When the sun is shining, it's high time for restaurant visits outdoors and to spend delightful moments with friends, family, or at private or business events.
Our gems and insider tips in Zurich. This article is regularly updated and expanded with new offers.
I love summer, good food, nice company, special occasions, celebrations, cosy garden spots .... and enjoying all of this with a beautiful view and warm temperatures makes it even more fun. So it's only natural for me to introduce you to some of my favourite summer restaurants in and around Zurich. You'll find restaurants directly by the water, with views of Lake Zurich, cosy garden oases and trendy pop-up locations. Of course, the range of restaurants and event venues is not limited to Zurich alone – on EventButler you'll find around 600 restaurants and over 1,700 event venues from all over Switzerland!
Whether it's for a birthday party, anniversary, business dinner, wedding, company celebration, staff event or a tête-à-tête. A cosy meal in the most beautiful restaurants with a garden or terrace is one of my highlights (just like the weekend brunch). And since summer and the outdoor season in Switzerland unfortunately don't last too long, the time should be put to good use. So here are a few tips from me. The list is being continuously expanded. Of course, I'd also love to hear your favourites – just drop me a line at [email protected]. Many thanks!
All restaurants with location and setting.
The restaurant Adlisberg is set in a very idyllic location, just a short walk from the Dolderbahn and the ice rink. The atmosphere here is relaxed, and the attentive, professional service combined with the delicious food has always won us over – whether at brunch, lunch or dinner.
Much has already been written about the Sonnenberg and, of course, about its former host Jacky Donatz, who sadly passed away in Zurich in April 2022. For good reason. Numerous celebrities have dined here, and the view from up here is simply a dream. Admittedly, the Sonnenberg isn't exactly cheap – but it offers a lot in return, and for a special occasion, the climb up the Züriberg is always worth it. The open terrace is well frequented in summer, and the banqueting options are varied and also suitable for larger groups.
Since April 2021, host Giovanni Rizzo has continued the Sonnenberg tradition – with Italian flair, modern décor and a carefully selected menu. Swiss specialities such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes are joined by Mediterranean delicacies with a touch of star quality.
Not an insider tip, but a tried-and-tested classic that can't be missing from our selection. The atmosphere, hospitality and cuisine are all spot on, and the wonderful view of the Limmat is special every time.
Another gem right on the lake. Here – as the name suggests – it's (almost) all about fish. Dine comfortably on the beautiful terrace right by the lake and enjoy the unique view. The bar/lounge is also recommended for aperitifs, and for special occasions (anniversaries, birthdays, etc.) there's also a separate lake house available.
Okay, the Waid above the rooftops of the city in Höngg hasn't been an insider tip for a long time. But it's still well worth a visit. The view of the city of Zurich, Lake Zurich and all the way to the Glarus Alps from up here is simply one of the best, and the culinary offering is absolutely outstanding too. For banquets and events, the Waid offers numerous options and possibilities, with various restaurants and halls available (Wok, Jahreszeiten or the Kastaniengarten). Highly recommended!
Actually, when it comes to my favourite garden restaurants, I've mainly focused on the city of Zurich. But the Buech in Herrliberg simply can't be left out. On the Gold Coast in Herrliberg, beautifully situated on a hillside with a view over the lake, lies this wonderful establishment with a fantastic terrace. But the Buech doesn't just win you over with its magnificent location – the service and the culinary offering have convinced me too.
The L'O in Horgen is a dream, especially during the summer months. Conveniently accessible by scheduled boat, train, car or even your own boat (mooring available), and here it's not just the view that's right – the cuisine and hospitality have won us over on every visit too. Fish comes here fresh from Lake Zurich or straight from the sea, and meat lovers are also well catered for.
The Restaurant Seerose, with its own harbour on Lake Zurich, conveys a pure holiday feeling on beautiful summer days. Whether for a relaxed business lunch at midday, a romantic dinner in the evening, or special occasions – the Seerose has plenty to offer, so booking early is a must.
They say it's the most beautiful pergola in Zurich … in any case, the Restaurant Kreis 6 is one of my favourite spots, especially during the summer months. The cosy garden is one of the most beautiful in the city, and the culinary offering at Kreis 6 is also more than impressive. No wonder it's so popular, and therefore no longer an insider tip. But "tried and tested" deserves recognition here too.
I've already praised the Wirtschaft Ziegelhütte in my brunch blog (sadly, the Sunday brunch no longer takes place). For good reason. It's particularly cosy here on beautiful summer days. The location of this rustic country pub right on the edge of the forest in Schwammendingen is ideal and invites you to take a relaxing stroll – but only after the meal. The regional, fresh dishes taste excellent, and the Ziegelhütte has plenty to offer for events and groups. From banquets and seminar facilities to wedding parties and even a skittles evening with friends on the in-house skittle alley … anything is possible.
Tao's is a restaurant, bar, lounge and event venue all in one. The offering is varied and impressive. Here, Euro-Asian lifestyle is celebrated. My highlight is the beautiful garden – an oasis just a few steps from the bustling Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz. For special occasions and celebrations such as birthdays, weddings or corporate events, the shady garden offers space for up to 200 guests. There are further event rooms indoors in the restaurant, the bar/lounge, the Icon Club or, of course, in AURA, the popular sister venue and event location nearby at Paradeplatz.
We were back at the Restaurant Rosengarten just recently – certainly not for the last time. The beautiful garden with its plane trees and idyllic gravel garden is one of the loveliest in Zurich. The menu is varied, and both the quality of the food and the attentive service won me over. There's a special banquet menu available for events.
The location of the Samigo Garden Restaurant couldn't be better. Just a short distance from the beautiful Bürkliplatz on Mythenquai, Samigo combines culinary delights with a Mediterranean ambience – and, of course, a fantastic view.
A visit to Fischer's Fritz on a beautiful summer day feels like a mini holiday. Although only a short distance from the city centre and the busy Seestrasse, pure idyll reigns here. Perhaps this is also due to the campsite right next door, which adds to the holiday feeling. But the cosy setting, the relaxed service and the fine Mediterranean cuisine also make Fischer's Fritz a popular destination. Fischer's Fritz is also a popular event venue and especially favoured for summer weddings.
Admittedly, getting a spot in the Gartenhof isn't easy. This neighbourhood pub is very popular and always full on nice days.
And for good reason. The beautiful garden is a winner, and both the atmosphere and the food are top-notch. Definitely worth trying.
We were back at Marcellino Pane e Vino just recently. This small, unassuming Italian neighbourhood restaurant above Hegibachplatz (on Forchstrasse) celebrates culinary delights. You can tell that everything here – working, serving, cooking and hospitality – is done with real passion. Both the service and the quality of the food are top-notch, and the small garden terrace is lovingly decorated and very romantic.
I love to visit the Bürgli in Wollishofen again and again. Whether for the Sunday roast, a business lunch, or special evening events.
The view is spectacular, the garden cosy, and both the service and the food are of high quality. For me, it's clear – I'll be coming back here …
Of course, Zurich has many more beautiful summer venues suitable for private events or corporate celebrations – with views of Lake Zurich, the Limmat or the Uetliberg, or as insider tips in the city's neighbourhoods. On EventButler you'll find all restaurants for events in Zurich and over 1,700 event locations in Zurich. You can send quote and reservation requests directly via the detail page in just a few clicks – completely free of charge, of course.
Do you also enjoy brunching at the weekend? Here are the 12 best brunch locations in Zurich – enjoy!