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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205 Reviews
First Review by Stevie
afra33
Points +28
Very good food but too expensive - Edit
Hiltl is a very good restaurant with very good quality food. The only negative thing I can think of is the price, its quite expensive.
Read moreGuest
hayley.k
Points +58
vegans dream - Edit
Since going vegan, I've never had so much choice! Especially with desserts! So many options and all so delicious. It's fancy looking but laid back. Little expensive, but it is in Zurich after all. You pay by weight so be careful!
Read moreGuest
malalaya
Points +247
Food, Food everywhere! - Edit
HIltl is a very classy location but still very relaxed.
Read moreHuge buffet to chose from, it took me forever to decide;)
Not all vegan, but clearly marked if so.
The coffee is really nice aswell.
It´s a busy place, so the staff was just ok.
Pros: Choices, Atmosphere
Cons: Crowded
Guest
Lauremy2015
Points +144
fantastic and delicious - Edit
Big buffet of vegetarian and vegan food - pay by weight of food. Is expensive - especially if you add in wine. However don't mind paying a bit more for quality food.
Read moreGuest
sophiefp
Points +827
huge selection of gorgeous dishes - Edit
Ok, maybe only 65% of the dishes are vegan, but the selection is so wide and numerous you'll still be delighted with the dairy-free offering. The tastes and variety are gorgeous.
Read moreThis place heaves with locals, so it could be worth booking a table at peak lunch and dinner times any day of the week, even though it has a huge number of tables. Once seated you are not so aware of this, as tables are tucked away in smaller sections, some with their own special character. It is smart and clean, so I'd be as happy here with a business lunch as a family group meal.
Our kids adored Hiltl, including the fun free postcards based on Matisse. It far overshadows their London favourite, Tibits, which Hiltl is now owned by.
Guest
Misanthropia
Points +2775
A must see! - Edit
The Hiltl convinces you with a great interior look. This gigantic establishment is unlike any other vegetarian or vegan restaurant I've ever been to, and the food shows that they clearly know what they're doing. The service is very professional, but the place is mostly fully crowded, so it's often hard to get a seat. It is something every vegan and vegetarian in Zürich needs to have tried, however, I personally would mostly use it to get a coffee in the morning, going there to eat without a reservation is just too much of a hassle. Also, their vegan selection is quite big, and some vegetarian meals can also be ordered vegan, but these are mostly classical asian dishes, which is kind of dissapointing. The vegan meals are clearly labled, and they have a weekly menue, and you can eat a la cart, or from the buffet. Still, a very unique restaurant! When reading the other reviews, keep in mind: This restaurant is located in Zürich, the most expensive city in Switzerland. The prices are no higher than any other restaurant in the region, are fully reasonable, and are in no way related to the Hiltl itself.
Read morePros: Great interior., Good food.
Cons: Absolutely overfilled., Vegan dishes mostly asian.
Guest
SpyraSea
Points +71
Piece of History - Edit
This is a must for all vegetarians and vegans. If visiting Zurich, this should be No 1 of the Things-To-Do. If not visiting, start planning! This is a place of history and one can not but marvel at the fact that it was established more than a century ago and is still located at the very place and owned by the family Hiltl.
Read more100 dishes available at the buffet. As you pay by the weight, do not overfill your plate and just enjoy the tastes and the almost wedding-like atmosphere. The best place I have ever been to!!!
Pros: Delicious food, Historic site, Great location+interior
Cons: Buffet not wheelchair-accessible
Guest
Psychonaut
Points +162
Must Go in Zurich - Edit
I live in Zurich since some years. Thanks to the big and great buffet I go here several times a week.
Read moreThe Buffet is great, the ambiance is nice. This is a place to take your omnivore friends to as well.
One of the best places in Zurich.
If you eat one kilogram (57 Fr.) you can go for all-you-can-eat (you don't pay more than 1 kg).
Pros: Great Buffet, Good Atmosphere, A Place To Take Omnivore Friends With
Cons: Crowded, Not Completely Vegan
Guest
TableForOne
Points +310
Not bad - Edit
I wanted to visit this place for the sake of history. I went on a Monday evening and it was busy, but there were plenty of places to sit. The staff at the door explained the buffet system and there were quite a few vegan options, mostly Indian style dishes.
Read moreThe food was good, but very expensive. I had a modest sized plate of roasted squash, garlic, seaweed, quinoa burger and two different daals, and it came to 20chf.
The ambience was a bit like a wine bar and the music being played was slick Euro pop. For the longevity of the establishment i didn't feel like it was as amazing as it could've been. It doesn't hold a candle to Manna in London, which has been around since the 60's and is totally vegan.
Pros: Veg history
Cons: Expensive
Guest
barazki-jalea
Points +23
Really good - Edit
I had lunch here the 7th of October, and even if it is vegetarian, they have well labeled the vegan dishes. I took "Herbst Teller" from the menu, and it was really tasty, but they have also a large buffet where you can choose how much and what you're going to it and afterwards you have to weight the food.
Read moreFor dessert I took a zucchini cake, and it was really good too. I liked it so much.
The was a lot of people inside, it's really busy, but it's worth it to go.
It is a bit expensive...
Pros: Vegan options well labeled, tasty food
Cons: a bit expensive
Guest
zroq12
Points +461
Absolute winner ! Excellent - Edit
any vegan or vegetarian should visit this place at any cost.
Read morei will try to describe this place.
it is in the center of zurch , lots of shops and people , good city atmosphere.
the restaurant at the corner is very big and can take more than 150 people if needed.
the looks of the place are modern like you are in the hilton kind of place.it's very classy.
the people that come here are the people that can afford 30 euro for a lunch , they are well dressed, but not the overdressed type.
the place is always crowded , but for a good reason, , the quality of the food, the centre location
let's talk about the food now.
after traveling the world i have seen quite some places , this one in zurich belongs now to my best top 3 that i have ever had.
only New York( Gobo's) , San Fransisco ( Millennium) , and Los Angeles (Cafe Gratitude) were in that top 3 . i mean real quality vegan food with lot of fantasy.
what i like so much about this restaurant is the huge diversity of choices.
it is well organised . even when not everything is vegan , this is not really a problem because there are so many vegan dishes, you won't feel getting short.and all dishes are very clear labeled with ingredients.
you pay by ounce, the more you take from the buffet , the more you pay .
i couldn't resist and went for a second round and spend about 50 euro so far , i know it is expensive but it was well worth it. .i almost would go for a third round because everything is so good here. i still think about the dessert, the vegan tiramisu looks real good. there is also an a la carte from the menu restaurant in the back , it looks chique.
oh this place has free wifi. the staff is friendly and speaks english.you can sit outside with good weather. , when i leave town i will mis this place.
definitely a 5 star place !
zurich is cool for vegans !
don't mis out this one.
Updated from previous review on Wednesday August 13, 2014
Pros: highest quality vegan with fantasy, a real lot of choice for dishes, friendly staff and speaks english
Cons: very expensive, city parking expensive , very crowded, be lucky for a seat
Guest
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 +307
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 +10603
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 +781
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 +257
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
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