Zurich
Discreet, polished and expensive. 10 places, chosen and checked for 2026.
Zurich is discreet, precise and expensive. Its palace hotels sit on the lake, its best restaurants in quiet streets, and private banking still sets the tone of its evenings.
Baur au Lac
Founded in 1844 and still owned by the founding family, set in its own private park where the lake meets the Schanzengraben canal.
The Dolder Grand
A fairy-tale castle of 1899 on the hillside above Zurich, extended by Norman Foster and filled with a serious art collection. Home of the two-star The Restaurant.
La Réserve Eden au Lac
A 1909 building on the lakeshore reimagined by Philippe Starck, with a rooftop restaurant looking over Lake Zurich to the Alps.
The Restaurant at The Dolder Grand
Heiko Nieder's restaurant inside The Dolder Grand, the castle-like hotel above the city. Inventive, beautifully composed menus with views across the lake to the Alps.
Widder Restaurant
Stefan Heilemann's restaurant in the Widder Hotel, a collection of medieval townhouses in the old town. Modern, precise cooking with Asian touches.
IGNIV Zürich
Andreas Caminada's sharing-style restaurant in the Marktgasse Hotel. 'Igniv' means 'nest' in Romansh, and the menu is served to share across the table.
Legendary bars in Zurich
AURA Smokers Lounge
A bar and smokers' lounge on Bleicherweg with a large humidor, bespoke cigars and a strong spirits and cocktail list.
Smokers Lounge, Zurich Marriott
A hotel smoking lounge on the Limmat with leather club chairs and a long bar list, popular with business travellers.
