Riff Raff Zurich
Feb 7, 2025

Riff Raff Zurich

Bar, bistro & cinema for enthusiasts

""Riff Raff" Zurich is the cinema I go when I'm tired of over-marketed Hollywood blockbuster movies. It's the main hub for independent, non-mainstream films."

Tired of all the over-marketed Hollywood blockbuster movies based on recycled plots following superficial characters? Then it's time for you to visit the good old Riff Raff.

This place has been one of Zurich's main hubs for independent, non-mainstream cinema since its opening in 1998 and is a favorite among film enthusiasts. Showing anything from moderately known Sundance nominees to completely unknown productions by obscure directors, the Riff Raff offers a superb selection of indie flicks – trust me, you'll seldom leave the theatre disappointed. And not already knowing all the key scenes from countless trailers - like with mainstream blockbusters - really adds to the pleasure.

But the Riff Raff isn't only a cinema - on the ground floor it features a stylish bar and an adjacent bistro, the latter serving quite delicious bagels and various other small snacks. Both are nice places to socialize and spend the evening, even if you're not planning on having a movie night. But if you do spontaneously decide to see a movie, don't forget to pre-buy your snacks and drinks since there won't be an intermission. This is after all a place for film enthusiasts - and they don't like their favorite pastime to be interrupted.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
008-ticket
Cinema
024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Neugasse 57

Pastis 51:

CHF

7.50

444442200

Find your way with 179 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Zurich guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Zurich

Zufreeden

Gluten free heaven

I particularly like the variety of products they offer, which can make life a lot easier if you are gluten-free and they also have several vegan options.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Mar 17, 2025

Jam session at Moods

Wednesday, jazz day

If you want to enjoy some good live jazz on Wednesdays, you should definitely try out this jam session that is clearly flirting with professionalism.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Mar 16, 2025

Heureka sculpture

A nonsensical Tinguely machine

It was made out of scrap metal and everyday objects and presents a nonsensical machine, a complex configuration of tubes, wheels, and motors.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Simi

Singh

Mar 15, 2025

Jazzraum

Mehrspur Tuesday jam

The jazz jam session takes place in a small space, which can't fit more than 40 people, and this gives me the impression of experiencing a private concert.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Mar 15, 2025

Stadtgärtnerei

A lush spot in the city

The outside area is also worth a visit. You'll find a beautiful collection of palms and agave in a sandy environment crossed by a water basin with fishes.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Mar 15, 2025
Old Crow Zurich

Old Crow

The art of the Spirit

The "Old Crow" in Zurich is definitely a special kind of bar. Whiskey lovers beware: with over 1,000 bottles, you might stay here longer than expected...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Allan

Haverman

Mar 14, 2025
Raygrodski Zurich

Raygrodski

Hipsters & craft cocktails

"Raygrodski" in Zurich stands out as one of the city's best cocktail bars. Grab a Sir Mary or Hot Russian, relax and enjoy...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Allan

Haverman

Mar 14, 2025

Bachser Märt Kalkbreite

Sustainable Food Hub

Near Wiedikon station, Bachser Märt offers organic, regional produce in a bright, modern space with a helpful staff. Sustainable shopping at its best!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Marion

Sima Woessner

Mar 10, 2025
Werdinsel Zurich

Werdinsel

A Swiss island

"Werdinsel" Zurich is an island in the city. Ok, the island in question is reachable by pedestrian bridges. I love the summer festival (Inselfäscht)...

017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Miltiadis

Sarakinos

Mar 9, 2025

Kweer

Suitable in any situation

Whether you're looking for a spot to work from, to experience a good hot chocolate in Switzerland, or to go on a date, Kweer is the place for you!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Feb 27, 2025

Hiltl Sihlpost

Food for everybody

The Hiltl restaurants always were a bit ahead of their time, serving vegetarian cuisine for more than a hundred years. I liked every dish I tried there!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Feb 27, 2025

Marta

Permanant flea market

The concept of the store means they have a very diverse assortment of clothes and accessories as there must be as least 50 different shelves full of stuff.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Marie-Lou

Pijnenburg

Feb 27, 2025

Heading to Zurich?

179 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Zurich this weekend?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

179 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Zurich

Get to know our other Spotters from Zurich

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
cached_response not present
39
Filters