The Pulse of Switzerland, Zurich: Vibrant Zurich, globally recognized as a financial hub, is being increasingly appreciated as an up-and-coming gourmet capital too. Continue browsing to navigate through more visuals from the culinary allure residing in Switzerland's biggest city.
The Epoch of Rechberg 1837: Reflective of the establishment's significant "foundational year," every culinary offering on the list is prepared from components that were accessible within the precincts of Zurich during 1837 - a time before the advent of processed foods and industrialization.
Menu Transformations: The uncompromising commitment of Rechberg 1837 to seasonally sourced ingredients guarantees a consistently refreshing array of culinary delights.
Craftsman Culinaire: A place where gastronomy and creativity merge to form an exquisite blend.
Meticulous Procurement: All items featured on The Artisan's menu are epitomes of careful creation, stringent sourcing, and skilled craftsmanship.
Maison Manesse: This establishment daringly redefines the conventional image of a Michelin-starred restaurant, normally associated with white tablecloths, an air of formality and meticulously planned service, to introduce a unique dining experience.
Gerolds Garden: An enchanting haven where the realms of dining, nature, and socializing converge, an unmissable destination when journeying through Zurich.
Socialize over beverages: The welcoming interiors and outdoors of Frau Gerolds Garten serve as a favorite rendezvous point for many.
IM VIADUKT, Markthalle: This cherished locale embodies the revitalization of a previously neglected region; IM VIADUKT offers a variety of culinary traders and dining establishments, including a notable one known as Restaurant Markthalle, distinct from the general marketplace.
Foodie's Haven: Featuring more than 20 diversified gastronomic outlets, groceries, and takeaway counters including the namesake restaurant, this place mirrors the rich culinary scene of Zurich in a nutshell.
La Flor: Fear not, the delightful Swiss chocolate still plentifully awaits your discovery in the city. However, the novel experience offered by La Flor is definitely worth your attention.
Chocolate Haven Sprüngli: A renowned Swiss landmark that's been enticing chocolate connoisseurs since 1836, this establishment's heart beats from its hub in Zurich.
Culinary Celebrations: Each May, the city of Zurich proudly hosts FOOD ZURICH, a festival dedicated entirely to the celebration of gastronomy at its finest.
GASTRONOMY GALORE - ZURICH: The festival, adorned by a kaleidoscope of over 100 captivating activities including hands-on sausage creation sessions, exquisite wine and food sampling, riveting cook-offs between renowned chefs, and a grand bash dedicated to the charm of Swiss street food, provides a compelling argument for planning a trip.
The Hub of Schwarzenbach Teecafé: This urban gem is a sensory marvel with its array of dried fruits, coffee beans, confectioneries, teas, and various spices tucked away in quaint little niches. Each rotating display invites a by-the-weight purchase selection for a customizable fun shopping spree.
Hiltl: Established in 1898, this venue holds the distinction of being the inaugural vegetarian restaurant globally and continues to thrive.
Zurich's Food Scene: A Culinary Revolution
Traditionally overlooked for its financial prowess, Zurich has quietly transformed its gastronomic offerings, earning recognition as a vibrant food destination. Gone are the days of stuffy bankers and staid cuisine – the city's dining scene has reinvented itself, becoming an epicenter of innovation and culinary delights.
In order to fully immerse yourself in Zurich's flourishing gastronomy scene, it's essential to find a comfortable and ideally located hotel to stay in. This ensures that you are at the heart of the action, able to sample the array of restuarants and eateries that are causing a stir in the food world.
One culinary gem that defies convention is Hiltl, renowned for its 100-choice extravaganza. While buffets seldom elicit enthusiasm, Hiltl's selection stands as a testament to the incredible diversity and quality of the offerings available. Notably, the restaurant's commitment to vegan-friendly choices sets it apart, catering to the evolving preferences of today's diners.
With its emergence as a hot spot, Zurich now attracts food lovers from around the globe. Culinary adventurers can immerse themselves in the city's vibrant food markets, where an abundant array of local produce and artisanal products are on display. From street food vendors dishing out their delectable creations to fine-dining establishments pushing the boundaries of culinary artistry, Zurich's gastronomic landscape is a playground for the senses.
