The 33 Must-Try Restaurants in Zurich
Nestled among Zurich’s historic churches and stunning blue lake are numerous pubs and taverns that have stood the test of time. Many of these establishments offer Swiss classics like raclette, rösti (crispy potato pancakes), and Zürcher geschnetzeltes (veal in a creamy sauce), often elevated to gastropub standards. With a focus on the dairy industry, Swiss cuisine features delightful cheeses such as raclette, vacherin, and Gruyere, alongside premium butter and decadent dairy-rich chocolate.
Zurich is also a fantastic place to challenge your notions of European and Swiss cuisine as being unchanging. Over the last century, Swiss food has evolved to reflect the diverse cultures that have settled here. Like many European cities, Zurich has seen waves of migration that have enriched its culinary scene. Alongside a significant Italian community, the city is home to vibrant populations from Bosnia, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Thailand, all of whom have contributed their flavors to the local gastronomy.
Whether you're in Zurich to hike and ski in the nearby Alps or to explore the city’s renowned Gothic architecture, be sure to take some time to enjoy the delicious local cuisine.
N.A. Mansouris a historian of books, art, and religion who explores the intersections of food and culture.
Sarajevska Ćevabdžinica
Situated on a tranquil street just minutes from Zurich’s bustling center, Sarajevska Ćevabdžinica offers authentic Bosnian cuisine, featuring both comforting classics and popular street food. While a chalkboard menu hangs above the cashier, don’t miss the glass display cases below, showcasing platters of borek and clay pots filled with beans and kebabs in rich red sauces. Choose your favorites, and the staff will place them in the oven for you. The borek is wonderfully flaky on the outside and delightfully soft on the inside, typically filled with cheese, but also available with potato or spinach. If you opt for one of the clay pots, be sure to request a roll of fresh bread, perfect for scooping up the creamy beans; the dough is always ready to be baked on demand.
Freilagerstrasse 1, 8047 Zürich, Switzerland
Borek.N.A. MansourFalken
A gastropub at its finest combines the welcoming feel of a traditional pub with innovative cuisine. Falken excels in cozy ambiance, having operated as an inn for over 400 years before transitioning into a restaurant in 2020, thanks to Céline Tschanz and Florian Bobst. Despite launching during the pandemic, it has quickly gained both commercial success and critical acclaim. The menus feature Swiss favorites like cordon bleu, while the brunch selection, though brief, caters to various dietary needs, including a customizable egg dish with sourdough toast, roasted fennel, pears, and chanterelles. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, reservations may not be necessary.
Birmensdorferstrasse 150, 8003 Zürich, Switzerland
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Breakfast at Falken.N.A. MansourBebek
A sizable Turkish community enriches Zurich, blending their culinary traditions with local flavors. Bebek’s grand breakfast exemplifies this fusion: featuring Turkish white cheeses and jam, it also includes Swiss smoked trout, a hearty white fish. The bread basket boasts gipfeli alongside the traditional breads typically found in a Turkish breakfast. Expect a bustling atmosphere on weekends; visiting on a weekday is recommended.
Badenerstrasse 171, 8003 Zürich, Switzerland
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Kle
Kle, meaning 'plant' in German, marked Zizi Hattab’s debut in the restaurant scene and quickly became a success upon its early 2020 opening, despite the pandemic. Shortly after, she introduced her second venture, Dar. The menu emphasizes plant-based dishes along with a diverse selection of spirits. Consider indulging in one of the surprise multi-course menus, which feature three to five dishes, including the popular fried mushrooms if you're fortunate.
Zweierstrasse 114, 8003 Zürich, Switzerland
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Café Restaurant Schmiede
Zurich boasts a vibrant Lebanese community and many delightful Lebanese Mytouries. Schmiede, run by owners who left Lebanon three decades ago, offers a warm ambiance that some nearby restaurants lack. For a taste of various dishes, try the mezzeteller, or 'plate of meze.' The platter features a fixed selection, but the friendly staff allows you to customize it with your preferred items. The lubia bil-zeit, featuring long beans in a savory tomato-olive oil sauce, is a must-try. Don’t forget to include labneh, perfect for scooping up with bread alongside the lubia.
Zurlindenstrasse 49, 8003 Zürich, Switzerland
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Mezzeteller.
