Media Text, November 2015
GASTRONOMY IN ZURICH
Zurich's restaurant scene is just as diverse as the city itself. Its over 2,000 restaurants range from award-winning
gourmet establishments to traditional guild houses with an eventful past, right through to out-of-the-ordinary
venues in factory halls. In gastronomic Zurich, you can find every type of cuisine in the world. Particularly worth
trying, however, are the local specialties, which taste particularly delicious here – no visit is complete without
sampling «Zürcher Geschnetzeltes» and cheese fondue. zuerich.com
Further information, special offers and hotel reservation
Zürich Tourism, Tourist Service at the Main Railway Station, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel +41 44 215 40 00, [email protected], zuerich.com
Gastronomic Treats and Culinary Prowess
An Absolute Must: Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
«Zürcher Geschnetzeltes» is a traditional meat specialty that is just as much a part of Zurich as the twin towers of
the Grossmünster Church. The dish is very popular among locals and visitors alike and on no account should be
missed. «Zürcher Geschnetzeltes» was first mentioned in a cookbook dating from 1947, although recipes for
th
sliced veal were already known in the Alpine region in the 19 century. This specialty was originally made using
thinly sliced pieces of veal, white wine and cream, but nowadays it is also prepared with mushrooms and veal
kidneys. «Zürcher Geschnetzeltes» is typically served with rösti. Rösti (pronounced “rurr-sch-ti”) is made from
coarsely grated potato and fried in a pan, very similar to hash browns. It usually takes the form of a potato cake,
with the starch in the potatoes holding the grated pieces together. Particularly renowned for their «Zürcher
Geschnetzeltes» are such establishments as the Restaurant Rôtisserie in the Hotel Storchen, the Gnüsserei in
Zurich-West, and the two guild houses, Zunfthaus zur Waag and Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten.
Good Hearty Fare
Good hearty fare served in an authentic ambiance characterizes the Zeughauskeller at Paradeplatz and the
Restaurant Johanniter in the Niederdorf. Gourmands who wish to sample typical Swiss dishes, such as cheese
fondue, raclette or rösti, are spoilt for choice in the city on the Limmat – be it in a rustic Stübli or, in summer
temperatures, outside in the open air amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. Good places to do so include the Le
Dézaley, the Restaurant Adlisberg, the Walliser Kanne or the Restaurant Chäsalp. The mundArtbeiz in
Rapperswil is particularly abounding in “Swissness”; both its façade and interiors sport the Swiss national colors
of red and white, and the traditional Swiss dishes on offer are written on the menu in Swiss dialect. A number of
the guild houses of the trade guilds that governed Zurich between the 14th and 18th century are now high-class
restaurants and particularly renowned for their Zurich specialties prepared in a classic way – such as the
Zunftstube Weisser Wind or the Restaurant Linde Oberstrass. In many places, restaurants with a sophisticated
flair also hark back to the days of the guilds. For example, the Restaurant Baur at the Hotel Savoy Baur en Ville,
where the tanners’ and shoemakers’ guild met in bygone days, or the Restaurant Blue Monkey – once the guild
house of the tailors – which today serves up Asian cuisine. The Restaurant Oepfelchammer, meanwhile, is the
oldest originally preserved wine bar in Zurich, and was once frequented by Gottfried Keller. The menu features
mainly substantial meat dishes, ranging from meatloaf to rabbit fillet. Other people who know all about meat – and
sausages in particular – are the chefs at the Sternen Grill at Bellevue; it is said that the best sausages in all of
Zurich are to be found here.
Original and Innovative
In Zurich, innovative ideas are instantly put into practice. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the Haus
Hiltl in downtown Zurich is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world. Founded in 1898, it recently expanded to
incorporate the Hiltl shop, housing Switzerland’s very first vegetarian butcher’s shop. On sale are vegetarian and
vegan delicatessen products, wines and cooking accessories. At the “butcher’s counter”, customers can purchase
Hiltl tatare, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes or cordon bleu, all made using meat substitutes, such as tofu, seitan or soy.
Equally innovative is the world’s first and often imitated “restaurant in the dark“, the blindekuh, where blind and
visually impaired staff have been delighting customer’s palates in a very special way, namely in complete
darkness, since 1999. Frau Gerolds Garten was established in 2012 on a site nestling between modern
commercial buildings and time-honored factory halls in the Zurich-West district. In summer, this colorful urban
oasis combines an open-air restaurant with a city garden, shopping outlets and art, while in winter, hearty fondues
are served in the round, heated wooden hut. Oozing industrial charm is the Blaue Ente Provisorium, a restaurant
based in the former Tiefenbrunnen mill, where home-made, market-fresh cuisine is dished up amidst sandstone
walls and an old mill wheel in the middle of the room. The Restaurant Reithalle, too, originally served a different
purpose; as the name (which translates as “Riding Hall”) suggests, in days gone by the former Army barracks was
frequented by horses rather than restaurant guests. Due to its location between downtown Zurich and the
Theaterhaus Gessnerallee, the Reithalle has a mixed, urban clientele.
