Eating out in Zürich

Mark at the Bierhalle Kropf near Zürichs BahnhofstrasseZürich, like most major cities, has plenty of choices for eating out. These are the 11 best places I've found in the last several years of living here. I've listed the restaurants in alphabetical order and by cuisine rather than in order of preference - but they are best available all the same!

Please mention MarksTravelNotes.com when dining at these fine establishments. I have visited all these establishments.

    Swiss cuisine

  1. Le Dézaley (Römergasse 7+9) Le Dézaley is known for it's Fondue and Vaudoise style of cooking and there's an excellent selection of the best wine Switzerland has to offer - most notable from the the Dézaley region of Canton Vaud. Personally, I reckon the Fondue is amongst the best, if not the best, in town. However, being in the shadow of the Grossmünster, booking in advance is essential.

  2. Bierhalle Kropf (In Gassen 16) - A quite splendid eatery close to the Bahnhofstrasse and the Zeughauskeller offering traditional Swiss fayre. The wood panelled Kropf sports a highly decorated Art Nouveau ceiling in the second of the three rooms which is great to let your eyes meander over during the course of your evening meal. Food wise, I recommend the liver-balls in gravy with a side-serving of Rösti.

  3. Zeughauskeller (Bahnhofstrasse 28a) - Close to Zürich's shoppers-delight of Bahnhofstrasse, one of Zürichs oldest restaurants, is located in Zürich's former armoury. The Zueghauskeller specialises in sausages from around Switzerland, and does and excellent Schüblig and Neuchatelois Sausicon (Neuenbergerwurst.) As is customary, I am always pleased to find Chimay Blue on the menu, but a excellent selection of Swiss beers is also available. Reservations are recommended.

  4. Zur Oepfelchammer (Rindermarkt 12) - One time haunt of Swiss writer Gottfried Keller, "Oeli" is a Zürich institution traditional Zürcher-fayre such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (slice veal in a cream sauce) and very white wines from the region, especially Stäfa. If you can climb the sagging timbers (and have a drink while suspended) you can carve your into the wooden walls or table. The cozy and always convivial Gaststübe is preferable to the more staid Stübli.

    5. Seasonal cuisine

  5. Anthonys Kitchen (Quellenstrasse 49, 8005 Zürich) - Anthony's Kitchen is, in my opinion, one of Zürich's best restaurants. Anthony Carlos, a Philippino who specialises in sea-food, prepares fresh food available at todays market in an Asian style. We've never left hungry and the food is always excellent. Anthony and his wife are quite fine hosts in this small and intimate affair. In all honesty, I have no reason to fault Anthony's Kitchen and can't recommend him enough.

  6. Caduffs Wine Loft (Kanzleistrasse 126, CH-8004 Zurich) - Renowned as one of Zurichs finest restaurants, Caduffs Wine Loft boasts over 2,000 different vintages of wine in cellar - from which you will be invited to select your own. The daily changing menu allows for the variables of the seasons and, from previous visits, I can testify that the terrines and fois-gras have been excellent. Usually at any one time theres 20 bottles of wine open for sampling.

    7. Mediterranean cuisine

  7. Blockhus (Schifflände 4) - Another small, intimate restaurant, the wood panelled Blockhus is also highly popular amongst the locals. Quality dishes, the lamb with mustard and duck in orange sauce are both excellent, accompany regular specials which vary according to seasons. The wine list isn't as extensive as at Caduffs Wine Loft but the quality is just as good. For desert, try the crema catalana. Reservations for lunch or dinner recommended.

  8. Cantina (Niederdorfstrasse 10.) - The Cantina, although in the touristic Niederdorf area of Zürich, does offer a decent selection of pasta dishes at quite reasonable prices. Service can be matter-of-fact but is, generally, quite convivial and prompt. Reservations not essential at this casual restaurant.

  9. Casa Aurelio (Langstrasse 209) - The Spanish restauarant Casa Aurelio, just off Züricsh lively Langstrasse, and has provided good service, high-quality food and excellent wine over many visits. Does an excellent line in steaks and a good selection of Spanish wines. The fish also seems to be popular although I've not actually tried it myself. Reservations are recommended.

    10. Asian cuisine

  10. Mishio - (Sihlstrasse 9, 8021 Zürich) - Mishio is a great place for a spot of what they call "casual Asian dining." A broad selection of dishes from the wok and a selection of open wines. Great place for lunch - personally I recommend the Beef with Ginger and a glass of the Chilean Malbec.

As I find more places to eat which are of suitable quality at price, I will be adding them slowly to this page.

Pictures reproduced with kind permission of Le Dezaley, Caduffs Wine Loft and Anthonys Kitchen.

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