The 5 best coffee shops in Zurich
Coffee Culture
Zurich is a city that embraces coffee culture with a blend of tradition and innovation. From historic cafés to modern specialty coffee shops, Zurich offers a rich tapestry of experiences for coffee enthusiasts. In the heart of the city, traditional cafés exude a charming ambiance, where locals gather to enjoy a cup of Swiss-style coffee. These cozy establishments serve up classics like ristretto and café crème, often paired with delectable pastries.
Stepping into these cafés feels like a journey back in time, as they have preserved their old-world charm. However, Zurich's coffee scene has also witnessed a surge in specialty coffee shops in recent years. These trendy establishments have embraced the third-wave coffee movement, sourcing high-quality beans from local and international roasters. Expert baristas showcase their skills, employing various brewing methods like pour-over, AeroPress, and espresso to craft exceptional cups of coffee. These specialty coffee shops prioritize flavor profiles, highlighting the nuances of each bean and providing a more artisanal coffee experience.
Monocle
Nestled within the iconic headquarters of the internationally acclaimed Monocle magazine, the café has a modern and minimalist design, with wooden furniture and green plants. They use beans from local roasters and offer a variety of espresso drinks, filter coffee, and cold brew. The café also has a terrace overlooking the Dufourstrasse, where you can relax and watch the world go by.
Omnia
A small and cozy coffee shop that sources its single-origin beans from Indonesia and has them roasted locally by Henauer. They also offer barista classes for coffee enthusiasts. The baristas are friendly and knowledgeable, and the coffee is superb. For a taste of Indonesia's rich coffee culture, Omnia is a must-visit for coffee lovers in Zürich.
Market
Lucke
A shop dedicated to home decor, bags & accessories made from recycled materials, they have a cozy corner where you can enjoy your favorite caffeinated beverage. Even better, grab your coffee and pop out to the back terrace, overlooking the Limmat and offering a great view of Zurich.
Auer & Co
A café and coworking space that combines coffee culture and creativity, Auer & Co is located in a former factory with an industrial charm and boasts a decent-sized wooden terrace. Spread across three floors, it offers various dedicated and open workspaces, as well as relaxation areas. Auer & Co is a great place for anyone who wants to enjoy coffee and a bite, relax, or get some work done.
Kraftwerk
A café and restaurant that doubles as an innovation and collaboration space, located in the heart of Zurich. The café is situated in a former power station, boasting a unique and impressive design highlighted by a tower of shipping containers. The coffee is excellent, and the food is fresh and healthy, drawing inspiration from diverse cuisines around the world. Additionally, they host a variety of events, workshops, and co-working spaces catering to creatives and entrepreneurs.
BONUS
2 Coffee shops
in Lucerne
Less than 1 hour away from Zurich by train, Lucerne boasts a vibrant coffee scene that blends tradition and innovation. Nestled amidst the picturesque Swiss Alps, this charming city offers a diverse array of coffee experiences. From quaint traditional cafés serving Swiss-style classics to trendy specialty coffee shops embracing the third-wave movement, there's something for every coffee lover. In addition to the coffee itself, Lucerne's coffee scene is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an inviting destination for locals and visitors alike to indulge in their passion for coffee.
Nord
A Swedish-inspired coffee shop that seamlessly blends modern and cozy elements. The minimalist design, complemented by natural wood accents, establishes a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring the streets of Lucerne. Nord offers excellent coffee and an array of delectable options, ranging from sandwiches and salads to cakes and pastries.
Two
Hands
Located in the trendy Neustadt district, Two Hands, is another great place in Lucerne to take a pause from the sightseeing. They have a great interior. In addition to their exceptional coffee, they also offer a delectable selection of pastries and food made with locally sourced ingredients.
FAQ
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Absolutely! While Zurich’s coffee scene has embraced international coffee trends, you shouldn’t miss out on trying traditional Swiss coffee drinks. One such drink is “kafi-crème,” which is a creamy espresso served in a large cup. Another popular choice is “kafi luz,” which is an espresso mixed with a pear brandy called “williamine.”
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Zurich has several neighborhoods with a thriving coffee culture. Some of the popular ones include the Old Town (District I), where you can find historic cafes and chocolate shops, and the Zurich West (District V), known for its hip and modern coffee bars.
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Yes, there are several coffee shops in Zurich that roast their own beans. These specialty roasters take great pride in sourcing high-quality beans and roasting them locally. Some notable examples include MAME, Café Henrici, and Miró Roastery & Coffee Shop.
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Zurich hosts various coffee-related events and festivals throughout the year. One of the most prominent ones is the Swiss Coffee Festival, which celebrates the art and craft of coffee, offers tastings and workshops, and features local and international roasters and baristas. Another popular event is the Food Festival Zurich, which includes a coffee section with various stalls and activities.
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On average, a cup of coffee in Zurich costs around 4 to 6 Swiss francs (CHF), depending on the type of coffee and the venue. This price is higher than in many other cities around the world, but not surprising given the high cost of living in Zurich.