As visitors traverse the city in search of extraordinary dining experiences, they will stumble upon hidden treasures that showcase the best of Swiss culinary traditions, as well as experimental fusion cuisine. From cozy corner bistros serving traditional Swiss fare to trailblazing chefs combining Swiss ingredients with global influences, Zurich's food scene offers something for every palate.
Zurich's dining scene has transformed into something beyond its traditional roots, becoming a vibrant and distinctive culinary experience.
A fusion of flavors
With the infusion of innovative young chefs eager to make their mark and Zurich-West's regeneration efforts, which have turned the former industrial district into a thriving gastronomic hub, Swiss cuisine has reached new heights of tantalizing flavor.
Rechberg 1837
Showcasing the city's culinary evolution, Rechberg 1837 stands out as a captivating addition to Zurich's food landscape. Nestled in the heart of the historic old town, this unique restaurant pays homage to its building's establishment in 1837. Guided by the notion of utilizing ingredients exclusively available in Zurich prior to industrialization, the brilliant minds behind Rechberg 1837 have given old-world flavors a contemporary revival.
Experience a culinary journey through time where each dish captures the essence of Zurich's bygone era.
Discover Zurich's emerging food scene at Rechberg 1837, a captivating new restaurant situated in a historic building dating back to 1837.
With a strong commitment to locally sourced ingredients, Rechberg 1837 proudly maintains its own network of dedicated farmers, hunters, anglers, and mushroom foragers. This ensures that only the freshest and finest products are used in their delectable dishes. When available, indulge in the flavorful wild deer, expertly prepared by their talented chefs.
One of the stars of Rechberg's menu is their mouthwatering sourdough bread, crafted with their very own in-house cultivated yeast named Willy, paying homage to the legendary Swiss folk hero, Wilhelm Tell. This attention to detail and dedication to traditional food practices sets Rechberg 1837 apart.
Thanks to its commitment to using regionally available seasonal ingredients, Rechberg 1837's menu is ever-evolving, ensuring every visit offers a delightful surprise for the taste buds.
The Food Artistry
The concept of The Artisan is a tantalizing blend of culinary expertise and artistic expression, where each dish is transformed into a masterpiece. This eatery champions the use of thoughtfully selected, meticulously crafted ingredients in all of its creations. For instance, their potatoes hail from an organic farm nestled in the picturesque Swiss Alps, guaranteeing a rich and wholesome flavor. Additionally, the restaurant sources its meat from the renowned Wurstmacher, a sausage connoisseur located just an hour's drive away from Zurich.
Setting a remarkable precedent, The Artisan was the pioneering establishment in Zurich to exclusively offer biodynamically produced wines, with a remarkable selection handpicked from Markus Rauch, an esteemed artisanal wine producer. Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of their garden by securing a highly coveted outdoor table during the blissful summer months.
Indulge in a delectable fusion of art and gastronomy at The Artisan, where the boundary between creativity and cuisine becomes wonderfully blurred.
Zurich's culinary scene has undergone a remarkable transformation, positioning itself as one of Europe's most vibrant and sought-after epicenters for food enthusiasts.
Mark Thommen, head chef and general manager at The Artisan, takes pride in being a part of Zurich's burgeoning food zeitgeist. Having witnessed a stagnation in the culinary world upon his arrival from Australia two decades ago, Thommen emphasizes the remarkable evolution that has taken place in the past 10 years. As chefs return from their ventures abroad, they bring back a wealth of experience and inspiration, fostering a newfound sense of open-mindedness and innovation.
Maison Manesse: A Relaxed and Playful Twist to Michelin-Starred Dining
Maison Manesse challenges the traditional notion of a Michelin-starred restaurant by creating a laid-back and playful atmosphere that encourages guests to let loose and enjoy themselves. Gone are the stuffy white tablecloths and overly orchestrated service; instead, expect a warm and welcoming environment that focuses on serving elevated cuisine without any pretension.
Chef and co-owner Fabian Spiquel sets the tone for Maison Manesse, aiming to provide an unforgettable dining experience where guests have as much fun eating the food as he had creating it. Spiquel's mantra is simple: "Come as you are, be served by a friend, enjoy, relax." This refreshing approach ensures that Maison Manesse stands out from the crowd, offering a dining affair that is far from ordinary.
Maison Manesse is a laid-back, playful spot serving up attitude-free dishes that diners can't get enough of.
