The Tastes of Zurich: A Chocolate and Vegetarian Food Guide

Zurich Haupbahnof

Your food journey starts the second you step off the train. An untraditional spot, the main train station in Zurich has amazing shopping and food. Brasserie Federal is a great place to grab a breakfast pastry just passed the main entrance. Migros is a supermarket on the bottom floor where you can stock on up staples for “local” prices. There are several cafes around the station that feature vegetarian sandwiches and pastries like croissants. You can also check out all the chocolate brands — Laderach, Lackerli and several Sprungli locations.

Bahnhofstrasse

From the train station, continue down Bahnhofstrasse, the main street in Zurich filled with shopping and great food. Here you will find Haus Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Switzerland with a grand buffet of vegetarian food that spans all types of cuisines. There is a more formal dining area, and a café-style area in the front where you can bring a computer and hangout. Café Sprungli is located a little more than halfway down the street on the way to Lake Zurich. Here you can take a delicious afternoon break from shopping for some great desserts and drinks. Other chocolatiers to check out here are – Confiseur Bachmann, Lindt, Jacot Haute, Confiserie Teuscher. At the time of writing this article, Dubai chocolate is the latest sensation!

Lindt Factory and chocolate

A chocolate lovers paradise! You can spend a good half-day here. This is Lindt’s headquarters, factory, outlet store and museum. Be sure to book your tickets for the chocolate museum in advance. Here you learn the history of chocolate, Lindt/Sprungli’s contribution to chocolate history and sample plenty of truffles! If you want a more in-depth experience, sign up to take a chocolate-making class with Lindt chocolatiers. There is a great café where you can take a chocolate break…or chocolate overload, depending on your style. Before leaving, be sure to check out the store, which has any chocolate you can think of. You can easily take a 20 minute Uber from the center of town, or take the metro from the south part of Bahnhofstrasse.

Niederdorfstrasse

On the east side of Lake Zurich, this street is a little more quiet and has more of a local feel. Pick from plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes. Raclette Stube is the go-to place for traditional raclette (cheese fondue). Toscano and Positano are great vegetarian-friendly Italian options. Soul Creative is a great spot for brunch any day of the week with amazing ingredients. Café Elena is one of the instagramable places in town with fantastic décor and pink food and drinks.

Chocolate

There are plenty of chocolate options in Zurich. Check out the Lindt Factory or Café Sprungli on Bahnhofstrasse of visit one of the many chocolatiers. In any main spot of the city, you can find a chocolate store for Sprungli, Laderach, and Lackerli.

Raclette

Try traditional cheese fondue at Raclette Stub on Niederdorfstrasse. In the winter, you can visit the gorgeous fondue garden covered in Christmas lights at the opera house or take the fondue trolley for a ride around town.

Vegetarian

Haus Hiltl: The oldest vegetarian restaurant in Switzerland with a grand buffet of vegetarian food that spans all types of cuisines

Tidbits: A lovely chain restaurant you can find all over the Zurich area, including train stations. Buffet-style dining with a wide range of options.

Italian

Positano is known for their pizza.

Toscano: This is a great spot for Italian food.

Comminhalle: This restaurant is known for its amazing spaghetti.