Zurich might not have the best food scene, and finding a good spot can be really tricky. So, I’ve done the legwork for you—eating my way through the city (and some pretty bad meals) and am sharing only the very best spots with you! Whether you’re grabbing a quick coffee, looking for a cozy brunch spot, or planning a fun night out, here’s a breakdown of where to eat in Zurich – from breakfast to all the way to drinks.
If you’re new here, hi! I’m Linds—an American who has been living in Switzerland for the past two years. Before we moved to Zurich, I lived in some incredible foodie cities like San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, Reno, Nevada, and even Singapore. I’ve always been passionate about good food, and that passion has only grown stronger as I’ve explored different foods and cultures around the world.
I started my online career as a Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach (you can learn more about me here!) and eventually transitioned into lifestyle blogging with a large focus on food, because: to know me is to know I love a good meal. I’m the type of person who will travel an hour out of the way just to grab a fabulous donut, and I firmly believe that life’s too short for bad food.
And when it comes to Zurich? I will tell you I have incredibly high standards. Eating out in Switzerland isn’t cheap, and if I’m spending around 50 CHF a person, you better believe I expect it to be worth it. Over the past couple of years, I’ve sifted through the overpriced, the overrated, and the just plain bad (yes there are seriously BAD restaurants here) to find the restaurants in Zurich that truly deliver. And now, I’m sharing them with you—so you can skip the disappointments and dive straight into Zurich’s best eats.
FYI: These restaurants are all throughout canton Zurich. I will be honest, the city center (like direct city center) lacks a lot of good food options, but as you venture away from Bahnhofstrasse, *cough cough* and into other areas you will find fabulous bites. So, yay!
Table of Contents
- Things to Know About Dining in Switzerland
- Map of Where to Eat in Zurich
- Top Places to Eat in Zurich for First-Time Visitors
Things to Know About Dining in Switzerland
- It is expensive: And it doesn’t really matter where you go, it’s all pricey. I don’t share price ranges in most of my guides as most meals cost around 30-50 CHF per person, and that’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Cash or card? No worries here, cards are widely accepted.
- Service style: Don’t expect super proactive service. If you need anything, including the bill, you’ll likely have to flag someone down. However, I only include spots where they are kind in terms of this kind of service. No snarky remarks (which happens a lot here), or rude interactions.
- Reservations are required: Zurich’s dining scene is busy so it’s important to always book ahead, especially from Thursday to Saturday!
- To Tip or Not to Tip: I’ve asked everyone I’ve met this question – locals, visitors, C-suite execs, baristas and everyone has a slightly different answer. The general consensus however is though, you don’t really need to tip, but round up to the nearest ten is the normal.
Map of Where to Eat in Zurich
How to Use This Map: Click on each icon to discover more about each location. To save this map for future reference, click the star next to the map’s title. This will add the map to your Google Maps account. Later, open Google Maps, go to the menu, and select “Your places” to find this map!
Top Places to Eat in Zurich for First-Time Visitors
Coffee in Zurich
To find a good coffee in Zurich takes some grit and determination, and luckily, I’ve drunken (drank)?) my fair share of watery coffees so you don’t have to.
- Moon: A vegan bakery in Zurich (I promise a bakery guide is coming soon!) that not only has amazing pastries, but they make a fabulous flavored cappuccino. You’ll only find plant-based milk options here, but trust me, you won’t know the difference!
- Ladenbistro Chez Nous: This is by far my favorite coffee in the city, and they don’t charge for oat milk (heck yes!). It’s a casual spot where you can work, grab a delicious coffee, and meet with a friend. Their spot is also super cute as they sell some curated used clothing, books, and locally made items. They also have a few small bites if you are hungry.
- ViCafe: This is a small coffee window with multiple locations throughout the city, perfect for grabbing a quick espresso or cappuccino before heading to work, shopping, or a museum. This is one of the more expensive coffees in the city, but it’s good so I count it as worth the price.
Breakfast in Zurich
Now, to be honest the breakfast and brunch scene in Zurich (or lack there of), makes me want to cry. Many places that do offer brunch will leave my fellow North Americans thinking, “is this it?“. Now, with that said, there are a few places I recommend that you won’t leave hungry, or sad, I promise!
- Babu’s: Located in the city center, this café is known for its trendy vibe and artisanal pastries and extensive breakfast menu. I really, really enjoy breakfast here! They also have another location on Löwenstrasse (check out the map!).
