Best Cafes in Zurich: Top Coffee Shops, Breakfast Spots & Swiss Confiseries

Zurich is not just the financial capital of Switzerland but also a paradise for coffee lovers. Zurich coffee culture holds the pride of growing, brewing and trading its own coffee beans. The best cafes in Zurich blend rich artisan traditions with a modern twist. These establishments maintain their originality with centuries-old recipes and offer a wide variety of coffee, tea, pastries and confectionery. This comprehensive guide uncovers the best cafes in Zurich, Switzerland that one must try during Switzerland vacation. 

Key Takeaways

• Zurich’s cafe scene blends 180+ years of Swiss confiserie tradition with modern coffee culture, offering everything from historic chocolate houses to contemporary artisan roasters.
• Expect to pay Rs. 500–880 (CHF 4.50–8) for coffee, Rs. 660–1,320 (CHF 6–12) for speciality drinks, and Rs. 1,320–2,750 (CHF 12–25) for breakfast combinations at most Zurich cafes in 2025.
• The best cafes cluster in three main areas: Bahnhofstrasse for luxury confectioneries, Old Town (Altstadt) for historic chocolate houses, and Niederdorf for cosy neighbourhood spots.
• Traditional Swiss cafes specialise in handmade chocolates, Luxemburgerli macarons, and rich hot chocolate served in elegant, centuries-old settings.
• Most cafes open between 7:00–8:00 AM and close around 6:00–7:00 PM, with some staying open later on weekends—always verify current hours before visiting.

Best Cafes in Zurich: From Historic Chocolate Houses to Trendy Coffee Roasters

1. Confiserie Sprüngli – Zurich’s Most Iconic Swiss Café Since 1836

Confiserie Sprüngli ranks among the best cafes in Zurich. The cafe holds a rich tradition and expertise in brewing many varieties of coffee. This legendary cafe is known for introducing the famous “Luxemburgerli” macarons.

• Location: Bahnhofstrasse 21, 8001 Zurich
• Must-Try Items: Luxemburgerli Macarons, Swiss Meringue and Seasonal Ice Cream
• Best For: Traditional Swiss confectionery experience, special occasions

2. La Stanza – Authentic Italian Espresso Bar in Zurich

La Stanza is an Italian-style coffeehouse that serves strong and premium varieties of coffee, Mediterranean liquors, cocktails and wines. 

• Location: Bleicherweg 10, 8002 Zurich
• Must-Try Items: Espresso, Cappuccino and Pesto Pasta
• Best For: Italian coffee lovers

3. Café Schober – Best Hot Chocolate in Zurich’s Old Town

Cafe Schober is housed in a stunning baroque building in Zurich’s Old Town. This cafe is famous for its delicious hot chocolate drinks, homemade chocolates, cakes and traditional Swiss pastries.

• Location: Napfgasse 4, 8001 Zurich
• Must-Try Items: Hot Chocolate and Homemade Chocolates
• Best For: Hot chocolate lovers, historic atmosphere

4. Kafi Dihei – Cosy Swiss Breakfast Café in Zurich

Kafi Dihei charms visitors with floral wallpapers and an intimate atmosphere. The cafe primarily focuses on breakfast and lunch combos, which include salads with waffles, porridge bowls with yoghurt and many more. It ranks among the best Zurich breakfast cafes.

• Location: Zurlindenstrasse 231, 8003 Zurich
• Must-Try Items: Swiss Croissants, Waffles and Porridge Bowl with Yoghurt
• Best For: Traditional Swiss breakfast, brunch

5. Café Bubbles – European Breakfast & Cheesecake Heaven

Cafe Bubbles is one of the best restaurants in Zurich. The cafe brings refined European cafe culture to Zurich with floor-to-ceiling French windows, plush armchairs and a menu serving customisable breakfast platters.

• Location: Werdstrasse 54, 8004 Zurich
• Must-Try Items: Cheesecake, Bagel with Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon
• Best For: Weekend brunch, cheesecake enthusiasts, elegant breakfast setting

6. Babu’s Bakery and Coffeehouse – Fresh-Baked Brunch in Central Zurich

Babu’s Bakery is an aesthetically beautiful cafe house that ranks among the top coffee shops in Zurich. The cafe serves a variety of freshly-baked products and seasonal ingredients. The open kitchen lets you watch bakers preparing pastries, pies and breads throughout the day.

