Which restaurants sell for the highest prices in Switzerland?
Introduction
The Swiss restaurant market experiences significant valuation differences. A gastronomic restaurant can sell for several times the price of a neighbourhood pizzeria, even with similar turnover. The difference? The concept, profitability, location and development potential.
Certain types of establishments attract more buyers and achieve higher valuation multiples. Starred restaurants, premium fast-food concepts, establishments with exceptional terraces or hybrid models display selling prices above the sector average.
This analysis is based on trends observed in the Swiss business transfer market. It identifies the categories of restaurants that achieve the best valuations and the factors that justify these price differences. Whether you are a seller seeking to maximise the value of your establishment or a buyer evaluating opportunities, understanding these dynamics enables you to make informed decisions.
To go further in financial analysis, consult the 10 indicators that really matter for valuing a restaurant.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
Gastronomic restaurants, premium fast-food concepts, establishments with terraces or exceptional views and hybrid models achieve the highest valuations in Switzerland. These establishments combine solid profitability, clear differentiation and development potential.
Determining factors include gross margin, reputation, strategic location and reproducibility of the concept. Rigorous analysis of financial indicators remains essential to justify these premium valuations.
📚 Table of contents
Gastronomic and starred restaurants
Gastronomic establishments achieve the highest valuations on the market. The reason: high margins (often 15-20% EBITDA), a loyal clientele and a solid reputation.
Valuation multiples range between 3 and 5 times EBITDA, sometimes more for addresses recognised by guides (Michelin, Gault&Millau). The presence of a recognised chef significantly boosts value, but also creates a dependency that must be anticipated during the transfer.
To evaluate a gastronomic restaurant precisely, consult our guide on the 10 indicators for valuing a restaurant.
Premium fast-food concepts
Fast-casual concepts combine volume and decent margins: artisan burgers, healthy bowls, poke bars. These models attract buyers because they are reproducible and less dependent on a star chef.
Valuation generally sits between 2 and 4 times EBITDA. The potential for franchising or duplication increases attractiveness. Standardised processes and digital presence (online ordering, delivery) strengthen value.
Premium food trucks represent an accessible alternative. Discover what buying a food truck really costs to start in the restaurant business.
Establishments with terraces or exceptional views
A unique location justifies a significant valuation premium. City-centre terrace, view over Lake Geneva, location in an alpine resort: these rare assets command higher multiples.
Sought-after regions in Switzerland include the Lake Geneva basin, Zurich, Lucerne and alpine resorts. Seasonality must be integrated into the analysis: a restaurant with strong winter and summer activity is worth more than a single-season establishment.
Long-term secured leases on these premium locations considerably increase the establishment's value during a transfer.
Restaurants with hybrid or diversified models
Concepts that combine multiple revenue sources achieve higher valuations. Restaurant + catering, restaurant + shop, restaurant + private events: diversification reduces risk.
This resilience justifies higher multiples, often 0.5 to 1 times EBITDA more than a single-activity model. Multiple revenue streams smooth seasonality and increase overall profitability.
In Switzerland, models that work include brasseries with corporate catering, restaurants with wine cellars and establishments offering cooking classes.
Factors that boost valuation
Beyond the type of establishment, certain elements systematically increase value: long-term secured lease, recent equipment meeting standards, stable team with documented processes.
A strong digital presence (online reservations, delivery, managed customer reviews) is becoming essential. These elements reassure buyers and facilitate the transfer.
For a precise evaluation of your restaurant, use our free valuation tool or consult our guide on valuation methods in Switzerland.
Where to find restaurants to take over in Switzerland
Leez regularly publishes restaurants for sale with transparent financial information and verified valuation data. You access key figures to evaluate real potential.
Consult our selection of companies for sale to discover available opportunities. You can filter by canton and sector to find the restaurant that matches your project.
Need support for valuation? Our network of partner experts (fiduciaries, specialised lawyers) is available to advise you.
The valuation of a restaurant in Switzerland depends on a combination of factors: demonstrated profitability, positioning (gastronomy, premium fast-casual), strategic location, and diversified business model. Starred establishments, hybrid concepts with catering or e-commerce, and restaurants with terraces or exceptional views achieve the highest multiples. But beyond prestige, it is net margins, revenue stability and the transferability of the model that determine the final price.
Whether you are a seller or buyer, rigorous evaluation is essential. Key performance indicators enable you to objectify the real value of an establishment. If you are considering selling or taking over a restaurant, estimate its value for free on Leez or consult the restaurants currently available on our platform.
