I meant to write this post for a while now. The Zunfthaus zur Waag is a classic restaurant across the Fraumünster with impeccable service and always convincing dishes. From the “Zürcher Geschnetzeltes” – that they also offer in the original version with kidneys – to their excellent fish menu selection, I could order everything. The setting is elegant, yet cosy and the tables are arranged so that you can speak in privacy. This also makes it one of my favorite business meal places. For non-German speaking people I should probably explain the word “Zunfthaus”. “Zünfte” which means “guilds” were first established in the medieval times and were associations of craftsmen, e.g. carpenteres or carvers. A legacy of these guilds are the guildhalls and guild houses such as the Zunfthaus zur Waag. In certain parts, especially in Switzerland, these guilds continue to exist still today. You can read more about it here. Now let’s get back to the Zunfthaus zur Waag. I last ate there in early October 2016 (to be precise it was the night I was leaving for Argentina) and had an excellent fried gilthead royal with clams, while my brother enjoyed a grilled venison entrecôte with homemade spaetzle (a special dish only available during hunting season):
For dessert we chose a Tiramisú and a plums tarte with yoghurt ice cream:
The menu is a good combination of classic dishes presented in a modern way and innovative recipes, yet they never become “experimental”. They do not try to reinvent the wheel, but rather focus on solid cooking and presentation. I also like that the vegetarian dishes are more creative than pasta and a vegetable plate. Another plus at this location is the well chosen wine menu, although the “wine by the glass” section could be broader. And here comes the excellent service into play: They will offer you bottled wine by the glass, if the normal selection doesn’t suit your taste. Responsible for this excellent service level is the Austrian manager and owner, Sepp Wimmer. He has been running this restaurant with his wife since 2004.
This is not your everyday restaurant. I’d recommend it for a business meal or a special dinner with your loved ones. And obviously, I’d bring (and brought) friends visiting from abroad to this place.
And a bonus fact for my American friends: This house was built in the year of 1315 – I repeat thirteen hundred and fifteen. 🙂
Zunfthaus zur Waag
Muensterhof 8, 8001 Zurich
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-2pm and 6-10pm, closed Sundays.
Reservation recommended, online reservation possible.
