This charming Swiss city is known not just for its picturesque mountains and captivating lakes, but also for its soulful food that leaves a lingering taste in your buds. As you explore the streets and soak in the Zurich culture, head straight for some tantalizing local delicacies in these neighborhoods that are all so famous for their signature dishes.
Street food in Zurich is not like any other street food. The city offers an array of hidden culinary gems waiting to be explored. From the bustling Bahnhofstrasse to the charming alleys of Niederdorf, this vibrant city offers a diverse and mouth-watering street food scene that will leave you craving for more.
Join us as we embark on a gastronomic adventure through Zurich’s top five neighborhoods where you can savor heavenly delights from around the world right on the streets!
1) Bahnhofstrasse
This is Zurich’s premier shopping district. You can hope to indulge in a delightful array of street food options amidst the luxurious boutiques and bustling crowds. Among Zurich’s famous street food options, the must-visit for every food enthusiast are Zeughauskeller, Heugumper, and La Pasta.
Zeughauskeller is best known for German, Swiss, European, and Central European cuisine. It boasts an incredible atmosphere and its service is second to none; it has raving reviews for its Wiener schnitzel, pork cordon bleu, and rosti. But the highlight is the vacherin-glace.
Heugumper is a playground for adventurous foodies seeking famous street food options in Zurich. It is best known for Swiss, European, Central European, and International cuisine. You will love everything on the menu, right from the refreshingly rare creation of the rhubarb chili soup with shrimp to gazpacho and zander ceviche with ponzu, paired with lovely Swiss white wine.
La Pasta specializes in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Try their bruschetta appetizer, pasta with seafood, mussels with frites and panna cotta, grilled octopus, or spaghetti bolognese and the baked sea bass with spinach and fries. Their cheesecake is simply divine.
2) Niederdorf
There is this old-world charm about Niederdorfstrasse. It runs parallel to the river Limmat. A pleasant place to take a stroll, it is dotted with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Raclette Factory is one modest place that picks up foot traffic as the day wears on. The Alpohi made of plain Raclette cheese, mashed potatoes, and pickles is a must-try. But the meringues in double cream for dessert is the killer! It is the perfect accompaniment to the main course. They use great quality cheese, and the pizza served with creme fraiche and onions tastes nice and crispy.
Rheinfelder Bierhalle is another place to try authentic Swiss and German food. They are generous with their portions too. Try their cordon bleu (pork schnitzel stuffed with ham and melty cheese), the rosti with bacon and cheese, and the substantial drinks menu to top it all. The food is simply incredible here.
The Alexis is another hidden gem in Niederdorfstrasse. Try their roasted chicken, schnitzel, delicious cheesy fondues/raclettes, and Geschnetzeltes, and pair them up with some great-tasting wine from their wine cart.
3) Sihlstrasse
Sihlstrasse, located at the heart of the city, offers a number of casual and fine dining options. Visit Saigon, a casual venue best known for its authentic flavors. The noodle soup is excellent, to say the least. Best known for Vietnamese and Pan Asian spreads. The food is freshly cooked and the portions are big. Try the Pho, summer rolls, and rice noodles.
Hiltl offers a delightful dining experience, catering to diverse tastes. You have several options of salads to choose from — Indian, Swiss, Chinese, American, or Mediterranean. It is a vegetarian eatery but you will love their vegan steak tartare, the red Thai curry, tofu, and lace up your supper with that mango mousse. Hintl will never disappoint you, no matter what you choose to order.
4) Langstrasse
Langstrasse is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known for its eclectic food scene. From Middle Eastern delights to spicy Indian cuisine and mouth-watering burgers, this neighborhood has something to satisfy every palate.
Burgermeister is great for American diners or those seeking American specialties. Their cheesy burgers/hamburgers, and sides like crispy onion rings and sweet potato fries are cooked to perfection. Their sandwiches, patties, buns, and burgers compete with the best fast-food-style burgers in the USA. Team them up with your choice of cold beverage.
The Cartel – Crazy Burrito Shack is another one to check out in the neighborhood. It stands out for its Mexican, American, fast food, and South American cuisine. The burritos are of excellent size and are tasty with a lot of choices of good quality ingredients. The tacos and nachos have rave reviews too. The place is great for a quick and filling meal and is surprisingly reasonable by Zurich’s standards.
5) Marktgasse
The Delish – La Pinseria is a cozy cafe situated in this grand old town of Zurich. It offers tasty and healthy food. The food is displayed behind a counter and you pick what you want. The place is a smart balance between fast food and an elaborate sit-down meal. Try their piping hot coffee with croissants, muffins, and muesli bar for breakfast. You will also love their pork sandwich and salads if you are big on them. For breakfast, brunch, lunch, or supper, this place in Marktgasse is worth trying out.
Santa Lucia is another one famous for its Italian, European, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and vegan options. The pizza, pasta, lasagna, and seafood teamed with some great wine are something to look forward to at this eatery. It has a great ambiance and is among the most reasonably priced places in Zurich to have a hearty meal.
Given that Zurich is an expensive city, be prepared to spend anywhere in the range of 10 to over 50 Swiss Francs (to even several hundred) depending on whether you are choosing to dine at a casual eatery for items like sandwiches, kebabs, or currywurst, or at high-end restaurants. The average cost of a meal at mid-range restaurants here can range from 20 to 50 Swiss Francs. This could include dishes like pasta, pizza, or traditional Swiss dishes like fondue or raclette.
Conclusion
As we conclude our journey through the streets of Zurich, it is evident that the city’s street food scene is a tapestry of delectable delights. From the bustling alleys of Bahnhofstrasse to the charming corners of Niederdorfstrasse and the vibrant lanes of Sihlstrasse, each area offers a unique and diverse array of the best street food in Zurich. From local delights to international flavors, Zurich’s famous street food options cater to every palate.
So, come and savor the mouth-watering experiences that await you in the streets of Zurich!
