COMFORT FOOD WITH CHARACTER: VERBENA BY CHRISTIANSCHARREROPENSMARCH20,2026
With his new Restaurant, Verbena by Christian Scharrer, the award-winning native of the Black Forest combines emotional comfort food with the precision of fine dining – characterised by origin, craftsmanship, and a clear, modern style. Located in the iconic Bürgenstock Resort, Lake Lucerne, which repeatedly sets new standards in luxury hospitality, a culinary concept is being created 500 meters above Lake Lucerne in Switzerland that uniquely combines authenticity and excellence.
On March 20, 2026, the new Verbena by Christian Scharrer will open at the Waldhotel by Bürgenstock – part of the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne. The restaurant is managed by Christian Scharrer, Chef de Cuisine at Waldhotel, who, together with Nathalie Scharrer, Restaurant & In-Room Dining Manager, forms a well-coordinated leadership duo. Verbena by Christian Scharrer is one of a total of twelve restaurants, lounges, and bars in the resort, whose culinary direction is overseen and strategically guided by Corporate Culinary Director Mike Wehrle.
The restaurant represents cuisine that moves people, sophisticated in quality, distinct in style, and characterised by dishes that evoke memories, while at the same time creating new ones. The focus is not on staging, but on the atmosphere at the table. Familiar aromas, classical compositions, and carefully selected ingredients form the foundation. Interpreted with artisanal precision and modern ease, the result is dishes that are accessible, authentic, and contemporary – created by a team that view culinary art as a shared experience and combines enjoyment with genuine warmth.
Comfort food with character
The meal begins with distinctive appetisers: potato rösti with smoked salmon, Osietra caviar and sour cream, vitello tonnato with caper leaves and robust Coratino olive oil, as well as beef tartare on crusty rye bread with mustard and mustard seeds. High-quality ingredients are always at the centre, clearly composed and precisely presented. Christian Scharrer's signature style is particularly evident in the main courses. Pikeperch from
the Alps meets creamy polenta, radicchio, and orange. Veal Maultaschen (Swabian ravioli) are served in an aromatic lovage broth with Baden-style potato salad. Delicate Alpstein chicken in a puff pastry pillow with spring herbs combines classic cuisine with seasonal freshness. The onion roast beef from Luma, with egg noodles and young vegetables represents robust flavours and artisanal perfection.
The sweet finale includes classics such as baba au rhum, a lemon tart with meringue and lemongrass sorbet, and a reinterpreted Black Forest cake, a taste of home made with cherry brandy, dark chocolate, and whipped cream. Seasonal desserts such as quark ice cream with strawberry and rhubarb add fresh, light touches.
Many dishes are also available in vegetarian versions upon request. Verbena by Christian Scharrer thus underlines its ambition to harmoniously combine enjoyment, individuality and modern nutritional requirements.
About Christian Scharrer
Christian Scharrer is one of the most distinguished chefs in the German-speaking world. Born in the Black Forest, he was influenced by, among others, Harald Wohlfahrt in Baiersbronn and Jörg Müller on Sylt, and earned Michelin stars in leading positions at the Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe and the Buddenbrooks Restaurant at the A-ROSA Resort Travemünde.
Most recently, as head chef of the fine-dining restaurant Courtier at the Weissenhaus Private Nature Luxury Resort, he led the establishment to two Michelin stars and four black toques from Gault & Millau. A multiple award winner, having received the titles "Rising Star of the Year" and "Chef of the Year," he is known for his seasonal, product-focused cuisine with a distinctive style.
Since November 1, 2025, Christian Scharrer has been responsible for the culinary direction as Chef de Cuisine at the Waldhotel by Bürgenstock. Together with Nathalie Scharrer, who shapes the service experience as Restaurant & In-Room Dining Manager, he brings over 25 years of international experience to one of the most prestigious hotel addresses in Switzerland. Image material at: Insert link!
Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne
The Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne is part of the Bürgenstock Collection based in Switzerland. The resort comprises 360 rooms spread across three hotels: the Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa (5* Superior), which offers two different accommodation options - The Contemporary and The Heritage, the Waldhotel by Bürgenstock (5* Superior), and the Taverne 1879 (3*). Additionally, the resort features 12 restaurants, lounges, and bars, 17 residence suites, a 10,000 m² Alpine Spa, and a wide range of leisure activities. The portfolio of the Bürgenstock Collection consists of the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne, the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa (99 rooms), the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne (196 rooms), and The Adria in South Kensington, London (22 rooms).
The Bürgenstock Collection
The Bürgenstock Collection is one of the leading luxury hotel groups in Switzerland and includes a select portfolio of exceptional hotels and residences with a total of 667 rooms and 17 residence suites. The prestigious properties include the Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne (360 rooms), the Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa (99 rooms), the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne (196 rooms), as well as The Adria Boutique Hotel in South Kensington, London (22 rooms). These first-class destinations captivate guests from all over the world – thanks to their impressive history, elegant and modern design, award-winning spas, and exceptional culinary offerings. At the same time, they remain true to the timeless Swiss traditions of hospitality, first-class service, and discretion.
About Katara Hospitality
Katara Hospitality is a globally active hotel owner, developer, and operator based in Qatar. With 50 years of experience in the industry, Katara Hospitality actively pursues its strategic expansion plans by investing in unparalleled hotels in Qatar while simultaneously expanding its collection of iconic properties in key international markets. Katara Hospitality's portfolio now includes 42 hotels owned and/or managed by Katara Hospitality, and the company aims to have 60 hotels in its portfolio by 2030. As the flagship of Qatari hospitality, Katara Hospitality supports Qatar's long-term economic vision.
Katara Hospitality currently owns hotels on four continents in Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States of America. Katara Hospitality collaborates with some of the best hotel management companies and operates both owned and third-party hotels through its standalone operating divisions, The Bürgenstock Collection and Murwab Hotel Group.
Media Contact
The Dovetail Agency
Hannah Jamal Burgenstock@dovetail-agency.co.uk