Blinde Kuh

Blinde Kuh offers one of Zürich’s most unforgettable dining experiences: a meal enjoyed in near-total darkness, served by blind and partially sighted staff. With sight taken out of the equation, every sound, scent, and flavour comes into sharp focus, turning even a simple dish into something surprising and immersive. The menu changes weekly and is kept largely a mystery. It’s a popular spot and books up quickly, so plan ahead.

• Web:

  https://blindekuh.ch/en

• Address:

  Mühlebachstrasse 148, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 421 50 50

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 6pm–11pm, Sun 5:30pm–11pm, Mon closed

Didi's Frieden

Just off Bahnhofstrasse, Didi’s Frieden delivers elegant dining with a distinctly Swiss flavour. The menu highlights include creative cordon bleu and veal dishes, crafted from high‑quality local ingredients. The interior is stylish without being showy, and the wine list is carefully selected to match the cuisine.

• Web:

  www.didisfrieden.ch

• E-mail:

  info@didisfrieden.ch

• Address:

  Stampfenbachstrasse 32, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 253 18 10

Kronenhalle

Kronenhalle has been a Zürich institution since 1924, known for classic Swiss and French dishes and a dining room adorned with original works by Chagall, Miró, Picasso and Klee. The restaurant has a sense of history and elegance, and it’s easy to imagine artists and writers lingering over a meal here. Prices are on the higher side, but the combination of food, atmosphere and the chance to dine among iconic artworks makes it a memorable experience.

• Web:

  www.kronenhalle.ch

• Address:

  Raemistrasse 4, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 262 99 00

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–midnight

Saigon

Just a short stroll from the city centre, Saigon is a casual restaurant serving comforting dishes from southern Vietnam. Indulge in fragrant pho, fresh noodle bowls, colourful salads and flavourful soups bursting with herbs and spice.

• Web:

  www.saigon.ch

• E-mail:

  eat@saigon.ch

• Address:

  Sihlstrasse 97, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 210 0585

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 10am–11pm, Sat 11am–11pm, Sun closed

Spaghetti Factory

Just off Rosenhof square in the heart of the Niederdorf quarter, Spaghetti Factory Rosenhof offers a casual setting with big bowls of pasta, fresh salads and plenty of choice. The menu ranges from classic spaghetti done simply to more inventive variations.

• Web:

  www.bindella.ch/gastronomie/spaghetti-factory-rosenhof

• E-mail:

  rosenhof@spaghetti-factory.ch

• Address:

  Niederdorfstrasse 5, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 251 94 00

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 11:30am–11pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am–1am

Swiss Chuchi Restaurant

Right in the heart of Zürich's Old Town inside Hotel Adler, Swiss Chuchi is a cosy spot dedicated to classic Swiss comfort food. It’s best known for its rich cheese fondues as well as raclette and dishes like Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (Zürich-style sliced veal). Warm and rustic inside, it’s a favourite for visitors looking to dive into traditional flavours, so booking ahead for dinner is wise, especially in winter.

• Web:

  www.hotel-adler.ch

• E-mail:

  info@swiss-chuchi.ch

• Address:

  Rosengasse 10, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 266 96 66

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11:30am–11:15pm

Kaufleuten

Kaufleuten is one of Zürich’s most iconic nightlife venues, combining a restaurant, bar, and club under one roof. By day, it serves seasonal, upscale dishes in a sleek dining room, while evenings see the space transform into a lively club hosting DJs, themed parties, and live music events. Here, you should definitely dress to impress.

• Web:

  https://kaufleuten.ch

• Address:

  Pelikanplatz 18, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 225 33 00

Moods

Moods is Zürich’s premier jazz club, located on top of the Schiffbau building near Hardstrasse. The venue hosts live concerts almost every day from mid-September to mid-June, featuring a mix of jazz, funk, soul, and blues from both local and international artists. Be sure to check out their calendar when you're in town.

• Web:

  www.moods.ch/en

• E-mail:

  info@moods.club

• Address:

  Schiffbauplatz, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 276 80 00

Nelson Pub

A favourite among Zürich’s international crowd, Nelson Pub has a casual, British-style atmosphere with dark wood interiors, large screens, and a lively bar. It’s a reliable spot to catch live football and other sports, especially on weekends when students and young expats gather. In the evenings, DJs spin tunes to keep the energy up. The menu offers classic pub grub as well as Swiss dishes, alongside a solid selection of beers, wine and spirits.

