Restaurants in Zurich

Some of the 20th century's greatest artists (including Stravinsky, Brecht and Joyce) have frequented the Kronenhalle. Its fin de siècle décor is well suited to its wonderful collection of 20th-century art, which includes works by Giacometti, Picasso, Miro, Chagall and Matisse. The menu attracts many regular diners, who enjoy the excellently prepared local and international dishes on the menu. Service is first-rate and the ambience more laid-back than formal, despite the price.

Rico's, 6km (4 miles) south of the city centre on Lake Zurich's eastern shore (the 'Gold Coast'), has long been considered one of Switzerland’s best restaurants under the patronage of Hamburg-born, Michelin-starred chef Horst Petermann. Since he retired, the place has been left in the very capable hands of his former apprentice, Rico Zandonella, who has retained the restaurant’s two Michelin stars while adding his own artistic flair to the modern European menu. The intimate 19th century building (a former art gallery) boasts an exceptional wine cellar and a lovely outdoor terrace. Reservations, though, are essential.

For a taste of modern Zurich, this smart yet relaxed restaurant in the renovated Schiffbau (a former ship-building warehouse) is the place to go. Stylish and bright, its vast dining room retains the industrial feel of its origins whilst also being thoroughly modern. Likewise, the menu features classic dishes with a modern twist, such as grilled scallops with avocado and mango salad, and veal liver with shallots and herbs. Changing daily specials make the most of seasonal ingredients.

Zurich may be in the Swiss-German part of the country, but this lovely restaurant near the Grossmünster gives you the chance to sample dishes from the French-speaking area of Vaud, without making the two-hour train trip to get there. In the intimate surroundings of a medieval house (it dates back to 1274), Le Dézaley offers up such specialities as papet Vaudois (sausage with creamed leeks), air-dried meat, veal liver with rösti and steak tartar.

Built on the remains of a 15th-century armoury, the Zeughauskeller opened in 1927, when a new owner converted the building into a beer hall. Large stone pillars hold up the ornamental wooden-beamed ceiling, and portraits of noblemen and weaponry are displayed. As with all beer cellars, patrons share lengthy tables. Classic Zurich cuisine dominates the menu, including at least 12 varieties of sausage, plus wiener schnitzel (zeal that's breaded and fried), rösti and a tasty range of local desserts. As you'd expect, there's a good line-up of draft and bottled beers.

La Fonte is a cosy little Italian restaurant in the suburbs - it's located a 20-minute-drive northeast of the city centre - but it's worth the trip. The pizzas and pasta dishes are delicious and served with a smile. Even more, it offers excellent value for money. 

According to the Guinness Book of Records, this is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world, dating back to 1898. Now run by the fourth generation of the Hiltl family, it has still manages to appeal to a young and vibrant crowd. It is especially popular for its lunch menu, which always includes 50 salads (to eat in or take away) and its Indian and Thai buffet of around 30 different dishes in the evening, all priced by weight. At night it transforms itself into a bar and club.

This sleek yet unpretentious restaurant serves an all-day menu with classics such as burgers and Caesar salad but also modern interpretations of Swiss dishes. Visitors can relax in the afternoons over a cup of coffee and a piece of Wähe, a typical Swiss cake. Reservations are essential for the regular dinner concerts - see the website for details.

Located in the heart of Zurich’s district 4, Thach is a restaurant that offers menu options, a lunch and dinner buffet and a take away service for those on the go. From delicious curries and fresh rice dishes to tasty desserts, Thach has it all.