Est. 1898. The first and oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world! A large & popular facility with modern decor. The menu is 90% vegan. Has a buffet, self-service and takeaway, a la carte menu, a bar-lounge, a cooking studio, and a shop. View vegan options on the website 'food and drinks' section by clicking the vegan box at the bottom of the page. A five-minute walk south of the main train station. Open Mon-Thu 7:00am-10:00pm, Fri 7:00am-11:00pm, Sat 8:00am-11:00pm, Sun 10:00am-10:00pm.
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Sihlstrasse 28 (at St Annagasse), Zurich, Switzerland, 8001
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- Outdoor seating
- Accepts credit cards
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 20 Oct 2023 by mdzmr
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221 Reviews
First Review by Stevie
Kathrin
Points +19
ask a local: good, common vegetarian - Edit
I have been there quite often, it is a Zurich Institution, but not as much an insider tip or cool as they pretend to be.
Read moreThe food is very good quality and divers (swiss, indian, oriental, more!) If you go there for dinner: eat à la Carte.
Buffet is nice for lunch, when you go shopping or something. You pay by weight, so you may pay attention not to overload your plate.
Tipp: there is free water (tap, perfectly fine), which is rare in switzerland
Other and better tipp: try the buffet for dessert!
Next and even more better tipp: brunch is great! Reservation recommended
It gets a bit boring though, when you've been there a few times. There are rarely new dishes.
They have two books with recipes and new there is a food store around the corner.
The bar turns into a club at 10 pm! Good music, little posh.
Pros: turns into cool club at night, the Brownie
Cons: price (especially when eating buffet), full and noisy on Sat., reservation needed
Guest
jvespi
Points +75
Wide variety of dishes - Edit
This modern-style restaurant can presume of a wide variety of dishes in its buffet option. Food has enough quality considering you're eating in a buffet. I found prices a little expensive, but I change my opinion comparing with other restaurants, Zurich is not cheap. I think is also posible eating "A la Carte", next time I will taste.
Read moreI only miss a more relaxing ambient, this place is too popular and very crowded.
Pros: History, is a must., Good quality buffet, Situation
Cons: Crowded
Guest
Veganmaniac
Points +50
5 star restaurant - Edit
+ Wide international buffet (more than 100 options)
Read more+ Food is clearly marked - Vegan, veg, gluten free, etc.
+ A great assortment of deserts
+ Not far from the station
+ Big restaurant and the ambiance is great
- A little crowded
- Pricey
- Pay by menu weight
Guest
Harp
Points +1556
Impressive - Edit
I was able to make a visit to this restaurant in my recent stay in Zurich:
Read more- The food (red curry, vegan option ) and a vegan pana cotta was mazing.
- The service: superb.
- The vibe: I loved it, specially the bar area.
100% Recommended, a truly 5-star place.
Pros: Food, Service, Vibe
Cons: None
Guest
martarsg
Points +90
I love it... - Edit
We went to eat there 4 times during the Summer 2013.
Read moreDogs are allowed inside (we went with 2 dogs). It's a classic in Zürich. Very good food and great variety of vegetarian dishes. It's expensive but like everything in Switzerland, however I think you get a good relation between quality and price. It's also a very cool place and service is quite good and friendly. To try it at least once if you are in Zürich (doesn't matter if you are not vegetarian). Buffet is extensive. It's quite popular, so it can be full of people.
Pros: Place, Great vegetarian Food, Variety of dishes
Cons: Expensive
Guest
DonPedro
Points +319
My All Time Favourit - Edit
It's just excellent. Always make a reservation, as I'm not their only fan...
Read morePros: Yummie, Friendly Staff, Great Location
Cons: A Bit Pricey
Guest
lachat
Points +298
Nice for afternoon coffee & vegan cake - Edit
We visited in the afternoon: they had 2 vegan cake choice (on top of desserts buffet): muffin and cookie.
Read morePros: vegan cakes, all vegetarian
Cons: very busy
Guest
bushbaby
Points +86
Pricey but fabulous - Edit
This is the kind of review a working girl writes when she is traveling around the globe and grabs business lunches in exclusive places. The Hiltl was founded in 1898 and has not missed it's transition into modern times - somewhat intimidating sometimes if you'd like a quiet meal and a mobile phone/ wifi free atmosphere! The Hiltl has a stunning selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, you can order there à la carte or you can serve yourself at the generous buffet. Let's face it, Zurich isn't cheap nor is the Hiltl. We chose to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine and the city life on the trottoir! I found it fascinating though that if you sit outside you become a witness of an endless testosterone defilé of expensive vintage and modern cars - that squeeze themselves through the tight alleys of Zurich's old town. There is so much gas in the air you might ask yourself: "why bother to eat healthy at all?" But that is just outside and it was a holiday. Inside the Hiltl is all style and fashion, except for a beamer that sports the newest facebook entries of the patrons. I personally enjoy a media free atmosphere more.
Read moreAnyway the Hiltl got me because they serve a vegan version of my old favourite when I was an omnivore: Steak tartar! and what shall I say, I went back the next day and ordered some to go. It was delicious! The other food my companion had looked delicious as well but I was so busy with my food I couldn't really be bothered with his couscous and chick peas. I had a water and he had a ginger panaché that tasted really good. We skipped desert because we were out of swiss francs and he had an espresso cooker in his hotel room - and i had saved some vegan chocolate from a supermarket forage in a cheaper region.
Always worth a visit if you don't have keep your pennies together...
Pros: Modern cuisine, Nice curries, huge variety
Cons: Pricey, not very relaxing, to much modern media
Guest
Tigra220
Points +10712
Great Red Thai Curry! - Edit
My next order of business after dropping my luggage at the hotel was finding Hiltl. It was easily reachable, large, upscale, and very busy. However, don't be put off the upscale atmosphere; I felt comfortable & accepted in my casual jeans and tennis. I suggest reservations if you have a party and you plan to sit in and eat; I did not plan to do so, but ended up staying anyway. I ordered the Tartar (surprisingly much tastier than it looked), vegan paella (It was so-so. I wasn't impressed), and red Thai curry, which was delicious! My waitress was very friendly and humorous. Expensive, as was expected in Switzerland, so I have no gripes there. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Zurich.
Read morePros: Delicious red Thai curry, Elegant atmosphere, Knowledgeable/helpful staff
Cons: Switzerland = expensive
Guest
vegantonio
Points +239
since 1898 - oldest in Europe but ... - Edit
you don't see it. Well, if you are in Zürich you will have to try it at least once. You will breath history and still owned by the founders... and although the actual owner is not even vegetarian, Hiltl is in Zürich still a synonimous for vegetarian lifestyle. I was there several times but after a while is getting booring. Today is more a lifestyle club serving vegetarian food. 5 years ago progressive... today I would call it a relict when thinking about the vegan revolution (which did not really touch Zürich). Again.. I would try it at least once.
Read morePros: A Touch of History, Modern lifestyle, offer vegan food
Cons: not for everyday, missing natural food, missing courage in the kitchen
Guest
jacqui2
Points +146
Nice buffet - Edit
I planned to eat here during my business trip, but it was so busy at lunch/dinner times it was quite intimidating for a non-local (who can only speak English). I ended up there in the mid-afternoon on my last day when it was a bit quieter, spoke to someone who spoke who explained how to do the buffet/pay by weight and I enjoyed trying a little bit of everything. For a cafeteria eatery, the food was interesting, good variety and was hot.
Read morePros: Variety, Interesting, Hot food
Guest
veg.dan
Points +124
Great buffet (albeit Swiss expensive) - Edit
The choice in this place for vegans and vegos is fantastic. My body felt better after getting a good dose of tasty variety from the dishes on offer. Went back twice more and I was only in Zurich a day and a half. Sure a good hardy meal at 25-40CHF is expensive but Zurich is expensive so get over it and treat yourself to a good feed.
Read morePros: Quality, Variety
Cons: Expensive
Guest
tapiocawong
Points +37
Wonderful Experience! - Edit
It was a wonderful experience in Hiltl. Wonderful food, atmosphere. Cannot miss that!
Read morePros: Food, Atmosphere, Marketing (why not?)
Guest
Tara HD
Points +790
Food was mediocre - Edit
I was very much looking forward to going to this place because of it's reputation and also the good reviews here. I was very disappointed.
Read moreThe atmosphere is, well, crowded. The food wasn't good. I was there about 6 weeks ago, so I don't remember everything in detail but I had a vegan paella as a main dish. It looked like a paella but that was the only ressemblance it had with a paella. It just tasted weird. My friends who ordered other dishes weren't delighted with their food either.
Needless to say that it was very expensive - I don't think there is anything inexpensive in Zurich.
On the positive side I can only mention that Hilti is one of the very few places I know with professional waiters/waitresses. They actually know how to serve food and how to interact with customers. In general a very professionally organized place.
Pros: very professional service
Cons: mediocre food, crowded, expensive
Guest
psiphi75
Points +258
Great place - Edit
I have been there tons of times and just love the place. Good vegan selection, although it seems the vegan options are dwindling over time. It is always busy. Yes, it is a bit pricey, greater than average Swiss price. Lots of the buffet options are Indian food. I always go for the buffet because you can always see what you get.
Read morePros: Lots to choose from
Cons: Pricey
Guest
iwanttofu
Points +45
Loved it - Edit
Best restaurant of a 2 week trip round europe by 2 picky vegetarians. By far. Amazed at the size of the place! Decided not to get involved with the buffet at all and ordered from the menu. We had the Hiltl tartar to start with- absolutely delicious- and the Geschnetzltes with Rosti. made two people constantly craving austrian specialities very happy indeed. No room for left for dessert but took a brownie (great) and vegan cookie (meh) to go. beer was good and service too. sure, it was expensive, but everything in Switzerland is. wish it was in my town so I could eat there every day.
