The Top 10 Restaurants in Kreis 5, Zurich

La Torre, or Quartier 5, promises several dining experiences in one. Whether it’s tapas with chilled sangria in the lounge, a glass of crisp white wine on the garden terrace or the veal schnitzel with ham and a rich Marsala sauce in the restaurant – there is something for everyone. La Torre offer a splendid feast for Sunday brunch, with a buffet-style layout in their spacious restaurant and a glass of Prosecco included, succulent breakfast meats and flaky, fresh-baked pastries will keep you full for the day. The interior is softly lit, with a variety of light fixtures hanging at different lengths creating a mellow ambiance.

Casa Aurelio is all about Mediterranean flavors, with a visible focus on Spanish cuisine, offering delectable tapas and locally renowned fish-based delicacies. With a very traditional decor, Casa Aurelio transports you back in time to try classic Spanish dishes cooked in traditional ways, such as the succulent lamb and beautiful steaks, complemented by the selection of some of Europe’s finest wines.

With its dramatic wood-panelled interior and contrasting mosaic wall-tops, Restaurant Josef is the perfect evening venue in which to dine when visiting Zurich’s Kreis 5. Josef’s unique selling point is their removal of a singular main course in favor of a selection of smaller dishes – tantalizing for the more curious and experimental diner. Enjoy a multitude of flavors exquisitely prepared, such as their ever-popular beef tartare with rich and salty olive tapenade or gently fried whitefish with the subtle flavor of zucchini flowers and chanterelles.

Frau Gerolds Garten lies at the base of the Prime Tower, a modern, up-cycled city garden which works to sustain the restaurant and cafe with its edible produce. This inner city haven boasts not only an abundance of fresh ingredients, but also a selection of art to view and sell. The menu at Frau Gerolds changes daily, prioritising the suitability of the fresh ingredients on offer and highlighting seasonal produce. Sample a classic fondue with piping hot potatoes and chunky bread cubes or the fresh, zesty quinoa salad, all complimented with an ice cold beer in the beautiful Swiss sunshine.

In the relaxed pub-cafe ambiance of Hardhof, hearty German and Swiss classics are the main attractions . These include schnitzel in a comforting mushroom sauce, warming beef stew and a wonderful selection of Swiss and German cheeses. Enjoy the famously flavoursome beer in the cozy surroundings. A favorite with locals, Hardhof takes great pains to explain the sourcing of its ingredients and prides itself on prioritizing great service and simple, delicious cuisine.

La Salle prides itself on cooking up honest, delicious and flavorsome dishes. With huge windows and crisp white tables, the interior decor is a wonderful juxtaposition between the stark concrete and the effortlessly chic seating arrangements and lighting fixtures, such as the iconic chandelier. With firm roots in Italian and French cuisine, La Salle offers everything from the fresh flavor of exquisite scallops with mango and avocado to horse fillet with pungent garlic. Enjoy a glass of their fine wine in this spectacular venue – truly a night to remember.

Sitting under the viaduct that crosses Kreis 5, Restaurant Viadukt is literally built into the area’s architectural heritage, and makes for a great addition to its dining scene. Viadukt’s interior is seamlessly integrated into its setting, with curved ceilings, heavy stone-clad walls and a spectacular view of the surrounding industrial buildings – yet the venue retains a modern atmosphere thanks to its sleek, contemporary furniture. On the menu is an offering of light, seasonal cuisine, with new dishes added regularly; try one of the healthy salads from the compact menu or sit back on the terrace and enjoy a drink in the sun. Viadukt organizes various cultural events and intimate concerts throughout the year, so make sure you stay up to date with its calendar.

Clouds is, as the name suggests, spectacularly poised in the clouds, with breath-taking views across Zurich, the lake and the Alps from its towering location. In the 2013/4 Distisuisse awards, CLOUDS’ own gin won gold in the category for special types, earning it the award for ‘spirit of the year’. Enjoy this sparkling aperitif alongside the smoked ricotta on black bread with balsamic cherries and almond crumble. The interior is simply beautiful – the smooth, clean lines of neutral tablecloths and chairs serve to highlight and accentuate the view across Zurich.

Ly’s Asia is situated in a beautifully lit and spacious industrial building with an open kitchen, championing the fresh produce and traditional cooking style used to produce their sushi, Thai and Chinese cuisine. The satay beef and Peking duck are among the favorites, but the sashimi salmon and unique desserts are also popular choices in this trendy setting. With delicate Asian flavors and a dining-hall style communal experience, Ly’s Asia offers both flavorsome food and a unique venue in which to enjoy it. © Christoph Gysi, Les Halles

The eccentricity of Les Halles speaks for itself: a quirky vibe comprising of Spanish and French influences, decorated with French posters and motorbikes whilst serving delicious Spanish wines. The former industrial site is now packed with character, offering some of the best mussels in the city in a relaxed, hippy atmosphere. Enjoy a chilled beer alongside a thick slice of salmon in hollandaise sauce with fresh asparagus, potatoes and fiery chilies or perhaps try a crisp and fresh salad with tender chicken or accompanied by a hot, filling baguette.