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.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
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

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!

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

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.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
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

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.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
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

Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos

An evening at Cèdre is not just a dining experience. It is an erotic ritual as taught by tantric gurus: constant delight with every detail contributing and all senses participating.

The ritual begins upon entering. For a short time you wait to be seated and observe what other guests have on their tables. That brings you “in the mood”.

Scanning the menu, once seated, creates dilemma (what do I order?) and anticipation (when does it come?).

My recommendations after seven years of regular visits: create a diversified portfolio of mezzeh (appetizers) and main courses. Include one Hommos and the Lebanese Viagra (I don’t know why they call it so but apparently women like it as much as men). From the main courses: the Shis Lamme (lamb version) or the giant shrimp in lemon sauce. For desert get a Mahalabia (check website to see picture).

An integral part of the ritual is the owner. Only he takes orders for food and only he brings the bill. So you will have at least two encounters with him. He is a charmeur with a special type of humor and a strong memory (he remembers what you ordered during a previous visit.

On weekends there is belly dancing.

Cèdre is ideal for (i) offering a visitor the best of Zurich’s gastronomy, (ii) organizing a business or company dinner (iii) working your way through to seducing your date.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Cèdre | Restaurants (Libanese) | Dinner for two from CHF 120.00
Badenerstrasse 78 | Kreis 4 Aussersihl | +41442414272
Mon – Fri 11:30 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 00:30, Sat – Sun 18:00 – 00:30