Zurich is Switzerland’s financial capital, but its culinary scene is equally world-class. From timeless Swiss classics to avant-garde European fare, Zurich offers something for every palate. The city’s affluent and international crowd (tourists from the UK, USA, India, Australia) drives demand for high-end dining, making it a magnet for celebrity chefs and luxury hotels. Rich dairy traditions (raclette, fondue) mingle with Italian influences (due to Swiss-Italian ties) and global cuisines. With two Michelin-two-star red restaurants (The Restaurant at Dolder Grand, Pavillon at Baur au Lac), plus many one-star venues, Michelin-starred restaurants in Zurich abound. Overall, Zurich’s luxury restaurants are known for excellence and precision: for example, The Restaurant’s elaborate, artfully plated menus “built on classical foundations” impress with “precision and attention to detail”. Outdoor dining and panoramic views (Lake Zurich, cityscapes) also enhance the gourmet experience. This guide dives deep into trends and the top 17 restaurants – mostly Swiss and European cuisine – to help travelers eat like royalty.
At a glance | Zurich — Top 17 Restaurants & Quick Guide
- Best for tasting menus: The Restaurant (Dolder Grand), Pavillon (Baur au Lac), Widder, IGNIV and The Counter.
- Top vegetarian/vegan options: Neue Taverne, KLE, Elmira, Marktküche.
- Green & sustainable leaders: Many Michelin Green Star venues with zero-waste & seasonal menus.
- Where to eat for views: Dolder Grand, Pavillon, Rigiblick & riverside brasseries.
- Booking platforms: TheFork / OpenTable or call directly 2–6 weeks ahead.
- Daily budget: CHF 80–300+ per person depending on venue.
- Reserve restaurants 2–6+ weeks ahead (check cancellations).
- Confirm dress code & menu (tasting vs à la carte).
- Share dietary needs during booking.
- Carry a card — tipping 5–10% is common.
- Check opening days & seasonal breaks.
Zurich Dining Trends & Sustainability
Zurich’s restaurants have trended toward sustainability and local sourcing. The city leads Europe with eight Michelin Green Star restaurants in 2024, reflecting eco-friendly practices like zero-waste kitchens and plant-focused menus. The Michelin Guide notes Swiss chefs balance tradition and modernity, using local, seasonal produce (e.g. Muotathal beef, Appenzell game) and even restaurant-raised ingredients. Many places now offer vegetarian or vegan fine-dining (KLE, Elmira, Neue Taverne) to meet demand. “Sharing plates” tasting menus are on the rise, emphasizing communal dining. Online reservation systems (TheFork, OpenTable) are widely used: top venues often book weeks ahead. Diners should also expect refined wine lists spotlighting Swiss vintages. Overall, Zurich’s fine-dining scene blends Swiss terroir with European flair, while pushing green initiatives.
Swiss Specialties to Try in Zurich
While exploring Zurich’s top restaurants, don’t miss local specialties. Classic Swiss dishes remain popular in upscale settings – from fondue and raclette in mountain lodges and fondue stübis to Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal in cream sauce) often served with Rösti. Look for high-end interpretations: e.g. a gourmet Swiss Cheese Fondue platter or artisan charcuterie board with local cold cuts. Bakeries and cafés offer buttery chocolate pastries and swiss chocolate tasting. Seasonal fare like wild game or freshwater fish also appears on menus. Many luxury hotels (e.g. Baur au Lac, Dolder) serve elegant Swiss/German breakfast spreads of muesli, breads and cheeses. Travelers from the UK, USA, India or Australia will feel at home pairing these dishes with beers or spirits: try the local Swiss rye bread schnapps or fondue with a glass of Fendant (Swiss white wine). Venturing outside pure fine dining, some historic taverns (e.g. Swiss Chuchi at Kronenhalle) specialize in traditional dishes in an elegant atmosphere.
