Best Places to Eat in Zurich: A Local Guide

Are you looking for the best places to eat in Zurich? Look no further! As a local to Zurich, I’ve compiled the ultimate guide to the city’s best restaurants, cafes, and bars. From traditional Swiss cuisine to international delicacies, there’s something for everyone here in Zurich. Read on to discover the best places to eat in Zurich.

Swiss Cuisine

When visiting Zurich, no trip is complete without sampling traditional Swiss cuisine. From classic Swiss dishes such as cheese fondue and rösti, to regional specialties like Zurich-style veal, there’s a wealth of culinary delights to be discovered. Here are some of the best places in Zurich to enjoy Swiss cuisine:

• Kronenhalle: This chic restaurant is located in a historic building near the Limmat River. With its classic décor and attentive service, Kronenhalle is the perfect spot for a dinner of traditional Swiss dishes. Don’t miss the truffle ravioli or the cheese fondue!
• Restaurant Markthalle: This popular restaurant is located in the city’s bustling Markthalle (market hall). Here, you can enjoy Swiss delicacies such as Rosti and Birchermüsli in a cozy atmosphere. The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable.
• Kronenhalle: This chic restaurant is located in a historic building near the Limmat River. With its classic décor and attentive service, Kronenhalle is the perfect spot for a dinner of traditional Swiss dishes. Don’t miss the truffle ravioli or the cheese fondue!

International Cuisine

As well as traditional Swiss cuisine, Zurich is home to a diverse range of international restaurants. From Italian trattorias to Mexican taquerias, there’s something for everyone here. Here are some of the best places to enjoy international cuisine in Zurich:

• La Scala: This popular Italian restaurant serves up traditional dishes such as spaghetti carbonara and lasagne, as well as wood-fired pizzas. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed.
• El Gordo: This Mexican restaurant is located in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town. Here, you can enjoy tacos, burritos, and fajitas, as well as a range of Mexican beers and cocktails. There’s often live music in the evenings.
• Shanghai Chinese Restaurant: This popular restaurant serves up authentic Chinese dishes such as Peking duck and dim sum. The atmosphere is lively and the prices are reasonable.

Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants

Zurich has a wealth of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, offering everything from vegan burgers to raw food. Here are some of the best places to enjoy vegetarian and vegan cuisine in Zurich:

• Hiltl: This iconic vegetarian restaurant has been serving up vegetarian dishes since 1898. The menu includes a range of vegan and gluten-free options, as well as a variety of vegan burgers. Hiltl also offers a buffet for lunch and dinner.
• Das Glück: This cozy café serves up delicious vegan dishes, such as vegan lasagne and vegan curry. The atmosphere is relaxed and the prices are reasonable.
• Rawcafé: This vegan café is located in the city’s hip Kreis 5 district. Here, you can enjoy a range of raw food dishes, as well as healthy smoothies and juices.

Cafés & Bakeries

Zurich is home to a wealth of cafés and bakeries, offering everything from traditional Swiss pastries to artisanal breads and cakes. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a coffee or a snack in Zurich:

• Sprüngli: This iconic café and bakery is located in Zurich’s Old Town. Sprüngli is known for its delicious Swiss pastries, such as the classic Luxemburgerli, as well as its chocolates and cakes. It’s the perfect spot for a coffee and a snack!
• Kafi Dihei: This cozy café is located in the city’s trendy Niederdorf district. Here, you can enjoy a range of coffees and teas, as well as a selection of cakes and pastries. There’s often live music in the evenings.
• TörtchenTörtchen: This popular bakery is located in the city’s bustling Bahnhofstrasse. Here, you can enjoy a range of artisanal breads and pastries, as well as delicious cakes and tarts.

