City Guide: Places to Eat & Drink in Zürich, Switzerland

I’ve called Switzerland my home on and off for the last 10 years. Through that decade I have learned not only a lot about Switzerland as a country but also the sites to see, the places to eat, and the places to drink. In today’s post, I am talking all about some of my favorite places to eat and drink in Zürich. If you are planning on traveling to the city or want to one day, I hope this post helps you find some cool spots around the city.

Where to Eat & Drink in Zürich:

If you want grab and go kind of food head to Sternen

Sternen is a Zürich classic and super cheap by Swiss standards. It’s common for people to take a würst and brot (bread) or even some pommes (fries) to the lake, which is just across the street at the Bellevue location, with a beer or bottle of wine when the weather warms up. There’s no open-container law in Switzerland so you are able to drink in public places in case you were wondering. If you get the würst, don’t skip out on the mustard because it’s a must-have combo!

If you want the best fondue head to Wirtschaft Degenried

This one is a bit more difficult to get to as it’s somewhat hidden in a forest above the city. Wirtschaft Degenried is very close to the famous Dolder Grand hotel, which is a site in itself to see. Especially at night when it is all lit up. This restaurant is my favorite place in the winter to have fondue with extra kirsche (cherry liquor) and resembles a typical Swiss chalet. You will love the cute interior!

Extra tip: Fondue is best served with white wine and always order a warm tea. It helps you to digest the massive amounts of cheese you will eat. I learned this from my Swiss boyfriend, and it really helps.

If you like nice atmosphere head to Metropol

Metropol is an upscale Japanese restaurant that gets very busy during lunch hours from the business crowd. It’s right across the street from the Zürich stock exchange, which happens to be one of my favorite buildings in the city (you can see glimpses of it in this previous blog post). I have never eaten at the restaurant, but I love to come here for coffee or a cocktail. The inside is cozy and sophisticated and there is also outdoor seating under a beautiful archway. Great for an Instagram photo op!

If you like seafood head to Fischtube

Fischtube is one my family’s favorite places to eat and drink in the Spring and Summer because it is so light and airy. If you sit outside on the terrace (which is technically over the lake) you can get the most amazing views of the water and the mountains in the backdrop. I will say the restaurant is on the pricey side so if you’d like to just soak up the sun with a pretty view and a nice cocktail you can head to their “lounge” side.

If you are vegan head to Hiltl

There are several locations around the city, but my new favorite is located above the department store PKZ on Bahnhofstrasse (right by the Zürich HB). It’s on the top floor of the department store and even has rooftop”garden” seating. I took this Instagram photo there. Hiltl is the first vegetarian restaurant since 1898. Even though they technically call themselves a vegetarian restaurant I would 90% of the options are vegan-friendly. It’s buffet style and is priced per weight, not the size of the plate (important to remember or it can get pricey). It’s one of my favorite places to grab lunch after shopping since it’s right on the most well-known shopping street in the city. I recommend trying their ginger lemonade.

If you like eclectic coffee houses head to The Radio

The Studio is located on Dufourstrasse (a few minutes walk from the Zürich Opera). There is eclectic and cozy seating, but the coolest part is that it is also home to the flagship studio of Energy, which is Zürich’s most well-known radio station for contemporary music. There is actually a large window into the studio so you can drink your coffee, listen to music, and watch the radio DJs at work.

If you like fancy cocktails head to Terrasse

Terrasse is a restaurant and lounge located in the heart of Zürich. If you like white tablecloths and site seeing for designer handbags and nice cars then this is the place for you. During the warmer months, you can sit outside in the garden but this place really comes alive at night in my opinion. At night on the bar side of the restaurant, it turns into a cool lounge with low lights, club music, and even a disco ball. The interior is really beautiful with stunning chandeliers and Roman columns in the dining room. Check out the photos online!

I hope you found this post helpful! If you are traveling to Switzerland, want to move here, want to know what life is like as an expat, or just have some questions, in general, you can always leave them in the comment section below!

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