Zürich is fast proving itself to be one of Europe's next cultural hot spots, with a swathe of new cafés, galleries and hotels. Urbanologist Nicole Thurnherr shares with U the hottest tips in what's happening now.

Baltho Küche & Bar

Inside Marktgasse Hotel Zürich sits a modern casual dining spot in Zurich’s old town. The interior of this brasserie is a paired-down elegance, which is both contemporary and classic. This style is also carried across to the menu, offering dishes from all over the world with an eclectic and surprising twist without being complicated. Don't miss the Chicken Bang-Bang, the home smoked salmon or the delicious apple pie. Baltho also hosts a small fine cocktail bar which includes a Baltho Spritz and a Dada Century cocktail (with Absinthe, Cremant, lavender syrup and bitters).

Café Bank

Bank is the new "go to" place in Kreis 4. They just opened right at Helvetiaplatz - next to John Baker (one of Zürich’s best bakeries). Service is amazingly friendly, while remaining trendy. The menu is simple yet exciting, offering dishes based on the amazing bread from John Baker or roasted chicken from the open gas grill. Try one of the coffee specialities and be sure to check out the built-in coffee machine.

Frau Gerold’s Garten

This little oasis in Zürich West is surrounded by urban gardening and shipping containers with a range of exciting shops inside, it's becomming a real icon of Zürich's recent cultural rise. It's great place to have a drink and try the Wiedikerli sausages from the grill. In winter, they put up a big yurt and serve one of Zürich’s best and coolest fondues. Also check their agenda for events as markets, Pop-Up restaurants, and art events.

Restaurant Kindli

A well kept institution in Zürich, Kindli is known for its classic European cuisine with colonial influences. Don’t miss the fillet of Veal, Zürich style or the sliced calf’s liver. The service is committed to traditional hospitality - discrete, attentive and friendly. The venue has proven itself to be ever consistant and inviting, which makes it a timeless classic.

Vordere Sterne

Zurich most famous fast food institution, which consists of a self-service grill downstairs and a sit-down restaurant upstairs. People queue here day and night for Zurich’s best bratwurst and Bürli bread (a small hard bun) and their special spicy mustard. Service is quick and the place is full with locals, so it's a great place to get a quick splash of typical Swiss culture.

Nicole Thurnherr, Urbanologist and concept creator Marktgasse Hotel & Ospena Group is a graduate of Lausanne Hotel School where she gained her first degree in hospitality before going on to study product innovation at the University of Gallen. Since graduating, Nicole has honed her craft as an innovation consultant and trend scouter who is always on the pulse of the next big thing. She is now head of product management for Ospena Group (formerly Molino Ltd.) who own 21 restaurants throughout Switzerland and also masterminded the design and concept for Zurich’s newest design hotel, the Marktgasse.

Ideal For

Insider knowledge