13 Sinne, Restaurant Review

A Michelin starred restaurant located in a single family home  in a small village called Schlattingen? Intrigued by this unusual concept we ventured to the canton of Thurgau. From the outside 13 senses doesn’t look like much and there are no signs directing the way. It is obvious that this is a place that wants to be discovered. After turning a few rounds around Schlattingen we finally spot the entrance.

From the moment we arrive we are treated cordially and without a hint of some of the stiffness you’d sometimes find in restaurants with comparable stars and pricing. We instantly relax and feel as if we have been invited to an (admittedly lavish) dinner at a friend’s place in the countryside.

Ambiance: The intimate restaurant hosts approximately 6-7 tables split into two dining rooms kept in grey and white. The interior is minimalistic bordering sober with bright ceiling lights. A self-confessed fan of subtle, candle lit dining rooms la bonne vivante isn’t excited at first however during the course of the evening gets used to it. The warm and friendly service makes up for the glaring light but if we’ve had one wish it would be for the restaurant to reconsider their lighting.

The menu: 13 senses is decisively different in terms of venue & service. It comes at no surprise that they don’t have a menu in the traditional sense. Instead a “Sinnesturm” (tower of senses) is placed in the middle of our table. In it, we are told, we will find hints of what our 7 course surprise menu will consist of. Discovering the tower is a lot of fun and prepares our taste buds for the culinary adventures that await us.

The cuisine is made of high qualit y ingredients and some of the plates are visually striking as well. Our favorites included langoustes with peas, mushrooms and wasabi and a beetroot couscous. The corn breaded chicken with corn and a corn ravioli was…well just slightly too corny for our taste. The desert made of grapefruit sorbet was refreshing yet simple and left space for la bonne vivante’s favourite, a delicious filled chocolate cocoa …yummi! The wine menu offers variety at very reasonable pricing.

Conclusion: The restaurant offers excellent gourmet cuisine deservant of a Michelin star and at a fair price. Not all of the dishes blew our minds away but the overall experience is great an the service helmed by the lovely couple Kirstin und Cornelius Speinle is warm and attentive.

Tip: 13 Sinne also hosts an idyllic terrace for those warm balmy summer days coming up soon.