This will be some kind of a different sneak peek, because it is about Zurich. My relationship with Zurich started 28 years ago when I first came to Switzerland, and I have to admit that it was love at first sight.  Zurich welcomed me.  It is the city where I learned to speak German (with a Swiss accent, of course), where my husband and I found our first jobs abroad, and where our son was born. Now I live one hour away from Zurich, but I always find a good reason to get there.

These are my favorite foodie spots in Zurich, listed in alphabetical order and in no way ranked. Places I enjoy going, depending on the mood, occasion, or situation! You will find that some of them offer simple fare and others more elaborated cuisine. I trust that you will not be disappointed and, perhaps, you will discover Zurich from a different perspective.

Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse – A nice coffee shop (700 m, 9 min from the Zurich Main Station).  At Babu’s everything is prepared in their own kitchen using fresh products.

Breakfasts here are a daily feast, and they also have a light lunch menu. Sorry to tell you, but here it is usual to find people standing in a line to order. Fortunately, the line moves quickly, and it is worth the wait. Otherwise, call to reserve. If you are in a rush, they also carry a grab-and-go section. New to their concept, from Thu to Sat evenings they have ‘plates to share’.  Soon it will be possible to preorder online breakfast and lunch.

My girlfriends and I were delighted with their weekend Brunchetagère and the additional warm dishes (pancakes, scramble eggs, etc.) we could order à la carte.

Didis Frieden – I am glad that I got to know this place through friends (350 m, 5 min from the Zurich Main Station). Didi will know how to spoil you from start to finish. For lunch he carries daily changing menus and in the evenings a seasonal, short menu to order à la carte. The wine list is worth exploring. If you are with a group, you can ask for the magnum wine list.

Here you must save some space for dessert, not only because they are delicious, but because you will not like to miss Didi’s artistic talent!

Fishers Fritz – I love this spot, located directly on the Zurich Lake shore, and its informal outdoor atmosphere.

They serve the best fish fried in batter, using fresh catch from the lake.

The perfect place to enjoy a gorgeous summer day.

Tips:
• You can also get there by boat.
• If you are into camping, you might be interested in checking their camping site.

 

 

 

Frau Gerolds Garten – A urban garden in the thriving, trendy district Kreis 5, once the industrial quarter.

From Apr to Sep it is a garden restaurant with large terraces and bars; another one of my favorites on a sunny day.

Fantastic grill fare, salads, and pasta. Simple but perfect!

From Oct to Mar a wooden pavilion is set up to serve winter specialties like fondue. I still have to go and try the winter experience.

George Bar & Grill – This is a bar and grill restaurant with a chic, penthouse feeling.

Chill out on the terrace, which surrounds three sides of the building, to finish an evening with a nightcap with views over the city rooftops.

Hiltl Dachterrasse – For veggie lovers, this is a must! Hiltl is the first vegetarian restaurant in the world (1898), offering nowadays 500 dishes that satisfy not only demanding vegetarians. I have decided to list their location with roof terrace, right on the renowned Bahnhofstrasse. It feels like finding an oasis during a shopping spree. A good place to stop for a coffee, a drink from the bar, or a nice meal from the healthy and varied buffet.

Kaufleuten – I used to relate Kaufleuten to cultural events (concerts, literary readings, etc.) but not to food. The last time we went for a concert there, we decided to try the restaurant. I have to say that I really liked what we ordered and that is why I am mentioning it here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Les Halles – Another one in Kreis 5. This place is so cool! Recreated like a garage and serving fresh Mediterranean food (mainly moules and beef tartar) like in a market – orders are taken at the counter. Don’t come here if you are looking for a quiet evening.  Oops, no picture for this one!  I will have to go back!

Maison Blunt – This is a tea room and restaurant with Moroccan cuisine. They also have regional, seasonal lunch menus (including two vegetarian) and the take-away option.

I usually go for the mezze, and everything is absolutely delicious. Yes, … in Kreis 5!

Più – This Italian restaurant is just a few steps away from the Main Station. Great wood-fired Neapolitan pizza and many other Italian dishes, including homemade desserts and a bar. The large window fronts and the modern interior design create a nice atmosphere.

Sternen Grill – If you are in Zurich looking for Swiss fast food, this is the place. This is a busy corner incredibly well known for its iconic bratwurst that is supposed to be eaten with hot mustard and a buerli (a Swiss crusty bread roll).

Tips:
• It is fun to explore the revitalized Kreis 5, always unconventional, eclectic, and full of surprises.
• Freytag – best Amaretti

• Jules Verne Panoramabar – great city views from a bar …

• Lindenhof – great city views from a beautiful park

• Muensterhof Brunnen – On special occasions wine flows from this fountain but for no longer than 60 min.

• Sprüngli – best Truffes du Jour (chocolate truffles), which are never more than 24 hours old. My fav the dark ones. I also like this little cake that is only available on ‘Sechseläuten’, the traditional Spring holiday of the city.

• Teuscher – best Champagner Truffes. In this case, the light and not the dark ones are my choice.
• Wienachtsdorf am Bellevue – A nice foodie Christmas market. Opens already one month before Christmas Eve.