Eat, Walk, Repeat: 6 Insider Foodie Tips for Zurich

When people think of Zurich, they often picture banks, lakes, and maybe the famous Bahnhofstrasse. But let me tell you a secret - as someone who literally walks this city every day (20,000 steps is my average!), Zurich is also a food lover’s paradise. On my Urban Hikes, I love showing guests not just the hidden corners and stairways, but also where to grab the best bites along the way.

Here are my Top 6 foodie tips for anyone planning a trip to Zurich.

1. Chocolate heaven is around every corner

Zurich is home to some of Switzerland’s most famous chocolatiers - Lindt & Sprüngli, Läderach, Teuscher and the boutique Max Chocolatier - covering the whole range from 6th generation family owned traditional shops to young and innovative chocolate players (think Garçoa, La Flor, Taucherli...). You can walk in and treat yourself, or go big with a chocolate tasting tour where history meets indulgence and some of your most pressing questions will be answered: starting with "how on earth did a small country with no colonies and (clearly) no cacao plantations, become the world's leader in chocolate production?". On my hikes, I always sneak in a chocolate stop - it’s the sweetest way to fuel up for a few more stairs!

2. Traditional Swiss food = comfort on a plate 🇨🇭

It's no secret that cheese Fondue and sizzling Raclette are the Swiss go-to melted cheese dishes, but there's more to discover: in Zurich we have our very typical Zürcher Geschnetzeltes (veal cutlets in creamy mushroom sauce, generally served with a side of Rösti - another typical dish resembling a american hash browns), as well as the Egli (perch caught directly in the lake of Zurich, pan seared in a creamy lemon sauce) and of course the ubiquitous Swiss sausages par excellence, the Bratwurst and Cervelat. You’ll want to try places like Zeughauskeller or Le Dezaley right in the heart of the old town which feature all of the Swiss "greatest hits" on the menu, and perfect after a day exploring on foot.

3. The world's first plant-based breakfast

Back in the early 1900's, when the gold standard of food was meat, a Zurich doctor was having his patients eat Müesli - an easily digestible dinner - in his 'Lebendige Kraft’ ('living strength') sanatorium in the hills above Lake Zurich. Dr. Maximilian Bircher-Brenner firmly believed that cooked and processed foods were not healthy for the body, instead he provided this raw-food dish made with soaked oats, milk (or yogurt), grated apples, honey, nuts and lemon juice. Nowadays, Bircher-Müesli is a breakfast staple which you can pick up in any bakery like Stiftung St. Jakob, Sprüngli, Honold or even at the local Coop and Migros supermarkets.

4. Budget eats

Zurich has a reputation for being expensive, and it lives up to it without fail :) hence some tips to balance the budget are in order: places like the Ässbar (a shop which embraces the slogan "fresh food from yesterday" which still tastes delicious today), and Too Good to Go (a very popular app geared to saving good food from going to waste), are great finds for delicious bread, pastries, meals and groceries at lower prices. Skip the sit-down restaurant and head over to the Sternen Grill for a taste of Zurich street food (here you can grab those famous Swiss sausages straight from the grill at very reasonable prices). And don't overlook supermarkets - both Coop and Migros have tasty, affordable and healthy ready-to-eat meals that are lifesavers if you’re short on time.

5. Markets & specialty shops 🥖🧀

If you want to shop like a local, visit the saturday Flower & Veggie Market at the Rathausbrücke in the center of Zurich (also known as the vegetable bridge), or the Bürkliplatz Market (fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods) or the Urban Food Store (aka the Chäs Chäller, with a selection of cheeses you won't find anywhere else) for a truly neighborhood vibe. For gourmet souvenirs check the gourmet Globus Delicatessa (a whole floor of foodie treasures). And of course don't forget that you can pick up delicious chocolate at any of the chocolatiers we mentioned earlier :)

5. Reservations are a must 📅

Zurich’s restaurants are cozy and fill up fast - especially on weekends. If you’ve got your heart set on a particular restaurant, I recommend making a reservation. One of the best parts of walking with a local guide? I’ll happily share insider picks and tips for where to book.

6. Don’t wait too late for dinner 🍽️

Here’s a cultural quirk: most Zurich kitchens close around 10 pm. So if you’re used to late-night dining, plan ahead. For cravings after dark, think kebab shops, bars, or the Zürich HB food court which stays open late and where you can pick up anything from empanadas to sushi to baked goods.

The best way to discover Zurich and all it's local places? On foot, with a local who knows where to stop.

I’d love to take you along on one of my Zurich Urban Hikes, where food, hidden views, and plenty of steps come together for an unforgettable city adventure.