• Web:

  https://nelsonpubzurich.ch

• E-mail:

  info@nelsonpubzurich.ch

• Address:

  Beatengasse 11, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 212 60 16

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 11:30am–2am, Fri 11:30am–4:30am, Sat 2pm–4:30am, Sun 2pm–2am

Oepfelchammer

Tucked into a centuries-old building in Zürich’s Old Town, Oepfelchammer is a cosy tavern with plenty of character and deep roots in local tradition. Known locally as the 'Oeli', it serves regional Swiss cuisine paired with good wine in its dark-wood interior filled with names carved into benches and walls by past patrons. Oeli also has a famously quirky tradition: the Balkenprobe, where brave guests attempt to drink a glass of wine while hanging upside-down from a ceiling beam. Whether you give it a go or simply watch others try, it’s a memorable stop for a drink in a place where Zürich’s past is very much still alive.

• Web:

  www.oepfelchammer.ch

• E-mail:

  reservation@oepfelchammer.ch

• Address:

  Rindermarkt 12, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 251 23 36

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Fri 11:30am–2pm / 5:30pm–midnight, Sat 11:30am–midnight, Sun & Mon closed

Old Crow

Old Crow is a hidden gem for spirits enthusiasts in Zürich's Old Town. The bar’s intimate, antiquated interior sets the stage for exploring a collection of over 1,600 bottles, with whiskies taking centre stage. Skilled bartenders craft both classic cocktails and rare, long-forgotten recipes, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed evening savouring top-notch drinks.

• Web:

  www.oldcrow.ch

• E-mail:

  contact@wolfthemes.com

• Address:

  Schwanengasse 4, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 43 233 53 35

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 5pm–12:30am, Sun & Mon closed

Rheinfelder Bierhalle

One of Zürich’s oldest beer halls, Rheinfelder Bierhalle is as straightforward as they come: long wooden benches, bright lights, and no-nonsense charm. It draws a lively mix of locals, from office workers to students, all here for classic Swiss comfort dishes served in generous portions and cold beer that flows steadily from morning until late.

• Web:

  www.rheinfelderbierhalle.com

• E-mail:

  info@rheinfelderbierhalle.com

• Address:

  Niederdorfstrasse 76, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 251 54 64

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–midnight

Babu's

This urban, relaxed café in the city centre is very popular, and you might have to queue for a coffee, but it’s well worth the wait. It’s known for its trendy vibe, artisanal pastries, and a full breakfast menu that keeps locals coming back.

• Web:

  https://babus.ch

• Address:

  Löwenstrasse 1, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 307 10 10

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 7am–6pm, Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 9am–5pm

Café & Conditorei 1842

Café & Conditorei 1842 is an old-school bakery in Zürich’s Old Town, with high ceilings, Baroque décor, and a small terrace. The café is known for its house-made chocolates and pastries, but the hot chocolate with whipped cream is the star of the house — generous, well-balanced, and perfect on a chilly day. You can really feel the history here, from the décor to the timeless menu, making it a favourite for both locals and visitors alike.

• Web:

  www.cafe1842.ch

• Address:

  Napfgasse 4, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 251 51 50

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–7pm

Confiserie Sprüngli

On Bahnhofstrasse, Confiserie Sprüngli is the flagship store of the famous Swiss chocolatier, founded in 1836. Inside, you’ll find an extensive selection of mouth-watering chocolates, pralines, truffles, and cakes, including the signature Luxemburgerli macarons. There’s a café on the first floor if you want to sit down and enjoy a coffee with a sweet treat.

• Web:

  www.spruengli.ch/en

• Address:

  Bahnhofstrasse 21, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 224 46 46

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 7:30am–6:30pm, Sat 8:30am–6pm, Sun closed

H. Schwarzenbach

H. Schwarzenbach is a family-run café in the heart of Zürich’s Old Town, now in its fifth generation. Hosued in a period building, it’s a calm spot to enjoy high-quality coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and amaretti. The café’s own bakery produces daily cakes and pastries, and the cheesecake is a must-try. Attached to the café is the famous Schwarzenbach delicatessen, where you can pick up chocolates and other treats to take home with you.

• Web:

  www.schwarzenbach.ch

• E-mail:

  info@schwarzenbach.ch

• Address:

  Münstergasse 19, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 261 13 15

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 9am–6:30pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun closed

Henrici

Henrici is all about coffee. From classics to creative brews, they know how to make a good cup, and the baristas are happy to help you pick the right one. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the baked goods are worth a try; the cheesecake, in particular, gets a lot of praise.

• Web:

  https://cafe-henrici.ch

• Address:

  Niederdorfstrasse 1, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 251 54 54

ViCAFE Bellevue

ViCAFE Bellevue is a tiny coffee spot that often has a queue, and for good reason. The coffee is the star here, made with care by friendly, knowledgeable baristas using beans from around the world. Don’t miss the croi-muffin with sweet rosemary, a local favourite. With several locations around Zürich, it’s an easy stop for a quality coffee while exploring the city.

• Web:

  https://vicafe.ch/pages/espresso-bars

• Address:

  Theaterstrasse 14, Zürich

• Phone:

  +41 44 886 66 11

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 6:30am–6pm, Sat 7:30am–6pm, Sun 8am–6pm