N.A. MansourHabesha
Habesha offers a delightful array of Ethiopian and Eritrean dishes, featuring an excellent lunch special and dependable vegetarian choices. Most meals are served on injera, presented in vibrant baskets, accompanied by a selection of other dishes. You can customize portions for individuals or groups, and request to omit the ayib (fresh cheese) from vegetarian options to make them vegan-friendly. For meat lovers, there’s kitfo (minced beef) and tsebhi dorho (spicy chicken).
Schreinerstrasse 64, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
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Kifto platter.
HabeshaChianalea
With a vibrant Italian community and a long history of culinary exchange with neighboring regions, Zurich boasts numerous Italian restaurants, especially those specializing in southern Italian cuisine. Offering a variety of antipasti, pasta, and pizza, this cozy Mytoury gets busy quickly during dinner, so it’s wise to make a reservation or arrive early. A pie from Chianalea remains deliciously chewy even after baking, making it an ideal option for a late-night snack right out of the box.
Brauerstrasse 87, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
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Pasta at Chianalea.
ChianaleaWelschland
Though Welschland is a small shop hidden behind a bustling street, you can easily lose track of time engaging with the staff and tapping into their extensive knowledge of cheeses and meats. Specializing in Gruyere and vacherin from Swiss dairies, the store has everything you need for a delightful meal, including fresh bread and an excellent assortment of local pickles and mustards. For those looking to create something special, the team can also prepare fondue mixes on request.
Zweierstrasse 56, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
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The offerings at Welschland.
WelschlandMiró Manufactura de Café
Miró features a postindustrial aesthetic with exposed ventilation and a striking marble counter. Offering brunch on weekends and freshly roasted coffee beans, it’s perfect for a quick grab-and-go or a leisurely sit-down. Be sure to check out the pastry selection, especially the laugengipfel, which are croissants with a dark, alkali-browned crust; they are delightfully flaky outside and chewy inside, making them an ideal partner for a well-crafted cup of coffee.
Brauerstrasse 58, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
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Laugengipfel.
N.A. MansourCoffee
Coffee shines in Zurich’s roastery scene, offering brunch on Saturdays and a delightful selection of pastries during the week. Be sure to try their seed-studded gipfeli, a Swiss-style croissant that is flaky on the outside with a chewier texture than its French counterpart. While gipfeli are common in Zurich coffee shops, Coffee’s version stands out for its crunchy exterior and soft, bready center. The cafe is cozy, with outdoor seating available, making it a great spot for takeout or enjoying your drink in nice weather.
Grüngasse 4, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
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Seed-covered gipfeli.
N.A. MansourPalestine Grill
Zurich boasts many Lebanese restaurants and kebab shops, but Palestinian options are rare. Located in the vibrant Langstrasse district, known for its nightlife, Palestine Grill offers a concise menu featuring falafel and shish taouk. The falafel wrap is enhanced with fresh mint sprigs and a few french fries, striking a balance between lightness and heartiness. Grilled to perfection, this wrap maintains its shape, making it easy to eat on the go, though seating is available nearby. Don’t forget to grab some baklava and a refreshing lemonade to complete your meal.
Langstrasse 92, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
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Falafel wrap.
N.A. MansourMame
Zurich has embraced the third wave of coffee, featuring a strong presence of roasteries, including Mame, established by award-winning baristas Emi Fukahori and Mathieu Theis. Every coffee drink is crafted with precision, and don’t miss the chance to enjoy a pain au chocolat made with either milk chocolate or a delightful chocolate-hazelnut spread, along with a selection of pastries overflowing in the display case. Mame’s two locations are bustling on weekend mornings, frequented by friends gathering for coffee and families stopping by for soft chocolate chip cookies on their way to the park.
Josefstrasse 160, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland
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Dar
Gather your friends to savor Dar’s extensive wine selection, featuring orange wine, cider, and rosé, complemented by North African-inspired dishes. This restaurant marks the second venture from Zizi Hattab, following Kle, which focuses on plant-based cuisine. The menu is designed for sharing, enhanced with couscous or bread. Don’t miss the dessert offerings, which include a sundae made with rosewater ice cream and a white chocolate flan with candied plums.
