Why Locals Love Smilla Café
Nestled in the heart of Basel at Grimselstrasse 1, Smilla Café is a charming haven that perfectly blends a coffee shop, art café, bistro, and snack bar into one warming experience. This multifaceted spot uniquely caters to those seeking a relaxed yet vibrant environment to savor quality food, specialty coffees, or simply unwind surrounded by boutique-style ambiance and subtle artistic flair.
Smilla Café’s culinary offerings emphasize wholesome, health-conscious dishes crafted with genuine care. Their menu, celebrated for freshly prepared breakfast and brunch options, delights patrons with fluffy mini pancakes that melt in your mouth and a variety of balanced, nourishing platters. Loyal visitors rave about the thoughtfully curated brunch, highlighting fresh yogurt with seasonal fruits and the comforting kurkuma latte — a drink often more aesthetic than flavorful elsewhere, but here, truly satisfying and crafted with precision.
The café’s espresso bar stands out with expertly brewed cappuccinos and other coffee specialties that awaken not just the senses but also a heartfelt appreciation for artisanal coffee culture. Pair your drink with a slice of their moist and subtly spiced carrot cake for a harmonious treat that makes each visit memorable.
Beyond the food and drinks, Smilla Café’s ambiance is an irresistible draw. The cozy, artful setting invites you to linger, whether you’re catching up with friends, indulging in a good book, or finding inspiration to work in a warm yet stimulating environment. Customers often praise the welcoming service — friendly, efficient, and genuine — which complements the space’s inviting atmosphere.
Brunch here feels like a weekend ritual for many locals, and for good reason. Its vibrant, sunlit interior and carefully arranged tables create just the right mood, one that beckons relaxation and connection. Though weekends can get busy, making a reservation ensures you won’t miss out on this local gem. The community spirit shines through, fueled by quality, comfort, and an unhurried pace that nourishes both body and soul.
If there were room for wishlists, the thoughtful suggestion to expand their menu with classics like eggs benedict or salmon eggs royale shows just how beloved Smilla Café already is, and how eager patrons are for more culinary explorations within this intimate artful retreat.
Whether you are a Basel resident or a traveler seeking an authentic local spot, Smilla Café promises more than just a meal — it offers a heartfelt experience that blends quality, creativity, and a cozy charm unlike any other.
Contact: +41 61 302 31 31
Address: Grimselstrasse 1, 4054 Basel, Switzerland
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Outdoor seating
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Organic dishes
- Prepared foods
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- Dogs allowed
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 19, 2026
One of my favorite places in Basel for a delightful breakfast or weekend brunch. The cozy ambiance, warm service, and commitment to quality make it a true gem. Their fluffy mini pancakes are definitely my favorite, however I would love for the restaurant to add eggs benedict and salmon eggs royale to their menu as well :)
- Mar 6, 2026
This is a very cute spot for a variety of things. It’s lovely to catch up with friends, read a book or get some work done (nice tables and layout). The food was also very good. I had the brunch platter which was a well balanced and perfectly sized portion of food. The yoghurt and fruit were particularly enjoyable. I also ate the kurkuma latte. Most of the time this drink is just for show and therefore poorly executed. However, at Smilla it was made perfectly with honey and the right concentration of turmeric. All in all, a lovely place
- Feb 27, 2026
We went there for a coffee with my partner and we loved the place. The ambiance is cozy and lovely. I took a cappuccino and a carrot cake, both were very nice They do breakfast formulas and healthy lunches, we will try. Thanks
- Feb 7, 2026
overall an amazing brunch spotthe food was delicious, the service was fast and very friendly. i would definitely recommend making a reservation beforehand, especially because it can get pretty busy on weekends:)
- Jan 13, 2026
Perfect for brunch! Helpful, friendly staff, great food and coffee and a cosy atmosphere. Highly recommend
- Jan 1, 2026
Travelling from Australia. I had the one of the breakfast I’ve ever had around the world- the vegetarian board. Danker & many many thanks.
- Dec 25, 2025
A solid restaurant. I would say, not my typical breakfast preference, but a very nice assortment of different options and wonderful flavors to explore. I will definitely continue to come back. Great coffee and great atmosphere.
- Dec 11, 2025
This place truly deserves a 5 star. Very nice interior seating with good selection of food to choose from. The food is great, coffee can be better. They have very friendly staffs and some speak English too. Truly enjoyed our time here!
