Image by Christine Syrad

My friend suggested I check out a place that I had yet to realize was going to land its way into my top 3 restaurants in Zurich. I am eternally grateful for the recommendation.

I love this place for a number of reasons, the food being a pretty obvious factor, of course. Aside from offering mouth-watering dishes, some rather unusual ones too, for very reasonable prices by Zurich standards, the wine selection (now presented on an iPad as well as on the wall) is delightfully extensive. The atmosphere really lends itself to sipping on indulgent wines in the company of your favourite people.

The first couple of times I ordered the Tavolata, which is definitely amazing value – for 55 CHF you will be treated to an array of antipasti, sort of tapas style in their presentation, followed by two pasta dishes that lead to the finale of meat. For the quality you get, I can’t think of anywhere else that offers the same bang for your buck (and without making you feel cheap either).

More recently I’ve been exploring the regular menu and today’s beef goulash with spaetzle (a Southern German and Swiss specialty) was divine despite my not even being that great a fan of speatzle. They may have changed my mind about the little blobs of eggy dough, or is it, perhaps, maybe, that I have become a little Swiss?

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Zum Alten Löwen | Restaurants (Swiss/European) | Tavolata CHF 55
Universitätstrasse 111 | Kreis 6/7 Fluntern | +41433431169
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 00:00, Sat 18:00 – 00:00

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Image by Blinde Kuh

There are a few imitations of this concept in major cities around the world, but what makes this one special is that it was the first of its kind – this is where people first flocked to with the desire to attempt to not-so-dexterously lift their forks to their mouths in pitch darkness. It is also where I first succumbed to poking a finger in my glass as I poured my water to ensure I didn’t spill it everywhere and where I hope eating with my fingers will be confined to unless I travel to a country in which it is considered standard.

I don’t want to spoil the experience for anyone by outlining it all here seeing as the mystery of it all was what made it so fun, but there are some highlights I have to share to entice you into going. The image you see above shows how your evening will start. Once you’ve taken a look at the menu you’ll be escorted to your table conga style by the blind waiter or waitress who will be actively involved in your dining experience.

If you’re lucky, you’ll end up next to some people who haven’t realised that just because they can’t see, it doesn’t mean people around you can’t hear you. The couple next to us were on a first date and it’s thanks to the setting of this particular restaurant that we got to observe a hilariously cringeworthy exchange of sweet nothings.

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Blinde Kuh | Art & culture, Restaurants (European) | Whole experience CHF 80
Mühlebachstrasse 148 | Kreis 8 Seefeld | +41444215050
Lunch Wed – Fri 11:30 – 14:00 | Dinner Mon – Thu 18:30 – 23:00 Fri – Sun 18:00 – 23:00

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Image by Christine Syrad

I was looking for a special place to go to for a special person’s celebration and, while I run the risk of tooting my own horn, I have to say my choice of restaurant was absolutely spot on for the occasion.

The restaurant in Hotel Greulich is quiet and modern and yet it manages to keep the atmosphere cosy and warm. The staff add to the place’s appeal – rarely have I encountered better service in Zurich.

The intrigue of this place lies in it’s Tapas-esque menu. The concept is called, “small plates” but the tidbit of food that appears in front of you is certainly more upmarket than your average tapas.

I opted for the Suprise Klein and was entertained with four different dishes (two as a started and two as a main) and thoroughly enjoyed the after taste of the experience. It was hard to encapsulate the ethnic genre of the food, so I’ll just say it was probably based on what inspired the chef on that particular day. My pineapple sorbet with pineapple chutney and rosemary pannacotta suggested he was going for tropical vibes.

If you’re in the mood for good food but not quite sure where your craving is headed, then give Hotel Greulich’s small plates a try. Be warned that it’s not cheap, but I do think you get value for money, which, you may have noticed by now, is not always the case in Zurich.

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Hotel Greulich | Bars, Restaurants (Various) | Surprise set CHF 68
Herman-Greulich-Strasse 56 | Kreis 4 Aussersihl | +41432434243
12:00 – 13:45 & 18:30 – 21:45 daily

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Image by Christine Syrad

“Wir arbeiten hier nicht modern, sondern mit Gefühl”. This quote by Ruedi Stäheli on the front page of their website pretty much sums up my experience at this special steak house – it’s certainly not modern but the place emanates emotion from every square inch of its décor. The first time I set foot in there I felt like I’d stepped onto a film set – partially because the waiter serving us had such a peculiar air about him. He was perfectly nice but there was something about his mannerisms that kept having me think, “is this for real?”

