Traveling in Zurich is not just for the modernity of the financial avenue, nor for the historical echoes of the museum, but also for the food encounters hidden deep in the cobblestone alleys that ignite the taste buds. Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is the most humane and romantic corner of the city. During the day, it is a literary old market, and at night, it turns into a food stage with swaying lights.
1. Why is it “Old Town Alley”?
Zurich’s Old Town (Altstadt) is not the kind of place that amazes people at first sight. It does not have the glass sparkle of modern buildings, but its charm lies in the long-lasting sense of history and the warmth of the years. The streets are narrow and the cobblestone roads are constantly turning corners. Every turn is like turning a page of an old manuscript. Most of the buildings here are low and simple, with soft cream or gray stone exterior walls. Many restaurants are hidden in them, with almost no obvious signs. The low-key appearance is a different world inside.
Most of these restaurants are converted from houses, workshops and even old taverns hundreds of years ago. The wooden beams, fireplaces, and arched doorways retain their original historical appearance, and some are even listed as cultural protection units. When you walk into it, it seems as if you have crossed time and entered another century. The dim lights, heavy wooden tables, and red wine glasses under the swaying candles are all a kind of ritual creation, and this sense of ritual is also a rare romance in modern urban life.
Most of the restaurants in the alleys of the old town are run by locals. They do not use internet celebrity gimmicks, but only impress diners with taste and service. The menu is often simple but sincere, focusing on local Swiss ingredients and traditional cooking methods. There is no standardization and commercialization of chain stores, but you can eat the “taste of home”. And these restaurants are often treasure troves of “hidden menus” and “today’s specials”, which are worth patiently exploring.
Ⅱ. Restaurant Recommendations
1. Kronenhalle Restaurant
A history shared by artists and chefs
Kronenhalle is one of Zurich’s most prestigious old restaurants. It was founded in 1924 and its building was a hotel in the late 19th century. The most amazing thing is that this is not only a place for food, but also a “living art gallery”: when you eat here, the original works on the wall may be the original works of Picasso, Georges Braque or Miró – because they were frequent guests here.
Food features and taste
The chef continues the classic Zurich flavor:
Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (Zurich Fragrant Milk Beef): This rich dish made of veal, cream, white wine, onions and mushrooms, served with homemade rösti (potato pancakes), is an authentic classic that can’t be more authentic. The meat is tender, the sauce is rich, and the milky aroma has a subtle wine flavor.
Veal steak with morel sauce: Veal steak with morel sauce, the taste is tender and juicy, and the fragrance of mushrooms in the sauce is fascinating.
For dessert, we recommend the classic chocolate mousse, which melts in your mouth and is the perfect ending to the whole night.
Restaurant location and reservation platform
Address: Rämistrasse 4, 8001 Zürich
Transportation: Walk about 10 minutes from Zurich Central Station, or take the tram to Bellevue Station
Recommended reservation platforms: OpenTable, TheFork
Expenses and recommended groups
Per capita consumption: Main course is about 50-70 Swiss francs, full meal plus drinks is about 100 Swiss francs per person
Suitable for: couples’ anniversaries, art lovers, high-end dining lovers
2. Haus zum Rüden
The evolution of the century-old Knight’s Hall
Located on the Limmat River, this Gothic stone house was built in the 14th century and was originally a gathering place for noble knights. Today, it has become a restaurant with a literary and retro atmosphere. The vaults, stained glass and wood-carved cabinets still exude the solemnity of the Middle Ages.
Food Features and Taste
Lake Zurich Fish Platter: A variety of freshwater fish from the lake are cooked in different ways (steamed, pan-fried, grilled with lemon), retaining the original flavor and freshness of the fish, served with Swiss white wine.
Venison Medallions: The meat is tender and has no mutton smell, paired with homemade blueberry sauce and chestnut puree, especially popular in autumn and winter.
Vegetarian Surprise Menu: A vegetarian menu that changes every season, suitable for vegetarians and light food lovers.
