Wilhelm Tell, Rest., Spalentor

Restaurant: Wilhelm Tell
Address: Spalenvorstadt 38
Tel: 061 261 15 38

Last visit 16th July 2003

It was after a Tuesday evening meeting of the baselexpats.com editorial committee that we were looking for a place to quench our thirsts. Our usual haunt – the excellent Turkish restaurant, the Marmaris – was closed for summer holidays so we wandered towards town via the Spalentor and decided upon the Wilhelm Tell.

The restaurant has a terrace at the back which is quite pleasant and we took seats there. The gum-chewing waitress regarded us with utter contempt – how dare we come and drink beer, eat food and spend money.

I ordered the Senneroesti (Roesti with bacon, cheese and a fried egg on top) for Fr. 18.- and Pat a Wurstsalad. We both had the excellent Feldschlosschen beer.

As our cutlery and place-mats arrived, it started to rain so we moved our things inside. The interior is very much like any of the better Basler Beizli. Nigel arrived shortly after and ordered a green salad starter (Fr. 7.-) and the Senne Roesti.

The food was actually very good – big portions, and the gentleman serving inside (the chef and probably proprietor) infinitely more welcoming than the waitress – so they’re not all miserable in there.

For 3 large Feldschloesschli, a st?nge and a Senneroesti I parted with SFr38 – not bad. The waitress looked peeved when I didn’t give her a tip – though I didn’t have a great deal of cause to leave one. Chewing gum when one is supposed to be serving is exceptionally impolite, and I found this lady to be rude and surly throughout.

If I ever go back, I will check to see who is serving first.
Added: Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Reviewer: Nick Steven
Score: