Zurich

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Weisser Wind

More Photos
Krys T
Krys T
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
4
Photos
Editor Pick

Weisser Wind

  • March 20, 2007
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Krys T from Somerset, United Kingdom
Weisser Wind

Having realised that places are often fully booked in Zurich, we booked a table here for Saturday night the night before.

When we arrived it was quite quiet, which suited the plain and simple decor - cream walls, painted wooden panelled ceiling, with two large pillars in the middle of the room. The space is partially divided by elegant wooden coat racks which when full no doubt absorb noise too. We were shown to our table by the waiter, who proved to be a very friendly, helpful, not to mention informative chap.

Apparently the building was first recorded in 1434. The restaurant was originally a brewery downstairs with living accommodation upstairs. The brewery moved elsewhere, and the restaurant is now there, still serving that beer - which is Hurlimann beer - and was named the Weisser Wind (The Greyhound) in 1756. See - I told you he was informative!

The menu is a mix of Italian and Swiss and is a bit more interesting than many. There's the normal menu, and a seasonal menu too. There is an English translation available, and whenever we got stuck, the waiter helped us out.

To start with, Dad had the subtley flavoured Eggs poached in Cinnamon Water on Salad, Mum had Strips of Smoked Salmon on Salad and I had the most delicious and very pretty Tuna Tartare with Sesame Oil, Salad & Capers.

We broke with tradition here, and drank wine with the meal - starting with a 50cl Valpolicella and then moving on to 50cl of a delicious wine from Zurich - "Zunftwein" which the waiter recommended. At 19CHF for 50cl it was better value than 37CHF for a bottle!

On to the main courses. Mum had a nicely cooked Herb encrusted steak with ratatouille. Dad had Devils Noodles with Beef (hot) and I had Spaghetti a l'arrabiata which came with a chili sauce to add and make it hot to your own taste, as well as Parmesan and was so huge I couldn't finish it!

Desserts were good all round - Dad's apple fritters with vanilla cream, my orange sorbet with orange liqueur, and best of all Mum's red wine soaked plums with cinnamon ice-cream.

As ever, we rounded off with 3 espressos, and this time the bill came to 208.80CHF (£87.83). It was worth paying more here - it felt like you were dining out, rather than just eating. It was quieter than we'd expected, maybe the Swiss eat out less on Saturday nights than they do on Fridays? However it was far from empty, the portions were generous, service was great, and we had a lovely time. I had heard this place described as a beerhall in all but name - and I have to disagree wholeheartedly.

NB - this would be a good place for vegetarians as there were many choices for them, and it's also more easy to eat healthily here than in some other places.

From journal Zurich - Are the Gnomes on to a Good Thing?

Compare Zurich Rates

1. Enter travel information

City

2. Select websites to compare rates

Each selected website will open a new window.

Zurich Travel Deals