So, which are Zurich’s most popular restaurants and cafés? Zurich bloggers Harry and Carrie know where to head. They publish “Harrys Ding”, a food and travel blog, taking their followers on a trip through the good life, in the city on the Limmat and elsewhere. “We want to inspire our readers and create positive moments,” say the pair. Carrie (36) comes from Singapore, Harry (44) was born in Zurich. harrysding.ch / Instagram: @harrysding
#1 Dolder
Kurhausstrasse 65
This fine-dining venue is a must for sophisticated eaters. Heiko Nieder earnt himself a second Michelin star here at the restaurant in the superb five-star Dolder Grand hotel in 2010 and has been part of the Swiss brigade of elite chefs ever since then. If you need another reason to visit: the fabulous views over the city below. thedoldergrand.com
#2 Kronenhalle
Rämistrasse 4
The Kronenhalle is an institution. Diners in the elegant restaurant come to sample traditional Swiss dishes such as sliced veal Zurich style (Zürcher Geschnetzeltes) or veal sausagewith grated potatoes (Kalbsbratwurst mit Rösti). The walls are decorated with original works by Miró, Picasso and Chagall. kronenhalle.ch
#3 Bar Sacchi
Bertastrasse 1
Order a Negroni at Bar Sacchi andyou can expect to see it served straight from the soda pistol. This small bar in the up-and-coming Lochergut restaurant district is an eye-catcher. Its flirty display of nostalgic Italianità in delicate pink shades will surely make the aesthete’s heart beat faster! sacchi.bar
#4 Café Bank
Molkenstrasse 15
This trendy venue close to the lively Langstrasse occupies a building that was once a bank. These days, the space exudes hipster-industrial chic! Bank is a café, bar and restaurant all rolled into one and is worth a visit any time of day. Includes an open-view bakery operated by organic baker John Baker. bankzuerich.ch
#5 Pool Bar
Stauffacherquai 3
The outdoor bar at the Hotel Helvetia could be right out of a magical-colour-ful Wesley Anderson film – or from the cult series “Miami Vice”. Designed to re create a classic 1980s pool bar dé cor, the walls are covered in the ceramic turquoise mosaic tiles typical of swim-ming pools of that era. A great place to enjoy excellent cocktails in warm weather. hotel-helvetia.ch
#6 Monocle
Dufourstrasse 90
In addition to editorial offices in Zurich, the London-based cult magazine known as “Monocle” also runs a small and cosy café in the trendy Seefeld district. Here you will find sandwiches supplied by organic baker John Baker, as well as delicious pastries by Hiro Takahashi, the first Japanese patisserie to open in Switzerland. There are magazines and newspapers to enjoy, plus a small shop. monocle.com
#7 Juicery
21Sihlstrasse 93
Juicery 21 is your go-to address for cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juices. In this supremely cool juice bar, its owner and host Fred also serves healthy acai bowls, porridge and wonderful bagels. Special feature: Admire the juice press in the cellar below through the glass floor. juicery21.ch
#8 Fischer’s Fritz
Seestrasse 559
This popular beach club is a magnet for all Zurich, especially in good weather when one can sit outdoors and enjoy fish nuggets, sushi made from fish caught fresh from Lake Zurich and chicken wings. This trendy venue is also worth a visit in the autumn; the beautiful views across the lake to the city and the mountains make it a memorable experience. fischers-fritz.ch
#9 George Bar
Sihlstrasse 50
This venue with roof terrace enjoys a reputation as one of Zurich’s most sophisticated restaurants. Indeed it is more private penthouse than gastronomic establishment at first glance. A great address for a good piece of meat, fine cocktails at the stylish bar and great views across the city. george-grill.ch
#10 Confiserie Sprüngli
Bahnhofstrasse 21
Sprüngli is just as much a part of Zurich as the Grossmünster, or “Great Minster”. Besides being known for its delicious mini-macaroons (Luxemburgerli), this tradition-steeped store on Paradeplatz is also one of the chicest addresses in town for breakfast or coffee and pastries. Follow up with a leisurely stroll down Bahnhofstrasse to the lake. spruengli.ch
Text: Harry H. Meier
Photos: Carrie Meier-Ho