Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and, of course, its culinary delights.
I recently embarked on a gastronomic adventure in Zurich. Over the course of my visit, I explored six remarkable dining spots, each offering a unique taste of Swiss and international cuisine.
In this blog, I’ll share my experiences, including detailed descriptions of the locations, the mouthwatering dishes I sampled, and my overall impressions.
1. Restaurant Kronenhalle: Dining in Elegance
Location: Rämistrasse 4, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Price Range: CHF 50-CHF 150 per meal
Nearby Attractions: Kunsthaus Zurich, Lake Zurich, Grossmünster
My culinary adventure began at Restaurant Kronenhalle, an iconic establishment that has been a cornerstone of Zurich’s dining scene since 1924. Located near the Kunsthaus Zurich, this restaurant is famous for its elegant ambiance and extensive art collection, featuring works by Picasso, Chagall, and Miró.
Dining Experience:
From the moment I entered, I was captivated by the restaurant’s old-world charm and sophisticated atmosphere. The walls adorned with priceless artworks created a unique dining experience. I started with their signature Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, a traditional Zurich dish of sliced veal in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce, served with Rösti (Swiss-style grated and fried potatoes). The veal was tender, and the rich, velvety sauce paired perfectly with the crispy Rösti.
Next, I tried the Lobster Bisque, a luxurious, creamy soup with a deep, rich flavor of lobster. It was exquisitely seasoned and accompanied by a slice of toasted baguette with a dollop of crème fraîche.
For dessert, I indulged in the Chocolate Mousse, a light yet intensely chocolaty treat that melted in my mouth. The combination of the decadent mousse and a glass of sweet dessert wine made for a perfect ending to the meal.
Impressions and Recommendations:
Restaurant Kronenhalle offers an unparalleled dining experience that combines exceptional cuisine with an artistic ambiance. While it is on the pricier side, the quality of the food and the unique setting make it worth every franc. My recommendation index for Restaurant Kronenhalle is a solid 9 out of 10.
2. Zeughauskeller: A Taste of Swiss Tradition
Location: Bahnhofstrasse 28a, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Price Range: CHF 20-CHF 60 per meal
Nearby Attractions: Bahnhofstrasse, Paradeplatz, Lindenhof
Next, I visited Zeughauskeller, a historic restaurant located on Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s premier shopping street. Housed in a former armory dating back to 1487, Zeughauskeller offers a warm and rustic atmosphere, making it the perfect place to experience traditional Swiss cuisine.
Dining Experience:
The restaurant’s interior, with its wooden beams and medieval decor, transported me back in time. I began with a hearty serving of Swiss sausage platter, featuring a variety of sausages such as Bratwurst, Cervelat, and Blutwurst, accompanied by sauerkraut and boiled potatoes. The sausages were flavorful and perfectly cooked, with each type offering a unique taste.
For the main course, I chose the traditional Zürcher Eintopf, a Zurich-style stew made with beef, vegetables, and potatoes. The stew was comforting and delicious, with the beef being particularly tender and the vegetables cooked to perfection.
To conclude my meal, I enjoyed a slice of Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), served warm with a side of vanilla ice cream. The flaky pastry, sweet apple filling, and creamy ice cream created a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Impressions and Recommendations:
Zeughauskeller provides an authentic taste of Swiss tradition in a historic setting. The generous portions and reasonable prices make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists. My recommendation index for Zeughauskeller is an 8.5 out of 10.
3. Haus Hiltl: The World’s Oldest Vegetarian Restaurant
Location: Sihlstrasse 28, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Price Range: CHF 20-CHF 50 per meal
Nearby Attractions: Bahnhofstrasse, Swiss National Museum, Zurich HB (main train station)
Haus Hiltl holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest continuously open vegetarian restaurant in the world, having served plant-based cuisine since 1898. Located near Zurich’s bustling Bahnhofstrasse, Haus Hiltl offers a diverse menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Dining Experience:
The modern and vibrant interior of Haus Hiltl was a refreshing change of pace. I opted for their renowned buffet, which featured an extensive array of dishes from various cuisines. My plate included a colorful mix of fresh salads, marinated vegetables, and hearty mains such as Indian dal, Italian lasagna, and Thai curry.
The standout dish for me was the Hiltl Tartar, a vegetarian take on the classic steak tartare, made with finely chopped mushrooms, capers, and onions, served with a side of toast. The flavors were rich and savory, perfectly mimicking the taste of traditional tartare.
For dessert, I indulged in the Mango Mousse, a light and fruity dessert that was both refreshing and satisfying. The balance of sweetness and tanginess made it a delightful end to the meal.
