As a confirmed user of the Zurich Dining Out Guide, I was delighted to discover that there is a new version out for 2009.

On sale as from yesterday, the guide costs CHF 26 which seems like a good investment to me.

Looking through my review copy the biggest changes seem to be the new “organic” section, and the addition of a map. The latter is particularly useful if you are planning to meet somebody, and would like to eat in a quality restaurant nearby.

The guide covers a large number of categories, including: organic, Italian, mediterranean, Asian and, of course, Swiss.

The format is clean and stylish, one page per restaurant, with attractive photos and useful information, including whether restaurants are fully wheelchair friendly.

As you’d expect, information for each eatery covers opening times, location and prices; for various courses as well as for wines by the glass and bottle.

A helpful introduction provides a restaurant vocabulary in German, and a few essential phrases to get you through the meal. If you’re new to Swiss food, there’s an explanation of the major culinary highlights too.

There are over 1000 restaurants in Zurich, and it’s great to have a bit of help with choosing one, so if you’re looking for a guide to some of the best restaurants in the city, look no further.

The 2009 edition has been completely reworked, and of the 100 or so restaurants covered, approximately 20% are new to the guide.

And if you’ve ever been stuck for ideas for gifts, the book would make a great Christmas or birthday present for a friend or loved one that either lives in, or plans to visit, Zurich.

To order, or for more info: www.andes.ch/dining

Photo: andes

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

The Rote Fabrik (Literally: Red Factory, not fabric) is an entertaining place down on the Wollishofen side of lake Zurich.

It used to be a factory, and is, er, red. Well it’s made of red bricks, but pretty much all of it is covered in graffiti now.

It operates as a club, a bar and restaurant, and also as a concert venue. Not to mention cinema and theatre. Theater if you prefer.

It’s a politically correct sort of place, and has lots of informational events relating to the mistreatment of minority (or majority) groups in far-flung places. But you don’t have to get involved in that and they really don’t mind. Live and let live. That sort of thing. 

It’s by no means posh, so you don’t want to be wearing clothes that you object to getting grubby.

Last time I went, a friend turned up in a white coat.  Not that sort of white coat, if you’re thinking of those scary people in films that work in psychological institutions – I’m not that far gone yet. No, it was just a nice white coat. What was she thinking?

It’s lovely out the back  in summer, there are plenty of tables outside, and ideal place for watching the boats go by. Schiffliluege – as a colleague in the office calls it.

Food is reasonably priced, a good range of drinks too. Tables are simple, and as I said graffiti everywhere.

So if you fancy feeling like an art student for an hour or two, why not pop down to the red factory?

Photo: Flickr pichenette

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

Zurich is one of those places where are there are lots of restaurants, so it was a very pleasant surprise to discover that there is a dining out guide in English that covers most of the good ones.

zurich – dining out guide covers restaurants based on the type of food: Asian, French, Gourmet, Italian, Meditarranean, Eclectic etc.  Each review (there are about 100) consists of a stylish photograph, and well-written text describing ambience, specialities and usually some background – for example about the owners.

Restaurants have been selected for quality of food service and offering. As with most guides it gives price, location and opening information. It’s a very pleasant read too, even if you do end up feeling hungry!

The guide is not restricted to the city, also covering restaurants out along the lake, in Horgen for example. It’s certainly given me a few new places to try.

The book is stylish and well laid-out, and well worth the CHF 26 price tag.

Order from http://www.andes.ch/dining

Photo of the famous Hiltl Vegetarian Restaurant : Flickr Joi

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

 Zürich isn’t the only place where you can chill out in the open air.

Luzern, or Lucerne if you prefer (although you really shouldn’t!) also has a great outdoor location.

Called City Beach, it’s actually written citybeaCH, just so you know it’s in Switzerland. Where else did you think Luzern was?

It’s a pool area, with big comfy beds, and is sure to get booked out on sunny days.

Children aren’t allowed after midday, so a bit of peace and quiet is pretty well guaranteed.

There’s also an Urban Oasis or VIP lounge, sponsored by a well known cigarette manufacturer, but as I’m not telling you which they’ll probably get the hump…

That area can only be rented out to groups though, so best to plan a party.

Food? Grill, Salads or Sushi, plus a wok speciality in the evening.

Photos and Info: www.city-beach.ch

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

We’ve been having some lovely summer weather here in Switzerland.

So, of course we want to be outside, eating drinking and generally socializing. So over the next few days I’ll be looking at a few options,  some of which, like Floss in Zurich are relics, or rather remnants, of the EM infrastructure.

Floss is run by the people that run Mascotte, a club down at Bellevue known for its comedy nights, bands, karaoke from hell, and of course, the normal clubbing nights.

