Auberge Aux 4 Vents - Fribourg

Super well received, but the prices a little high for what it is!

Extraordinary place with funny rooms and a very well kept and wholesome kitchen. Very charming all year round, but of course exceptional because of the garden in summer. Unfortunately, this is also reflected in the number of visitors but the staff tries to be friendly and efficient even when there is a lot of traffic. Definitely an insider tip in the Friborg region.

The setting is very pleasant and the room well appointed. The daily menu during the week is of good quality at a very reasonable price. The service is friendly but very inconsistent. The à la carte choices, however, are poor value for money and we regret that the tasting menu has not changed in 2 years. The wine list also leaves something to be desired because the prices charged are too high for wines of low quality and without real taste interest. In summary, a good address for a daily menu during the week but without any real interest beyond that. No rating is given to the rooms if we did not sleep there.

We went to the Auberge for a midweek treat, based on previous good experiences and recommendations, but it turned out to be a frustrating evening. We booked early and were the first to be seated on the terrace. After being served G&Ts in minuscule glasses, which prompted a request for larger glasses and lots more ice, we then waited and waited for someone to take our order. Eventually, our food order was taken, but we didn’t receive our starters until one and a quarter hours after being seated. This wait was interspersed with confusions over our actual order, and the wrong order initially being brought to our table. When the starters eventually arrived, they were delicious; superbly cooked oeuf parfait for my wife and a delicious poached fois gras for me. After our starters were finished, we then waited a further 40 mins for our main courses. In the meantime, four tables that arrived after us were served their mains. Again the main courses were delicious, filet de boeuf Rossini and boeuf Tagliata. The waitress was very apologetic about the delay and offered a free digestif, which was very welcome. Whilst the food is delicious, if a little overpriced, and the gardens are outstanding, the service was atrocious and I don’t think we’ll be going back in a hurry.

After exploring this historical city, an ideal place to relax and enjoy both tasty cakes and ice cream as well as a magnificent garden with the gothic cathedral in the background (with, unfortunately, a monster of a modern bridge in between).