Though Zurich is known for being the economic center of Switzerland and one of Europe's biggest financial centers, it's also known for something far more exciting than money... CHOCOLATE. What you hear about Swiss chocolate as being the best chocolate in the world is not hyperbole. It is THE best. Recently, I spent a day eating and shopping my way through Zurich with my always-game-for-eating husband, Ryan. Here are some of our favorite finds.
Where to get your chocolate fix:
Laderach
Laderach chocolate was started in 1969 and the founder patented the process for cutting a hole in a chocolate and filling it with all kinds of goodness to form a truffle. A family-run business, Laderach is committed to remaining rooted in Swiss culture and tradition. They use only the finest Swiss chocolate, building their delicacies from all local ingredients. And, they have the most decadent and rich vegan chocolates. Their beautiful chocolate bark is one of their most well-known offerings. Made in-store in massive sheets, the bark is broken into smaller pieces which they sell in beautifully wrapped stacks. Good news, you don't have to go all the way to Switzerland to buy it. They have stores all over the world and you can purchase the chocolate online.
Sprungli
Dating back to 1836, Sprungli has been around for nearly 200 years. The family-run company took a risk in 1859, purchasing a store on Paradeplatz, at the end of the Bahnhofstrasse, a high-end shopping street (see below). This choice helped solidify the foot traffic for the chocotlatier that now has 16 stores in Zurich alone, as well as another 8 across Switzerland. They have several options for vegans, and you can purchase their chocolate online.
Oro de Cacao by Chocolate Dieter Meier
Of all the chocolate shops I visited in Zurich, this was by far my favorite. A smaller, artisan chocolate company, Oro de Cacao has patented a new way of creating chocolate with the cold press method. The cold press process revolutionizes chocolate making because it optimizes the enables the flavor profile while preventing the antioxidants from being denatured, a pitfall of roasting cacao beans. This chocolate is unlike any you've ever tasted, presenting a fuller flavor profile thanks to the natural process of utilizing the cocoa bean. They offer three kinds of dark chocolate, 70%, 75%, and 80%. All three have subtle hints of other flavors like banana, coffee, and clove. They are not at all bitter, but are rather flavor-forward with a rich, smooth, and balanced chocolate. They are melt-in-your-mouth-like-milk-chocolate in texture, something some thicker dark chocolates lack. They are packaged in sleek bars and small squares, the perfect indulgence on the go.
Where to get your shopping fix:
Bahnhofstrasse
This street is known as the most expensive shopping street in the world. In only a few blocks, or .87 miles to be exact, you will find Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Chopard, Longchamp, etc. The street connects Lake Zurich with the city's Main Railway Station in a spot that only had Medieval buildings and moats 150 years ago. Today, it is a shining example of the extreme wealth and economic status of Zurich and it draws tourists and wealthy consumers from all over the world. Though this was a street for looking and not so much buying, it was fun to wander through and lust after some of the most exclusive brands in the world. Every so often, if you peek between the stores, you will find beautiful courtyards and squares such as the one featured below. You will feel like you're on the Champs-Elysee street in Paris... but maybe even just a bit more extravagant.
Dorfli
The Dorfli is a stretch of shops, cafes, hotels, and bars spanning between Central and Bellevue (yes, that's right... Zurich has a Bellevue too!) in the Old Town. Though there are certainly some tourist trap places dotted here and there, most of the area is filled with locally owned boutiques and smaller, more affordable luxury fashion brands. This was actually a far more fun shopping experience for me because I could actually afford to buy, rather than just look. One of my favorite finds was a storewide end-of-year sale at Furla, a brand I often ignore in the US, but saw on the shoulders and arms of chic women all over Europe. I selected a sweet little gold chain crossbody in a cheerful bright red, though truth be told, I could have brought home quite a bit more! The cobblestone streets wind their way through churches, over gorgeous bridges, and around old buildings. As the sun starts to set, the beautiful Christmas lights that criss-cross the lanes sparked to a lovely glow above our heads, creating a twinkling and enchanting atmosphere. It was a uniquely Zurich experience that was a highlight of our stay in Switzerland.
Where to get your food fix:
House Hiltl
Hiltl is the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant. To this day, Hiltl is owned by the fourth generation of the Hiltl family. Though their original restaurant in Old Town remains their busiest location, you can now find Hiltl for takeaway in several other locations around Zurich and the surrounding areas. I ordered the Crispy Tofu salad which came with a tasty mango chutney on the side. The bright citrus offset the richness of the fried tofu which was caked in corn flakes before being deep-fried, creating a true Southern fried chicken like texture to the tofu. Ryan agreed, it was finger-lickin' good. I also enjoyed the Parsnip soup with cashew cream, a decadent bowl of flavor that was the perfect anecdote to a day of wandering Zurich in 30 degree weather. Ryan opted for a traditional Swiss dish that was made with a cashew cream sauce, seitan, and noodles. It tasted quite a bit like a really good vegan stroganoff, but served with crispy hashbrowns on the side. Because what goes better with noodles than potatoes, right?