It all adds to the experience though and although old school dining scenes are not where I usually feel most at ease, this place has a different edge to it that doesn’t make you feel out of place the way you would if you walked into Chanel wearing sneakers!

The food is exquisite and while it doesn’t look like much when it’s placed in front of you, don’t let that fool you! The Café de Paris sauce my steak was swimming in was sublime and the non-stop supply of pomme allumettes ensured I soaked up every drop.

If you’re on the lookout for a meaty dish but you don’t want the mucho bravado that often comes with steakhouses, then this is your place, well, actually, it’s my special place now, but I’m willing to share!

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La Cote | Restaurants (French) | Whole meal CHF 80
Aemtlerstrasse 26 | Kreis 3 Wiedikon | +41442419191
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 00:00, Sat 18:00 – 00:00

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Image by Christine Syrad

You can’t ignore the cheerful energy emanating from this place as you walk by during the warmer months – it’s garden area is not only lit up, it’s also right out front for all to see as opposed to hidden away at the back of the restaurant as is often the case. Even if you’re not hungry, I find that Gartenhof manages to entice you in for “just one drink” and then ensures you stay for dinner, just the way a visit at a friend’s house would pan out.

I have a terrible time choosing what to eat at restaurants so semi-pre set menus are always welcome if I can trust I will enjoy the quality offered. Gartenhof just happens to be one of those places that doesn’t disappoint. There is also an a la carte menu in the evening but even that isn’t overwhelmingly expansive. The menu changes allt he time so the joy of perusing new options keeps people coming back.

In the colder months, like now, you’ll see the garden takes its yearly break but the inside of the restaurant is no less welcoming. Its somewhat retro feel gives the place a warm and cosy aura. Plus, it’s located where bankers and local artisans alike are a stone’s throw away so you’re always in varied dining company!

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Gartenhof | Restaurants (Intern.) | Dinner CHF 50
Gartenhofstrasse 1 | Kreis 4 Aussersihl | +41432666363
Mon – Fri 11:45 – 14:00 & 18:00 – … , Sat 19:00 – …

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Image by Christine Syrad

As someone who is half Japanese and who has spent their youth developing their tastebuds in Japan, I can safely say I am extremely picky when it comes to Japanese food abroad. I’m a merciless judge and when an inauthentic place charges me a large sum of money, as is often the case with Japanese food, anger doesn’t come near to covering my sentiments.

Luckily, if you bump into me at Ooki you won’t have to witness the wrath of this Japanese food enthusiast, the ramen here is the best I’ve had outside Japan. The soup is the highlight of this dish so make sure you go when you’re in the mood for something warming and comforting.

Mr. Ooki does offer a summer variant to the dish that is very popular in Japan but since it was advertised in Japanese I didn’t see many people ordering it. Take it from me, it’s delicious so it’s worth asking about.

If noodles aren’t your thing you can try Katsu-curry or snack on some Onigiri. The place is casual enough to be your new regular lunch joint but you’ll find once you walk in its got enough charm to have you wondering what dinner might be like there. On a cold winter evening I would go as far as to say a noodle dish here is on par with fondue for comfort level.

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Ooki | Restaurants (Japanese Ramen) | Noodles CHF 22
Bäckerstrasse 39 | Kreis 4 Aussersihl
Mon – Fri 11:45 – 14:30 & 18:00 – 23:30, Sat 18:00 – 23:30

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Image by Christine Syrad

On a Sunday morning if my bagel and egg Benedict craving is one of my waking thoughts then I know I’ll be trekking across the city to Bohemia where, in my opinion, the American brunch experience is worth the journey.

Bohemia was under renovation for a while so Ponyhof was the replacement pop up restaurant they were running in the meantime. If you like the sound of the brunch, go check out Bohemia. I plan on making my way over in the next few days to scope out the new decor and to update this review and take new pictures. If you beat me to it, leave a comment on what you thought!

However, as I remember it pre-renovation, bagels aren’t the only bready substance to have received my seal of approval, the pancakes are also divine with a generous helping of toppings. For the less glutinous there are healthier options but I can’t say I’ve tried them yet! You’ve got to be ready to give into temptation when you set foot in here.

While Bohemia is not on Romerhof, where Ponyhof was, but at Kreuzplatz, the funicular up to the Dolder is is still just a stone’s throw away so you can venture up the hill and go for a wander in the forests while admiring the view. A little picturesque post feeding ramble is just what you need to perfect your Sunday!

