Zurich Switzerland Travel Guide 10 Must Eat Restaurants

Zurich instantly won me over on my first visit to Switzerland. I arrived with little knowledge or expectation, but I quickly fell for the city’s charm. The cityscape is simply beautiful, just picture-perfect streets with trams weaving through, and as a train enthusiast, that was a highlight for me!

But then Zurich offers everything I look for in a destination: stunning scenery, pristine surroundings, effortless public transit, walkable neighborhoods, and fantastic food at every turn. For a newcomer, experiencing how seamlessly Zurich blends beauty, cleanliness, and excellent transportation made it unforgettable. Def one of the pricier cities, so be prepared, but a truly magical place!

Each restaurant listed has a short description, what I recommend you order.

If you have any favorites I missed, let me know in the comments!

If you want a downloadable google map along with more information on hotels, activities, tips and tricks, are more (an amazing spa, and their holiday markets!) check out my substack HERE

What to Eat

BREAKFAST

Babu’s Bakery- Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse has 3 locations in Zurich, all serving a number of fresh pastries, and breakfast/brunch items. I found that alot of breakfast spots were just sweets, and not open that early, so I was thrilled to find Babu’s that had a full menu, and were open at 7am everyday! I got their cinnamon roll, which was so chewy, a little crusty, and had a great layer of salt, and their scrambled egg plate with bacon which comes with two pieces of this beautiful sourdough.

I liked it so much that i went again on my last day to get another plate of eggs and their raspberry scone!

The Bagel Shop- If someone tells me I need to try bagels in their city, I will always give them a shot, and that’s what brought me to The Bagel Shop. Big Courage, or Apollo vibes here with their sourdough bagels and gourmet toppings. You can order half and half, or a full sandwich, but I went with two everything bagel halves, one wild alaskan salmon which is Wild alaskan salmon with cream cheese, olive oil, capers, onions, dill, salt & pepper. And then one half cream cheese tomato with these pickled tomatoes, cream cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper.

John Baker- John baker has a few locations all over Zurich, and its one of the cities best bakeries! Known for their fresh bread , and amazing pastries! I went in for breakfast and grabbed this pistachio roll that was so chewy, little sweetness, nice bitterness, and that touch of salt coming through too!

Rare Street Coffee- It was pretty cold as I walked around, so grabbing an Americano from Rare Street Coffee was a must! Its this cute little takeaway stand right in the middle of the old city.

LUNCH

Mit & Ohne’s- This chicken doner was the best bite of the trip! I cant stop thinking about it! Mit & Ohne is a fast casual doner shop with freshly made pitas you can fill with chicken, steak, or falafel! They just load it up with so much meat, veggies, and all the sauces! I got this with a side of their fries too! I need this in NYC!

Sternen Grill- Brat and a Beer is a MUST in Switzerland, and the most legendary spot for the combo has to be Sternen Grill! You can sit inside, upstairs, or outside as I did, as I devoured their St Galler Bratwurst that is made from veal, pork, and milk, which gives it its white color! The key to the whole meal though? Their incredible spicy mustard!

Zeughauskeller- Zeughauskeller is the most classic and historic restaurant in Zurich! Not only is the menu full of authentic Swiss cuisine, but it’s housed in a 15th century building from 1487 that used to store arsenal, weapons, and ammunition. In 1926 it became a restaurant and has a been a favorite ever since then. I made a reservation to be safe, and was seated at a communal table where I started with a giant glass of their house lager

And then i had to get one of their specialties and decided on the wienerschnitzel which is this massive pounded out breaded and deep fried piece of veal, that comes with fries, and you can add on cranberry sauce too.

DINNER

1001 Takeaway- I got into town late my first night, and just needed something super quick and satisfying and 1001 Takeaway definitely did the job! I got a beer, a plate of their seasoned fries, and then their chicken doner! Be careful, I asked for everything, including the hot sauce, and that was HOT! But the chicken was really juicy, and it was also full of tons of veggies!

Frau Gerolds Garten- Frau Gerolds Garten changes their menu and decor for the seasons, but if you are there in the winter, October to March, you can enjoy their fondue fireside! No matter when you go, its a trip! One of the more eclectic eating experiences you can have, with a full garden that is holiday decorated, and then an inside dining room in the middle.

I Started with the saucisson platter that has thinly sliced pieces of sausage served cold with grated horseradish, and pickled veggies, along with the beef bouillon broth with pancake strips.

But let’s be honest, you are here for the fondue, and they have 5 versions of this bubbling pot of gold, even a vegan one! But I went for the classic moitie-moite or half and half which is half vacherin fribourgeois, and half grueyere. Of course you pick what you want to dip into it, and I got the grilled sausage, bacon cubes, pickled veggies, and you get unlimited bread! HEAVY meal, but in these cold Swiss winters, this is a must.

Kronenhalle- Kronenhalle is an experience when you are in Zurich! This is what classic dining used to feel like, and still does here, as you eat in this grand dining room filled with original artwork, white table cloths, and a menu full of swiss classics. There is a reason this has been a fav of Swiss high society since 1924!

Started with the blinis with smoked salmon, which is a little thin savory pancake! A classic combo with some sour cream.

Then it was cold and snowing outside so I got the clear soup with a liver dumpling! You better love liver, because that was an intense bite, but I really loved it!

And then this massive breaded veal escalope which is pounded out, breaded and fried, and that comes with roesti which is a traditional swiss dish with grated potatoes, I would call it hashbrowns.

I do think the experience of eating here is why you come, rather than on dish blowing me away Also, give yourself time for this meal, i was there for almost two hours!