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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zurich

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 – …

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zurich

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zurich

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zurich

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zurich

Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos

I had received several invitations for after work parties at the roof terrace of the Helvetia hotel which opens around mid-May (weather permitting). The saying goes, the terrace offers a spectacular view. True. I finally got there on the last day of June 2010. 10 days of real summer in Zurich made it a must.

But unfortunately, in Zurich we have four seasons. Fortunately, they can all be enjoyed in different ways.

Here is where the bar inside with its imposing wooden design comes into play. The bar goes under the name “Helvti”. In the 80s it was the meeting point of journalists from the leftist newspaper “Tages Anzeiger” and other “rebels-without-a-cause” elements. Today it is the ideal meeting point not only for bohemians but also for petites-bourgeois fans of capitalism and globalization like me (who rebel only when their bonus is in danger) who just like to take a break and chat.

The perimeter is a sofa and the chairs for the table have left me the memory of worn-out leather. It is quite cosy and doesn’t feel loud. And now that smoking is prohibited, the pleasure factor has increased.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Helvetia Hotel Restaurant | Bars, Snacks, Restaurants (Swiss) | Orange juice CHF 4.80
Stauffacherquai 1 | Kreis 4 Aussersihl | +41442979999
Bar: Mon – Thu 08:00 – 00:00 , Fri 08:00 – 02:00, Sat 10:00 – 02:00, Sun 10:00 – 23:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zurich

Image by Ajuni

Literally translated, ‘Volkshaus’ means ‘house of the people’. The most accurate English term is probably ‘community centre’. Zurich’s version is located in the heart of the former working class area Kreis 4 and has been around since 1910, as is proudly proclaimed on the website.

Volkshaus is arguably best known for hosting gigs. This is one of the largest venues in town and the bands that play here tend to be on their way up to going stadium-size – or they are on their way down from world domination.

On the premises there is also a bookshop specializing in political science and psychoanalysis but they also stock more profane stuff such as the humble novel.

The sauna in the Volkshaus’s basement has just been refurbished and is now open for business, offering a hammam and sauna facilities in modern, slick surroundings.

Last but by no means least the café and restaurant have been refurbished a few years ago. Gone are the cobwebs of yesteryear, the place looks sleek but has retained a nice vintage touch. The best time to stop by here is in the afternoon, sitting by the huge windows and watching the world go by. This is community service with a difference.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Volkshaus | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Restaurants (Swiss) | Pot of tea CHF 5.00
Stauffacherstrasse 60 | Kreis 4 Aussersihl
Mon – Tue 08:00 – 00:00, Wed 08:00 – 01:00, Thu – Fri 08:00 – 02:00, Sat 09:00 – 02:00, Sun 10:00 – 00:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zurich

Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos

Mythos is conveniently located near Stauffacherplatz, a mixture of business and nightlife district. I discovered the restaurant with my work colleagues while working nearby: it was our favorite in a neighborhood full of alternatives.

Finding a table around noon during working days is a challenge. So be advised: either reserve or go early (at 11:30).

During the warm season there are tables outside. They cannot be reserved.

Greek cuisine is famous for its appetizers. Mythos offers a representative variety of dishes, starting with the famous Greek salad (tomatoes, feta, onions, etc. all with Greek olive oil) and moving higher to more sophisticated plates like “Garides (Shrimp) Saganaki (baked with feta cheese)”.

From the main dishes I prefer the Souvlaki which comes in the usual two versions: on a straw or as a pita-bread wrap. In this latter version, one senses the erratic quality gap of Mythos with respect to similar offerings in Greece. Simply put: in Greece, Souvlaki is often junk food. In Mythos, Souvlaki is gourmet kitchen. Visitors wishing to avoid the traditional version of Souvlaki with pork meat can try the chicken or the shrimp versions.

Mythos offers a superb price quality ratio (see photos). It is a great tip for an informal lunch or dinner before going to one of the many bars, night clubs or cinemas nearby.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mythos | Snacks, Restaurants (Greek) | Dishes from CHF 7.00
Stauffacherstrasse 35 | Kreis 4 Aussersihl | +41443722954
Mon – Thu 11:00 – 22:00, Fri 11:00 – 23:00, Sat 08:30 – 23:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zurich

Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos

I had heard a lot about the Tearoom in the Langstrasse neighborhood of Zurich, a locale quite popular for an after work-chillout.

The Tearoom, officially called Maison Blunt, is a copy of a Moroccan restaurant in Fez. It is located in the new in-quarter of Zurich, an area whose previous dubious reputation is rapidly giving place to trendy bars, restaurants and highly desired apartments.

The Tearoom offers a unique combination of original atmosphere with intense flavors and the pleasant odor of the narghile. The left side offers a more typical restaurant setup with tables that can be reserved; the other side is dominated by sofas and low round tables for relaxing and letting time go (see photos). Food is served on both sides.

During the warm season there are tables in the backyard so you can sit in the open air (until 22:00).

The food is tasteful. A most attractive part of Arabic cuisine is its appetizers (mezes). I recommend the chicken and meat versions (something like kebab) as well as the humus. Different types of bread are automatically served.

The Tearoom caters primarily to a young public and has a distinct bohemian character. The place is packed on weekends and is quite full during the week. You are likely to sit close to or even share a table or sofa with another party, possibly making new acquaintances.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Maison Blunt | Snacks, Restaurants (Morocan) | Humus (Appetizer) CHF 9.50
Gasometerstrasse 5 | Kreis 4 Aussersihl | +41432110033
Mon – Fri 11:30 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 23:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 23:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zurich

Image by Miltiadis Sarakinos

The Langstrasse neighborhood is gradually getting rid of its red-light character and is becoming the new trendy quarter in Zurich. Upon moving to Zurich 9 years ago, I was told to avoid the area by night. Nowdays a seat at a restaurant or an apartment for rent are objects of desire.

After a dinner in the area, the Mata Hari bar is a good final destination. The bar is conveniently located near Limmatplatz.

“It is sooo red” will be your first and most dominant impression. I don’t know if this intense redness is a tribute to the district’s reputation but I find it very tasteful.

Rock music plays in the background. Having grown up in the 70s with Deep Purple and Pink Floyd, the sound matches my taste but, 30 years later, I appreciate its moderate volume: conversation in Mata Hari is possible without screaming at each other’s ear.

The (red) sofa area feels very relaxing. It is also possible to sit at the bar or at elevated tables nearby (see photos).

The area behind the bar is another highlight; I find it quite elegantly designed.

The public is young, casual and unpretentious. Prices are reasonable. Drinks are served only at the bar.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Mata Hari | Bars, Music, Relaxing | Juice CHF 8.00
Langstrasse 237 | Kreis 4 Aussersihl | +41432052250
Mon – Thu 17:00 – 03:00, Fri 17:00 – 04:00, Sat 19:00 – 04:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Zurich