Dining and Drinking

The city of Zurich is beloved by tourists, business people and locals alike for its intriguing history, thriving economy, and alpine location. From a culinary point of view, Zurich also has a lot to offer.

Apart from the traditional Swiss food that dominates the city's restaurant scene, a range of other international cuisine can be sampled throughout the city. Italian and French restaurants are especially popular, and Asian restaurants are becoming increasingly common.

Kreis 1: Altstadt, Oberdorf & Niederdorf

The influence of the four different countries that border Switzerland – Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria to the east - can all be tasted in Swiss cuisine. Those who enjoy dipping dishes such as cheese fondue and raclette, both heavily influenced by French cuisine, regularly visit Le Dézaley. For sliced veal, a classic dish from Zurich, the restaurant Veltlinerkeller or the Zunfthaus zur Waag come highly recommended. For a night out with good company and great food, visit Brasserie Lipp, where the seating arrangements encourage chatting among neighbors.

No culinary trip would be complete without something sweet to seal the deal. Thankfully, the Swiss have a way with their chocolate. At Sprüngli you can indulge in some world-class chocolate mousse, or treat yourself to some ice cream at Häagen Dazs. If you are in the mood for some decadent hot chocolate, look no further than Conditorei Café Schober. Relax as you enjoy all the cakes, sweets, and teas that this city has to offer, and make sure to buy some for your return trip!

Kreis 2: Enge, Wollishofen & Leimbach

Entehuus are always worth a visit if you are looking for some authentic Asian cuisine.

Kreis 3: Wiedikon

Sukhothai is said to have the best Thai food this side of Thailand and is well worth the visit.

Kreis 4: Aussersihl

Switzerland is well known for its vineyards, particularly those in the French and the Italian-speaking cantons. The white wines from the Lac Leman area in Geneva are among the best in the world. Caduff's Wine Loft offers a wide range of different wines to sample and is a favorite spot for gourmands to meet for an aperitif.

Kreis 5: Industriequartier

If you want to sample some Japanese cooking, try Sala of Tokyo.

Kreis 6: Oberstrass & Unterstrass

Italian cuisine is very popular throughout Switzerland and enjoys an excellent reputation. As is to be expected, Italian restaurants abound in Zurich with Casa Ferlin among the finest.

Kreis 8: Riesbach

French flavors are an integral part of the Zurcher cuisine. Those with a penchant for seafood will feel right at home at A l'Opera - be sure to sample the trout dishes. Connoisseurs meet at the first-rate Riesbächli, undoubtedly the city's most exquisite French restaurant. Flavors from the Far East are well represented in this part of Switzerland. For Chinese specialties, the Hong Kong Chinoise.

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