Culinary Jewel in Magnificent Merian Gardens

Welcome to Restaurant Iris & Merian Gardens Basel

The Restaurant Iris is far more than just a dining establishment - it is a culinary jewel, nestled within the incomparable splendour of Merian Gardens in Basel. Here, where nature plays the leading role, you will find an oasis of peace and relaxation that distances you from everyday life. Merian Gardens themselves are renowned far beyond the city's boundaries for their botanical diversity and seasonal beauty. Whether the delicate awakening of spring, the lush floral splendour of summer, the golden glow of autumn or the enchanted silence of winter - nature reveals itself here in its most fascinating form and significantly inspires the atmosphere and culinary offerings of our establishment.

Our restaurant is located in the heart of this green lung, in the lovingly restored New Barn. This historic building from 1906 was renovated with great passion and attention to detail. Today it offers a modern, charming setting that combines the history of the place with contemporary comfort. The surrounding gardens invite you to linger and stroll before or after your meal - the perfect place to let your soul unwind.

Your Christmas Celebration: Festive Cuisine for Groups up to 200 Persons

Plan your Christmas celebration this year at Restaurant Iris and give your team or family an experience in a picturesque setting. When the gardens shimmer in winter's glow, our seasonally inspired menus provide the ideal backdrop for a festive occasion. From an intimate dinner in a small, private circle to a large corporate celebration with up to 200 persons - we design your event according to your individual wishes. Let yourself be enchanted by festive aromas and enjoy the cosy warmth of our dining rooms whilst outside the winter world of Merian Gardens sleeps. A special highlight is our mulled wine aperitif by the crackling fire in the outdoor area, which immediately puts your guests in a festive mood.

Unique Venues for Every Occasion

Merian Gardens boasts an impressive selection of event venues, each distinguished by its own unique character. We offer the perfect setting for every group size and occasion:

Villa Merian: Elegance and Tradition

The historic Villa is a place with incomparable ambience. It is ideal for seminars, team-building workshops or exclusive meetings. The rooms on the upper floor provide the necessary tranquillity for concentrated work and are equipped with the latest infrastructure. The Veranda Room, the Fountain Room or the Stove Room impress with bright spaces and first-class views. We are happy to accompany your event culinarily - from a strengthening business lunch to an exquisite dinner. An aperitif in the garden in front of the Villa also provides the ideal conclusion to a productive day.

New Barn: The Centrepiece for Large Events

With Restaurant Iris, the spacious foyer and the impressive Grand Hall, the New Barn offers the perfect location for banquets, receptions, panel discussions and large-scale business events. The architecture is breathtaking: enormous panoramic windows allow the green of the gardens to flow directly into the room and offer an unobstructed view to Villa Merian. The entire area is accessible without barriers and technically state-of-the-art.

Clay House: Natural Proximity and Architecture

The Clay House is an architectural masterpiece. The massive clay walls create a unique room climate and an earthy, private atmosphere. Since the house is used as a school on weekdays, it is exclusively available for private celebrations at weekends. The large terrace with views over extensive fruit meadows offers space for up to 100 persons on classic festive marquee furniture - ideal for uncomplicated, characterful events.

Orangery: Floods of Light and Inspiration

The Orangery, built around 1850 and extensively restored, is available from May to October. The light-filled room offers a direct view into the medicinal plant garden and invites you to let your thoughts wander. It is the perfect place for creative workshops or stylish private celebrations in a historic, botanical setting for up to 60 persons at a standing reception.

Greenhouses: Industrial Charm Meets Botany

In our greenhouses, industrial flair and the wild beauty of nature merge. The interplay of glass, steel and lush vegetation creates an incomparable atmosphere. These rooms are particularly a highlight during the summer months (June to September) for unforgettable celebrations under the starry sky. We offer a small greenhouse (up to 40 persons) and a large greenhouse (up to 100 persons).

Cuisine with Philosophy

In the gastronomy of Merian Gardens, you experience a cuisine that is in harmony with the seasons. We consistently rely on regional freshness and the highest quality. Our offering is aimed at all connoisseurs - whether you prefer vegan, vegetarian or meat-based dishes.

Our chefs create with passion dishes that bring out the best in every ingredient, with sustainability and responsible use of resources always at the forefront. We source our products from long-standing regional partners to keep transport distances short and quality high. Whether a hearty Sunday brunch, a light lunch or a festive dinner - with us, the product is paramount.

Full-Service Catering for Your Dreams

In addition to our daily restaurant operations, we offer comprehensive catering services. Whether a wedding, milestone birthday or company anniversary - we support you in the organisation and realise your vision with joy and professionalism. Our experienced team will create a bespoke offer for you that will delight your guests.

Visit us in Merian Gardens and discover a place where nature, hospitality and first-class cuisine merge into a unique experience. We look forward to advising you personally!