Petermann’s Kunststuben |
$$$$$ | French |
Widely considered to be one of the finest restaurants in
Switzerland, even perhaps the whole of Europe, maestro chef and
owner Horst Petermann's award-winning reputation attracts the
wealthy gourmets of Zurich and boasts a celebrity list that
includes the Swiss president, singer Tina Turner (who lives nearby)
and the emperor of Japan. The restaurant is in the lakeside town of
Kusnacht, about 15 minutes from the city, housed in an elegantly
decorated building that was once an art gallery. The menu changes
regularly, and can include outstanding speciality lobster dishes or
a number of other inventive dishes such as Tuscan dove, scampi
lasagne in lemongrass sauce or stuffed squid with a fennel confit.
All entrées, desserts and cheeses are of exceptional
quality, as is the wine cellar. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday
to Saturday. Advance booking essential.
Address: Seestrasse 160, Küsnacht
Website: www.kunststuben.com
Telephone: (0)44 910 0715
Kronenhalle |
$$$$$ | Local |
One of Zurich's most famous restaurants, Kronenhalle is the
place to see and be seen, and over the years has attracted
celebrity greats such as James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Richard
Strauss and Yves Saint-Laurent. The interior is decorated with
original works of famous 20th-century artists including Picasso,
Matisse and Miró. The fare is traditional Swiss and includes
huge portions of rösti, a delicious herring in double cream,
veal steak and duck liver. Reservations are essential.
Address: Rämistrasse 4 (Right Bank)
Website: www.kronenhalle.com
Telephone: (0)44 262 9900
Zunfthaus Zur Zimmerleuten |
$$$$$ | Local |
Originally the carpenter's guildhall, Zunfthaus Zur Zimmerleuten
is one of the architectural showpieces of Zurich. Up a flight of
Baroque stairs, the elegant dining room serves up dishes that
combine Zurich specialities with chef innovations, including the
Lake Zurich fish soup with garlic rouille or the triple fillet
accompanied with rösti and cream sauce. Reservations
recommended. Open daily.
Address: Limmatquai 40 (Right Bank)
Telephone: (0)44 250 5361
Zeughauskeller |
$$$$$ | Local |
The huge dining hall built in 1487, with thick stone pillars,
wooden beams and a decorative ceiling, was originally the city's
armoury, and the medieval character of the restaurant is
highlighted by the décor, with weapons and paintings from
the Middle Ages, and waitresses in old-fashioned costume. Known for
its tasty traditional Swiss meals, the portions are hearty and
served with local beer. Classic speciality dishes include the
Zurich-style sliced veal and mushrooms and rösti potatoes.
Zeughauskeller also offers a wide variety of different types of
sausage. Open daily from 11.30am. Reservations recommended.
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 28a, Paradeplatz (Left Bank)
E-mail: info@zeughauskeller.ch
Website: www.zeughauskeller.ch
Telephone: (0)44 211 2690
Blaue Ente |
$$$$$ | Modern Eclectic |
Situated on the site of a 300-year old mill, this slick modern
restaurant draws trendsetters from the advertising and arts scene
who are attracted by the modern approach to fresh ingredients and
light cuisine. Duck ('blaue ente' means 'blue duck') is the house
speciality and comes in various forms. Other dishes include fish
and crustaceans, loin of lamb, vegetarian curry and pastas.
Reservations recommended.
Address: Seefeldstrasse 223
E-mail: info@blaue-ente.ch
Website: www.blaue-ente.ch
Telephone: (0)44 388 6840
Bierhalle Kropf |
$$$$$ | Local |
Bierhalle Kropf attracts locals and visitors alike with its
generous portions, delicious well-prepared food and authentic
atmosphere. Located in one of the oldest burgher houses in the
city, the main beer hall has stained glass windows, wooden
panelling and large shared tables, with smaller side rooms for a
more private experience. Besides a large selection of sausages,
specialities include potato croquettes filled with farmer's cheese,
Zurich-style pot-au-feu, and excellent desserts with apple
variations. Reservations recommended. Closed Sunday.
Address: In Gassen 16, Paradeplatz (Left Bank)
Telephone: (0)44 221 1805
A popular and friendly beer hall, Der Kropf is one of the oldest
burgher houses in town, having been founded in 1880. With ornate
columns, chandeliers, stained glass windows, woodcarvings and
elaborate hunting murals, the ambiance, setting and food at Der
Kropf all go hand in hand. Try out the mouth-watering hot meals
such as Geschnetzeltes mit Rosti, a traditional Zurich dish
consisting of tiny veal strips in a spicy cream, wine, and mushroom
gravy, accompanied with a potato croquettes filled with farmer's
cheese. A great selection of sausages compliment a great selection
of beers, pork shank is a firm favourite and traditional deserts
such as Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), round things off sweetly.
Bring along a healthy appetite to this authentic Swiss-German
restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Saturday.
Reservations recommended.
Address: In Gassen 16
Telephone: 044 221 1805
Chez Crettol |
$$$$$ | Local |
A trip to Switzerland would be incomplete without sampling
traditional Swiss fare. A country famous for cheese, most notably
the tasty Gruyere variety, communal dishes such as Raclette and
Fondue are commonplace in both Swiss homes and upmarket
restaurants. Ideal for a wintery treat, head to Chez Crettol where
these particular dishes are the speciality. With a selection of
Fondues to choose from, patrons can while away the time dipping,
twirling and eating and finishing off with a zesty local white
wine. For those who can't handle more than a few mouthfuls of
bread, opt for Raclette, which is a combination of boilt potatoes,
pickled onions and gherkins, drizzled with melted cheese, which is
scraped off a melting block. For a heart-warming Swiss evening, a
warm crackling fireplace and an understated environment that looks
characteristically similar to a Swiss dining room, Chez Crettol is
the place. Open daily for dinner.
Address: Florastrasse 22, Kusnacht
Telephone: 044 910 0315
Seerose |
$$$$$ | International |
With one of the best locations in Zurich, the Seerose offers a
romantic element to Zurich dining. Situated on the vast lake,
guests are surrounded by water, quaint boats, city lights and
majestic snow-capped mountains. Whether you are looking for a sunny
and crisp lunchtime venue or an evening out, with a European flair,
the Seerose will fulfil your expectations. Reminiscent of a yacht
on the Mediterranean with elegant beachhouse trimmings, the Seerose
serves up fresh cuisine ranging from seafood to curry. Start with
goat's cheese and honey on a salad bouquet or a Salade Noel, with
chicory, nuts, fresh fruits and an Indian sauce. Popular mains
include moule et frites and duck l'orange or for the more
adventurous, a red beef curry. Open daily for lunch and dinner,
booking recommended.
Address: Seestrasse 493
Telephone: 044 481 6383
Lasalle |
$$$$$ | International |
A Zuri-West hotspot, Lasalle is an emblem of sophisticated inner
city cool. Created within a renovated shipbuilding factory, the
stylish restaurant forms part of the Schiffbauhaus complex that
also houses two theatres and a jazz bar. A great location to kick
start a cultural evening or end one, Lasalle serves simple
international cuisine, packed with flavour and beautifully
presented. Try the grilled fillet of salmon with artichokes,
tomatoes, and herbs, Swiss dumplings or the chopped veal liver with
sage. Alongside the restaurant is a cosy lounge area, where patrons
can enjoy a quiet drink, consider the extensive wine list and
marvel at the design genius of Lasalle, the endless windows, steel
beams, coarse walls and high ceilings, not to mention the elaborate
soft pink Venetian chandelier. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: Schiffbaustrasse 4
Telephone: 044 258 7071
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