Barchetta at the Storchen Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the Dorfli shopping district, the Storchen Hotel overlooks the river Limmat, set between the Rathausbrucke and Munsterbrucke bridges, directly across from the picturesque and historic Town Hall. Barchetta is a like a cafe in Venice, complete with strong but incredibly flavorful coffee, and a variety of bites such as the flatbread pizza Ryan enjoyed and the lovely fruit plate I tucked into with pure delight. The space has both bar seating and small tables for the perfect intimate stop under the arcades and away from the crowds and cold.
Where to get your sleep and spa on:
Atlantis by Giardino
This luxury boutique hotel is a fashion-lovers paradise with its 1970s vintage chic esthetic. But don't go thinking you'll find outdated rooms and shag carpet. The sleek, minimalist art-deco inspired hotel has been fully renovated and has all the modern ammenities. Located at the foot of the Uetliberg mountain, this hotel boasts a two Michelin star fine dining restaurant, Ecco Zurich, as well as Hide and Seek, their more casual dining space. Hide and Seek was particularly accomodating to my vegan diet. They boast a "no-limits dining" motto and truly brought me everything my heart could desire. Each morning I was treated to a lovely plate of roasted vegetable hash, sometimes with a side of housemade hummus, and sometimes with some beans for protein. The day we arrived, we treated ourselves to indulgent almond milk latte macchiatos with the most gorgeous and flavorful fruit platter I have ever eaten. The gym is small, but state of the art with the newest equipment, and the pool is nothing short of tranquil. We spent several hours lounging poolside enjoying the heat from the sauna, steamroom, and jacuzzi. The hotel is situated just outside of town, but at the end of the driveway is an easily accessible train stop that ferries you into the city center in a manner of minutes. Mass transit not your style? Enjoy a private ride in the sleek Range Rover or Rolls Royce, or hop on their every hour on the hour Mercedes shuttle. Though the accomodations and views of the city were two elements that would easily draw us back to this hotel, the staff at the Atlantis was top notch and would be the real reason we would return. A shout out to Kevin, our favorite server in the hotel's Hide and Seek restaurant, who made it a special point to say hello to us each morning, and who came over to wish us safe travels on our last day. Our every whim was met with a genuine desire to serve and delight. Thank you Atlantis for a wonderful stay. We will certainly be back!
*The bottom two photos are courtesy of the Atlantis by Giardino website.
Where to get your chocolate fix:
Laderach
Laderach chocolate was started in 1969 and the founder patented the process for cutting a hole in a chocolate and filling it with all kinds of goodness to form a truffle. A family-run business, Laderach is committed to remaining rooted in Swiss culture and tradition. They use only the finest Swiss chocolate, building their delicacies from all local ingredients. And, they have the most decadent and rich vegan chocolates. Their beautiful chocolate bark is one of their most well-known offerings. Made in-store in massive sheets, the bark is broken into smaller pieces which they sell in beautifully wrapped stacks. Good news, you don't have to go all the way to Switzerland to buy it. They have stores all over the world and you can purchase the chocolate online.
Sprungli
Dating back to 1836, Sprungli has been around for nearly 200 years. The family-run company took a risk in 1859, purchasing a store on Paradeplatz, at the end of the Bahnhofstrasse, a high-end shopping street (see below). This choice helped solidify the foot traffic for the chocotlatier that now has 16 stores in Zurich alone, as well as another 8 across Switzerland. They have several options for vegans, and you can purchase their chocolate online.
Oro de Cacao by Chocolate Dieter Meier
Of all the chocolate shops I visited in Zurich, this was by far my favorite. A smaller, artisan chocolate company, Oro de Cacao has patented a new way of creating chocolate with the cold press method. The cold press process revolutionizes chocolate making because it optimizes the enables the flavor profile while preventing the antioxidants from being denatured, a pitfall of roasting cacao beans. This chocolate is unlike any you've ever tasted, presenting a fuller flavor profile thanks to the natural process of utilizing the cocoa bean. They offer three kinds of dark chocolate, 70%, 75%, and 80%. All three have subtle hints of other flavors like banana, coffee, and clove. They are not at all bitter, but are rather flavor-forward with a rich, smooth, and balanced chocolate. They are melt-in-your-mouth-like-milk-chocolate in texture, something some thicker dark chocolates lack. They are packaged in sleek bars and small squares, the perfect indulgence on the go.
