Restaurants in Zürich
-
A
Blindekuh
Eat and drink in total darkness. Run by people with impaired vision as a means of sharing their experience, this restaurant is booked out months in advance for dinner, but lunch (plus some last-minute evening) reservations are possible.
reviewed
-
B
Zeughauskeller
The menu (in eight languages) at this huge, atmospheric beer hall offers 20 different kinds of sausages, as well as numerous other Swiss specialities, including some of a vegetarian variety.
reviewed
-
C
Hiltl
Hiltl has been a fixture of the Zürich health-nut scene since the turn of the century. It endured some lean times as it tried to establish itself in a hostile, meat-munching culture, but these days its combination of stylish vegetarian dishes and warm, family-run ambience pull in the crowds.
reviewed
-
D
Adler's Swiss Chuchi
Adler's Swiss Chuchi may be touristy, but it remains one of the best places in the city to enjoy decent, simple versions of national specialities. Watch out for their fondue and the raclette (melted cheese bolstered with rib-lining additions like ham and potatoes). A great cockle-warming experience.
reviewed
-
E
Le Dezaley
Tucked away in an alley below the Grossmünster, this is a little part of French Switzerland in Zürich and regarded as one of the places to try fondue.
reviewed
-
F
Café Du Pont
There's no question this is a kitschy spot that takes the movie scene a little overboard - all the entrées are named for classic films and TV screens periodically play previews. Still the cavernous place (think industrial) has a feisty vibe. The mostly American menu serves lots of Tex-Mex, pasta, burger and seafood dishes with better than average results. A favourite with the expat community, it's also a good (and noisy) spot to bring the family.
reviewed
-
G
Sankt Meinrad
Soft, creamy decor in this one-time corner bistro allows you to concentrate on the creative cooking emerging from the partly open kitchen run by Tobias Meinrad Buholzer. Just thinking about the Toggenburger Rindsfilet in Kakaobohnen rosa gebraten mit Pastinaken-Karotten-Gemüse und Petersilien-spätzli (medium-rare Swiss filet steak in cocoa-bean sauce with parsnips, carrots and parsley Spätzli ) gets the mouth watering.
reviewed
-
H
Seidenspinner
A favourite with the media and fashion crowd, the Silk Spinner boasts an extravagant interior, with huge flower arrangements and shards of mirrored glass covering the walls. Broadly European cooking dominates, with such dishes as Hirsch-Entrecote Calvados mit Eierspätzli und typischen Herbstbeilagen (Deer steak in Calvados with Spätzli and autumn vegetables). Lunch menus start at Sfr22.
reviewed
-
I
Alpenrose
[ourpick] Alpenrose With its timber-clad walls, ‘No Polka Dancing’ warning and fine cuisine from regions all over the country, the Alpenrose makes for an inspired meal out. You could try risotto from Ticino, or Pizokel (aka Bizochel, a kind of long and especially savoury Spätzli ) from Graubünden or freshly fished local perch filets.
reviewed
-
J
Restaurant Reithalle
Fancy eating in the stables? The walls are still lined with the cavalry horses’ feeding and drinking troughs. Straw has been replaced by a menu of Swiss and international dishes, including vegetarian options. Part of a former barracks complex, it’s a boisterous, convivial location but keep in mind that tables are cleared at 11.30pm to turn the place into a dance club.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Zunfthaus zum Rüden
In the 14th century, Zürich's craftsmen formed themselves into 13 guilds, and this building belonged to the noble Constaffel society, whose ranks included the mayor for a time. In the stunning Gothic dining room, you can sample Swiss staples and seasonally changing international cuisine.
reviewed
-
L
Sternen Grill
This is the city’s most famous – and busiest – sausage stand; just follow the crowds streaming in for a tasty grease fest. The classic Kalbsbratwurst mit Gold Bürli (veal sausage with bread roll) costs Sfr6.50. They have a few vegetarian options too.
reviewed
-
M
LaSalle
Treat yourself to fantastic modern Italian cuisine inside this trendy former warehouse (the so-called Schiffbauhaus). A spectacular glass cube inside the outer walls is bedecked with chandeliers and houses the dining area, while Zürich's beautiful people pose at the nearby long bar.
reviewed
-
N
Giesserei
This former factory in Oerlikon is a winner with its scuffed postindustrial atmosphere and pared-down menu (three starters, three mains and three desserts). The abundant brunch (Sfr49) is renowned across town. Take tram 11 to Regensbergbrücke from the Hauptbahnhof.
reviewed
-
O
Lade
Set on a leafy back lane of Kreis 4, this is the kind of spot you might find in London’s Stoke Newington or Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg. A modest former general store with a mellow ambience, they serve a short menu of dishes, ranging from salads to pasta.
reviewed
-
P
Kronenhalle
A haunt of city movers and shakers in suits with an old-world feel, the Crown Hall is a brasserie-style establishment, with white tablecloths and lots of dark wood. Impeccably mannered waiters move discreetly below Chagall, Miró, Matisse and Picasso originals.
reviewed
-
Q
Il Posito Solito
A meeting spot for the city's young trendsetters, this hectic, familiar Italian eatery reputedly serves Zürich's best pizzas. While not entirely convinced on that front, we'll always be tempted back by the pumpkin gnocchi and other homemade pasta.
reviewed
-
R
Café Sprüngli
Sit down for cakes, chocolate and coffee at this epicentre of sweet Switzerland, in business since 1836. You can have a light lunch too, but whatever you do, don’t fail to check out the heavenly chocolate shop around the corner on Paradeplatz.
reviewed
-
S
les halles
This joyous scrum of timber tables in Kreis 5 is the best place in town to sit down to Moules mit Frites (mussels and fries). It is one of several chirpy bar-restaurants in formerly derelict factory buildings in the area.
reviewed
-
T
Fribourger Fondue-Stübli
One of three branches of this minichain located around town, is a cosy, warm spot for indulging in your fondue fantasy. Bright gingham adorns the timber tables and matches the steaming red pots of delicious hot melted cheese.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Caduff's Wine Loft
A light-infused but deliberately understated interior draws your attention to the wine behind the long bar here. There are 2500 varieties on offer, which the waiters will helpfully match to your Mediterranean/Swiss meal.
reviewed
-
V
Schoffel
On weekend mornings, locals flock to this café for a leisurely coffee and newspaper read within the cheery yellow modern-art-filled walls. Soups, salads and big bowls of yogurt and fruit are on the menu.
reviewed
-
W
Spaghetti Factory
With a fun, buzzing atmosphere, this restaurant serves delicious bowls of its namesake dish (22 choices). The spaghetti with pesto sauce is delicious. The place often has long lines. Portions are just right.
reviewed
-
X
Josef
A Züri-West stalwart, Josef frequently changes it décor and Swiss-Italian menu, but always has a good wine list and remains constantly popular with the 'in' set, even if just for a drink.
reviewed
-
Y
Café Zähringer
This very-old-school alternative café serves up mostly organic, vegetarian food around communal tables. They have huge vegetarian and carnivores’ breakfasts (Sfr20.50 and Sfr22.50)
reviewed