Restaurant location and booking platform
Address: Limmatquai 42, 8001 Zürich
Transportation: Close to Grossmünster Cathedral, within walking distance of the old town
Recommended booking platform: Swiss Table, Local.ch
Expenses and recommended groups
Per capita consumption: Main course 45-60 Swiss francs, set menu price is about 90-120
Suitable for: People who like historical atmosphere, business dinners, cultural enthusiasts
3. Restaurant Schipfe 16
Pastoral taste in the riverside cottage
Schipfe is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Zurich. Schipfe 16 restaurant is located in a low-key but elegant cottage by the Leimat River. There is no luxurious decoration here, but there is the most intimate sunshine and river water. Sitting on the terrace in summer and dining almost close to the water is an indescribable pleasure.
Food Features and Taste
Swiss Garden Bowl: Mainly Swiss local seasonal vegetables, paired with quinoa, goat cheese and homemade vinegar, refreshing and non-greasy, it is a representative of healthy diet.
Duck Breast with Berry Glaze: Caramel crispy duck breast is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with black currant and cranberry glaze, with a perfect balance of sweet and sour.
Daily Fresh Pasta: Daily handmade pasta, designed with seasonal ingredients, fresh and natural.
Restaurant location and booking platform
Address: Schipfe 16, 8001 Zürich
Transportation: 15 minutes walk from the train station, close to the riverside trail
Recommended booking platform: TheFork, TripAdvisor booking channel
Expenses and recommended groups
Per capita consumption: 35-50 Swiss francs, very affordable
Suitable for: remote workers, light food lovers, petty couples, solo traveler
4. LaSalle Restaurant & Bar
Minimalist aesthetics in industrial heritage
LaSalle restaurant is located in the old Schiffbau factory in Zürich West. It used to be a shipyard and is now a gathering place for theaters, art spaces and trendy restaurants. LaSalle is located inside the old building in the shape of a glass box. It has a strong sense of modernity and is a representative work of the “industrial retro” style.
Food Features and Taste
Beef Tartar: Raw beef tartare cut with a knife, served with egg yolk, capers and rye crisps, fresh and refreshing, with great texture
Wild Mushroom Risotto: Creamy mushroom risotto, rich in aroma and with excellent rice grains cooked to perfection, is one of the best risottos in the city
Lobster Ravioli: Lobster-stuffed dumplings served with white wine cream sauce, delicate and exquisite, a dish suitable for special moments
Restaurant Location and Booking Platform
Address: Schiffbaustrasse 4, 8005 Zürich
Transportation: S-Bahn or Tram to Hardbrücke Station, 5 minutes walk
Recommended Booking Platform: OpenTable, TheFork
Expenses and Recommended Groups
Per capita consumption: 50–80 Swiss francs, drinks not included
Suitable for: modern style lovers, theatergoers, anniversary couples
5. Cantinetta Antinori
Tuscan-style Zurich representative
By the famous Italian winery Antinori Family-owned, Cantinetta Antinori offers the most authentic Tuscan flavour. It is one of the Italian restaurants frequented by Zurich’s upper class, but it also retains the warmth and friendliness of a family restaurant.
Food Features and Taste
Tagliatelle al Tartufo: Handmade wide noodles with black truffles, rich but not exaggerated, fresh and generous truffle slices, the soul dish of this restaurant
Vitello Tonnato: Thinly sliced veal with tuna sauce, refreshing cold food, especially refreshing in summer
Tiramisu Classico: No extra tricks, a classic version of pure cream and rich espresso
Restaurant Location and Booking Platform
Address: Augustinergasse 25, 8001 Zürich
Transportation: Old Town Pedestrian Area, near Bahnhofstrasse Main Street
Recommended Booking Platform: ViaMichelin, SwissDining
Expenses and Recommended Crowds
Per capita consumption: about 60-90 Swiss francs
Suitable for: Italian food lovers, diners who pay attention to food and wine pairing, cultural couples
Travel is not only about seeing the scenery, but also about getting in close contact with the taste of the city. In these restaurants in the alleys of Zurich’s old town, you will not only taste the satisfaction of your tongue, but also encounter multiple touches of space, history and culture.
These romantic restaurants in the old town do not have deliberately exaggerated Internet celebrity elements, but each of them has the texture that has been precipitated by time. It is suitable for celebration, for solitude, and for making a night extra special.
So, next time you go to Zurich, please go to the alleys of the old town for a meal. You will find that the meal is worth your entire journey.