Read morePros: huge, fancy, great food
Guest
biodynamicgal
Points +32
ONe of my favorite places to eat in the world - Edit
The buffet clearly tells you about ingredients. Great for people who are gluten intolerant or don't eat eggs- or other special dietary needs. Friendly, great food.
Read morePros: Great selection, fresh rosti is fantastic, nice fruit drinks
Cons: can be noisy, find a quiet place
Guest
Eloi
Points +74
good but had better - Edit
There were some good vegan choices in the hot food section but the food all tasted more or less the same and lacked some creativity and love. The prices were very high for a canteen style restaurant which doesn't serve meat
Read morePros: convenient location, nice staff
Cons: food could be better, very pricy
Guest
Chrige D
Points +84
BEST of everything! - Edit
I am practically tethered to this place when I'm in Zurich. gorgeous buffet with so many amazing vegan choices. lots of fusion dishes, lovely salads and juice bar to live for. i love the history of the place too: first veg resto in europe! the interior design is done by U.K. designer Tricia Guild and feels super stylish, fresh, contemporary and comfortable. easy to relax, eat, drink a chai, do some work or chill with friends. the formal service restaurant is really great too. delicious menu options with nice airy, light filled views. you can also check out the kitchen through glass windows. make a reservation, it gets booked especially on weekends. it's a bit pricey but totally worth it.
Read morePros: Excellent creative vegan food, healthy and fresh, stylish design
Cons: gets crowded
Guest
AmericanPhil
Points +246
If you're vegan... - Edit
As the title says, go to tibits. It's cheaper and the same food. However, If you wanna go somewhere for a nice date, this is your place...the menu offers nearly nothing for vegans which is why id say to just go to tibits instead
Read morePros: Upscale
Guest
Aziraphale
Points +93
Good food, but cramped space - Edit
The food is very good - there are good reasons why this restaurant is so popular.
Read moreI used to go there a lot, but nowadays I prefer other vegetarian restaurants for a nice family night out or when meeting with friends, as they have crammed as much tables as possible into the restaurant - it is difficult to navigate your way to the table, to the buffet, to the toilets ... and it is very noisy. Not the sort of athmosphere I prefer when I want to have a relaxing evening.
Pros: Good food
Cons: cramped space
Guest
mucefali
Points +26
very better then other buffet - Edit
It's very better than other buffet restaurant in Zurich. We didn't try the a la carte menu becouse the buffet was very interesting. Very very good.
Read morePros: veriety for vegan too, location
Guest
Hanna Louise
Points +92
Delicious - Edit
Wide selection of flavorful food, with plenty of vegan options. It was a very nice change from traditional Swiss food, where veganism is a ridiculous concept. It's also nice that you pay by the weight of your food, so you don't feel obliged to pile up your plate like in all-you-can-eat buffets.
Read morePros: tasty food, nice atmosphere
Cons: often crowded
Guest
veggieyogini
Points +61
good food but pricey - Edit
a huge place with outdoor and indoor seating right in the heart of Zuerich. excellent food (asian and european), friendly staff, but pricey. the modern design makes it quite classy. we ordered from the menu but saw lots of people having a quick bite from the buffet after work.
Read morePros: good food , modern design and atmosphere
Cons: pricey , noisy
Guest
gr8vegan
Points +2369
Really COOL! amazing food! - Edit
This place is HUGE & expensive! You can sit outside and order al la cart if you've got kids or too unhip to eat at an amazing buffet inside a happening newly redesigned trendy spot. When you get to the buffet grab a plate and just start anywhere you want, there is no real line or direction. What is important is to quickly memorize the translation key to animal products on yellow signs above the buffet. Once you've got that mastered its go time. Pile on 20 bucks worth of vegan goodness in no time and head to the bar and put your plate on the scale and insert your credit card! I highly suggest the local beer, its AMAZING!
Read morePros: tons of vegan, great food, beer!
Cons: adds up quick, smokers
Guest
sherill
Points +128
Amazing food and atmosphere - Edit
This place was amazing. Really great food. Lots of vegan options. We thoroughly enjoyed eating at Hiltl. The atmosphere was really nice too. Modern, clean and attractive. Would definitely return.
Read morePros: Food was amazing, large selection of items, Nice decor
Guest
pradipd
Points +347
Excellent - Edit
I was returning to Hilti after a gap of over 10 years. The last time I was a trifle disappointed with the taste, flavors and choices. This time I was overwhelmed! It is much bigger and better! The choices and the quality are excellent. There was not a single item I tried in the buffet that was disppointing. This was combined with excellent service and attitude. Also, I did not find the meal on an empty stomach very expensive by Zurich standards and for the quality. Do not miss it>
Read morePros: Quality, Flavors, Value
Guest
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