Gasometerstrasse 5, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland
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Rosso Arancio Suisse AG
Alongside Zurich’s many excellent Italian restaurants, you'll find a wealth of delightful gelaterias. Rosso Arancio serves gelato that is light and fluffy, boasting a variety of classic flavors like lemon, pistachio, vanilla, and strawberry. Their coffee is also noteworthy, particularly if you indulge in an affogato with their espresso.
Stauffacherstrasse 37, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
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Neela
Neela is a fantastic Sri Lankan restaurant located in the Langstrasse district, featuring a modern, slightly industrial ambiance. The menu highlights delicious idiyappam, rice, and roti paired with a variety of curries. Just let them know if you prefer vegetarian, meat, or seafood options, and be sure to conclude your meal with a cup of masala chai, which is spicy yet sweetened to your liking.
Kanonengasse 29, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
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Chäs+Brot
Chäs+Brot is primarily a cheese shop that specializes in Swiss delicacies, including fresh bread, cured meats, and pickles, providing all the essentials for creating dishes like raclette at home. Each day, the store offers various hot meals and salads in the deli case, such as a refreshing red cabbage salad and a tangy carrot slaw, perfect for enhancing a sandwich or accompanying charcuterie.
Mutschellenstrasse 197, 8038 Zürich, Switzerland
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Meze
Located just a few minutes from the main train station, Meze is a wonderful stop on your journey to or from Zurich. The extensive menu features a variety of Turkish dishes. Be sure to try the mantı, which are soft yet chewy dumplings with a flavorful meat filling, generously drizzled with Aleppo pepper oil and creamy garlic yogurt. You can also complement your meal with a meze platter or a soothing cup of tea.
Freischützgasse 1, 8004 Zürich, Switzerland
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Tales Bar
Tales captivates with imaginative cocktail names like The Finer Points of Bad Behavior, crafting narratives through their unique drinks while frequently refreshing the menu. The drink presentations are often breathtaking, with many patrons eager to capture their drinks on camera. You can also opt for beverages from a to-go menu to enjoy as you stroll around the city.
Selnaustrasse 29, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Babu's
If you manage to find a spot for breakfast or lunch at this lively Altstadt Mytoury, don’t miss the rösti, available plain or topped with an egg. For a quick bite, pick up some flaky but substantial butterzopf (brioche-like bread) that pairs perfectly with butter and jam. Their other baked goods, including a delightfully tangy lemon cake, are equally impressive.
Löwenstrasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Lemon cake.
N.A. MansourHiltl
Established in 1898, Hiltl is part of Europe's rich tradition of spas and sanatoriums that championed vegetarianism for health benefits. With several locations across Switzerland, the restaurant uses a pay-by-weight model. Guests can serve themselves from a diverse spread of global vegetarian dishes, ranging from samosas to salads, and then have their selections weighed before enjoying their meal. The Zurich branch is conveniently located in the historic Altstadt district, making it an ideal stop after a day of sightseeing.
Sihlstrasse 28, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Vanini
In a city filled with chocolate shops and gelato spots, Vanini stands out with its impressive variety of Swiss nuts. Their cones are generously filled with scoops of ice cream, enveloped in chocolate and crushed nuts, and topped with a stroopwafel, cookie, or a mini cone resembling a party hat. Be sure to try the delightful mix of milk chocolate, strawberry, and yogurt.
Kuttelgasse 17, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Milk, bacio, and hazelnut cone.
N.A. MansourConfiserie Sprüngli
When it comes to chocolatiers in Zurich, Sprüngli is the go-to choice. With locations on nearly every corner, this renowned brand is known for its exceptional chocolate. If you're looking for a delightful change, try their macaroons—slightly larger than a fingernail and bursting with flavor.
Paradeplatz, Bahnhofstrasse 21, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Zunfthaus zur Waag
Zunfthaus zur Waag features a menu inspired by global cuisines, but it truly shines with its local offerings. Under chef Erik Schröter’s direction, this venue highlights Swiss dishes, especially the Zurich specialty kalbsgeschnetzeltes—thinly sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, served with rösti and optional calf’s kidneys. Their creative dessert options include plum tart with cinnamon ice cream and apricot dumplings drizzled with vanilla sauce.
