Zürich
For lakeside dining in Zurich, Lake Side on Bellerivestrasse combines a waterfront terrace with sushi, seafood and a restaurant-bar setting. It suits relaxed meals when the view is part of the occasion, as well as drinks or gatherings close to Lake Zurich.
Before travelling, check the current opening hours, table availability and event arrangements. The menu choice, terrace setup and suitability for a private or group occasion can all shape the experience.
We researched which places in Zürich visitors recommend most and checked there is enough information to plan a visit.
Certain businesses pay to be featured more prominently.
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#1Sham Restaurant brings Syrian cooking to Konradstrasse 6 in Zurich’s 8005 district, with mezze at the heart of the experience. Expect a colourful table of shared dishes alongside options such as falafel salad and fattoush.
The lively café-restaurant atmosphere suits convivial dinners and group meals, while the central location and strong demand make advance planning worthwhile for peak times.
#2Weisses Rössli is a fine-dining destination on Bederstrasse, built around beautifully presented dishes, unusual flavour combinations and a dessert programme worth leaving room for. The setting feels welcoming rather than formal, making it suitable for a thoughtful celebration, a memorable dinner with friends or a leisurely lunch.
Its contemporary approach rewards diners looking for a more composed culinary experience in Zurich.
#3Oberes Triemli is a traditional Zurich restaurant with a cosy atmosphere, warm service and a menu centred on hearty European cooking. Zurich-style veal, tender asparagus, beef bone and house-made sauces are among the dishes that give the kitchen a strong local character.
Its long-running fifth-generation history adds depth to the setting, while lunch and dinner service suits relaxed meals and occasions that benefit from advance reservation.
#4Ravioli is a notable menu draw
Casa Ferlin is a classic Italian restaurant on Stampfenbachstrasse 38 in Kreis 6, just a short walk from Zurich HB. Its Italian-oriented kitchen makes it a convenient choice for a polished lunch near the station or a traditional evening meal.
Ravioli is a notable menu draw , while the split lunch-and-dinner schedule gives the restaurant a distinct rhythm throughout the week.
#5Freshly prepared Japanese cuisine
ICHIZEN Japan Restaurant on Kanzleistrasse presents freshly prepared Japanese cuisine with a particularly useful lunch focus. Its bento boxes bring together varied traditional ingredients in a balanced, substantial format, while the menu also includes sushi and tempura.
The compact Zurich location suits a satisfying midday stop or a relaxed evening meal, with Japanese hospitality and a clear split between lunch and dinner service.
#6Historic guild-house setting at Münsterhof
Zunfthaus zur Waag is a Swiss restaurant in a historic guild-house setting at Münsterhof , combining traditional hospitality with a polished, cosy atmosphere. The central location and distinctive rooms make it well suited to dinners, celebrations, private occasions and larger parties.
Its menu focuses on Swiss culinary character, while lunch and evening service cover most weekdays and Saturdays. Reserving ahead is a sensible part of planning for busier visits.
#7Bürgli combines Swiss cooking with a homely, house-like setting on Kilchbergstrasse 15. Fish dishes such as sea bream can sit comfortably alongside seasonal cuisine, making it a versatile choice for a neighborhood meal.
Warm hospitality and a cozy atmosphere suit unhurried lunches or dinners, although the room can become lively and loud. Reservations are advisable, particularly when planning a popular evening.
#8Didi’s Frieden brings modern European dining to Stampfenbachstrasse, with a polished setting that works well for birthdays, business dinners and other occasions worth marking. Warm, welcoming service, thoughtful wine recommendations and an inviting dessert selection add to the appeal.
Its terrace offers an alternative setting, while the restaurant’s wine collection makes it a natural choice for a more composed evening in Zurich.
#9Alpenrose brings Swiss cooking to Fabrikstrasse 12 in a setting that balances rustic comfort with an elegant, cozy feel. Seasonal and local ingredients shape dishes such as the Alpenrose salad and venison, while the room works equally well for a relaxed dinner or an unhurried lunch.
The restaurant is compact and can require advance planning, particularly at popular times.
#10Five-course surprise menu
Wöschi brings casual fine dining to the lakeside at Seestrasse 457 in Zurich. Its five-course surprise menu can include extra courses, with inventive combinations such as raw hamachi with buttermilk, dill oil, ginger and broccoli, alongside attentive, welcoming service.
The restaurant is especially suited to an anniversary or unhurried evening, opening Tuesday to Saturday from 6:30 pm.
#11A broad riverside terrace
Modern, fine-dining-spirited presentation
At Am Wasser 161, Restaurant Hönggerhof combines a stylish Italian-leaning Mediterranean menu with a broad riverside terrace . Its modern, fine-dining-spirited presentation makes it a natural fit for date nights and special dinners, while starters, mains and desserts create room for a full meal.
