Top 6 foodie hotspots you never knew existed

By Hannah Edensor

Europe is a place full of delectable food delights, all tempting you into a deep food coma.

But while we already know about France’s crush on croissants, Italy’s passion for pasta and Spain’s taste for tapas, there is more to Europe’s food scene than you think.

We take a sidestep into the undiscovered cuisines of Switzerland – and we’re not just talking about their chocolate.

Here are 6 of the best foods in the Zurich, and where to find them.

Hiltl

The world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is one for the itinerary. Its menu expands to feature 100 separate dishes, with the option of both buffet style and a la carte.

The spacious restaurant spreads over two floors and has become a small vegetarian empire with its own bar, cooking classes, shop and even a night club. Try their fresh fruit juices, stuffed jalapeños and crispy onion rings!

Kronenhalle

If it’s rich Swiss heritage you want as a side dish, then this place is full of it. Located centrally by the Bellevueplatz, Kronenhalle is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in town, with such luminaries on its guestlist like Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Pablo Picasso and Richard Strauss.

Serving up traditional Swiss specialties such as minced veal “Kronenhalle” style, Balleron sausage salad, Chateaubriand and Mousse au Chocolat, you’re in for a treat.

Hotel Helvetia

Slightly pricier but worth every penny is Hotel Helvetia, a gentrified brasserie restaurant brimming with a lively crowd of bohemian youth and financial bigwigs. The reason for this varied crowd? The food, of course.

Awarded 15 points by the Gault-Millau gourmet guide, this hotspot is run by Swiss star chef Françoise Wicki, with her menu built on a fusion of gourmet cuisine with down-to-earth Swiss fare.

Rosso

While it might look like nothing more than an old warehouse, Rosso is one of a kind for foodie fans. Famous for the best pizza in town and having a cosy yet industrial appeal, expect the minimal goodness of thin crusts and decadent mozzarella topping.

But be sure to book this one, it mightn’t look like much, but it’s almost impossible to score a table without reservations or a wait at the bar.

Restaurant Swiss Chuchi

A favourite with tourists, this restaurant is still revered by locals too, serving up Swiss fondue, raclette and rösti specialties, all agreed to be unbeatable.

Take a visit to the old part of town, and venture inside Hotel Adler to find this gem, with a menu completely inspired by Swiss heritage and home-cooked memories, from tasty cheese and meat specialities to daily varying lunch menus.

Lasalle Restaurant & Bar

A little eatery on the outskirts of Zurich, Lasalle is located inside a former ship building factory house (and outside on nice days), and is consistently praised by the locals.

The interior comprises a spacious one-room area with an elegant Venetian crystal chandelier hanging in the middle – I think they call that industrial-chic.

The menu is mainly Italian and French-influenced but hides some international touches to make sure all guests find tastes to choose from, and once you’ve finished your meal, stop by world-famous jazz bar around the corner or perhaps visit the nearby theatre.

So how about unearthing some of these gastronomical treats?

You can now win one of two double packages to Zurich – flights, 4-star accommodation, the works – and what’s more, you can take a friend!

Book any ticket on LX using any SWISS fare between October 6 and November 15 2015 and you’ll be in the running to be one of two winners to score a week in Zurich.

To enter, simply email your LX ticket numbers and agency details by 5pm on November 15 2015 with the subject line ‘Visit Zurich’ to info.au@lufthansaexperts.com.

Find out more about how to win by clicking right here.

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