Münsterhof 8, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Dieter Meier Oro de Cacao
At Dieter Meier Oro de Cacao, Zurich’s vibrant chocolate bonbon scene shines with creative flavors inspired by classic pairings. Indulge in unique offerings like a white chocolate bonbon filled with cream cheese and oats, or a milk chocolate treat infused with sage and brown butter. The shop also features chocolate bars, hot chocolate, and seasonal ice cream.
Münsterhof 4, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Kindli
Kindli, with its rich history as a guesthouse, exemplifies the Swiss hospitality tradition beyond the large hotel chains. Situated close to Lindenhof, the hotel restaurant embraces global fine dining trends while also serving local specialties like Zürcher geschnetzeltes, a creamy dish of thinly sliced veal and mushrooms, along with a favorite truffle risotto.
Pfalzgasse 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Inside the Kindli dining room.KindliLai Siam
While Lai Siam is a bit off the beaten path for those in central Zurich, Swiss public transport makes the journey to this Thai restaurant effortless. It offers a more tranquil dining experience compared to the hustle of Altstadt or the lakeside, yet the flavors are just as vibrant. The kitchen excels at dishes like noodles, fried rice, and papaya salad. Don’t miss the plaa nung manau, a whole fish steamed with garlic and lime that flakes apart delicately at the slightest touch.
Schaffhauserstrasse 137, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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Max Chocolatier
Located in the heart of the old town, Max is a charming, meticulously organized chocolatier, where everything is clearly labeled. Founded by Patrik König in honor of his son, Max, and designed by his sister, this family-run shop features a rotating selection of chocolates, including perennial favorites like the raspberry branchliss, an elongated fruity truffle cherished by Max. Their signature hot chocolate, with its warm reddish hue and rich oil droplets, is wonderfully bitter and creamy. Arrive early, as the store often sells out by afternoon.
Schlüsselgasse 12, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Swiss Chuchi Restaurant
In Switzerland, there are numerous delightful ways to enjoy melted cheese, many of which are featured at Swiss Chuchi Restaurant. This Mytoury offers a variety of fondues across different price ranges, with the traditional Vaudois fondue and the moitié-moitié—half Gruyere and half vacherin—being standout choices. You can also request any fondue alcohol-free. Another essential cheese dish to try is the capun, a dumpling from Grisons, wrapped in chard and served in a rich creamy sauce.
Rosengasse 10, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Fondue served at Swiss Chuchi Restaurant.
Swiss Chuchi RestaurantSchwarzenbach
The Schwarzenbach shop features three distinct sections, each dedicated to different types of dry goods, chocolate, and coffee, which is roasted in view of the street. One part of the store, equipped with two small benches by the window, serves hot chocolate; their version is creamier than some competitors', topped with a thick layer of froth. The outdoor seating provides a perfect spot for people-watching before heading back inside to grab a chocolate bar or some tea.
Münstergasse 19, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Raclette Factory
At Raclette Factory, you can enjoy both the classic and adventurous sides of this beloved Swiss dish. Choose from traditional raclette, garlic-infused variations, or blue cheese. The cheese is usually melted and scraped over potatoes, but you can also opt for bread or mashed potatoes, served with pickled onions and cornichons. Additionally, the restaurant offers a tasty flammkuchen, a type of tarte flambee, perfect for lunch.
Rindermarkt 1, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Café & Conditorei 1842
Café & Conditorei 1842 is a perfect blend of atmosphere and cuisine. The restaurant exudes a 19th-century European drawing room charm, featuring ornate plasterwork and pastel-painted walls. The pastry display is just as enchanting, showcasing delights like vermicelles—luxurious chestnut puree shaped into long strands and layered over meringue.
Napfgasse 4, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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John Baker
At John Baker, you’ll find a delightful selection for both a quick snack or a hearty loaf to take home, with fresh items baked throughout the day. Choose from smaller roll versions of larger loaves, like the olivenbrötli filled with plump olives, and the wheaty ruchbrötli that pair perfectly with cheese or mustard. Don't miss the pretzels with butter or the popular gipfeli, Switzerland's chewier take on the croissant.
Stadelhoferstrasse 28, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
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Ristorante Gandria
Gandria offers a trendy setting for those seeking a culinary Italian adventure. For dinner, you can choose between a five-course tasting menu or an extensive selection of thoughtfully crafted à la carte dishes, featuring creative twists on Italian classics, such as a starter of ice cream flavored with Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Rudolfstrasse 6, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
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