Impressions and Recommendations:
Haus Hiltl offers a diverse and delicious range of vegetarian and vegan dishes in a lively atmosphere. Whether you are a vegetarian or simply looking to try something new, Haus Hiltl is a must-visit. My recommendation index for Haus Hiltl is a 9 out of 10.
4. La Salle: Fine Dining in the Heart of Zurich-West
Location: Schiffbaustrasse 4, 8005 Zurich, Switzerland
Price Range: CHF 50-CHF 120 per meal
Nearby Attractions: Kunsthalle Zurich, Prime Tower, Technopark Zurich
Situated in the trendy Zurich-West district, La Salle is known for its contemporary European cuisine and stylish setting. The restaurant is located in a former shipbuilding hall, adding an industrial-chic vibe to the dining experience.
Dining Experience:
La Salle’s sleek and modern decor immediately impressed me. I started my meal with an appetizer of Foie Gras Terrine, served with a fig compote and toasted brioche. The rich, buttery foie gras paired beautifully with the sweet and tangy compote, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
For the main course, I chose the Fillet of Zurich Veal, accompanied by truffle mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The veal was tender and perfectly cooked, while the truffle mashed potatoes added a luxurious touch to the dish.
For dessert, I enjoyed the Chocolate Fondant, a decadent chocolate cake with a molten center, served with vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm, gooey chocolate and cold, creamy ice cream was simply divine.
Impressions and Recommendations:
La Salle offers a sophisticated dining experience with impeccable service and high-quality cuisine. The restaurant’s stylish setting and innovative menu make it a standout choice in Zurich-West. My recommendation index for La Salle is an 8.5 out of 10.
5. Restaurant Spitz: Modern Swiss Cuisine with a View
Location: Walchebrücke 6, 8001 Zurich, Switzerland
Price Range: CHF 30-CHF 80 per meal
Nearby Attractions: Swiss National Museum, Limmat River, ETH Zurich
Located within the Swiss National Museum, Restaurant Spitz offers modern Swiss cuisine with stunning views of the Limmat River. The restaurant’s elegant decor and prime location make it a popular choice for both museum visitors and locals.
Dining Experience:
I began my meal with a starter of Smoked Trout, served with horseradish cream and pickled vegetables. The trout was delicate and flavorful, with the horseradish cream adding a delightful kick.
For the main course, I opted for the Rösti with Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach. This classic Swiss dish was elevated with the addition of earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach, making it both hearty and satisfying.
To finish, I enjoyed a traditional Swiss dessert, Vermicelles, made from sweetened chestnut puree, served with meringue and whipped cream. The dessert was light yet indulgent, with the chestnut puree providing a unique and delightful flavor.
Impressions and Recommendations:
Restaurant Spitz offers a refined dining experience with modern Swiss dishes and beautiful views. The combination of excellent cuisine and a picturesque setting makes it a must-visit in Zurich. My recommendation index for Restaurant Spitz is a 9 out of 10.
6. Restaurant Weisses Rössli: Swiss-Italian Fusion
Location: Bederstrasse 96, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland
Price Range: CHF 40-CHF 100 per meal
Nearby Attractions: Rieterpark, Museum Rietberg, Lake Zurich
My final culinary stop was at Restaurant Weisses Rössli, located in the Enge district. This restaurant is known for its innovative fusion of Swiss and Italian cuisine, offering a unique dining experience in a cozy, elegant setting.
Dining Experience:
I started with the Beef Carpaccio, drizzled with truffle oil and topped with arugula and Parmesan shavings. The thinly sliced beef was tender and flavorful, with the truffle oil adding an aromatic richness.
For the main course, I chose the Ossobuco with Polenta, a classic Italian dish of braised veal shanks served with creamy polenta. The meat was incredibly tender, falling off the bone, and the polenta was smooth and comforting.
For dessert, I indulged in the Tiramisu, a traditional Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese. The dessert was light and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Impressions and Recommendations:
Restaurant Weisses Rössli offers a delightful fusion of Swiss and Italian cuisine, with each dish showcasing a perfect blend of flavors. The cozy ambiance and attentive service make it a standout choice in Zurich. My recommendation index for Restaurant Weisses Rössli is an 8.5 out of 10.
Zurich is a city that captivates the senses with its stunning scenery, rich cultural heritage, and diverse culinary offerings. From the historic elegance of Restaurant Kronenhalle to the innovative fusion at Restaurant Weisses Rössli, each dining experience added a unique flavor to my journey.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Swiss dishes, vegetarian cuisine, or international flavors, Zurich’s culinary scene has something to offer everyone.
