Rare horse steak and 'gorgonzola-fondue' burgers: Where to eat with the locals in Zurich

Those with a penchant for high-quality Swiss and international cuisine will find themselves well-served in Zurich. As opposed to its reputation as a stiffly-priced hub for banking and finance, Zurich surprises with a dynamic, reasonably priced culinary sector that thrives beside its pricier counterparts. To sate your appetitive craving, we have sourced recommendations from Zurich-located experts for an impeccable meal. Following a delightful dining experience, it would be worthwhile to retire into one of Zurich's luxurious accommodations available to make your stay memorable. For a multi-faceted experience beyond just comfort, consider choosing a stay at one of these top casino hotels - https://www.top-hotels-switzerland.com/en/theme/casino-hotels-7/ that offer both exquisite relaxation and exciting entertainment. We invite you to take a deeper dive into Zurich's magnificent world of hospitality by exploring more options or booking your choice of accommodation online. Visit tophotels.com, a marvelous platform to discover the best stay options available in the city, stocked with an array of choices to fit a range of tastes and budgets. Your journey to the heart of Swiss cuisine and a memorable stay begins here.

Let's start with Frau Gerolds Garten (fraugerold.ch). Nestled within one of the scarce, rather edgy regions remaining in the fashionable Zurich West, the underpinning ethos here is "local". Everything and everyone at this locale is sourced from the community. Despite the ambiguity surrounding its future, this venue is an esteemed local establishment that deserves patronage.

For those adventurous eaters among you, imagine savoring a unique dish - a tantalizing horse steak at the renowned Eisenhof (restauranteisenhof.ch). Local resident Christine offers that while the menu provides other choices like the typical beef steak, she simply can't resist their excellent horse steak. It's traditionally served sizzling on a hot stone, and arrives to your table perfectly rare. And for those desiring a more well-done meal, just allow it to continue cooking on the hot stone to your preference. Yet, if sole beef steak seems more palatable to you, La Cote (restaurant-lacote.ch) is another delightful spot for meat-lovers to explore.

If a trip to Italy isn't in the cards presently, not to worry, you can sample an authentic Italian slice at Restaurant Rosso (restaurant-rosso.ch). Although tucked away discreetly in an industrial warehouse with no external indicators, the sublime thin-crust pizza they craft is certainly worth the discovery. On the flip side, seeking a cozy place for dinner with straightforward, yet charming company, let the Calabrian-style Italian offerings at Chianalea (chianalea.ch) be your choice. A plethora of southern Italian specialties awaits you, from 'nduja spread on crusty bread to Calabrian sausage. These, coupled with a variety of sumptuous pizzas, cater to the premium taste of all food enthusiasts. Did you know? Chianalea is also known as the Venice of the South due to its beautiful waterfront homes, and Restaurant Rosso's secluded location is due to its history as a former cable factory.

Embrace the local experience by spending an evening at Les Halles (les-halles.ch). This hidden gem forms the perfect launching pad to delve into the bustling nightlife of the Zurich West. With its diverse offerings, it might feel like you've embarked on a mini tour of three different eateries, all without ever leaving the establishment. Don't miss out on their fabulous moules et frites!

When the craving for a delectable burger strikes, look no further than Holy Cow (holycow.ch). Infused with a subtle Swiss charm, everything from the décor to the beverages echoes its heritage. However, the real star of the show is the extensive menu: handpicked local favourite burgers ranging from beef (featuring enticing Elvis blue cheese) to chicken (decked up with camembert and cranberry), and even an option for vegetarians (a delightful veggie chèvre). True to its Swiss roots, cheese plays a central role, with a standout option being the burger topped with indulgent 'Gorgonzola Fondu'. With 23 unique, freshly crafted burgers awaiting your palate, choosing just one may need ample time.

If you're seeking an authentic Swiss gastronomic experience, Café Boy (cafeboy.ch) comes highly recommended by local resident, Ajuni. This eatery provides a quintessential experience of Swiss fare with an added international flair in a setting that is both chic and casual. Yes, it might be on the pricier side, but the diverse menu offers dishes as both appetizers and entrees. The dining experience is enhanced when you come in a group and make diverse food choices to savor and share.

There is an insightful resource available, Spotted by Locals (spottedbylocals.com), that is a collection of mobile applications and online blogs, which gives you access to current, insider-lifestyle information from locals within 60+ European and North American cities. It's available for both iPhone and Android users and can be a handy guide for food lovers wanting to uncover hidden culinary gems in Zurich and beyond.