The Best Cafes in Zurich, Switzerland
Whether you’re looking for a place to chill out while having a relaxing brunch or cup of coffee that’ll blow your mind, Zurich has plenty of choice. Here we’ve brought together the best of both worlds and listed the city’s best cafés to cure your caffeine or sweet treat cravings.
Odeon
Cafe, Diner, Bar, Restaurant, European, Pub Grub
The Odeon café is legendary in Zurich. After opening its doors in 1911 it quickly became a hit and many illustrious minds can be count among its past patrons; Einstein, Lenin James Joyce and Hugo Ball, who would found Dadaism in the same city, were among them. There’s a fairly simple breakfast menu on offer, but the quality is good.
Café Sprüngli
At Café Sprüngli you’ll want to try the house speciality Luxemburgerli macaroon. At the main café on the Bahnhofstrasse you can sample a wide array of chocolates, cakes and tarts alongside your morning coffee. The Sprüngli brand goes back to 1836, when the first store opened in Zurich, so you know you are in safe hands when your order here.
Kafischnaps Café Bar
Bar, Restaurant, European, Vegetarian
Kafischnaps Café Bar used to be a butcher’s shop, the sombre black and white interior is a throwback to this past life, but now it serves up some top notch vegan and vegetarian dishes. The vegan muffins are a standout that you must-try. The bar is also a good choice for dining throughout the day when Swiss-grown meat is back on the menu, brought to you by the ever-cheerful chef, Peter.
La Stanza
Near to the Paradeplatz, La Stanza is a busy coffee joint straight out of Italy. The sharply dressed waiters dish out sweet Mediterranean treats and traditional coffee machines spurt out the best espresso in town. Plus if you’re in the mood for freshly baked brioche for breakfast, then La Stanza is the place to find it.
Café des Amis
Cafe, European
By its sheer popularity among the locals, particularly the hip and happening young crowds, you can tell Café des Amis is a good place to check out. You’ll find it difficult to grab a seat for the Sunday morning/afternoon brunch, which is served until 4pm, so make sure you book ahead. With its laidback and chilled vibe (don’t expect speedy service), Café des Amis is a good spot to start off a relaxing day.
Café Schober
Bakery, Cafe, Swiss, European
A favourite among visitors to Zurich, Café Schober is a baroque-style café in the heart of the old town that first opened its doors over a century ago. The homemade cakes are instantly tempting and don’t disappoint. During a chilly winter’s day there is no better way to warm yourself than clasping a hot chocolate from Schober’s.