I’m from San Francisco, staying in Zurich for a week. I’m hoping to find some lovely little, not-so-touristy place to eat. Any recommendations?
The non-formal places without white linen on the tables are our favorites, Rob. We are happy to list you our top 5 tips:
1. Gerold Chuchi is probably exactly what you are looking for, so don’t miss the “Gerold Börger” or one of the 3 daily homemade pasta dishes and enjoy them in an incredibly relaxed and inspiring industrial atmosphere. The special opening hours are listed on the website. The Hive Club is next door, if you like to party after dinner.
2. The garage-style restaurant Les Halles is a wonderful hideaway, offering mostly organic food from around the Mediterranean with a particularly French touch. Try the ever fresh moules et frites and get some French wine or local beer with it. It is a vibrant and busy place and you dine at long wooden tables, a perfect place to meet some real Zürcher!
3. If the weather gets good again, Frau Gerolds Garten, situated in the industrial area as Gerolds Chuchi and Les Halles, is also a good option for a decent dinner in a great environment: Frau Gerolds Garten is a temporary sun terrace, summer restaurant, arts and city garden. Terrace, bar, kitchen and toilet area are built out of ship containers and you’ll find shadow under a huge circus tent. The side walls are brightly-painted, flowerbeds and vegtable patches create a „green“ atmosphere. It’s a perfect place to have a chat and an ice cold beer – an urban park in the middle of Zurichs industrial district.
4. El Lokal is in the city centre, not far from the central station – “the very last island on the Sihl”. They are open every day and offer good beer on tap and a great choice on delicious Tapas. You’ll love the special interior, the great music and the beautiful garden patio. The Department of Performing Arts and Film is in the same building, so many students from there spend their after-studying time at El Lokal. Also check out the website for concerts!
5. The Chuchi am Wasser in the cultural centre “Dynamo” offers quality organic food at a decent price. The best time to go there is on a sunny evening, when you can get some food and a local beer and enjoy them outisde, right next to the river Limmat.
Other restaurants you might like are Italia, Maison Blunt, Gartenhof, Rosso, Da Michelangelo, Bauernschänke, Markthalle.