The best of Zürich: Where to eat and explore

By MiNDFOOD

Zürich-West
Zürich-West
Whether you simply want to discover a dynamic and lively city, or are looking for the perfect base for multiple outdoor excursions, Zürich is the ideal place.

These days it’s not uncommon to hear that a city has it all – but Zürich really does tick a lot of boxes. A vibrant culture, fantastic food, beautiful scenery and proximity to some of the world’s most stunning mountains – whether you’re a city slicker or a nature seeker, a foodie or a culture buff, you’ll find something for you in Zürich.

Innovative & international cuisine

Zürich is home to culinary movers and shakers, a place to discover cuisine where innovation is key and the environment is cared for. Not to mention, Zürich is the chocolate capital of Switzerland, itself one of the world’s chocolate capitals.

Michelin-rated

EquiTable – Innovative, seasonal cuisine using regionally sourced organic produce.

Marktküche – Vegan cuisine that will tempt even ardent carnivores.

Maison Manesse – Simple, stylish and contemporary with sensational food.

Maison Manesse

Sustainable & socially conscious

Hitl – The world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, according to the Guinness Book of Records.

Riithalle – Sustainable dishes served in a beer garden setting.

Restaurant Schipfe 16 – This city-owned restaurant helps reincorporate unemployed people to working life.

Roots – a trendy urban restaurant serving flavour-packed vegan cuisine.

Hiltl

Views of the lake

Bauschänzli Biergarten & Grill – A miniature island that was once an entrenchment and is now home to a fabulous beer garden with casual food.

Fischer’s Fritz – Tasty seafood dishes in a rustic setting.

Kiosk – Food with a view in the heart of Zürich. Unbeatable location and friendly staff.

Samigo Amusement – A unique venue where food, shows, parties and sport collide.

Fischerstube – A legendary restaurant comprising a kiosk, garden, jetty, lounge, fisherman’s hut and lakeside terrace.

Bauschänzli Biergarten & Grill

Best bakeries

John Baker – For regional, seasonal and organic specialties.

Vohdin – Believed to be Zürich’s oldest bakery.

Äss-Bar – Cutting down on food waste by serving yesterday’s baked goods.

Chocolate experiences

Lindt Home of Chocolate – A multimedia experience world exploring all things Lindt – a must for all chocolate lovers!

Chocolate Tour – Embark on a city walking tour and sample sweet delights along the way.

Garçoa Chocolate Safari – Discover the secrets of this award-winning bean-to-bar chocolate at their manufactory.

Honold Chocolate Tram – Available in autumn, try the finest drinking chocolate and pralines as you wind your way through the streets of Zürich.

Max Chocolatier – Visit this chocolate manufactory to taste their specialties and even help with production.

Maestrani’s Chocolarium – Take a guided discovery tour through an interactive chocolate world.

Löw Delights – Make your own creations at this manufactory founded by two sisters.

Lindt Home of Chocolate

Urban adventures

Europaallee

Conveniently situated next to Zürich Main Train Station, Europaallee is the newest of the city’s neighbourhoods. With a range of shops in the area, from small boutiques to larger flagship stores, Europaallee is worth a visit if shopping is on the cards. Plus, there are plenty of great food options for all types of appetite.

Zürich-West

Once an industrial quarter, Zürich-West is now one of the city’s trendiest districts. Where factories once stood, creative minds have taken over, generating a hub for art, design, food, culture, shopping, architecture and fun.

Old Town

A visit to Zürich isn’t complete without exploring Old Town, Zürich’s historic city centre. Peer into Zürich’s past with a tour of guild houses, charming churches and squares, and hidden gems.

District 10

Each of Zürich’s 12 urban districts have various different attractions to offer. District 10, in prime position on the Limmat river, boasts a fantastic location if you are visiting in summer. Here you can swim and bask in the sun at riverside lidos Unterer Letten and Oberer Letten, or head to the Waid Vantage Point for the best views of the city.

Old Town

The heart of Switzerland

Zürich is the perfect base for spectacular day trips all round the country, or further afield around Europe. Embark on an alpine adventure by day, and return to the comforts of a modern metropolis by night and soak up the city’s vibrant nightlife, first-class gastronomy, luxurious hotels and diverse cultural activities.

Swiss Alps

Just a short train or coach journey will allow you to experience some of the most spectacular sights of the Swiss Alps. The Titlis, Rigi and Pilatus mountains by Lake Lucerne in Central Switzerland, or the world-famous Jungfraujoch in the Bernese Oberland are all within reach of Zürich.

Rapperswil

Also known as the Town of Roses due to the 16,000 roses that bloom in the gardens of the Capuchin monastery between May and October, this pretty town is steeped in history and is just a 40-minute train ride from Zürich. However, it’s highly recommended you reach the town by boat – a cruise from the city takes just two hours.

Rhine Falls

Rhine Falls

In less than an hour by car you can be in Schaffhausen, where you’ll find the Rhine Falls nearby, the largest waterfall in Europe. Taking a boat trip is recommended, whether journeying to the falls basin to the rock in the centre of the falls, to the picturesque Schlössli Wörth restaurant, or downstream as far as the border with Germany.

Einsiedeln

Easy to reach from Zürich, this village lies on the pilgrimage route, the Way of St James. It is renowned for its Catholic architecture including Einsiedeln Abbey – the most important baroque building in Switzerland – the Mercy Chapel and the famous Black Madonna statue. And don’t miss Switzerland’s oldest gingerbread bakery!

myswitzerland.com/zurich

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