The most beautiful outdoor restaurants in Zurich

No insider tip, but a proven classic and must not be missing in our selection. The ambience, hospitality and culinary delights are just right here, and the beautiful view of the Limmat is special every time.

My tip: Beef tartare or the Wiener schnitzel

Okay, the Waid above the rooftops of the city in Höngg is no longer an insider tip. But it is still worth going there. The view of the city of Zurich, Lake Zurich and all the way to the Glarus Alps from up here is simply something of the best and the culinary offerings are also absolutely impressive. For banquets and events, the Waid offers numerous options and possibilities. Various restaurants and halls are available (Wok, Jahreszeiten or the Kastaniengarten).

My tip: try the delicious Wok-à-la-carte dishes!

Another jewel right on the lake. Here - as the name suggests - (almost) everything revolves around fish. Dine comfortably on the beautiful terrace with lakefront and enjoy the unique view. Also recommended is the bar/lounge for aperitifs and for special occasions (anniversaries, birthdays, etc.) there is also a separate lake house.

My tip: In summer, "grab" a table right in front of the lake and enjoy the sunset with a good glass of white wine and delicious char, sea bass, pike perch or turbot.

Actually, I have concentrated my favorite garden restaurants mainly on the city of Zurich. But the Buech in Herrliberg simply can not be missed. On the Gold Coast in Herrliberg on a beautiful hillside with a view over the lake lies this beautiful restaurant with a fantastic terrace. The Buech knows how to convince not only by the wonderful location, but also the service and the culinary offer has convinced me.

My tip: For occasions, family celebrations and other festivities, I recommend the cozy private dining rooms (formerly Winzerhütten (from 2 - 12 people).

The L'O in Horgen is a dream, especially in the summer months. Conveniently accessible via ferry, S-Bahn, car or with your own boat (mooring available) and here not only the view is right, also the cuisine and hospitality has convinced us every time we visited. Fish is available here directly from Lake Zurich or fresh from the sea and meat lovers will not miss out either.

My tip: Loup de mer and turbot for fish lovers, the Tomahawk Steak "Black Angus" for meat lovers and the homemade ravioli for vegetarians.

The restaurant Seerose with its own harbor on Lake Zurich conveys pure vacation feeling on beautiful summer days. Whether for a leisurely business lunch at noon, a romantic dinner in the evening or special occasions - the Seerose has a lot to offer and early reservations are therefore a must.

My tip: Espadon swordfish with hierbas sauce, fennel-apple vegetables and lemon rice.

They say the most beautiful pergola of Zurich ... anyway, the restaurant Kreis 6 is one of my favorite places, especially in the summer months. The cozy garden is one of the most beautiful in the city and also the culinary offer in Kreis 6 is more than worth seeing. No wonder it is so popular and therefore no longer an insider tip. But also "well-tried" should find its recognition here.

My tip: In summer, the gazpacho with olive cristini as a starter, the grilled loup de mer with oven vegetables as a main course - en Guete!

The lovely Restaurant Ziegelhütte I have already praised in my BrunchBlog. For good reason. Here it is especially on beautiful summer days simply very, very cozy. The location of the Landbeiz directly on the edge of the forest in Schwammendingen is optimal and invites you to a leisurely walk. But only after the meal. The regional fresh food tastes great and for occasions / groups the Ziegelhütte offers a lot. From banquets and seminars to wedding parties and a bowling evening with friends on the in-house bowling alley ... everything is possible.

My tip: Be sure to try the Sunday brunch à discrétion!

Tao's is a restaurant, bar, lounge and event location at the same time. The offer is versatile and convincing. Euro-Asian lifestyle is celebrated here. My highlight is the beautiful garden. An oasis just a few meters from the busy Bahnhofstrasse and Paradeplatz. For special occasions and celebrations such as birthdays, weddings or corporate events, the shady garden can accommodate up to 200 guests. Other event spaces are available indoors in the restaurant, the bar/lounge, the Icon Club or of course in the AURA, the popular sister venue very close by at Paradeplatz.

Just recently we visited the Rosengarten restaurant again - certainly not for the last time. The beautiful garden with the plane trees and the idyllic gravel garden is one of the most beautiful in Zurich. The menu is varied and both the quality of the food and the attentive service convinced me. There is a special banquet menu for occasions.

My tip: Grosi's meatloaf

Much has already been written about the Sonnenberg and of course about the former host Jacky Donatz, who unfortunately 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 is not quite cheap - but in return, there is a lot on offer and for a special occasion, the climb up the Züriberg is definitely worth it. The open terrace is well frequented in summer and the banquet facilities are versatile and also suitable for larger groups.

Since April 2021, host Giovanni Rizzo has continued the Sonnenberg tradition - with Italian flair, modern furnishings and a select menu. Swiss specialties such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes are joined by Mediterranean delicacies with star character.

Especially recommended: homemade pasta and pata negra pork chop.

A visit to Fischer's Fritz on a beautiful summer day is like a short trip on vacation. Although only a short distance from the city center and the busy lakeside road, the idyll here is pure. Perhaps this is due to the camping site right next door, which contributes to the vacation feeling. But also the cozy "setting", the uncomplicated service and the fine Mediterranean cuisine make the Fischer's Fritz a popular destination. Fischer's Fritz is also a popular event location and especially popular for weddings in the summer.

My tip: Enjoy Sunday brunch with friends by the lake / My favorite dish: Of course the fine Fischchnuschperli!

Special: There's even a boat service - the perfect way to get there for a romantic evening.

The location of the Samigo Garden Restaurant could not be better. Just a short distance from the beautiful Bürkliplatz on Mythenquai, Samigo combines culinary delights with a Mediterranean ambience - and of course - the fantastic view.

My tip: Enjoy the beautiful view on the sun deck during after-work and then finish off the evening in the restaurant (weird performances by drag queens, fire-eaters, burlesque dancers included).

Admittedly, getting a seat in the Gartenhof is not easy. The neighborhood restaurant is very popular and always full on nice days.

With good reason. The beautiful garden is convincing and both the ambience and the food are top. Definitely try it out.

My tip: Try the Gartenhof antipasti selection as a starter.

Just recently we visited Marcellino Pane e Vino again. The small inconspicuous Italian neighborhood restaurant above Hegibachplatz (on Forchstrasse) celebrates culinary delights. You can tell that people here are passionate about serving, cooking and hospitality. Both the service and the quality of the food are at the highest level and the small terrace in the garden is lovingly decorated and very romantic.

My tip: The homemade taglierini or be positively surprised by the 3, 4, or 5 course suprise menus - highly recommended!

I always like to go to the Bürgli in Wollishofen. Be it for Sunday roast, as a business lunch or for special occasions in the evening.

The view is spectacular, the garden cozy and the service as well as the food of high quality. For me it is clear, here I go again ...

My tip: The house specialty - Entrecôte in the Pfännli with a delicious Café de Paris Saucé!