Best spots for breakfast and brunch in Zurich

Breakfast in Switzerland (Zmorge in Swiss German) is an essential meal of the day. Whether you’re catching up with friends, preparing to explore a new Swiss city, or grabbing a bite to eat before you start work, it’s one meal that you certainly cannot miss. And rest assured, there are plenty of breakfast and brunch spots in Zurich where you can fill up on fuel for the day. 

Best places to have brunch and breakfast in Zurich

Want to try a traditional Swiss breakfast? Or maybe American pancakes are more your thing. Here are our top picks for the best cafes in Zurich to grab breakfast.

Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse

If you’re looking for a cosy yet modern cafe that focuses on freshly baked goods, then Babu’s Bakery & Coffeehouse, or just Babu’s, is a great place to start. Their menu offers visitors the chance to try some classic Swiss breakfast offerings, from the well-known Gipfel to a variety of Rösti dishes. And if you’re looking for something more international then the bakery also has pancakes and bagels. 

Babu’s has several locations in Zurich to choose from, including Löwenstrasse and Theaterstrasse - testament to the coffeeshop being one of the best cafes in Zurich! 

Kafi Dihei

The well-loved Kafi Dihei is another excellent spot for breakfast in Zurich. The cafe's name in Swiss German translates to “Coffee at home”, and brunch-goers will undoubtedly feel the cosy atmosphere when visiting. 

The coffeeshop’s Instagram feed is filled with pictures of antique-inspired decor and mouth-watering food and drinks. Here you can try some homemade Birchermüesli, a staple for any Swiss breakfast, along with porridge, eggs, bagels and so much more!

The cafe doesn’t accept reservations, so be prepared to wait for a table if it’s busy.

Bank

One of the best brunch spots in Zurich is undoubtedly Bank, just a short walk from Zurich HB. This cafe offers a modern, exclusive vibe, turning into a speakeasy bar and karaoke venue at night. 

The breakfast menu offers a little something for everyone, including international dishes like shakshuka and Turkish eggs, along with all the traditional Swiss breakfast items as well.

Zum Guten Glück

Open since 2008, Gasthaus Zum Guten Glück is a small, nine-bedroom hotel and cafe located in district Wiedikon. When on the hunt for breakfast in Zurich, the offering here certainly rivals many. 

The cosy cafe focuses on delicious pancakes, waffles and ice cream. Its breakfast and brunch menu also offers a few savoury options for those who don’t have such a sweet tooth in the morning.

Bohemia

This cafe-turned-restaurant, located just a short walk from the city’s Opera House, offers guests a taste of la vie de bohème. Inspired by Bohemians in Paris, the elegant eatery is another popular spot to grab brunch in Zurich.

Breakfast-goers can choose from staple Swiss breakfast dishes like Birchermüesli, omelette or pancakes - or there's a breakfast combo if you’d like to try a bit of everything! At the weekend, Bohemia serves a different brunch menu from 9am to 4pm, which includes bagels, a variety of combo options, and the usual teas, coffees, fresh juices and even something bubbly to drink. 

Franzos Coffee Shop

Conveniently located just a short distance from Zurich HB at Limmatquai, Franzos Coffee Shop has become a popular breakfast spot for residents and tourists alike. 

Offering a French twist on the classic Swiss breakfast, the small cafe serves croissants, eggs or a little bit of everything with its tête-à-tête breakfast. The cafe is perhaps best known for its buckwheat-flour crêpes which can be enjoyed with a variety of sweet and savoury toppings.

Kafi Freud

To the north of the city, next to Irchelpark, you'll find Kafi Freud, a welcoming retreat where you can enjoy great coffee and homemade grub. If you’re up in time for Zmorge, then you can try the cafe’s freshly-made overnight oats, bread and butter pudding or Spiegel- oder Rührei - typically Swiss! If brunch is more your thing, then this Zurich brunch spot can fill you up with shakshuka, waffles, bagels, and much more.

Haus Hiltl

Haus Hiltl is known for serving up some of the best breakfasts in Zurich. Located in the heart of the city on Sihlstrasse, this restaurant opened in 1898 and is famous for being the world's first vegetarian restaurant.

Its breakfast offering focuses on food that feeds the body, mind and soul. On weekends, Haus Hitl serves a help-yourself buffet with a wide variety of options. Make sure you visit hungry!

Check out these brunch spots in Zurich

These are some of the best cafes in Zurich for breakfast or brunch, depending on what time of day you roll out of bed! All that’s left to say is En guete, Bon appétit and happy brunching!