But Zurich has much more to offer than pretty lake cafés and stunning mountain views. We sat down with local Frank Folberth, who has been living in Zurich for 15 years. Read on for his and the 84 Rooms recommendations of where to stay, enjoy an evening apero, indulge in the best fondue in town, and the not-to-miss museums.
Where to Eat
Kronenhalle is a famous brasserie with paintings of Chagall & Co. Favorite dish: Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (Zurich-style Veal Strips in a Cream Sauce) Try their bar before or after dinner. The barkeepers are probably the coolest ones in all of Switzerland. Rämistrasse 4
Gian and Nico's Rosengarten (their dad owns the Pensiun Aldier in the Engadin) is a small neighborhood restaurant near Hottingerplatz. The menu offers fennel salad with orange fillets, beef tartar, and seasonal dishes such as asparagus with sauce hollandaise.
Bindella serves traditional dishes and fine wines from Veneto. The ambiance is also "molto Italiano" and the art is reminiscent of the unique Zurich painter Hanny Fries. Hönggerstrasse 115
Gül is a Turkish diner with authentic Turkish dishes, everything is organic and from local suppliers. Try their brunch. Tellstrasse 22
Frank’s go-to bar is La Stanza, open from 7 am. to midnight, perfect for coffee in the morning or an Apero after work. They have freshly baked brioche and tagliatelle for breakfast, as well as warm focaccia and salads for lunch. Bleicherweg 10
If you like Fondue: Fribourger Fondue Stuebli is a very cozy little restaurant with an authentic and traditional vibe. Rotwandstrasse 38
Where to Stay
Stay at the Eden au Lac, the latest edition of the famed La Reserve Group. Right beside the waterfront with classically beautiful architecture, wonderful staff, and delicious cuisine, from inventive Peruvian-Asian fusion fare to grilled-to-succulent-perfection Mediterranean dishes.
Book here
Another hotel we love is The Storchen, which comes with an awarded Michelin star restaurant La Rôtisserie, and also offers a great rooftop terrace, 'The Nest', make sure to go to early, no reservations.
Book here
For a more boutique stay in town, try Signau House & Garden a fairly new villa in the city and approximately one hundred years old. It has a garden with mighty fir trees and a beautiful little pond with Froebeli water lilies. The villa comes with a carefully restored private cinema. Celebrities like Roger Moore and Martin Scorsese spent entertaining and joyful hours here.
Book here
Where to Shop
Ensoie is the coolest concept store in all of Switzerland. The family-run boutique carries beautifully handmade vases, ceramics, soaps, and clothes. Don't miss their coffee shop around the corner E. Strehlgasse 26.
Art
Kunsthaus Zurich is currently the largest art museum in Switzerland, comprising four buildings from different eras – the Moser building (1910), the Pfister building (1958), the Müller building (1976), and now the Chipperfield extension (2020). Heimplatz 1
Around the Lake
If you are into boats, don’t miss a visit to Pedrazzini Yachts in Bäch, a 20 minutes drive from the city. It's the Swiss version of the Northern Italian Riva boats. Seestr. 59-61, Bäch am Zürichsee.
For more than 100 years Restaurant Buech has stood high above Herrliberg, overlooking a small vineyard, and snow-capped mountains. Here, a harmonious landscape, fun-loving people, and culinary delights (seasonal dishes and delicate wines) combine uniquely. Take advantage of their boat that will take you from the city to Herrliberg and back. Forchstrasse 267, Herrliberg
84 Rooms recommends: An Insider Guide To The Swiss Alps In Summer, and An Insider’s Guide To Geneva.