Zürich
Looking for outdoor restaurants in Zurich? This guide brings together options for lakeside meals at Utoquai, garden dining near Gemeindestrasse, central terraces around Paradeplatz and relaxed summer tables on Zürichberg. Choose between traditional Swiss dishes, charcoal-grilled fish and meat, scenic sunset settings, or casual burgers, then confirm terrace availability and reserve ahead when visiting at a busy time.
We researched outdoor restaurants in Zürich and narrowed them down to those with genuine expertise, strong reviews and complete contact details.
Certain businesses pay to be featured more prominently.
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#1Blockhus is a historic Swiss restaurant in a more than 400-year-old chalet just a short walk from Bellevue. Its rustic character, substantial wine list and hearty menu create a memorable setting for traditional dining, with dishes such as tomato soup, escargot, Wiener schnitzel and warm crêpes filled with wine-soaked plums.
The location combines old-world atmosphere with easy access to central Zurich.
#2Rigiblick offers a scenic restaurant setting on Germaniastrasse, with a terrace that comes into its own around sunset. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, making it suitable for a leisurely meal outdoors, while the kitchen focuses on carefully prepared, fresh and flavourful dishes.
Its rooms can also be used for events in Zurich, adding flexibility for celebrations and larger gatherings.
#3Coco Grill & Bar sits at Paradeplatz, pairing an inviting, polished atmosphere with a charcoal grill at the heart of the kitchen. The menu centres on hand-selected fish and meat specialties, making it a natural choice for a substantial lunch or dinner in central Zurich.
Its bar element adds flexibility for a drink before or after the meal, while the attentive service suits unhurried occasions.
#4Restaurant Rosengarten brings hearty Swiss cooking to a comfortable dining room and an idyllic garden in Zurich. The menu combines regional ingredients and seasonal dishes with classic options, alongside a strong wine selection and appealing desserts.
Outdoor seating suits relaxed lunches and dinners, while the restaurant also handles private celebrations and business occasions by arrangement.
#5Fresh seasonal cuisine and creative wok dishes
Die Waid combines a panoramic Zurich setting with fresh seasonal cuisine and creative wok dishes , overlooking the city, lake and Glarus Alps. Comfortable seating and the expansive view make it a strong choice for a scenic lunch, dinner or special occasion.
The menu gives the restaurant a broader character than a traditional Swiss dining room, pairing local appeal with Asian-inspired variety.
#6Berg 8044 is a peaceful Zürichberg restaurant surrounded by meadow and woodland, where outdoor tables create a countryside feel close to the city. Its summer menu is built around dishes for sharing at long tables, prepared on Robata and Josper grills.
The setting is especially suited to relaxed group meals and long evenings, with a secluded, destination-like atmosphere.
#7Riithalle occupies a former stable near central Zurich, with a garden terrace that suits warm summer evenings. The menu is relatively focused, including a notably satisfying burger, while generous portions and quick service make it practical for groups as well as casual meals.
Its distinctive setting brings character without taking the place too far from the city centre.
#8Pumpstation is a lakeside bar and Swiss restaurant at Utoquai, made for sunny days, grilled food and views across the water. Its distinctly local pairing of bratwurst and potato salad fits the relaxed waterfront setting, especially around sunset.
The atmosphere is informal and convenient for a spontaneous meal by the lake, with a menu that also includes drinks for lingering outdoors.
#9All-day European menu
Puro is a central Zurich restaurant with a trendy interior and a relaxed all-day European menu . Its warm, attentive service makes it suitable for an easy lunch, dinner or casual meeting, while the setting works well when you want something more polished than a quick café stop.
The restaurant is located on Fraumünsterstrasse, close to the city’s central sights and riverside walks.
Summary
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Blockhus | 4.6 | 774 | Traditional Swiss meals and atmospheric central dining |
| #2 | Rigiblick | 4.6 | 433 | Sunset meals |
| #3 | Coco Grill & Bar | 4.5 | 365 | Central lunches |
| #4 | Restaurant Rosengarten | 4.5 | 273 | Garden dining |
| #5 | Die Waid | 4.3 | 3,400 | Scenic meals |
| #6 | Berg 8044 | 4.4 | 161 | Summer group meals and countryside-style escapes |
| #7 | Riithalle | 4.1 | 1,874 | Casual terrace meals |
| #8 | Pumpstation | 4.1 | 2,334 | Sunny lakeside meals and informal sunset stops |
| #9 | Puro | 4.1 | 566 | Casual central dining and relaxed daytime meals |
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Map and areas
Use the map to compare outdoor dining across Zurich rather than focusing on the city centre alone. Utoquai places you beside the lake, Paradeplatz and Gessnerallee keep you central, while Zürichberg, Waid and Rigiblick offer more elevated views and a quieter setting. Check travel time and terrace availability before setting out.
Pumpstation at Utoquai is the clearest choice for an informal meal beside the lake, with grilled food and views across the water. Die Waid offers a higher panoramic perspective over Zurich, the lake and the Glarus Alps, making it better suited to a scenic lunch, dinner or special occasion.
Blockhus is a strong fit for traditional Swiss dining near Bellevue, served in a historic chalet with rustic character. Restaurant Rosengarten also combines Swiss classics with seasonal and regional dishes, with garden seating for a more relaxed outdoor meal.
Several options work well for groups, but the best choice depends on the type of occasion. Berg 8044 is designed around summer sharing at long tables, while Riithalle suits casual group meals. Rigiblick and Restaurant Rosengarten can also accommodate private occasions.
Rigiblick has a terrace that is especially appealing around sunset, with a calm setting for a leisurely meal. Die Waid provides a broad elevated view, while Pumpstation offers a more informal lakeside sunset stop. Confirm the outdoor schedule and book if timing is important.
Reservation is sensible for popular terraces, warm evenings, larger groups and special occasions. It is particularly useful when you want a specific view or sunset time. Riithalle can become busy, and outdoor capacity may be more limited than the full indoor dining area.
