Petermann's KunststubenWidely considered to be one of the finest restaurants in Switzerland, even perhaps the whole of Europe, maestro chef and owner Horst Petermann's award-winning reputation attracts the wealthy gourmets of Zurich and boasts a celebrity list that includes the Swiss president, singer Tina Turner (who lives nearby) and the emperor of Japan. The restaurant is in the lakeside town of Kusnacht, about 15 minutes from the city, housed in an elegantly decorated building that was once an art gallery. The menu changes regularly, and can include outstanding specialty lobster
dishes or a number of other inventive dishes such as Tuscan dove, scampi lasagne in lemongrass sauce or stuffed squid with a fennel confit. All entrées, desserts and cheeses are of exceptional quality, as is the wine cellar. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday. Advance booking essential.
Address: Seestrasse 160, Küsnacht
Website: www.kunststuben.com
KronenhalleOne of Zurich's most famous restaurants, Kronenhalle is the place to see and be seen, and over the years has attracted celebrity greats such as James Joyce, Pablo Picasso, Richard Strauss and Yves Saint-Laurent. The interior is decorated with original works of famous 20th-century artists including Picasso, Matisse and Miró. The fare is traditional Swiss and includes huge portions of rösti, a delicious herring in double cream, veal steak and duck liver. Reservations are essential.
Address: Rämistrasse 4 (Right Bank)
Website: www.kronenhalle.com
Zunfthaus Zur ZimmerleutenOriginally the carpenter's guildhall, Zunfthaus Zur Zimmerleuten is one of the architectural showpieces of Zurich. Up a flight of Baroque stairs, the elegant dining room serves up dishes that combine Zurich specialties with chef innovations, including the Lake Zurich fish soup with garlic rouille or the triple fillet accompanied with rösti and cream sauce. Reservations recommended. Open daily.
Address: Limmatquai 40 (Right Bank)
ZeughauskellerThe huge dining hall built in 1487, with thick stone pillars, wooden beams and a decorative ceiling, was originally the city's armory, and the medieval character of the restaurant is highlighted by the décor, with weapons and paintings from the Middle Ages, and waitresses in old-fashioned costume. Known for its tasty traditional Swiss meals, the portions are hearty and served with local beer. Classic specialty dishes include the Zurich-style sliced veal and mushrooms and rösti potatoes. Zeughauskeller also offers a wide variety of different types of sausage. Open daily from 11.30am. Reservations recommended.
Address: Bahnhofstrasse 28a, Paradeplatz (Left Bank)
Website: www.zeughauskeller.ch
Blaue EnteSituated on the site of a 300-year old mill, this slick modern restaurant draws trendsetters from the advertising and arts scene who are attracted by the modern approach to fresh ingredients and light cuisine. Duck ('blaue ente' means 'blue duck') is the house specialty and comes in various forms. Other dishes include fish and crustaceans, loin of lamb, vegetarian curry and pastas. Reservations recommended.
Address: Seefeldstrasse 223
Website: www.blaue-ente.ch
Bierhalle KropfBierhalle Kropf attracts locals and visitors alike with its generous portions, delicious well-prepared food and authentic atmosphere. Located in one of the oldest burgher houses in the city, the main beer hall has stained glass windows, wooden panelling and large shared tables, with smaller side rooms for a more private experience. Besides a large selection of sausages, specialties include potato croquettes filled with farmer's cheese, Zurich-style pot-au-feu, and excellent desserts with apple variations. Reservations recommended. Closed Sunday.
Address: In Gassen 16, Paradeplatz (Left Bank)
Der KropfA popular and friendly beer hall, Der Kropf is one of the oldest burgher houses in town, having been founded in 1880. With ornate columns, chandeliers, stained glass windows, woodcarvings and elaborate hunting murals, the ambiance, setting and food at Der Kropf all go hand in hand. Try out the mouth-watering hot meals such as Geschnetzeltes mit Rosti, a traditional Zurich dish consisting of tiny veal strips in a spicy cream, wine, and mushroom gravy, accompanied with a potato croquettes filled with farmer's cheese. A great selection of sausages compliment a great selection of beers, pork shank is a firm favorite and traditional deserts such as Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), round things off sweetly. Bring along a healthy appetite to this authentic Swiss-German restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, Monday to Saturday. Reservations recommended.
Address: In Gassen 16
Chez CrettolA trip to Switzerland would be incomplete without sampling traditional Swiss fare. A country famous for cheese, most notably the tasty Gruyere variety, communal dishes such as Raclette and Fondue are commonplace in both Swiss homes and upmarket restaurants. Ideal for a wintery treat, head to Chez Crettol where these particular dishes are the specialty. With a selection of Fondues to choose from, patrons can while away the time dipping, twirling and eating and finishing off with a zesty local white wine. For those who can't handle more than a few mouthfuls of bread, opt for Raclette, which is a combination of boilt potatoes, pickled onions and gherkins, drizzled with melted cheese, which is scraped off a melting block. For a heart-warming Swiss evening, a warm crackling fireplace and an understated environment that looks characteristically similar to a Swiss dining room, Chez Crettol is the place. Open daily for dinner.
Address: Florastrasse 22, Kusnacht
SeeroseWith one of the best locations in Zurich, the Seerose offers a romantic element to Zurich dining. Situated on the vast lake, guests are surrounded by water, quaint boats, city lights and majestic snow-capped mountains. Whether you are looking for a sunny and crisp lunchtime venue or an evening out, with a European flair, the Seerose will fulfil your expectations. Reminiscent of a yacht on the Mediterranean with elegant beachhouse trimmings, the Seerose serves up fresh cuisine ranging from seafood to curry. Start with goat's cheese and honey on a salad bouquet or a Salade Noel, with chicory, nuts, fresh fruits and an Indian sauce. Popular mains include moule et frites and duck l'orange or for the more adventurous, a red beef curry. Open daily for lunch and dinner, booking recommended.
Address: Seestrasse 493
LasalleA Zuri-West hotspot, Lasalle is an emblem of sophisticated inner city cool. Created within a renovated shipbuilding factory, the stylish restaurant forms part of the Schiffbauhaus complex that also houses two theaters and a jazz bar. A great location to kick start a cultural evening or end one, Lasalle serves simple international cuisine, packed with flavor and beautifully presented. Try the grilled fillet of salmon with artichokes, tomatoes, and herbs, Swiss dumplings or the chopped veal liver with sage. Alongside the restaurant is a cosy lounge area, where patrons can enjoy a quiet drink, consider the extensive wine list and marvel at the design genius of Lasalle, the endless windows, steel beams, coarse walls and high ceilings, not to mention the elaborate soft pink Venetian chandelier. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Address: Schiffbaustrasse 4
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Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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