• Location: Löwenstrasse 1, 8001 Zurich
• Must-Try Items: Avocado Bagel, Seasonal Fruit Tarts and Freshly brewed coffee
• Best For: Fresh pastries, modern bakery atmosphere

Quick Comparison: Best Cafes in Zurich by Price & Speciality

Cafe	Best For	Price Range	Specialty	District
Confiserie Sprüngli	Traditional Swiss pastries	Rs. 1,900 – 2,850(CHF 20–30)	Luxemburgerli macarons	Bahnhofstrasse
La Stanza	Italian coffee	Rs. 1,500 – 2,400(CHF 15–25)	Authentic espresso	City Center
Cafe Schober	Hot chocolate & history	Rs. 2,090 – 3,040(CHF 22–32)	Swiss hot chocolate	Old Town
Kafi Dihei	Swiss breakfast	Rs. 1,520 – 2,280(CHF 16–24)	Breakfast combos	Wiedikon
Cafe Bubbles	Brunch & cheesecake	Rs. 1,900 – 2,660(CHF 20–28)	English breakfast	Aussersihl
Babu’s Bakery	Fresh baked goods	Rs. 1,140 – 1,900(CHF 12–20)	Daily pastries	City Center
Cafe Henrici	Quality coffee	Rs. 1,330 – 2,090(CHF 14–22)	House-roasted beans	Niederdorf
Les Gourmandises de Miyuko	Instagram-worthy desserts	Rs. 1,430 – 2,280(CHF 15–24)	Japanese-French fusion	Unterstrass
Cafe Bar ODEON	All-day historic cafe	Rs. 1,710 – 2,660(CHF 18–28)	Apfelstrudel	Old Town
Cafe Felix	Special occasions	Rs. 2,375 – 3,800(CHF 25–40)	Smoked salmon	Bellevue

Local Insider Tips for Zurich Cafes

Best Times to Visit: Most historic cafes in Zurich are best enjoyed during the peak season in Switzerland. Summer months offer gorgeous terrace seating, while winter visits provide the cosiest atmosphere for hot chocolate and pastries.

Reservation Recommendations: Historic cafes in Old Town (Cafe Schober, Cafe Bar ODEON) and popular brunch spots (Cafe Bubbles, Kafi Dihei) should be reserved on weekends.

Conclusion: Experience Swiss Culture Through Zurich’s Best Cafes

The best cafes in Zurich are a window into Swiss culture, history and craftsmanship. Whether you are seeking the perfect Luxemburgerli macaron at Confiserie Sprüngli, the richest hot chocolate at Cafe Schober, or an authentic Italian espresso at La Stanza, the cafes in Zurich deliver exceptional quality and memorable experiences that justify their premium prices. Plan your cafe visits by customising your Zurich tour packages or Switzerland package with Pickyourtrail. Our packages include exclusive deals with expertly curated itineraries, visa assistance and 24*7 concierge support.

FAQ – Zurich Cafes

Q: What are the best cafes in Zurich for breakfast?

The best breakfast cafes in Zurich include Kafi Dihei for traditional Swiss breakfast combinations (Rs. 1,520–2,280), Cafe Bubbles for English breakfast platters (Rs. 1,900–2,660), and Confiserie Sprüngli for pastries and coffee in elegant surroundings (Rs. 1,900–2,850). Babu’s Bakery offers excellent fresh-baked options at more accessible prices (Rs. 1,140–1,900). Most cafes serve breakfast from 7:00–8:00 AM onward.

Q: How much does coffee cost in Zurich cafes?

Standard coffee in Zurich cafes costs Rs. 425–760, with cappuccinos and lattes ranging from Rs. 520–950 depending on the location. Premium cafes on the Bahnhofstrasse charge Rs. 570–760, while neighbourhood cafes in Niederdorf typically charge Rs. 425–570. Speciality drinks like hot chocolate cost Rs. 570–1,140. These prices include table service and reflect Zurich’s high cost of living.

Q: Which Zurich café has the best hot chocolate?

Cafe Schober is renowned for having Zurich’s best hot chocolate—rich, thick, and made with premium Swiss chocolate rather than powder. Cafe Bar ODEON offers both Swiss and Italian hot chocolate styles (Rs. 810–855), while Cafe Felix serves an indulgent version with toasted marshmallows (Rs. 855). All three cafes have perfected the traditional Swiss hot chocolate experience.

Q: Do I need reservations for Zurich cafes?

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch at popular spots like Cafe Bubbles, Kafi Dihei, and Cafe Felix, especially between 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. Historic Old Town cafes like Cafe Schober can fill up during peak tourist season (June–September). Weekday visits rarely require reservations. Most cafes accept walk-ins, but calling ahead prevents disappointment during busy periods.

Q: Are Zurich cafes expensive?

Yes, Zurich cafes reflect Switzerland’s high cost of living, with most charging Rs. 1,425–2,850 per person for coffee and pastries. However, the prices correspond to exceptional quality, generous portions, and often historic or elegant settings. Budget-conscious visitors can find better value in neighbourhood cafes like Cafe Henrici or Babu’s Bakery (Rs. 1,140–1,900 per person) rather than luxury cafes on the Bahnhofstrasse.