The terrace is the main draw, though service can feel stretched during peak Saturday evenings.
#12Haus Hiltl offers a broad vegetarian buffet at Sihlstrasse 28, with guests choosing from a wide range of dishes and paying by weight. That format makes it easy to sample several flavors in one meal and works especially well for mixed appetites.
The welcoming atmosphere and central Zurich location suit relaxed lunches, casual dinners and groups looking for plenty of plant-based choice.
#13Trattoria Sempre Zürich turns Italian dining into a sociable, tapas-style experience in Niederdorf. The format makes it easy to sample several plates, from pasta alla vodka and gnocchi to tiramisu and other Italian favourites.
It fits a lively dinner with friends or a curious first visit, though booking ahead is sensible for this central 8001 location.
#14Carefully curated wine list
Mère Catherine offers a relaxed French bistro experience in the atmospheric Nägelihof courtyard in Zurich’s Niederdorf. Its Mediterranean character, broad dish selection, and carefully curated wine list suit business lunches, leisurely afternoons, and special dinners alike.
Beef tartare is a strong menu choice, while the service brings a polished finish. With lunch and evening sessions on weekdays, reservations are advisable for this tucked-away central address.
#15A lively Japanese dining experience
Chef’s menu, bar service and creatively composed dishes
Gaijin Izakaya offers a lively Japanese dining experience on Birmensdorferstrasse, with a chef’s menu, bar service and creatively composed dishes . Its playful interior, including neon lighting and cat decorations, gives the room a distinctive character rather than a formal fine-dining feel.
Friendly service and late evening hours make it especially appealing for relaxed dinners, drinks and small-group gatherings.
Summary
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Sham Restaurant | 4.8 | 1,643 | Group dinners and colourful Syrian mezze |
| #2 | Weisses Rössli | 4.8 | 1,028 | Celebratory fine dining and leisurely lunches |
| #3 | Oberes Triemli | 4.8 | 802 | Local specialities |
| #4 | Casa Ferlin | 4.8 | 726 | Classic Italian meals near the main station |
| #5 | ICHIZEN Japan Restaurant | 4.8 | 595 | Bento lunches and generous Japanese comfort food |
| #6 | Zunfthaus zur Waag | 4.7 | 1,164 | Swiss cuisine |
| #7 | Bürgli | 4.7 | 1,114 | Cozy Swiss meals with seasonal fish |
| #8 | Didi's Frieden | 4.7 | 763 | business dinners and wine-led evenings |
| #9 | Alpenrose | 4.7 | 672 | Seasonal Swiss dishes and relaxed dinners |
| #10 | Wöschi | 4.7 | 644 | Special occasions and creative tasting menus |
| #11 | Restaurant Hönggerhof | 4.7 | 558 | Stylish riverside dinners and date nights |
| #12 | Haus Hiltl | 4.6 | 10,134 | Flexible vegetarian meals with lots of choice |
| #13 | Trattoria Sempre Zürich | 4.6 | 2,663 | Sharing plates and lively Italian dinners |
| #14 | Mère Catherine | 4.6 | 1,725 | French lunches and relaxed courtyard dinners |
| #15 | Gaijin Izakaya | 4.6 | 1,336 | Playful evening dining |
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Map and areas
The option is located at Bellerivestrasse 170, on Zurich’s lakeside edge beside Lake Zurich. This places the meal in a waterfront setting rather than in the central old town, with the terrace and outlook forming part of the appeal. Use the map to judge the journey from your starting point and to plan around the lakeside route. For evening drinks, group meals or an event, confirm the entrance, table arrangements and opening hours before travelling.
Lake Side is at Bellerivestrasse 170, 8008 Zürich, beside Lake Zurich. Its position on the lakeside edge makes it a natural choice when the setting matters as much as the meal. Check the route from your location before travelling, particularly for evening plans or group bookings.
The venue combines a general restaurant with sushi and a modern seafood restaurant-bar format. Sushi rolls and beef stroganoff are among the menu choices highlighted for the venue. If you are visiting with a mixed group, review the current menu beforehand so everyone can find a suitable option.
Yes, the waterfront setting, bar element and event facilities make it suitable for drinks and gatherings as well as standard meals. For a celebration, meeting or larger party, contact the venue in advance to confirm capacity, table arrangements and any event-specific details.
The restaurant has a terrace directly beside Lake Zurich, making outdoor dining part of its appeal when conditions allow. Terrace seating can depend on the season, weather and demand, so confirm availability when making your reservation rather than assuming an outdoor table will be ready.
Check the current opening hours, menu and table availability before setting out. This is especially useful for late meals, terrace visits and plans involving several guests. If the visit is tied to an event or a specific dish, ask directly about arrangements and availability so the journey to Bellerivestrasse is worthwhile.