Bars & Pubs

Zurich is home to a vibrant bar and pub scene, with everything from traditional beer halls to trendy cocktail bars. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a drink in Zurich:

• Molkenkur: This traditional beer hall is located in the city’s Old Town. With its cozy atmosphere and friendly staff, Molkenkur is the perfect spot for a beer or two. Don’t miss the traditional Swiss sausages!
• Vortex Bar: This popular bar is located in the city’s trendy Kreis 5 district. Here, you can enjoy an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails, as well as live music in the evenings.
• Kaufleuten: This iconic bar is located in the heart of Zurich’s Old Town. Here, you can enjoy a range of wines, cocktails, and beers, as well as a selection of light snacks. There’s often live music in the evenings.

Romantic Restaurants

Are you looking for a romantic spot to enjoy a special dinner? Zurich is home to a range of romantic restaurants, offering everything from traditional Swiss cuisine to international delicacies. Here are some of the best places to enjoy a romantic dinner in Zurich:

• Ristorante Ticino: This popular Italian restaurant is located in the city’s trendy Niederdorf district. Here, you can enjoy a range of traditional Italian dishes, such as spaghetti carbonara and lasagne. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic.
• Löwenbräu: This iconic beer hall is located in the city’s Old Town. With its traditional décor and cozy atmosphere, Löwenbräu is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner. Don’t miss the traditional Swiss sausages!
• Oepfelchammer: This charming restaurant is located in the city’s trendy Kreis 5 district. Here, you can enjoy a range of traditional Swiss dishes, as well as a selection of international wines. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic.

Budget-Friendly Restaurants

Are you looking for budget-friendly restaurants in Zurich? Don’t worry, there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank. From inexpensive cafés to cheap takeaways, here are some of the best budget-friendly restaurants in Zurich:

• Star of India: This popular Indian restaurant is located in the city’s trendy Niederdorf district. Here, you can enjoy a range of traditional Indian dishes, such as curry and tandoori chicken. The prices are reasonable and the portions are generous.
• Tibits: This popular vegetarian restaurant is located in the city’s Bahnhofstrasse. Here, you can enjoy a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as a delicious buffet. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is relaxed.
• Frisch & Fein: This popular café is located in the city’s Kreis 5 district. Here, you can enjoy a range of affordable sandwiches, salads, and soups. There’s often live music in the evenings.

Late-Night Eats

Are you looking for late-night eats in Zurich? Don’t worry, there are plenty of places to enjoy a meal after the sun goes down. From fast-food joints to trendy bars, here are some of the best late-night eats in Zurich:

• McDonalds: This fast-food chain is located in the city’s Bahnhofstrasse. Here, you can enjoy a range of burgers, fries, and shakes. The prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly.
• Yes Please: This popular bar is located in the city’s trendy Niederdorf district. Here, you can enjoy a range of beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as a selection of light snacks. The atmosphere is lively and the prices are reasonable.
• Babylon: This popular restaurant is located in the city’s Kreis 5 district. Here, you can enjoy a range of international dishes, including pizzas, burgers, and tacos. The atmosphere is lively and the prices are reasonable.

Fine Dining

Are you looking for a special spot to enjoy a luxurious dinner? Zurich is home to a range of fine dining restaurants, offering everything from traditional Swiss cuisine to international delicacies. Here are some of the best fine dining restaurants in Zurich:

• The Restaurant: This iconic restaurant is located in the city’s trendy Niederdorf district. Here, you can enjoy a range of traditional Swiss dishes, as well as a selection of international wines. The atmosphere is elegant and the service is attentive.
• Rheinfelderhof: This popular restaurant is located in the city’s Old Town. Here, you can enjoy a range of traditional Swiss dishes, as well as a selection of international wines. The atmosphere is elegant and the prices are reasonable.
• Le Dézaley: This stylish restaurant is located in the city’s trendy Kreis 5 district. Here, you can enjoy a range of classic Swiss dishes, as well as a selection of international wines. The atmosphere is elegant and the service is attentive.

Summary

Whether you’re looking for traditional Swiss cuisine, international delicacies, vegetarian and vegan options, or fine dining, Zurich has something for everyone. With its diverse range of restaurants, cafés, bars, and pubs, there’s no shortage of places to eat in this vibrant city. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the best places to eat in Zurich!