From a Factory Hall to a Gourmet Paradise
In the former industrial buildings in the Zurich-West quarter, creative gastronomes have put the empty factories to
good use and instilled life into them with their innovative ideas. Here, behind ancient walls, industrial charm meets
contemporary design, with old merging with new in a remarkable way. What in past times was a foundry building
is now home to the Restaurant Gnüsserei, in the center of which stands an over 100 year-old cupola furnace. The
glass façade of the Restaurant LaSalle in Zurich's former industrial quarter offers a view into the shipbuilding hall,
Further information, special offers and hotel reservation
Zürich Tourism, Tourist Service at the Main Railway Station, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel +41 44 215 40 00, [email protected], zuerich.com
where ships were constructed for international clients right through into the 20th century. In a large warehouse
around the corner, a mixture of restaurant, bar, shopping mall, specialty store and leisure-time meeting place
emanates a cozy yet at the same time nostalgic ambiance. The Les Halles is home to numerous collectors’ items,
ranging from an antique racing bicycle to amusing advertising signs to designer furniture, and since time
immemorial has been offering mussels in different variations as its specialty of the house. Not far away, a
shopping and entertainment mall was established under the arches of the historical viaduct in 2010. Here, under
one of the arches, the Restaurant Viadukt serves light cuisine between massive stone walls. Located on the site
of Sihlcity shopping mall near Enge train station, the Restaurant Rüsterei, housed in a brick building with an
adjacent 200ft tall chimney, bears witness to the fact that the Sihl paper factory once stood here. At the end of the
19th century, the largest brewery in Switzerland was situated several hundred yards further north, on the
Hürlimann-Areal. Nowadays, the Restaurant Juan Costa serves tapas in all variations in one of the charming brick
buildings.
Gastronomy With a View
In the lively trendy quarter of Zurich-West, Zurich’s highest building, the Prime Tower, soars 413 feet into the air.
On the 35th floor, the Restaurant Clouds lives up to its name: with food on their plates that has earned high
ratings in the French Gault-Millau restaurant guide, coupled with a phenomenal view over the whole of Zurich and
as far as the Swiss Alps, gourmets from all corners of the globe are in seventh heaven here. The Jules Verne
Panorama Bar, situated directly under the Urania Observatory, serves a select choice of drinks, lunch menus and
hors d'oeuvres while guests reach for the stars and delight in the panoramic view of the city. From its glass-sided
winter garden and covered terrace, the Restaurant Uto Kulm on Zurich’s very own “mountain“, the Uetliberg,
treats visitors to a fantastic panorama of the city of Zurich down below, the lake and the snow-capped Alps.
Situated at even more lofty heights – at 4,000ft above sea level to be precise – is Zurich's highest-lying
guesthouse, the Alp Scheidegg, from where guests’ eyes wander from the menu to the idyllic natural
surroundings and off into the far distance. Thanks to their location directly on Lake Zurich, the restaurants Quai 61,
Fischstube, Lake Side and Sonnengalerie all offer romantic vistas of the glittering lake, the verdant lakeshore and
the snow-capped mountains on the horizon. The Marina Lachen, a mile-long dining and leisure experience at the
southernmost point of Lake Zurich, also serves up delicious menus complete with lake views. The Rôtisserie at
the Hotel Storchen, meanwhile, huddles up against the River Limmat and treats guests to a stunning view of the
Grossmünster Church and stone buildings of the Old City.
Fresh Air and Idyllic Nature
Those who want to experience the natural freshness of Lake Zurich at close quarters is best advised to reserve a
table at the Landgasthof Halbinsel Au, where, between lush greenery and rippling water, they can tuck into fresh
fish straight from the lake. The restaurant, Fischer’s Fritz, on the edge of the campsite of the same name also
sets great store by fresh, locally caught fish. Nestling between forests and meadows on the tranquil Zürichberg is
the Restaurant Adlisberg, an idyllic 20-minute walk from Zurich Zoo. The zoo gives visitors the chance to
experience nature of a more exotic kind close-up; in the Restaurant Masoala, a glass wall reveals the
Madagascan rainforest in the Masoala Hall in all its glory. The Jucker Adventure Farm in Seegräben is a popular
excursion destination offering cuisine made from totally natural produce. True to its motto, “Straight from the field
into the pan“, at the Hof Restaurant dishes comprising home-grown produce land directly on the plates – whether
for a delicious evening meal or a leisurely Sunday brunch. For its pumpkin exhibition, held from the end of August
to the beginning of November, the farm creates elaborate pumpkin sculptures, including of famous people such
as Elvis Presley. Moreover, intrepid adventurers participating in the Pumpkin Regatta climb into giant, hollowedout pumpkins and paddle across Lake Zurich. Most of the locales in Zurich's Old Town set up their tables outside
in the warmer months of the year. In the romantic inner courtyards of such restaurants as the Neumarkt, Florhof,
Rosengarten or Landgasthof Wassberg, visitors can enjoy the balmy summer evenings in a leafy garden or
amidst old, gnarled trees.
