It is no secret that Zürich has many layers to it. From lake level to the tip of Üetliberg, there are lots of different vantage points. And surely, you must have noticed the many rooftop balconies that are often shared among the neighbors of a building.
Assuming that these terraces are exclusive to its residents, many newcomers are surprised to find out that there are also a number of rooftop restaurants in Zürich. Given that these eateries are located under the open sky, it only makes sense that they are primarily open during the summer months.
The locals know to reserve a table in advance, because seating is naturally limited. We have put together this guide of rooftop restaurants in Zürich so that you can be a part of the action as well. Add these Zürich rooftop restaurants to your summer bucket list. And don't forget to RSVP in order to ascend from street level to all new spheres...
Here are the best rooftop restaurants in Zürich in 2022:
La Muña Rooftop-Restaurant at La Réserve Eden au Lac
The setup is classy, the food is exquisite, and the drinks go down way too easily. And do not even get me started on the views: it is hard to beat the lakeside vistas of this Zurich rooftop bar!
Located on the top of Zürich's well-known La Réserve Eden au Lac hotel, the La Muña Rooftop Restaurant makes you feel like you are on a vacation. The restaurant is reminiscent of a historic cruise ship. And the culinary concept is Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. Think maguro ceviche or shrimp on salmorecho sauce.
The restaurant's tree-lined rooftop terraces are among Zürich's most sophisticated hangouts for a hot summer night. Pair a visit with a glass of Champagne and a sunset, and you will feel like a celebrity.
Where: Utoquai 45, 8008 Zürich
Nearest station: Kreuzstrasse
ooo Rooftop Restaurant
Located on the top floor of the Modissa flagship store, the Asian-inspired ooo restaurant serves mouthwatering dishes and excellent cocktails. It is very tempting to go overboard when the trolley passes by: there are too many variations of scrumptious dumplings to choose from. The serving trolley also offers meatloaf and Angus beef. But whatever you order: make sure to leave room for dessert.
The views on the Bahnhofstrasse shopping mile are not too shabby, either. And the inside seating is very stylish. Enter through the separate entrance on Uraniastrasse during afterhours.
Where: Bahnhofstrasse 74, 8001 Zürich
Nearest station: Rennweg
The Nest at Hotel Storchen
From April through October, The Nest at Hotel Storchen is the place to be. The terrace is situated beside the River Limmat with unbeatable views of the old town. You can tell how popular this outdoor restaurant and bar is from the long line that usually forms outside the hotel.
As The Nest opens for lunch at 11:30 AM, you might want to show up early enough to grab a table. An idea time to score a seat is sometime in mid afternoon before the happy hour crowds arrive. Or you could check into a Living Circle hotel for the night: as a guest, you will skip the line and gain instant access to the stork's nest.
Where: Weinplatz 2, 8001 Zürich
Nearest tram stops: Paradeplatz, Rathaus
Grieder Bar
The upscale Grieder Bar with its stunning views overlooking Paradeplatz is another terrace that is worth checking out. Enjoy the exquisite lunch and snack options in the luscious leafy lounge area. Or just sit back, drink a cup of coffee and relax – the comfy chairs will help you accomplish this mission.
You can find loads of little temptations on your way up to the terrace - make sure to not get lost inside the store. The bar is only open during retail hours.
Where: Bahnhofstrasse 30, 8001 Zurich
Nearest station: Paradeplatz
Hiltl Dachterrasse Rooftop Restaurant
Did you know that Restaurant Hiltl is the oldest continuously open vegetarian restaurant in the world? And did you know that you can also enjoy its wide range of vegetarian and vegan cuisine on a stylish rooftop terrace? Well yes, nowhere else than towering over Zürich's most prestigious shopping mile, Bahnhofstrasse.
Rain, hail, or shine: as the Hiltl rooftop restaurant is partially covered, you can always take a break from your retail therapy on said road and enjoy a healthy bite from the buffet, a delicious chai, or cocktail. And this is not only during summer...
Where: Bahnhofstrasse 88, 8001 Zürich
Nearest station: Bahnhofstrasse/HB
SAMIGO Amusement
Leaning back on the upper deck of SAMIGO Amusement brings you instant summer vacation vibes. This spot deserves a special mention as it is located right by the lake, with views of the city and the mountains in the distance. The rooftop bar is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Many Zürchers choose the upper deck for after-work drinks, and reservations are generally not required.
The eclectic restaurant on the lower floor boast a luscious menu with fan favorites such as Beef Daddy Burger, truffle pizza, or sticky toffee pudding. As a "side dish", you will get to enjoy numerous live acts, some of which are borderline freak shows. And by the way, the Sunday brunch is legendary...
Where: Mythenquai 61, 8002 Zürich
Nearest station: Schweizer Rück (tram/bus), Hafen Enge (boat)
Restaurant Sopra at Jelmoli
The Bahnhofstrasse seems to be the place for rooftop restaurants. Nowhere else in Zurich can you find so many open-air, high-up, stylish eateries as here. And Restaurant Sopra is one of them. The restaurant with its Mediterranean cuisine has just been renovated in 2021. Whether served indoors or on the outdoor lounge area, the Mediterranean cuisine is invigorating.
Located on the fourth level of the Jelmoli department store, this eatery also serves a scrumptious high tea. Chic setup, delicious food, and a glimpse of the Bahnhofstrasse: this does not sound too bad now, does it?
Where: Seidengasse 1, 8001 Zürich
Nearest station: Rennweg
Hotel Widder Penthouse Terrace
This is the crème de la crème of all rooftop experiences, and one of Zürich's best-guarded secrets. The rooftop terrace of the iconic Hotel Widder penthouse suite is bookable for those who want to enjoy a Michelin-starred dinner under the sky. It could be just you and your better half, overlooking Zürich's old town on a summer night. And if the stars are out, you could decide to sleep in the domed tent that comes with the suite.
Since the terrace is part of the penthouse, this exclusive space comes with a price tag. But it is one of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you will be writing home about.
Where: Rennweg 7, 8001 Zürich
Nearest station: Rennweg