- Kafi Freud: Outside of the city center is a chill spot with great coffee, breakfast sandwiches and bagels (so good!).
- Lou’s: An American style diner in Zurich that also offer brunch, is Lou’s. It’s a casual spot for chicken and waffles, bagel sandwiches, pancakes, and a few other diner style options. Their coffee isn’t great, but opt for a Bloody Mary instead and you will be good to go.
- The Bagel Shop: A laid-back spot for bagels and bagel sandwiches. These don’t compare to a NY bagel by any means, but it’s the closest and best I’ve found in Switzerland (featured in the last photo).
Breakfast and brunch in Europe differs depending on your location, and most importantly culture! In Zurich, breakfast can look like a pretzel or pastry on the way to the office, a small “sandwich” with cold cuts and cheese. Or if you are eating at home, muesli, which is a cold oat dish.
Lunch in Zurich
In Zurich, especially in the city center, you’ll find most places offering lunch set menus. Which let me tell you, I DO NOT LIKE. A set menu anywhere else in the world is normally fabulous, but in Zurich it’s an excuse to make mediocre food priced at 25-35 CHF. You will find this at almost all Asian restaurants and some Italian places and to me it’s just the worst. These spots below offer a regular menu, with flavorful options for lunchtime.
- aMA Pasticceria Gelateria Italiana: This Italian pasticceria, gelateria and cafè not only has fabulous cakes, but a fabulous selection of paninis for a quick lunch bite. They are seriously good.
- Cheyenne: An American style spot serving up fabulous burgers, wings, and salads. I love this spot for a post grocery shopping and running errands Saturday lunch.
- Rosso: Craving pizza? This industrial-style eatery is known for its authentic Italian pizzas with perfectly charred crusts, and great pastas.
- tsuru tsuru noodle bar: A great option for a quick, delicious bowl of udon.
- Mönchoff am See: In the summer you can make your way out of the city and towards the lake (which to be honest you should be doing anyways) for a lakeside lunch before relaxing at Strandbad Wollishofen.
You might also like: 10 of The Best Restaurants in Zurich, Switzerland
Dinner in Zurich
Zurich’s dinner scene ranges from casual to upscale dining. Here are a few must-try spots:
- Bar Lupo: This cozy Italian restaurant offers incredible pasta dishes and a romantic, dimly lit atmosphere for date nights. The homemade ragu is nothing short of exceptional, and it pairs perfectly with their house red wine.
- Gamper Restaurant: Gamper is perfect for foodies looking to experience Zurich’s culinary creativity and enjoy a really unique meal. They are reservation only and serve a surprise menu Thursday to Saturday. It’s priced at 115 CHF, but if you head there on Wednesday you can get a smaller taste for 67 CHF.
- Zeughauskeller: The ONLY spot I recommend for Wienerschnitzel. It’s a super fun spot serving up authentic Swiss food, sausages, Wienerschnitzel of course, and giant beers.
- Silex: A modern European spot with a wine focus. Each dish is unique, and delicious, and it’s a restaurant in Zurich you simply cannot skip. It’s a spot you can dress up for, and it’s just a few steps away from Bahnhof Wiedikon.
Drinks in Zurich
Zurich’s bar scene is as diverse as its restaurants, with options ranging from craft beer to classic cocktails.
- Widder Bar: This elegant bar is known for its extensive whiskey collection and creative cocktails. It’s a high-end spot, with cocktails around 25-30 CHF each.
- Bar Sacchi: A chic spot offering expertly crafted cocktails with a unique twist. It’s super small on the inside, so I suggest grabbing a drink before dinner. During the summer though, they have tons of seating along the sidewalk that make for a casual and perfect evening out.
- Kasheme: A vibrant cocktail (and vinyl) bar that serves great cocktails, plenty of space to lounge, and a room just for dancing if you are in the mood!
- BIERlab: Perfect for beer enthusiasts, this microbrewery serves inventive craft beers made on-site.
For more in-depth guides to Zurich’s food and drink scene, check out:
- 10 Bars in Zurich to Get the Perfect Drink
- The Best Casual Dining Restaurants in Zurich
- Summer Bars in Zurich
Whether you’re visiting Zurich for the first time or are a regular in the city, this guide will help you plan your next meal! From breakfast to dinner, drinks, and coffee, I’ve got you covered on delicious memories. If you have a favorite spot, let me know in the comments!
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