The story
In the heart of Ilanz, the first town on the Rhine, Casa Casutt has been reborn. What was once the Hotel Casutt – and before that, known locally as Hotel Bahnhof – no longer hosts overnight guests. Instead, it has become a pure restaurant space, freshly renovated by the Casutt family brothers Benno and Christoph. The name changed from Hotel to Casa, and the kitchen is now in the hands of Linus and Therese Arpagaus, who are bringing a new culinary star to light.
The restaurant is divided into two distinct areas. The Ustria Casutt is the place for relaxed, convivial dining – ideal for a leisurely lunch or dinner alone or with company. For larger celebrations and family gatherings, the Sala Casutt offers a more formal, private setting. Both share the same commitment to straightforward, high-quality country cooking that has earned the restaurant a Michelin Bib Gourmand – a recognition of good quality, good value cooking that speaks to the kitchen’s consistency and respect for ingredients.
Linus and Therese describe themselves as passionate restaurateurs, and their menu reflects a deep connection to the Surselva region. The cuisine is rooted in classic, country-style dishes, prepared with care and without unnecessary flourishes. The restaurant recommends its weekly lunch specials, the “Grosse” (large) menu in the Ustria, and the gourmet carte in the Sala. Diners can also pair their meal with a glass of wine, a choice the team actively encourages.
The restaurant’s terrace, visible in the gallery of photos on their site, offers a pleasant outdoor seating area. The building’s long history is tangible: it stands just a three-minute walk from the Ilanz train station, making it an easy stop for those travelling through the region. Casa Casutt even promotes a combined experience with the Rhaetian Railway – a scenic journey through the Rhine Gorge, the “Swiss Grand Canyon,” followed by a meal at the restaurant. It is a practical and appealing invitation to enjoy both the landscape and the table.
Linus and Therese Arpagaus, together with their team, run Casa Casutt with a clear focus: good food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a sense of tradition renewed. The Michelin Bib Gourmand is a fitting acknowledgment of their work – proof that honest, well-executed country cooking, served in a place with character, is worth seeking out. Whether you come for the Ustria’s daily menu or the Sala’s finer offerings, the experience is grounded in the same straightforward warmth.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
History
good quality, good value cooking
There are several good reasons to visit the historic house «Casa Casutt» right in the heart of Ilanz. The rooms designed by the renowned Graubünden architect Rudolf Olgiati. The charming little garden. The friendly service from hostess Therese Arpagaus and her long-serving staff. And the solid craftsmanship of Linus Arpagaus. In contrast to current trends, the experienced chef continues to offer a wide selection of Graubünden specialties, fully composed menus, and classics at lunch and dinner, both in the rustic «Ustria» and the elegant «Sala». We began in the «Sala» with tortellini and wild garlic as a delicate amuse-bouche, followed by an aromatic veal shank carpaccio served on a refreshing spring onion julienne with Belper Knolle. A skillfully seasoned smoked trout tartare on crispy rösti transitioned to the daily fish course: a briefly pan-seared sea bass with eggplant caviar. The meat selection is extensive. Instead of beef fillet, pigeon breast, calves’ sweetbreads, or lamb rack, we chose partridge breast. It was served gently pan-fried alongside a rich jus, seasonal vegetables, and robustly browned pizokel. The desserts were also classic and well-executed: a combination of white and dark chocolate mousse, along with a crema catalana. An impressive wine list with fairly priced selections.
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