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Bohemia | Coffee & tea, Restaurants (American) | Complete brunch CHF 35
Klosbachstrasse 2 | Kreis 6/7 Fluntern | +41443837060
Mon – Wed 06:45 – 00:00, Thu – Fri 06:45 – 01:00, Sat 09:00 – 01:00, Sun 09:00 – 00:00

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Image by Christine Syrad

If you’re looking for pizza that emerges from the oven and retains its freshly bakedness until it reaches your stomach, then you need to head to Rosso (at least if a pit stop in Naples, Italy, is not on your itinerary). There are a few intriguing things about this restaurant:

a) It’s hard to find because there is no sign outside stating you have indeed arrived at Rosso (which also means it’s virtually impossible to stumble upon accidentally)

b) It’s very minimalist in design as it’s located in an old warehouse but still manages to look modern and chic.

c) Despite it being hidden in the depths of Hardbruecke’s hipsterness, it is always packed! So much so that it can afford to be closed on Saturdays, which I am pretty sure is unheard of in most other cities.

I’ve tried a few things on the menu but I have to say, the best choice for anyone in need of really tasty comfort food is the pizza. Actually, even in the summer I tend to opt for pizza. The list is short but most definitely sweet with Bufala featuring in the most-eaten-by-yours-truly ones. I have to admit the pizza chefs look more like college students than pizza experts; don’t let that fool you, they know how to use their wood oven and will take that smirk of your face within minutes – that of course being one of the joys of real wood ovens!

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Restaurant Rosso | Restaurants (Italian) | Pizza CHF 24
Geroldstrasse 31 | Kreis 5 Industrie | +41438182254
Mon – Fri 16:00 – 00:30

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Image by Ajuni

Fog, rain, freezing temperatures and the occasional snow are frequent Zurich visitors in winter. And have I mentioned the gray, foggy days that prevail for much of the season? There simply is no better cure for the Zurich winter blues than a steaming hot, hearty pot of soup, and Petit Saigon serves a particularly tasty version.

Vietnamese cuisine probably isn’t quite as well-known as its cousins from China, Thailand and Japan but in Zurich Petit Saigon has gone some way to rectifying this. You can choose from a wide range of curries, spring and summer rolls, rice and noodle dishes to eat in or take away.

I would like to be able to tell you whether the other dishes at Petit Saigon are any good, but unfortunately I have never managed to get past their beef noodle soup. At 19.50 it ain’t cheap, but it’s a perfectly filling large pot of delicious homemade broth, filled to the brink with meat and veg. You get Thai basil, bean sprouts and a lime on a separate plate to add to the soup, and may help yourself to chillies and condiments at your own discretion to suit your palate (and heat tolerance).

You’ll leave Petit Saigon feeling all toasty, full and ready to face whatever the Zurich winter might throw at you next – how about a few dreary days of thick fog?

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Petit Saigon | Snacks, Restaurants (Vietnamese) | Beef noodle soup CHF 19.50
Birmensdorferstrasse 126 | Kreis 3 Wiedikon
Mon – Sat 10:00 – 23:00

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Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos

I like places with which I can associate a color. If you have read my other articles: Mata Hari Bar (check the Mata Hari Bar article) is red, Paddy Reilly’s (check the Paddy Reilly’s article)is green. And then you may also have noticed that I like several restaurants near Stauffacher. So now I add one more spot from this area and, at the same time, one more color to the collection.

It is yellow and is located at the intersection of the Langstrasse and Badenerstrasse. Being within walking distance from Mythos (check the Mythos article) or Le Cèdre (check the Le Cedre article), it is a favorite “next destination” after a dinner.

It is called the Forum and for my intents and purposes it is a lounge-bar.

So once again, I find things I like: Sofas, located in the middle enabling a panoramic view of the venue and its visitors, a humidor, music at the right volume; conversation is possible. A mostly young (in the broader sense of the term) public adds a cool flare reminding me of the cliché from my student years: “there is always something going on there”.

If you go during the summer, you can sit outside and watch the crowds enjoying an evening out in the city. However, the big sliding doors would be open on a warm evening so even from inside you would feel being a bit outside.

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Forum | Bars, Music, Restaurants (Intern.) | Orange Juice CHF 5.50
Badenerstrasse 120 | Kreis 4 Aussersihl | +41432438888
Mon – Fri 08:00 – open end, Sat – Sun 10:00 – open end

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