Zurich's signature dish
The dish most associated with the city is Zürcher Geschnetzeltes: thin strips of veal in a creamy mushroom and white wine sauce. It is traditionally served with Rösti, a golden, crispy cake of grated potato fried in butter. Rich and satisfying, it is a staple in traditional restaurants and guild houses in the old town.
Rösti appears alongside many dishes and is sometimes served as a main course, topped with cheese, bacon or a fried egg.
Fondue and raclette
Cheese fondue, a pot of melted cheese with white wine and garlic into which you dip cubes of bread, is a Swiss classic, particularly in the colder months. Raclette, where a wheel of cheese is melted and scraped onto potatoes, pickles and onions, is another favourite. Several restaurants in Zurich specialise in both, and some even set up cosy winter pop-ups.
A traditional rule of fondue says that whoever drops their bread in the pot must pay a forfeit, often buying the next round. Locals usually drink white wine or tea with it rather than cold water.
Fondue is generally considered a cold-weather dish, and many Swiss people would not dream of eating it in midsummer. If you are visiting in July, try a lighter seasonal menu and save the cheese pot for a winter trip.
Chocolate and sweets
Switzerland's chocolate reputation is well deserved, and Zurich has historic confectioners as well as modern chocolatiers. Look out for Luxemburgerli, small, airy macaron-like treats sold by one of the city's best-known confectionery houses, and for seasonal specialities around Christmas and Easter.
Supermarket chocolate in Switzerland is also very good and much cheaper, making it a practical choice for gifts.
Markets and modern dining
Weekly farmers' markets set up in several squares, selling cheeses, cured meats, vegetables and bread. The covered market hall under the railway viaduct in Zurich West has permanent stalls and casual dining options.
Zurich is also an international city with a broad dining scene. Districts such as Kreis 4 and Kreis 5 offer everything from Middle Eastern to Asian and vegetarian restaurants, often at more relaxed prices than the old town. And for a classic Zurich experience on the go, grab a grilled sausage with a crusty roll from a street stand.
Good to know
- Book fondue restaurants ahead on winter weekends.
- Buy chocolate gifts at supermarkets for better value.
- Weekday set lunches are the cheapest way to try traditional dishes.