Exquisite Cuisine of the Very Highest Level
More than 50 of Zurich's restaurants are rated in the Gault-Millau restaurant guide, and are thus among the best
in the country. For the second year in succession, a Zurich chef was named “Newcomer of the Year” in 2013:
Christian Kuchler from the Restaurant Hirschen took over the title from the previous year's winner, The
Restaurant head chef Heiko Nieder, who was once again awarded 18 Gault-Millau points out of a maximum of 20.
Jacky Donatz’s cuisine at the Restaurant Sonnenberg, situated high above the rooftops of Zurich, is also highly
praised among food lovers. Also based on the Zürichberg, Dennis Puchert has been pampering guests at his Fine
Dining restaurant, Spice, with gourmet creations and a spectacular view since August 2012. Not to be missed is
Further information, special offers and hotel reservation
Zürich Tourism, Tourist Service at the Main Railway Station, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel +41 44 215 40 00, [email protected], zuerich.com
the gastronomic prowess of the executive chef at the Restaurant Mesa, an establishment boasting two Michelin
stars and 17 Gault-Millau points: Antonio Colaianni cooks with his heart and soul, and already brought Clouds in
Zurich's Kreis 5 district 16 Gault-Millau points. The Ristorante Bianchi on Limmatquai spoils guests with fish
dishes of the highest quality. Head chef, Laurent Eperon, of the Le Pavillon in the five-star hotel, Baur au Lac,
favors a fresh, dynamic and contemporary style, which is a 21st-century interpretation of classic haute cuisine.
Heading the kitchen staff at the Restaurant Helvetia – affectionately known as the “Helvti” – is multi-prize-winning
and aspiring Françoise Wicki, who treats guests’ taste buds with regional produce fresh from the market. In
addition, in the Widder Restaurant, housed in the deluxe hotel of the same name, Dietmar Sawyeres serves
aromatic dishes in an elegant ambiance.
Coffee and Cakes
Coffee lovers and people with a sweet tooth have plenty of choice in Zurich’s stylish cafés. The Confiserie
Sprüngli at Paradeplatz lures visitors with its light and airy Luxemburgerli macaroons and truffles that melt in your
mouth. In the Café Schober, home-made chocolate and patisserie invite guests to sit and linger. The café-shop,
Cakefriends, certainly lives up to its name; here cake lovers can indulge in delectable cakes and pastries fresh
from the bakery. Les Gourmandises de Miyuko, too, is the right address for pastry lovers and magna fans. Among
the colorful, intricately decorated and tasty cakes on sale at the Teestübli, with its Japanese comic-style wall
paintings, are numerous vegan or gluten-free variants. The café-bar, da noi Berner, near the Kunsthaus, is
renowned throughout the city for its fruit tarts, while the Café Felix at Bellevue is distinguished by its opulent
rooms and delicious drinking chocolate. Belonging to the TeeCafé Schwarzenbach is the shop of the same name
selling colonial wares. Its own coffee roasting facility guarantees the ultimate in coffee enjoyment. Both the Café
Wühre and the Rathaus Café serve cappuccinos with a view of the River Limmat and the Old Town thrown in for
free. What's more, insiders are only too pleased to interrupt their stroll through the picturesque narrow winding
streets of the Old Town for an espresso and something sweet at the Gran Café Motta on the Limmatquai, with
interiors designed by star architect Tilla Theus.
Events
Il Tavolo
The Zurich food festival, “Il Tavolo – Zurich's Table”, combines Mediterranean joie de vivre with first-class Swiss
cuisine and caters for food lovers of all ages. From June 24 to 28, throughout the city, guests dine at long
communal tables, such as at the Opening Night, featuring Zurich's gastronomic elite, or the Mediterranean-style Il
Mercatino Dinner, with its 650-foot long table. il-tavolo.ch
Culinary Tour – Eat, Drink and Be Merry
On this guided walk, you can learn more about the history of Zurich’s gastronomy and about the variety of cuisine
that the city has to offer today. zuerich.com/touren
Contact
International Media Team
Zürich Tourismus, Stampfenbachstrasse 52, CH-8006 Zürich
Tel +41 44 215 40 96, [email protected]
zuerich.com/medien
Images & text
zurich.thirdlight.com
Username: media_access
Password: media4zuerich
Further information, special offers and hotel reservation
Zürich Tourism, Tourist Service at the Main Railway Station, CH-8001 Zurich
Tel +41 44 215 40 00, [email protected], zuerich.com