Zurich Nightlife
Zurich is not famed for its food but that is not to say that visitors will not be able to enjoy some unique and tasty meals here. The rosti, which is roasted potatoes topped with cheese and bacon is a particular favourite, although it may be better as a lunchtime snack rather than an evening meal. Cheese fondue, which involves the dipping of bread in to a large dish of melted cheeses, is a wonderfully tasty experience of an evening and many say that the Swiss version has the edge over its French counterpart. Raclette, which is melted cheese served with potatoes and ham, is also popular.
On the cheaper end of the restaurant scene, visitors do not have a huge variety of choice, but there are a few decent establishments to try.
Restaurant Hiltl on Sihlstrasse offers some 50 different salad dishes at lunchtime, while in the evening the salads are joined by a large array of pasta dishes as well as Thai and Indian offerings, which are priced by weight. Just to prove that this restaurant does indeed cater to all tastes, the rosti is delicious as well.
For possibly the city's best raclette and a good fondue as well, head to Adler's Swiss Chuchi on Hirschenplatz. A wonderful variety of fondues and raclettes are available so take your time when ordering. This place is reasonably priced and has a decent menu to back up the headline dishes, with fish especially prominent.
For something completely out of the ordinary head to Blindekuh on Muhlebachstrasse. This superb restaurant is unique in that no one has ever seen their food or the décor of the restaurant, as there are no lights. Set up in a bid to raise awareness of the issues faced by visually impaired people, the food is delicious and decently priced. Customers are guided to their seats and their food by the blind waiters and waitresses.
Zurich has a number of decent beer halls and although they cannot compete with the hostelries of Bavaria, there is plenty of fun, beer and food to be had. The pick of the bunch is the Rheinfelder Bierhaus on Marktgasse, where food specialities include liver and sausage, beef stew with pasta and an enormous pork fillet filled with ham and cheese.
The Old Town is the main place to go for nightlife in the city, with many bars to be found on Niederdorfstrasse and Oberdorfstrasse. For those who are keen to be trendy, try Café Bar Odeon on Limmatquai, while those who enjoy a cocktail with a view must check out the Jules Verne Panorama Bar on the 11th floor of Uraniastrasse 9.
For a good disco, head down to the former red light district of Langstrasse or try out Labor on Schiffbaustrasse, while for a decent variety of live music try BaBaLu on Schmidgasse. Live acts cannot be guaranteed but those that do play are entertaining and certainly better than the jazz piano tinkling away in many a hotel lounge.
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Nightlife and Food & Drink