Vegetarian & Vegan Dining in Zurich
Zurich’s dining map now includes world-class plant-based options. Landmark vegetarian eateries like Haus Hiltl and Tibits (buffet-style) show the vegetarian scene’s roots, but fine dining has arrived: Chef Nenad Mlinarevic’s Neue Taverne (one Michelin star) offers an inventive vegetarian tasting menu. The vegan Marktküche (Michelin Bib Gourmand) and Restaurant KLE (one Michelin star) serve gourmet all-vegetarian meals emphasizing local produce. Elmira is noted for creative plant-forward menus in a sustainable setting. Even top restaurants like Widder offer high-end vegan dishes by request. Drink options are also plentiful: many restaurants stock local Swiss craft beers and biodynamic wines. These vegetarian venues maintain Zurich’s luxury standards; for example, Chef Flavio Mattioli’s Menüs at Neue Taverne earned Michelin acclaim for their innovative vegetable-forward cuisine.
Booking & Dining Tips for Zurich
High-end Zurich restaurants often require advance booking, especially for dinner or weekends. Use online reservation platforms (TheFork, OpenTable) or call well in advance for Michelin-starred venues. Dress codes tend to be smart-casual at casual bistros, and formal in gourmet houses. Note Zurich’s tardy dinner culture: locals eat late (8–9pm), so prime tables are late evening. Service is professional; tipping is optional (around 10%) as service charge is usually included. Lunch hour can be packed – consider afternoon restaurant cafés for lighter fare. Many upscale spots are in luxury hotels (Dolder, Baur au Lac) or historic guildhalls – locations where valet or parking is available. Public transport (tram/UBahn) easily reaches most areas, but taxis/Uber are handy after dinner.
1. The Restaurant (Dolder Grand) | Zurich’s Alpine Fine Dining
Heiko Nieder’s elaborate and creative cooking is rooted in classical technique, and the cuisine consistently impresses with its precision and attention to detail.
Chef Heiko Nieder’s two Michelin-starred The Restaurant (at the Dolder Grand) epitomizes Zurich luxury dining. It offers inventive multi-course tasting menus with global influences (e.g. Breton lobster, wagyu beef, sake-infused sauces). The opulent dining room and panoramic hilltop setting enhance the experience. The Restaurant is known for flawless execution of refined Swiss-European cuisine; it holds 2 Michelin stars and 19 Gault&Millau points. Expect a 5–10 course menu (with wine pairings) and impeccable service. Reservations are essential, and prices are top-tier. It’s ideal for special occasions or a gourmet splurge in Zurich.
2. Restaurant IGNIV by Andreas Caminada | Modern Sharing Menus (Zurich)
The set menu remains true to IGNIV’s philosophy of “sharing and caring” in a comfortable setting, delivering complex yet accessible modern cuisine across tapas-style dishes.
Andreas Caminada’s Zurich outpost of the IGNIV concept focuses on sharing plates and seasonal ingredients. Chef Daniel Zeindlhofer delivers a 6–8 course menu (fish soup with miso, duck terrine with black truffle) presented tapas-style for the table. Dishes are creative, contemporary European. The ambience is stylish yet relaxed. IGNIV has 2 Michelin stars. It stands out as one of Zurich’s most innovative fine-dining experiences, perfect for groups keen on tasting a variety of flavors.
3. Restaurant Widder Restaurant | Historic Chateau Dining
With 18 Gault&Millau points and two Michelin stars, the Widder Restaurant’s reputation truly precedes it; Chef Stefan Heilemann’s distinctive style and experimental techniques combine to create electrifying dishes that push modern European cuisine while remaining deeply rooted in Swiss sensibility.
Set in the 14th-century Widder Hotel, this ornate restaurant boasts one of the longest Michelin pedigrees in Zurich. Chef Stefan Heilemann’s menu (modern European with accents like pesto-crusted venison) is precise and bold. The dining room’s tapestry walls and chandeliers make every meal feel regal. Widder also offers vegetarian fine-dining and cooking classes. It’s quintessential Zurich-old-town luxury.
4. Restaurant Pavillon (Baur au Lac) | Classic Haute Cuisine by the Lake
“Chef Laurent Eperon’s Pavillon at the Baur au Lac earned its second Michelin star in 2019”.
Pavillon, in the historic Baur au Lac hotel, has two Michelin stars and 18 Gault&Millau points. It serves haute cuisine in an elegant Art-Deco gazebo overlooking the lake. Specialties include artistically presented seafood and game with French technique and Swiss ingredients (e.g. venison, caviar). Wine service is outstanding, with many Swiss options. The chandeliered dining room is as beautiful as the cuisine. Dress up for dinner here; it’s a landmark of Zurich fine dining and often cited in luxury restaurant lists.
5. Restaurant The Counter (City Center) | Intimate Tasting Menus
This newly two-Michelin-starred venue (opened 2023) features an open kitchen and bar-counter dining (hence the name). Chef Mitja Birlo offers a surprise seasonal menu of elaborate small dishes (amuse-bouche to dessert) in a modern setting. The Counter emphasizes innovation: dishes might include reimagined Zurich classics. It’s intimate (only a few counter seats), and the service is extremely personal. Being immediately awarded two stars, it’s already one of Zurich’s hottest reservations.
6. Restaurant Kronenhalle | Iconic Swiss Art Restaurant
The world-renowned Kronenhalle is synonymous with fine dining and doubles as an art gallery, displaying original works by Picasso, Chagall and Matisse while serving classic Swiss dishes in an elegant, old-world setting.
A Zurich institution since 1924, Kronenhalle is famous for Swiss classics (fondue, Zürcher Geschnetzeltes) served amid original fine art. The dining room walls are adorned with Picassos and Mirós from founder Hollack’s collection. The menu is upscale Swiss-German with French touches. The service is formal and attentive. Try the house sour dough bread, rich veal dishes, and the chocolate mousse. This is the place to experience Old-World Zurich charm and cuisine. (Located on Rämistrasse, near Bahnhofstrasse.)
7. Restaurant ORSINI (Mandarin Oriental) | Modern Italian Elegance
ORSINI delivers a memorable restaurant experience, serving modern Italian cuisine that balances rich, contrasting flavors with elegant technique.
ORSINI, at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, earned its first Michelin star in 2024. Chef Dario Moresco presents refined Italian fare (risottos, home-made pastas, Neapolitan-style baked dishes) using the finest ingredients. The chic décor (leather banquettes, polished bar) and lighter-than-average Michelin approach make it uniquely modern. The tourism board calls it “Italian elegance at Paradeplatz”. Signature dishes might include scampi with saffron or a decadent tiramisu.
8. Restaurant Marktküche | Creative Vegan Fine Dining
Though a “vegetarian restaurant” by classification, Marktküche (Chef Michael Beck’s flagship) stands out as one of Zurich’s most innovative restaurants. It earned the distinction of first vegetarian Michelin Bib Gourmand in Switzerland. The menu features artful vegan tasting dishes (beet risotto, soy-based “tuna” carpaccio) that highlight local produce. Service is informal, and the stylish open kitchen adds to the casual-yet-classy vibe. Marktküche caters to fine-dining vegans and omnivores alike looking for a green twist on Swiss cuisine.
9. Restaurant La Rôtisserie | Riverside Fondue & Brasserie
Culinary delights served directly from the trolley, with a view of the Limmat and the Grossmünster.
Located by the river in the historic Lindenhof area, La Rôtisserie offers a unique old-school experience. Waiters push a gilded trolley to each table to carve flambeed specialties (beef, poultry, wild game) tableside. The menu blends classic Swiss and French brasserie fare. The terrace provides a prime view of the Limmat River and the Münster church. While not Michelin-starred, it is a “must-visit” for traditional specialty dishes and a romantic ambiance. The gourmet fondue and raclette here are among Zurich’s best.
10. Restaurant Neue Taverne | Vegetarian Michelin Dining
It provides purely vegetarian dishes.
A reinvented gem from chef Nenad Mlinarevic (2-star focus), Neue Taverne offers a refined vegetarian tasting menu in an elegant hall near the city center. Every course is plant-based, from silky pumpkin ravioli to creative vegetable consommes. The Swiss Tourism site highlights its complete veggie focus. The atmosphere is cozy yet sophisticated, with dark wood and intimate seating. A short walk from Paradeplatz, it’s ideal for non-meat diners wanting a luxury culinary adventure. (Be sure to reserve; it’s earned a Michelin star and popularity quickly.)
11. Restaurant Sushi Shin | Authentic Japanese Michelin Spotlight
This one-Michelin-star sushi restaurant (run by chef Takeshi Matsuzaki) is famous in Zurich. It’s a traditional sushi-ya where chefs prepare omakase-style courses right in front of you. Fish is flown in fresh daily; even rice is meticulously seasoned. The ambiance is minimalist and hushed. For seafood lovers, Sushi Shin offers a zen contrast to Zurich’s other cuisines. It demonstrates the city’s international fine-dining reach (outside Swiss/European styles). Combine sushi with sake or Japanese whisky for a complete experience.
12. Restaurant Elmira | Gourmet Vegan & Vegetarian Tasting Menus
Elmira (in a restored villa) earned a Michelin star for its modern, vegetable-forward tasting menus. Chef Daniel Giacomini uses inventive techniques (smoked foam, dehydrated veggies) to craft elegant courses that change seasonally. Favorites include mushroom tartare and miso-glazed squash. The stylish garden terrace is popular in summer. Elmira’s dedication to locality (often collaborations with Swiss farmers) ties back to Zurich’s green dining trend. It shows that luxury fine dining in Zurich now fully embraces plant cuisine.
13. Restaurant KLE | Creative Plant-Based Cuisinezuerich.com
This is exclusively for plant-based dishes.
This 1-Michelin-starred eatery is entirely vegetarian (with vegan options) and known for playful presentation. In a sleek, contemporary setting, expect dishes like beetroot carpaccio and celery root steak. KLE sources many ingredients from local organic farms. Its menu changes frequently based on season. The dining experience is trendy yet focused on ingredient quality. For travelers seeking a high-end vegan meal, KLE is a Zurich standout, continuing the city’s embrace of green gastronomy.
14. Restaurant Gasthof Sternen (Badstube) | Medieval Pub Ambiance
In the vaulted dining room, Gasthof Sternen serves unusual dishes with a warm Mediterranean flair that complements the inn’s historic atmosphere. Located in Wangen (just outside Zurich), this historic inn (sometimes called Badstube) earned a Michelin star. It offers rustic European fare in a vaulted basement dining room. Famous for its cured meats, fish platters, and game specialties (often with sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist), it’s a cozy departure from city gloss. Pair dishes with local brown beer or fruit schnaps. The charming interior and inventive pub cuisine make it a unique fine-dining adventure.
15. Restaurant Rigiblick – Scenic Terrace Fine Dining
Rigiblick combines comfort fine dining with a one-of-a-kind terrace surrounded by greenery, making it a must-visit summer highlight.
Perched above Zurich on a hill, Rigiblick offers two tasting menu options (one classic, one vegan) by chef Klaus Marggraff. The food is modern Swiss with seasonal emphasis (like venison in fall, local whitefish in spring). The highlight is definitely the panoramic terrace overlooking the city. In warm months, dining al fresco among the trees is unforgettable. This spot combines excellent food with a resort-like feel. Brunch is also popular on weekends. It’s more casual than inner-city luxury restaurants but beloved for view and quality.
16. Restaurant Ornellaia | Luxury Italian Omakase (Zurich)
A unique project by the famed Tuscan winery, Ornellaia Zurich marries Italian fine-dining with Japanese-inspired service. It earned a Michelin star in 2019. Chef Masuhiro Yamamoto creates dishes like ultra-premium steak or exclusive tuna cuts with an Italian technique. The interior is urbane and intimate. There’s no menu; each meal is tailor-made, often including white Alba truffle. Given its origins, an extensive Italian wine selection (including Ornellaia vintages) is featured. This is pure indulgence for fans of Italian-Japanese luxury cuisine – a Zurich hotspot for gourmands.
