniments. The focus is on craftsmanship and quality produce, preferably locally sourced, and each menu is inspired by the season, so the dishes change constantly.

Awards and seasonal cuisine

roots' cuisine has received two Michelin stars and 18 GaultMillau points. The menu is structured around seven-, eight- or ten-course menus, each inspired by the season and prepared with hand-selected ingredients of predominantly regional origin. The restaurant offers a selection of wines to accompany the menu, with options ranging from modern classics to more recent arrivals.

The team and management

The head chef is Pascal Steffen, named discovery of the year in 2018 by GaultMillau Switzerland. Before joining roots, he trained with leading figures in Swiss gastronomy such as Andreas Caminada and Nenad Mlinarevic, and since December 2017 he has been developing his own style at the restaurant. Jenny has been head of service since February 2026; her experience at restaurants in Switzerland (Schloss Schauenstein, Memories) and Ireland has prepared her to run the service and select the wine list. The restaurant has been managed since it opened in 2017 by Dragan Rapic, an economist with an Executive MBA HSG and previously sports director at Grasshopper Club Zurich. The team is completed by Malko (chef de partie), Vanessa (pastry), Valentin (chef de partie), Erik (chef de partie), Félicia (cheffe de rang) and Zsombor (chef de rang).

Reservations and service

The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 6:30 pm to midnight. On Thursdays it also offers a business lunch from 12:00 to 14:30. Reservations can be made by email, telephone or using the online form. Guests are asked to inform of any allergies or intolerances. For groups of six people or more, as well as for private events, reservations are handled by email.

Atmosphere

roots offers a fine dining experience in a relaxed setting, with informality as the norm: the venue aims to make diners feel as if they were in their own home. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Sundays.

Location and contact

Bachlettenstrasse 1, 4054 Basel · Phone: +41 61 322 10 56 · Hours: Monday: closed. Tuesday: 18:30 - 00:00. Wednesday: 18:30 - 00:00. Thursday: 12:00 - 14:30 and 18:30 - 00:00. Friday: 18:30 - 00:00. Saturday: 18:30 - 00:00. Sunday: closed.