For one month only, they are running the VIP barge from the EM as a lounge bar/restaurant.

The food is limited, Thai Curries or Iroquai sausages mainly, but it’s about seeing and being seen.

Floss opens at 10 in the morning – if you work nearby and fancy a coffee, and around 19:00 live music is on the cards. It stays open until midnight, and as I mentioned, runs for a month, until 3 August.

Reservations can be made if there are more than 20 of you, otherwise it’s turn up and squeeze in.

Photo and info: www.mascotte.ch

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

I came across another vegetarian restaurant the other day, and althoughI haven’t tried it yet, thought I should post about it.

It’s located near the Central tram station, in the Hotel Limmathof, which might not be the most stylish place in Zurich, but it looks to offer good value. Please let me know if you get there before me.

You’re probably still better off going to Hiltl if you haven’t been there before, but if you fancy a change…

Open Monday to Friday, for both lunch and dinner. 

Photo Flickr: jeckman

+41 44 262 02 17
http://www.limmathof.com/frameinhalt/menupot/wochenkarte.htm

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

Travellers to Zurich are always on the look out for good, and good value,  restaurants.

Situated in a pretty courtyard in the Niederdorf, Mere Catherine is a great location to enjoy fine French food.

Fish and Mediterranean specialities tend to be the favourites, but there is a good offering for carnivores and a selection of vegetarian dishes. The menu changes monthly, so be prepared to be enticed back. Expect to pay around 40 CHF for a main course.

In summer you can sit outside, but the restaurant is on two levels inside and offers a cosy ambience.  There’s also a small Louis XIV corner for 6 people.

Wines are not excessively priced, CHF 50 will find something very reasonable, of course you can pay more if you like.

In summary, a great place to meet friends for dinner, or ideal for a dinner à deux.

Take tram 4 or 15, and get off at the Rathaus, the restaurant is situated at Nägelihof 3.

Reservation recommended: +41 (0)44 250 59 40

www.commercio.ch

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

Whilst investigating the delights of Sihl City, Zürich’s newest shopping centre, it seemed natural to try out one of the new restaurants there.

Rüsterei is one of those converted old factories that the Swiss do so well.

Bare walls, glass, aluminium extractor tubing etc and classic industrial chic, great tables and chairs, go hand in hand with a classic menu.

We opted for a sald and the goats cheese millefeuille to start, followed by a veal chop and the seared tuna.

Everything was exquisitely served by friendly staff.

It’s best to book, but even though we were told it was full we came back after the movie and managed to get a table with no problems.

It’s not cheap, we paid 240 CHF for two courses, coffee and wine, but it is good value, and ideal to impress a special someone.

Rüsterei is at Sihl City (13 tram): 044 317 1919

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

Meat is Murder used to be the cry of the Vegetarian brigade, but in Zurich there has been no need for that for, well, ages.

Zurich is home to the Hiltl Restaurant, which is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Europe, having opened it’s doors to the public back in the 19th century.

It’s just had a bit of a makeover, but the traditional vegetarian buffet is still there, along with a selection of fantastic dishes.

It’s so good we take even pure carnivores there, there really is something for everyone, and they also do a party service, which I’m happy to say I used on my relatively recent "round" birthday.

There’s also a bar/club, and there are cookery schools should you wish to educate yourself.

It’s also excellent value (Meat is Expensive – would be a better battle cry in Switzerland) so if you are on a budget, take your taste buds along for a treat.

Hiltl is at Sihlstrasse 28, and close to Pelikanstrasse so can be easily reached from any tram that goes down Bahnhofstrasse.

It’s also likely to be open, from 6am to 4am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 6am to midnight all other days.

www.hiltl.ch

photo: 404

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

I must confess to liking French chateaus (chateaux?) with pointy bits on the roof. Turn one into a restaurant and I’m even happier.

Present me with such a restaurant overlooking a stunning lake and some of the most impressive mountains ever, and I’m, well, really happy.

Down on the shores of the Thunersee (Lake Thun) Schloss (Castle) Schadau sits in a quiet park. The boats that carry passengers across the lake stop there, and in my opinion, it is a fine place for a summer lunch. It’s a fine place for a winter dinner too, which is why I’m telling you now. If I tell you in summer, you might get my favourite table…

The mountain unobscured by trees is the Eiger (yes, the north face) and on it’s right are the Mönch and the Jungfrau. Three of Switzerland’s finest, viewed across a deep blue lake, with a fine lunch on the table. Does it get better than that?

A three course menu is around CHF 55 or 65 if you fancy an extra course between starter and main. Bistro main courses start around CHF 20. Children are well-catered for.

www.schloss-schadau.ch

Photos Erika and Barbara Kranz

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler