The 16 Best Cheap Eats in Zurich
For budget-conscious foodies looking for cheap eats in Zurich, this list is a must-read. Zurich may have a reputation for being expensive, but there are plenty of hidden gems and local spots where you can grab a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
Whether you're in the mood for traditional Swiss cuisine or international flavors, there's something for everyone in Zurich. From cozy cafes to street food stalls, the city offers a variety of options for those looking to eat on a budget.
- Local food markets
- Street food festivals
- Budget-friendly restaurants
- Traditional Swiss dishes
Get ready to explore the culinary scene in Zurich without spending a fortune. Check out the list below for the 16 best cheap eats in Zurich and start planning your next delicious meal!
- 1. Pizza Nation
- 2. Sternen Grill + Sternen Grill Restaurant im oberen Stock
- 3. Chiang Mai Restaurant
- 4. Il Pentagramma
- 5. Thach
- 6. Holy Cow! Gourmet Burger Co. ZÜRICH ZÄHRINGERSTRASSE
- 7. Libanes Take-Away
- 8. Neela
- 9. Wurst & Moritz
- 10. Achi
- 11. Friends Corner
- 12. Don't Worry Eat Curry
- 13. Chaima
- 14. Piadina Bar
- 15. Coop Restaurant Zürich St. Annahof
- 16. Strictly-Fingerfood Catering
- Monday: 11:30 AM–3 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM–2:50 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–3 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–3 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–3 PM
- Saturday: 12–9 PM
- Sunday: Closed
1. Pizza Nation
Information and Reviews
- Customers rave about the authentic flavors of the pizzas, including classics like margarita and marinara, reminiscent of Naples.
- The value for money and quality of the food, especially the crispy crust and delicious toppings, have left patrons satisfied.
- Visitors appreciate the diverse menu options, such as vegetarian choices and specialty toppings like spicy salami, all prepared with care and expertise.
- Many guests also highlight the attentive and helpful staff, creating a pleasant dining experience overall.
Whether you're looking for a quick takeaway option or crave a flavorful slice of pizza on the go, Pizza Nation is the place to visit. Enjoy a taste of American-style pizza while basking in the casual and welcoming ambiance of this establishment.
- Monday: 10:30 AM–11 PM
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM–12 AM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM–12 AM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM–12 AM
- Friday: 10:30 AM–12 AM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM–12 AM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM–11 PM
2. Sternen Grill + Sternen Grill Restaurant im oberen Stock
Information and Reviews
- Absolutely worth the wait, with addictive sausages and intense mustard sauce.
- Delicious sausages, but mixed reviews on the service quality.
- Very popular grilled sausage spot, challenging seating during busy times, but juicy sausages and strong mustard.
- Must-try spot for delicious sausages, schnitzel, and flavorful mustard.
- Monday: 10:30 AM–10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10:30 AM–10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:30 AM–10:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM–10:30 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM–10:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM–10:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM–10:30 PM
3. Chiang Mai Restaurant
Information and Reviews
Customers have left positive reviews about their experiences at Chiang Mai Restaurant. Here are some key points from their feedback:
- The food is delicious, especially the Thai and Chinese dishes.
- The staff are super friendly and accommodating.
- The stir-fried green curry and canned mango juice are highly recommended.
- Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and service is quick.
- Monday: 9 AM–3 PM
- Tuesday: 9 AM–3 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–3 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–3 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–3 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–3 PM
- Sunday: Closed
4. Il Pentagramma
Information and Reviews
With a rating of 4.8, it's no surprise that Il Pentagramma has received glowing reviews. Here are some key points from customer feedback:
- Delicious and fresh sandwiches and salads.
- Affordable prices and generous portion sizes.
- Kind and friendly staff that provide excellent service.
The atmosphere at Il Pentagramma is described as casual and cozy, making it a great spot for a quick bite or a leisurely lunch. Whether you're in the mood for a classic panini or a custom salad, this sandwich shop is sure to satisfy your cravings.
- Monday: 11 AM–2 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–2 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–2 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–2 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–2 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–2 PM
- Sunday: Closed
5. Thach
Information and Reviews
Customers have praised Thach for its exceptional dishes and service, contributing to a rating of 4.6 based on 757 reviews. Here are some key points from recent visitors:
- The pho was great on a cold rainy day. The duck was crispy and flavorful, a favorite among Vietnamese items.
- Best crispy duck dish in Zurich, accompanied by a wonderful vibe and fair prices.
- Quality food with fresh ingredients, amazing flavors, and efficient service even during busy times.
- Delicious and good value meals with big portion sizes and excellent service, highly recommended.
These positive reviews highlight the high quality of food, excellent service, and inviting atmosphere at Thach.
- Monday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–11 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–11 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–11 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM
6. Holy Cow! Gourmet Burger Co. ZÜRICH ZÄHRINGERSTRASSE
Information and Reviews
One key feature of Holy Cow! Gourmet Burger Co. is its fast service, ensuring that customers can enjoy their meals promptly. The establishment caters to different dining preferences with options for outdoor seating, no-contact delivery, delivery, takeaway, and dine-in services.
Customer reviews praise the restaurant for its flavorful burgers and friendly staff. Here are some key points from their reviews:
- The burgers are delicious and filling, offering great value for money.
- Customers appreciate the student discounts and the variety of menu choices.
- Fast and attentive service contributes to an overall pleasant dining experience.
- Generous portions and hot fries make for a satisfying meal.
Visit Holy Cow! Gourmet Burger Co. to treat yourself to mouthwatering burgers in a cozy and casual atmosphere.
- Monday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: Closed
7. Libanes Take-Away
Information and Reviews
- A master of his craft. Not only is the shawarma delicious, it is beautifully presented. I have been coming here for four years, and have yet to find a better tasting spot in Zürich.
- Great food at a great price! Schawarma was delicious. We were on the last day of our trip and only had a little cash left (cash only) and the owner was so accomodating and fed us with the cash we had left over. A great find in Zurich.
- Best shawarma of Zurich. Order with the spicy sauce!
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–2:30 PM
- Saturday: 5:30–10:30 PM
- Sunday: 5:30–10:30 PM
8. Neela
Information and Reviews
Customer reviews highlight:
- Fantastic masala dosa with delicious sides and warm service.
- Delicious food, friendly staff, and excellent service for group dinners.
- Authentic, flavorful, and generous portions that taste like homemade meals.
- Highly recommended for tasty Sri Lankan food that feels close to home.
- Monday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–11:45 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–11:45 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM
9. Wurst & Moritz
Information and Reviews
With 1131 reviews and a rating of 4.4 stars, customers have raved about their experiences at Wurst & Moritz. Some key points highlighted in the reviews include:
- Generous pommes portion with flavorful options like the vegan Zwiebel Heidi
- Wide variety of tasty food choices, with decent student discounts available
- Knowledgeable staff providing great recommendations with good service
Whether craving a hearty German meal, a refreshing beer, or a cozy dining experience, Wurst & Moritz delivers on all fronts, ensuring a memorable visit for all patrons.
- Monday: 11 AM–2:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–2:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–2:30 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–2:30 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–2:30 PM
- Saturday: 12–10:30 PM
- Sunday: 5–10 PM
10. Achi
Information and Reviews
- Great service and delicious food with generous portion sizes.
- Quick and efficient service, authentic dishes.
- Good Chinese food at an affordable price, quick service, comfy ambiance.
- Fast service, delicious food, and surprising speed even during busy times.
- Monday: 11 AM–10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–10:30 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–10:30 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–10:30 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–10:30 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–10:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
11. Friends Corner
Information and Reviews
Some of the highlights of Friends Corner include their delicious Sri Lankan and Tamil dishes, with options for vegetarian and vegan customers. They offer beer, wine, spirits, and late-night food for those looking for a good time.
Here are a few key points from customer reviews:
- If you are looking for delicious Sri Lankan meal this is an awesome place in Zurich. The string hoppers are fantastic and the masala dosa is absolutely delicious. Meals are around 15 CHF depending on what you get.
- If you're in Zurich and you want to try something genuinely spicy, this is a beautiful place for anyone who loves their food on the hot side. Sri Lankan and Tamil dishes with a wide variety. Waiter staff are quick and will bring you hot piping food within minutes.
- A favorite small neighborhood restaurant with very good Sri Lanka food. Service is quick and friendly, the food is tasty, and prices are very reasonable. Excellent vegetarian choices as well. Whenever we are in the area we try to drop by for a bite.
- Great authentic food, awesome portion size, great cost for Zurich, and most importantly it's tasty and full of flavor. It's set in a nice/trendy spot so be sure to walk the surrounding streets and grab a cold beer to cool your mouth after an all-out spice fest from Friends Corner!
- Monday: 11:30 AM–2 PM
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM–2 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–2 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–2 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: Closed
12. Don't Worry Eat Curry
Information and Reviews
With a rating of 4.5 stars based on 357 reviews, the customers have shared some key points:
- Great lunch spot with quiet ambiance and quick service. The kottu rotti was delicious and the portion size was good.
- Delicious vegetables with great flavor and friendly staff. However, Roti was dense and the curry was too sweet for some customers.
- The cozy atmosphere and delicious food reminiscent of South Indian flavors make it a must-try spot. The idiyappam with chicken curry and chicken kotthu roti were mouthwatering.
- Authentic South Indian/Sri Lankan cuisine with Dosai and Lamb curry. The couple running the place were friendly and the pricing is reasonable.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM–2 PM
- Wednesday: 11:30 AM–2 PM
- Thursday: 11:30 AM–2 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM–2 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
13. Chaima
Information and Reviews
- Very good and authentic Thai food with several vegetarian options.
- Fantastic, freshly made Thai dishes with great service.
- Great service straight from Thailand with fresh ingredients and a nice atmosphere.
- Monday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM–9 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
- Sunday: 12–7 PM
14. Piadina Bar
Information and Reviews
With a stellar Rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 480 reviews, Piadina Bar has garnered positive feedback from its patrons. Here are some key points from customer reviews:
- The food was great and service was very kind and patient.
- Amazing sandwiches and a truly authentic Italian experience.
- Delicious piadina options that are a must-try.
- Monday: 9 AM–8 PM
- Tuesday: 9 AM–8 PM
- Wednesday: 9 AM–8 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM–8 PM
- Friday: 9 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: Closed
15. Coop Restaurant Zürich St. Annahof
Information and Reviews
- Monday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Tuesday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Wednesday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Thursday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Friday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM–6 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–6 PM
16. Strictly-Fingerfood Catering
Information and Reviews
- Delivered a rich, fine, and beautifully presented buffet for a 15-year anniversary, highly recommended by a satisfied customer.
- Received excellent advice on selection, composition, and quantity for a large family event, with all items displayed on their website for easy reference.
- Professional handling from start to finish, with beautifully arranged platters and exceptional finger foods.
If you're looking for exceptional catering services, look no further than Strictly-Fingerfood Catering!
Map of Cheap Eats in Zurich
Zurich is a city known for its high cost of living, but that doesn't mean you have to break the bank to enjoy a delicious meal. In this guide, we've compiled a list of affordable restaurants, food stalls, and cafes where you can enjoy tasty dishes without blowing your budget. Check out the map below to find all the cheap eats in Zurich!
Where can I find cheap eats in Zurich?
Zurich may be known for its high cost of living, but there are still plenty of options for those looking for affordable dining choices. One popular place to find cheap eats is at the various food markets throughout the city. The Street Food Festival is a great place to sample a variety of dishes from around the world at affordable prices. Other options include food trucks, budget-friendly cafes, and ethnic restaurants that offer delicious meals at reasonable prices.
If you're looking for a quick and cheap meal, consider stopping by a traditional Swiss bakery for a freshly baked pastry or sandwich. Another option is to grab a meal at a kebab stand, where you can find flavorful and filling dishes for a fraction of the cost of a sit-down restaurant.
Are there any budget-friendly restaurants in Zurich?
While dining out in Zurich can be expensive, there are still plenty of budget-friendly restaurants to choose from. Look for casual eateries, such as pizzerias or burger joints, where you can enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Many of these restaurants offer daily specials or lunch deals that can help you save even more money.
For a more upscale dining experience that won't break the bank, consider visiting a restaurant during lunch hours instead of dinner. Many restaurants offer a lunch menu at a discounted price, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality meal for less. Additionally, keep an eye out for restaurants that offer early bird specials or discounts for students.
What are some tips for eating cheaply in Zurich?
One of the best ways to save money on food in Zurich is to eat like a local. Skip the touristy restaurants and instead opt for smaller, family-owned eateries that offer authentic and affordable Swiss cuisine. Another tip is to take advantage of happy hour specials or food promotions at restaurants and bars, which can help you save money on meals and drinks.
If you're on a tight budget, consider cooking your own meals or shopping at local supermarkets and grocery stores for affordable ingredients. Packing a picnic and enjoying a meal in one of Zurich's scenic parks or by the lake can also be a budget-friendly dining option. Finally, don't be afraid to ask locals for recommendations on where to find cheap eats in the city.
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