The Best Restaurants in 8005 Zurich
It is impressive how Josef has mastered the balancing act between high gastronomic standards and a casual, informal ambience for a quarter of a century. You can recognise in every dish that the kitchen is staffed by an ambitious team that works well together.
The "Chifa Izakaya" is like a cultural triad. The cuisine is a comfortable but never boring crossover between Peru, China and Japan. The basis is Peruvian cuisine, which, God knows, is more than just ceviche. Although the restaurant likes to make use of a cliché: the llama is present everywhere - in the logo, on the table, even as a bill bearer. In Peru, "Chifa" stands for the fusion cuisine of the immigrant Cantonese, while "Izakaya" is the Japanese counterpart to the cozy drinking and eating establishment. Two chefs are responsible for the fusion, who know exactly how to respect traditions and yet reinterpret them in a cheeky new way: Paulo Timoteo, previously at DiverXO in Madrid, and Dan Shu, Zurich's master of urban umami. In the modern, dimly lit restaurant with its open kitchen, the two virtuosos serve a menu based on the sharing concept of sea, land and garden. The Seafood Fried Rice immediately shows why it is a bestseller: onsen egg, saffron espuma and a bed of rice that has character. The brioche served warm is a small, buttery monster - the rocoto sauce has enough fire to remind you that you shouldn't put water far away. Sometimes it gets a bit messy, at the latest with the garlic pasta, but if you don't feel a finger-licking instinct after a plate, you're in the wrong place anyway. The big winner of the evening was the Tantan "Bolognese", a beef ragout with five spices, sesame and onsen egg, served with bread for dipping. And because an izakaya without drinks would only be half the truth, there is a small, fine cocktail menu with - how could it be otherwise - different pisco sour variations. Salud!
At Schiffbau, in Zurich-West, urban industrial flair meets European cuisine without gimmickry. The menu ranges from crispy salads to veal liver and LaSalle paella. The wine list is extensive, the service informal and the atmosphere elegantly casual.
Located in the modern cultural quarter of Zurich-West, Più Schiffbau serves Italian cuisine with high standards. Oven-fresh Neapolitan-style pizza, homemade pasta dishes, fine fish and meat dishes - stylish, convincing and focussed on quality.
The Alpenrose has been one of the city's favourite addresses for traditional Swiss cuisine for over thirty years. The house specialities are Rösli's meatloaf and "Suure Mocke", but there are also more contemporary options - including vegan ones - which taste wonderful.
Püente serves Peruvian fusion cuisine in the neighbourhood of Platzspitz. The only option is a surprise menu with four to nine courses to share. Expect ceviche, poached potato bread with olive butter, various fish and meat courses, plus pisco cocktails.
Above or at least in the cloud, the freedom must be boundless - or at least the view over Zurich and the lake. On the 35th floor, Mediterranean dishes are served at the highest level and accompanied by an extensive cocktail menu and exciting wines.
At Osso, the fire blazes for meat and vegetables in equal measure. Both come from responsible sources and are prepared with smoke, heat and a great deal of sensitivity. Seasonal ideas meet down-to-earth flavours - urban, honest and always surprising.
The ingredients couldn't be fresher than those from the market hall in the Viadukt. And there's nothing better than eating and drinking together at the large tables after a long stroll round the market. The open, uncomplicated atmosphere is another plus.
Pork belly, ribs, pulled chicken - meat lovers' dreams have been coming true at Brisket since 2015. Large pieces are prepared in the customised smoker dolly, in the style of southern barbecues. Matching cocktails are also on the menu.
Cucina Bernoulli on Hardturmstrasse serves pizza like in bella Italia: crispy, thin and with fresh ingredients. Pasta, risotto and dolci round off the menu. The wine list is solid, the service friendly - the perfect neighbourhood pub with a holiday feeling.
LA Brea SoCal Tacos brings a Californian-Mexican feeling to Zurich. Creative tacos, rich burritos and homemade salsas offer casual food with style. The bar serves expertly mixed margaritas and the wonderful terrace invites you to linger.
Industrial charm meets pizza perfection. People meet at huge tables in Hallenruh by the railway tracks. The standard here is to laugh, eat and drink together. The pizzas? Delicate, crispy, with toppings that delight. An urban feel with an Italian soul.
Family-run trattoria with the best from all corners of Tuscany. Ordering a wine first is a good idea, as there is a large selection of Chianti and other wines. Primi such as beef tartare are often followed by a portion of gnudi before the legendary bistecca is celebrated.
Afghan Anar serves specialities from Afghanistan. In a relaxed and cosy atmosphere, you can enjoy delicacies such as bolani (stuffed flatbread), kabuli palau (a typical rice dish) or manti; divine little dumplings with yoghurt sauce.
In a former warehouse in Zurich-West, you quickly feel like you're in a wild Parisian market: moules-frites are ordered at the counter, cheese and charcuterie on display and a hodgepodge of posters, lamps and bicycles. Funky, unpretentious and audibly lively.
Italian cuisine in Zurich: it happens more often. An Italian version of sharing is less common. At Ribelli, you can order several plates or the big tavolata experience with a tour of the kitchen. The pizza with activated charcoal dough is worth seeing and eating.
In lively Kreis 5, Co Chin Chin serves Vietnamese classics with a French twist - from crispy bánh xèo to fresh summer rolls and savoury bò lá lot. Fresh, homemade and full of flavour - every bowl here has character.
In Frau Gerolds Garten, urban beer garden flair meets seasonal cuisine, from the grill and from the restaurant's own kitchen garden. Whether in summer on the terrace with drinks and street food or in winter in the cosy fondue parlour - everyone feels at home here, from yuppies to bankers.
"LÈ" means "joy" in Chinese - and that's exactly what you get when you savour the fresh, Shanghai-style dishes. The spare ribs are to die for and the rib eye is served in a delicious, spicy sauce. Charming, very friendly service.