The restaurant offers approachable dishes that can be enjoyed as a surprise six-course tasting menu or à la carte. True to its philosophy that food should be fun, the menu features several interactive DIY dishes. The signature dish is the DIY beef fillet tartare, which comes with a selection of ingredients on the side like homemade mustard and pickled shallots accompanied by suggested instructions on how to prepare it. If you’ve room left for dessert (and you should find some), go for the DIY marshmallows that you roast over a small flame.
Frau Gerolds Garten
Few spots encapsulate Zurich’s creative and quirky food scene as much as this multi-purpose spot: It’s a garden, restaurant and bar all at once.
Imagine that your neighborhood flea market decided to throw a garden party with your bohemian grandmother in charge of the décor, and you’ll get a sense of this captivating spot. At the heart of the newly thriving Zurich-West district, it embraces its industrial roots with an eclectic space populated by large shipping containers and a rooftop bar that overlooks the train station.
The culinary scene in Zurich is a vibrant mix of creativity and uniqueness, exemplified by this charming garden-turned-restaurant and bar. Unlike many others, this establishment pays homage to its garden roots, with a quarter of the property dedicated to a thriving green space. This proximity to nature ensures that the fresh produce travels only steps from the earth to your plate.
As the sun sets, Frau Gerolds Garten transforms into a bustling social hub where friends gather to unwind over drinks. During the winter months, guests can cozy up in the makeshift pop-up chalet, complete with a crackling fireplace and warm throws, while indulging in the quintessential Swiss delicacy: ooey-gooey cheese fondue.
Explore Zurich's growing culinary landscape and indulge in unique dining experiences like no other. From innovative garden settings to delicious Swiss classics, the city offers a delightful blend of flavors and ambiance.
IM VIADUKTs Markthalle
Like its nearby Zurich-West district neighbor Frau Gerolds Garten, IM VIADUKT has become a beloved go-to hangout symbolizing the renewal of the formerly all-but-abandoned area. It takes its name from the railyard viaduct that, over the last few years, was transformed into dozens of retail spaces that sell art, handmade furniture, clothing and more.
If you don’t have long in Zurich but are looking to take a bite out of the city’s culinary creativity, head straight for Markthalle. This condensed series of over 20 food shops, markets and takeout counters (as well as an eponymous eatery, Restaurant Markthalle) showcases an excellent sampling of what Zurich has to offer.
At Vom Fischer & Syner Fru fish lovers can try regional Swiss seafood, as well as oysters fresh from the North Sea. Head to Berg und Tal for a selection of regional favorites like honey made from bees from Switzerland’s Ticino region. Käsers-Schloss is a great place to pick up fresh produce and be sure to grab a couple of bottles of lovely Swiss wine at Südhang (you’re unlikely to find it outside of the country as Switzerland only exports two percent of its wine).
Rechberg 1837, Chorgasse 20, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland, +41 044 222 18 37
The Artisan, Nordbrücke 4, 8037 Zürich, Switzerland, +41 44 501 35 71
Maison Manesse, Hopfenstrasse 2, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland, +41 44 462 01 01
Frau Gerolds Garten, Geroldstrasse 23/23a, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland, +41 78 971 67 64
IM VIADUKT Markthalle, Viaduktstrasse, 8005 Zürich, Switzerland (no number)
Female chefs of the world
The sweet stuff
Spend just a few minutes walking around Zurich, and you could easily be forgiven for thinking the banking powerhouse’s favorite currency is not gold or euros but rather chocolate. From the most intricate, multi-layered cocoa confections to straightforward slabs, chocolate in all its permutations reigns supreme in Zurich and is an essential part of the city’s food experience.
La Flor
As with the rest of Zurich’s food landscape, the chocolate frontier is also getting fresh infusions of innovation in recent years. Not even chocolate is sacrosanct; daring new chocolatiers are working hard to come up with creative ways to make the dark delight even more desirable.
Opened in March 2018, La Flor is likely the newest addition to Zurich’s confection cache. The assiduous sourcing of cocoa beans sets La Flor apart from competitors. The owners source all of the chocolate from only a handful of South American producers and each bar is made from the beans of a single farm (rather than mixing chocolate from different growers). La Flor also offers chocolate making and tasting workshops so you can train to be a cocoa connoisseur.
