Zurich is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new. Home to world-class museums and galleries, cutting-edge design, and a thriving food and bar scene that rivals any major city. But what truly sets Zurich apart is its seamless connection to nature—think crystal-clear lakes, scenic mountain views, and lush green spaces right in the heart of the city.
We’ve curated the ultimate guide to eating, drinking, and exploring in and around Zurich, crafted with the insights of local tastemakers and friends of Locke, giving you a go-to guide for your next visit.
Zurich’s top bars and drinking destinations by Leandra Nef.
©Daniel Jans
Bar Sacchi
My second living room. Bar Sacchi serves up the most delicious cold chocolate at 8am and a curated selection of natural wines and Negronis on tap in the evening—perfect for enjoying on the terrace in summer.
If you can’t snag a seat outside, don’t worry—sitting inside is just as enjoyable, with a playlist that’s worth sticking around for.
Gamper Bar
Gamper Bar serves the best (and likely most lactose-packed) bar food in town: think raw milk cheese, buttered bread with anchovies, and buffalo mozzarella with caramelized fennel seeds (an absolute revelation!).
All paired perfectly with natural wine. Every Thursday, the scene gathers here to slurp oysters, and on Wednesdays, the duo Anthropology fills the space with live jazz.
Kronenhallebar
A legend. Opened in 1965, the American Bar features masterpieces by painters such as Picasso, Chagall and Matisse. Like the adjoining restaurant (estimated 1924, also a must-visit), the Kronenhallebar has been a meeting place for the world’s who's who for decades; Andy Warhol, Mick Jagger and Roger Federer can all be found in Kronenhalle's guest books.
Bar Campo
The guys from Hermanos Gutiérrez are not only on Bar Campo’s playlist, you can also bump into them there from time to time. On a warm summer evening, the Campo terrace – just like Bar Sacchi’s terrace – is the place to be. And there, too, they serve excellent Negroni.
Old Crow
1600 bottles are stacked up to the ceiling in the “Old Crow”, rare spirits as well as classics. The bar in Zurich's picturesque old town is a must for whisky and cocktail enthusiasts. Co-owner Markus Blattner used to be the Chef de Bar at another Zurich institution for many years: the Widder Bar.
Bar Lupo
Serves fantastic bar food, just like Gamper Bar. The current menu includes hamachi crudo – and of course the classic, tagliatelle al ragù. In summer, guests gather in the courtyard on the terrace to drink natural wine, Lupo’s signature cocktails and excellent mocktails, such as the NuMericanOh! with 0.0% bitters and 0.0% eco gin. Cheers!
Zurich’s top foodie spots by Charlotte Antonia.
A favourite hangout among the city's trendsetters, Gamper Bar is the ideal spot to enjoy a glass of natural wine and some light bites. The adjacent restaurant offers a more upscale dining experience, except on Wednesdays when they serve a fixed three-course menu known as "Gamper Easy." This midweek offering is a more laid-back version of their usual fare, but still delivers the same delicious flavors that Gamper is known for.
A special occasion is best celebrated at this iconic Zurich institution. Once frequented by legends like Andy Warhol, Yves Saint Laurent, and Picasso, Kronenhalle serves up traditional Swiss cuisine, including classics like Zürich Geschnetzeltes and Rösti. As you dine, you'll be surrounded by original Miro and Chagall paintings, adding to the rich cultural ambiance. Don’t miss the Mousse au Chocolat for dessert.
Alba Sourdough Pizza
The buzzy spot in the Wiedikon district has quickly become a neighbourhood faveourite. They were the first in town to serve sourdough pizzas and are equally passionate about the sourcing of their ingredients, as well as adding unexpected twists to traditional recipes.
A perfect summer night at Alba starts with ordering cocktails on the terrace and ends with a scoop of buffalo milk ice cream.
The team behind Restaurant Neumarkt in Zurich’s Old Town operates several popular spots throughout the city, each worth a visit. Neumarkt is a faveourite, especially for a leisurely brunch or a long lunch on the weekend. With charming outdoor seating both in front of the restaurant and in a lovely backyard, it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal.
Their menu offers an elevated take on traditional Swiss cuisine, always crafted with a focus on regional ingredients, making every dish a reflection of local flavours.
This newly opened café in Zurich's Seefeld district is quickly becoming a local favourite. Nestled in the beautiful Seefeld area, just steps away from Lake Zurich, the café serves coffee and vegan pastries on weekdays, with brunch offered on Saturdays and Sundays.
However, the real highlights are their "functional drinks"—be sure to try the Chagaccino! The café’s interior, designed by my talented friends Ida and Konrad at RDZ Studio, is fresh, modern, and unlike any other spot in the city, making it a must-visit destination.
Your space to sleep and live at Locke am Platz.
You’ve eaten your way across Zurich. Now it’s time to make yourself at home. Our boutique aparthotel in Zurich is yours to retreat to. There’s spacious rooms, velvet-lined corners and a cosy cafe to co-work in. Plus our all-day restaurant and bar for when you get the munchies.
Head out or order in. Live how you like at Locke am Platz.
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