We will be in Zurich for 4 nights and are looking for restaurant recommendations not too far from the Main Train station. Nothing too fancy but definitely good food, good atmosphere. Not touristy unless it is considered a tourist don't miss. Thanks.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
May I suggest that you consult the Michelin Red guide, they've been rating Europe restaurants for a hundred years and are experts. Or some other guidebook, Rick Steves has one.
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
1043 posts
In the station there is the Federal Brasserie right in the HB
Not far away is Reithalle... I've not tried it, but I've heard good things about it
If you are there on Wednesday evening, then it might be interesting to visit the market in the train station and test some of the food on offer there.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
I hear some guy named Rick Steves has books with this kind of stuff
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17417 posts
We really like Mère Catherine in the Altstadt area, a pleasant ten minutes' walk from the train station.
http://www.commercio.ch/en/mere-catherine/
We dine there every time we overnight in Zurich. We really like the patio ambiance and the Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Posted by
OP
Upstate NY
99 posts
Thank you for the input. I have my Rick Steves guidebook with me, I just wanted some personal observations. I have received some good suggestions.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
All of the times we've been to Zurich we always dine at the Zeughauskeller because the food is absolutely delicious and the price is right. It's a converted armory and the atmosphere is lively. Unfortunately our trip this June corresponds to their refurbishment period so the restaurant is closed. If you want to go there do yourself a favor and make a reservation in advance or your chances of getting in at a decent hour are slim.
Posted by
Bern, Switzerland
1043 posts
Yes the Zeughauskeller is an excellent suggestion, it's been a while since I've been there. And it certainly represents good value for money. I've added the link.
And if you really want to push the boat out you could go to my favourite restaurant Haus sum Ruden, but be sure to bring the piggy bank with you.
Posted by
OP
Upstate NY
99 posts
Enjoyed the Zeughauskeller tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were lucky to get in early without a reservation, by 7:30 the place was packed. I can recommend this as a good choice. The food and beer was delicious and the atmosphere was wonderful.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
I'm really going to miss the Zeughauskeller this year. I guess I'll just have to come back next year ;-)
Posted by
Los Angeles
4853 posts
and when it's time to save some money at lunch, pop into a Coop or Migros and get a premade sandwich or salad.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
Totally agree with the advice above. We have bought many lunches at Coop--nice pre-made sandwiches, yogurt, fruit, & water and you have an affordable lunch--save the splurge for dinner unless you have a really special restaurant in mind for lunch.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I haven't been to the one in Zurich, but my best budget meals in Luzern and Lausanne were at Manora - the "cafeteria" in Manor department stores. The food is cooked fresh for you while you wait (similar to Brek in Italy, if you know those), and it's half the price of a regular restaurant. The only problems are:
- They are only open department store hours, which means early dinner M-F, no dinner on Saturday, and no meals at all on Sunday.
- They are VERY popular with Swiss diners and so are always mobbed.