Restaurant LA

If you're not careful, you might end up walking right past the narrow façade of this mid-terrace restaurant. This charming, lively little establishment is right at home here in Basel's St Johanns-Vorstadt district. Both the slick interior and chef-patron Matthieu Judenne's seasonally inspired cuisine are modern, but for all their creativity they remain pleasingly accessible and ingredient-driven. The focus is undisputedly on flavour – soul food rather than frills is the order of the day here. This ethos is evident in dishes such as "poached egg, pea tartare, tarragon foam" and "octopus, Kalamata olives, chorizo, haricot beans, fish reduction". There is a four- or six-course surprise menu. In addition to the wine pairings, the alcohol-free alternative can also be recommended. From some tables, you can steal glimpses into the kitchen. In summer, tables are set up on the pavement outside, overlooking the tram line.