17. Restaurant Bianchi 1881 | Seafood & Steakhouse (Zurich)
For seafood and surf-and-turf lovers, Bianchi 1881 is a landmark. It’s an upscale Italian restaurant (on Seefeldstrasse) known for the freshest fish and oysters, as well as dry-aged steaks. While not Michelin-rated, its loyal clientele and consistent praise make it a top pick. The interior is romantic and cozy, and in summer months a street-side terrace. Think Dover sole in butter sauce or lobster tails grilled tableside. Bianchi complements Zurich’s specialty dining with a traditional Italian steakhouse vibe, popular among both locals and international visitors.
Recommended Travel Tales
Short reads, itineraries and travel ideas — updated regularly.
Don’t Miss — The Best Hotels to Book in Zurich, Switzerland
Where to stay in Zurich — luxury hotels, boutique stays and the best neighbourhoods for views, dining and transit convenience.
Don’t Miss — The Best Things To Do In Switzerland
Top activities across Switzerland — day trips, city highlights and seasonal experiences to add to your itinerary.
How To Plan Zurich Tours — The Best 15 Tips
15 expert tips for booking, best seasons, transit hacks and day trips—everything to plan Zurich like a local.
Frequently Asked Questions | Hotels in Zurich, Switzerland
Practical, SEO-ready answers about costs, neighbourhoods, transport, booking tips, accessibility and local hotel rules in Zurich.
How much does a typical hotel night cost in Zurich (budget, mid-range, luxury) and when are prices highest?
Which Zurich neighbourhoods (Old Town, Zurich West, Enge, Oerlikon) are best for tourists, business travelers and families?
Which hotels are best located for train travel (near Zürich HB) and for quick airport access?
Are there good budget hotel or hostel options in Zurich that are still central and safe?
What’s the difference between booking direct with a hotel vs using OTAs (Booking/Expedia) — which gives the best rates and policies?
Which hotels in Zurich offer free or convenient parking, and how much does hotel parking typically cost?
Do Zurich hotels include breakfast, and is it worth paying extra for hotel breakfast?
Which hotels have the best lake or skyline views and are they worth the extra cost?
Are there family-friendly hotels in Zurich with connecting rooms, kid facilities and babysitting services?
Which Zurich hotels are best for nightlife, dining and being within walking distance of top restaurants?
Are pet-friendly hotels common in Zurich and what extra fees or rules should I expect?
What are typical hotel check-in/check-out times and is early check-in or late check-out usually possible?
Do hotels in Zurich charge local/visitor taxes or city levies and are these included in the listed price?
How far in advance should I book a Zurich hotel for summer/Christmas/major events to get the best availability and price?
Are boutique and design hotels worth the premium compared with major international chains in Zurich?
Which hotels offer good business amenities (meeting rooms, fast Wi-Fi, work desks) for business travelers?
How accessible are Zurich hotels for travelers with reduced mobility — what features should I check?
What’s the best way to get from Zurich Airport to my hotel (train, shuttle, taxi, hotel transfer)?
How strict are Swiss hotels about ID and credit-card pre-authorisations at check-in?
What common booking pitfalls should travelers avoid when reserving hotels in Zurich (non-refundable rates, hidden fees, cancellation rules)?
What special diets can be accommodated in Zurich’s high-end restaurants?
Is it hard to get a last-minute table at Zurich’s Michelin restaurants?
Which Zurich neighborhood has the most restaurants?
Are prices in Zurich restaurants very high?
Do Zurich restaurants accept credit cards and have vegetarian options?
What local specialty should first-time visitors try?
Connect with Aestethik ~ Receive Premium Stories, Tips & Guides for FREE!
Connect with us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. Join now ⟶