Where to get your shopping fix:
Bahnhofstrasse
This street is known as the most expensive shopping street in the world. In only a few blocks, or .87 miles to be exact, you will find Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Chopard, Longchamp, etc. The street connects Lake Zurich with the city's Main Railway Station in a spot that only had Medieval buildings and moats 150 years ago. Today, it is a shining example of the extreme wealth and economic status of Zurich and it draws tourists and wealthy consumers from all over the world. Though this was a street for looking and not so much buying, it was fun to wander through and lust after some of the most exclusive brands in the world. Every so often, if you peek between the stores, you will find beautiful courtyards and squares such as the one featured below. You will feel like you're on the Champs-Elysee street in Paris... but maybe even just a bit more extravagant.
Dorfli
The Dorfli is a stretch of shops, cafes, hotels, and bars spanning between Central and Bellevue (yes, that's right... Zurich has a Bellevue too!) in the Old Town. Though there are certainly some tourist trap places dotted here and there, most of the area is filled with locally owned boutiques and smaller, more affordable luxury fashion brands. This was actually a far more fun shopping experience for me because I could actually afford to buy, rather than just look. One of my favorite finds was a storewide end-of-year sale at Furla, a brand I often ignore in the US, but saw on the shoulders and arms of chic women all over Europe. I selected a sweet little gold chain crossbody in a cheerful bright red, though truth be told, I could have brought home quite a bit more! The cobblestone streets wind their way through churches, over gorgeous bridges, and around old buildings. As the sun starts to set, the beautiful Christmas lights that criss-cross the lanes sparked to a lovely glow above our heads, creating a twinkling and enchanting atmosphere. It was a uniquely Zurich experience that was a highlight of our stay in Switzerland.
Where to get your food fix:
House Hiltl
Hiltl is the world's oldest vegetarian restaurant. To this day, Hiltl is owned by the fourth generation of the Hiltl family. Though their original restaurant in Old Town remains their busiest location, you can now find Hiltl for takeaway in several other locations around Zurich and the surrounding areas. I ordered the Crispy Tofu salad which came with a tasty mango chutney on the side. The bright citrus offset the richness of the fried tofu which was caked in corn flakes before being deep-fried, creating a true Southern fried chicken like texture to the tofu. Ryan agreed, it was finger-lickin' good. I also enjoyed the Parsnip soup with cashew cream, a decadent bowl of flavor that was the perfect anecdote to a day of wandering Zurich in 30 degree weather. Ryan opted for a traditional Swiss dish that was made with a cashew cream sauce, seitan, and noodles. It tasted quite a bit like a really good vegan stroganoff, but served with crispy hashbrowns on the side. Because what goes better with noodles than potatoes, right?
Barchetta at the Storchen Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the Dorfli shopping district, the Storchen Hotel overlooks the river Limmat, set between the Rathausbrucke and Munsterbrucke bridges, directly across from the picturesque and historic Town Hall. Barchetta is a like a cafe in Venice, complete with strong but incredibly flavorful coffee, and a variety of bites such as the flatbread pizza Ryan enjoyed and the lovely fruit plate I tucked into with pure delight. The space has both bar seating and small tables for the perfect intimate stop under the arcades and away from the crowds and cold.
Where to get your sleep and spa on:
Atlantis by Giardino
This luxury boutique hotel is a fashion-lovers paradise with its 1970s vintage chic esthetic. But don't go thinking you'll find outdated rooms and shag carpet. The sleek, minimalist art-deco inspired hotel has been fully renovated and has all the modern ammenities. Located at the foot of the Uetliberg mountain, this hotel boasts a two Michelin star fine dining restaurant, Ecco Zurich, as well as Hide and Seek, their more casual dining space. Hide and Seek was particularly accomodating to my vegan diet. They boast a "no-limits dining" motto and truly brought me everything my heart could desire. Each morning I was treated to a lovely plate of roasted vegetable hash, sometimes with a side of housemade hummus, and sometimes with some beans for protein. The day we arrived, we treated ourselves to indulgent almond milk latte macchiatos with the most gorgeous and flavorful fruit platter I have ever eaten. The gym is small, but state of the art with the newest equipment, and the pool is nothing short of tranquil. We spent several hours lounging poolside enjoying the heat from the sauna, steamroom, and jacuzzi. The hotel is situated just outside of town, but at the end of the driveway is an easily accessible train stop that ferries you into the city center in a manner of minutes. Mass transit not your style? Enjoy a private ride in the sleek Range Rover or Rolls Royce, or hop on their every hour on the hour Mercedes shuttle. Though the accomodations and views of the city were two elements that would easily draw us back to this hotel, the staff at the Atlantis was top notch and would be the real reason we would return. A shout out to Kevin, our favorite server in the hotel's Hide and Seek restaurant, who made it a special point to say hello to us each morning, and who came over to wish us safe travels on our last day. Our every whim was met with a genuine desire to serve and delight. Thank you Atlantis for a wonderful stay. We will certainly be back!
*The bottom two photos are courtesy of the Atlantis by Giardino website.