In Switzerland, cows really do come home wearing flower crowns.
Believe it or not, this dairy-loving country hosts an annual end-of-summer festival to celebrate Almabtrieb or Alpabfahrt, the so-called “cattle homecoming” where crowds gather to watch a slow-moving parade of cows as they descend from mountain pastures.
So, it should come as no surprise then that traditional Swiss cuisine is dominated by milk products, with entire dishes like fondue and raclette built around melted cheese.
Zürich, however, is a blend of many flavors. Thanks to generations of immigrants who have made the city their home, it offers a culinary journey around the world. Here you’ll find restaurants to accommodate every palate, craving, and dietary preference, from hearty cheese-laden specialties of Heidiland to innovative Middle Eastern tapas and Asian fusion.
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Here is our guide to what you should eat in Zürich – and where to go to find it.
But first, a primer on the best traditional Swiss foods to try in Zürich.
Fondue
Originating in alpine villages during the 1700s, Switzerland’s signature dish was a low-cost meal for farming families during winter, utilizing whatever ingredients they had on hand. Take turns dipping bread, potatoes, and other “garnishes” into a pot of melted Gruyère cheese blended with seasoning and a splash of wine.
Raclette
The word “raclette” refers to both the fast-melting tangy cheese made from unpasteurized milk and the meal centered around it. Raclette, perfect for special occasions, requires a special grill and spatulas and is as much a shared experience as it is a dish. Wait for the cheese to bubble and melt over small trays of mushrooms or meat, then scrape the whole mixture onto a plate of potatoes and enjoy.
Rösti
Rösti is like hash browns, with a twist. Often served as a side dish, this wildly popular Swiss specialty is essentially a giant pancake made from boiled, grated potatoes, sometimes mixed with onion and bacon, and fried until golden brown. It can be garnished with a variety of toppings, including a fried egg.
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes
This thinly sliced and sautéed veal, served with mushrooms in a wine-and-cream sauce, originated in Zürich and is a crowd-pleaser throughout Switzerland. Zürcher Geschnetzeltes is served piping hot, with a side of rösti.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Zürich, Switzerland
Best restaurants in Zürich, Switzerland
Swiss Chuchi Restaurant
Your go-to spot for fondue, raclette, and Wienerschnitzel, as well as a few vegetarian options, Swiss Chuchi Restaurant in the Old Town opened in 1953 as the first fondue restaurant in the area.
Bebek
A lively spot that serves Middle Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. From moussaka to spinach and chicken stew, to sea bass on a bed of beluga lentils, Bebek will delight your senses with its vibrant flavors and brightly colored plates.
Gaijin Izakaya
You’ll find much more than sushi rolls and tempura at this Japanese fusion restaurant. Try Spanish octopus, Korean gnocchi, and BBQ cabbage, and don’t forget to save room for the Burnt Basque Cheesecake.
Restaurant Viadukt
Named after the trendy West Zürich neighborhood it calls home, Restaurant Viadukt sources fresh local vegetables and meats for its rotating menu, featuring everything from risottos and veal to curry and goulash.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Pol Albarrán. Image Location: Zürich, Switzerland
Dining out in Zürich, Switzerland: need to know
Today, you might be in the mood to stroll down cobblestone streets in the Old Town, admiring the Gothic architecture. Tomorrow, perhaps you’ll want to check out the fashionable Im Viadukt neighborhood, named after the old railway bridge around which it was constructed. But no matter where in Zürich you end up, you’re never far from a delicious meal.
Are restaurants open on Sunday in Zürich?
Some restaurants in Zürich are closed on Sunday, which is considered a day of rest in Switzerland. But like many other cities around the world, restaurant opening hours can vary. In short: if a specific restaurant has caught your eye, just be sure to plan ahead.
Do you tip in restaurants in Zürich?
Tipping is not expected in Switzerland. Some restaurants account for the cost of service in the price of the items or include it as a separate charge. That said, many locals and tourists do tip, usually about 10% of the total bill.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61