Oro de Cacao
Another recent trailblazer adding to Zurich’s sugar rush is chocolatier Dieter Meier’s Oro de Cacao shop. What distinguishes Meier’s luscious creations is the use of a patented cold-extraction method that he says helps retain the pure taste of the cocoa without any of the bitterness. If you’re a would-be chocoholic who has always been put off by the sharp bitterness of pure dark cocoa, Oro is worth investigating.
Confiserie Sprüngli
This chocolate oasis is an institution in Switzerland (with Zurich as its headquarters) and has been in operation since 1836. The stores, peppered throughout the city, are hard to miss as their windows are usually filled with a tower of luxemburgerli, small and silky macaroons that come in every flavor and color imaginable.
While indulging in the mini macarons at Confiserie Sprüngli may seem tempting to a newcomer, it's not necessarily the most regrettable choice you could make.
However, it would be prudent to resist the temptation of filling up on these bite-sized treats. This will allow you to savor at least one of Sprüngli’s truffles du jour without feeling overwhelmed. These delicacies are meticulously handmade using the finest chocolate and cream, ensuring a burst of freshness with every bite. Don't underestimate their popularity though, because they're typically sold out by 2 P.M. Additionally, for a memorable souvenir, do pick up a few of their exquisite “hay milk” chocolate bars. Made from milk of cows fed with a distinctive Swiss hay blend, Sprüngli takes pride in the unparalleled smoothness this process endows their chocolate with. Switzerland, renowned for its chocolate, is taking this reputation to new heights.
Other must-visit shops include La Flor located at Uetlibergstrasse 67, 8045 Zürich, Switzerland, reachable at +41 78 839 26 62, and Oro de Cacao at Wühre 15, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland, contactable via +41 44 221 96 64.
Culinary Festivities
ZURICH'S FOOD FESTIVALS
Visit Zurich in May during the annual FOOD ZURICH festival, and you'll see what all the buzz is about.
Food Zurich
If you visit the city in May, you’ll be fortunate enough to have the chance to experience Switzerland’s biggest food festival, FOOD ZURICH. The city’s homage to all things edible, it runs for 11 days and features over 100 events, such as sausage-making workshops, wine and food tastings, chef battles and a celebration of Swiss street food. The festival kicked off in 2016, but already it’s attracting 75,000 visitors a year and is proving to be a fantastic opportunity for experienced chefs and up-and-comers to show-off their gastronomic greatness.
The old guard
Of course, what better way to appreciate the new than by sprinkling your experience with a little soupcon of the old? These oldies-but-goodies help frame Zurich’s food history and are worth a nibble.
Schwarzenbach Teecafé
Looking more like something that belongs on an ol’ timey movie set than a food store, Schwarzenbach has operated in Zurich’s old town for over a century. Stepping into the store is to be transported back in time and the charm of the place is sure to elicit at least one “ahhhhhh.” Schwarzenbach’s walls and counter space are lined with cubby holes filled with dried fruit, coffee beans, sweets, teas and spices, many of which you pay for by weight.
Schwarzenbach Teecafé's walls and counter space are lined with cubby holes filled with dried fruit, coffee beans, sweets, teas and spices, many of which you pay for by weight.
Oepfelchammer
Opened in 1802, Oepfelchammer is Zurich’s oldest remaining wine tavern. Go to enjoy traditional Swiss fare like geschnetzeltes kalbfleisch (sliced veal) and also (if you can find the space) to etch your name on its ancient wooden walls. An Oepfelchammer tradition is to give any guest able to successfully climb the ceiling’s wooden beams a free glass of wine.
Hiltl
Said to be the world’s first vegetarian restaurant, Hiltl was founded in 1898 and continues to be popular with Zurich’s non-carnivore-inclined citizens. Though buffets rarely get rave reviews, Hiltl’s 100-choice extravaganza (with many vegan-friendly choices) is the exception. Even if you aren’t a vegetarian, stop in for one of their inventive veggie-based cocktails like the cucumber-basil smash.
Schwarzenbach Teecafé, Münstergasse 17 8001 Zurich, Switzerland, +41 44 261 13 80
Oepfelchammer, Rindermarkt 12, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland, +41 44 251 23 36
Hiltl, Sihlstrasse 28, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland, +41 44 227 00
Sandra MacGregor has been writing about travel, food and wine for nearly a decade. Though her home base is Canada, her wanderlust has led her to pack up and move around the globe, including living in Paris, France; Seoul, South Korea; and (most recently for two years) in Cape Town, South Africa.