Savour more for less with these 12 cheap eats in Zurich
We all know Zurich has a reputation for being pricey, but our friend challenged us to explore it. So we made it our mission… to go on spontaneous walking tours and discover all the best cheap eats in Zurich.
Wearing our sneakers and feeling hungry, we wandered through Zurich’s backstreets, hopping from food stalls to cosy cafes. From riverfront bratwurst to late-night kebabs, every stop had its charm.
After months of taste-testing, we finally sat down and listed the best cheap eats in the city. Proof that simple meals taste even better when shared with good company.
1. Pizza Nation
– Media credit: pizzanationzurich
Website: https://pizzanation.ch/
Location: Rosengasse 3, 8001
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 3 PM and 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Pricing: ₣
The counter at Pizza Nation feels like a small stage where dough, fire, and hands perform in a steady loop… and the first breath of warm crust is the real introduction.
Whole pizzas, from around CHF 14, are perfect for sharing—letting you taste more without overspending. We love mixing classics like mozzarella with a punch of spicy salami or roasted peppers.
For travellers staying in small hotel rooms, simple reheating tricks really matter: gently crisp the slice in a hot oven or on a skillet to revive the base. That small step turns a takeaway into something nearly oven-fresh and saves money compared to dining out.
| Pro Tip: Drop by around mid-afternoon when slices are fresh from the oven and lines are short. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy authentic Italian pizza in Zurich without paying restaurant prices. |
2. Holy Cow!
– Media credit: holycowgourmetburger
Website: https://holycow.ch/en/
Location: Zähringerstrasse 28, 8001
Contact: +41213122404
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
Pricing: ₣
The open grill at Holy Cow! has a steady sizzle, a warm smell of caramelised beef, and toasted buns that snap slightly when bitten. Burgers run in the CHF 12 to CHF 14 range and well-layered bites where each is balanced so the patty’s texture remains the star.
Customisation is meaningful, where swapping cheese types or adding crisp pickles changes the look without inflating the price. There are solid vegetarian options available for non-meat eaters as well.
Customers keep coming back for the occasional promo combos that make each visit worth it.
| Pro Tip: Use their self-order kiosks to check for student or lunch bundle offers. It’s a simple way to stretch your budget while still enjoying one of Zurich’s best-value burgers. |
3. Wurst & Moritz
– Media credit: eatveganzurich
Website: https://wurstundmoritz.com/
Location: Hardstrasse 318, 8005
Contact: +41435404147
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 11 AM – 11:45 PM
Pricing: ₣
Wurst & Moritz treats sausages with unapologetic focus. The grill work is evident in the crisp casing and the enticing aroma of smoked meat. The currywurst with fries, priced around CHF 14, has a sauce that complements the meaty snap of the sausage.
Sides and condiments are not afterthoughts here—house-made potato salad, crunchy pickles, and crafted mustards broaden every bite. Portion sizes are reassuringly generous, so the meal satisfies appetite and the expectation for hearty comfort food.
This is also a place that celebrates provenance, where local suppliers for meat and bread are often highlighted. It feels like a simple meal elevated by attention to ingredient quality and a kitchen that cares about sourcing.
| Pro Tip: Visit near closing time when portions can be more generous. It’s an insider trick locals use to enjoy hearty Zurich street food for less. |
4. Züri Bistro
– Media credit: swissveganworld
Website: https://www.zueribistro.ch/
Location: Shopville-Railcity, 8001
Contact: +41438117577
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM
Pricing: ₣
The display case at Züri Bistro resembles that of a small Mediterranean market. The falafel wrap and lamb shawarma, priced between CHF 11 and CHF 13, deliver crisp textures and bright herbs.
What elevates those basics here is the attention to sauces and house-made dips. These include tahini, garlic yoghurt, and a spicy red sauce.
Their individual servings are prepped with care, from hand-cut salads to charcoal-tinged meats, allowing customers to compose plates exactly to their appetite. The ability to mix and match encourages experimentation while still keeping the bill low.
| Pro Tip: Ask for free tap water instead of buying bottled drinks. Zurich’s tap water is safe, clean, and helps you save a few francs to spend on more food instead. |
5. Piadina Bar
– Media credit: piadinabarperth
Website: https://www.piadina-bar-margherita.ch/
Location: Niederdorfstrasse 2, 8001
Contact: +41442516594
Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Pricing: ₣
Piadina Bar conjures a quick Italian pause in the middle of Zurich. For about CHF 10 to CHF 13, you get a warm flatbread—crisp on the edges, soft in the centre, and filled with salty prosciutto on melted mozzarella.
Flavour combinations here are simple but spot-on. Sun-dried tomatoes, peppery arugula, and silky cheese come together for bright, memorable bites.
For travellers on the go, Piadina Bar is a great pick. The good packs easily and stays tasty even after a short walk.
| Pro Tip: Order your piadina for takeaway and eat it by the lake. You’ll save on dine-in costs and enjoy one of Zurich’s best cheap meals with a million-franc view. |
6. Sternen Grill
– Media credit: sternen_grill_zuerich
Website: https://www.sternengrill.ch/
Location: Theaterstrasse 22, 8001
Contact: +41432682080
Hours:
- Sunday and Monday: 10:30 AM – 11 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:45 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
Sternen Grill stands as a Zurich street-food landmark, where the ritual of enjoying a bratwurst and mustard feels like it’s been handed down to each new visitor.
The sausage itself boasts a rich flavour and a smoky finish. The classic pairing of warm bread and tangy mustard creates a satisfying and focused snack.
At about CHF 9.50 for a bratwurst and bread, the price reflects the convenience of the location as much as the quality. The portion is deliberately snack-sized yet deeply satisfying, making it a smart and affordable stop between attractions.
| Pro Tip: Skip the terrace seating and eat by the nearby Limmat River steps. Locals do this to avoid extra table fees while still enjoying Zurich’s iconic bratwurst experience. |
7. Coop Restaurant
– Media credit: coop.ch
Website: https://www.coop-restaurant.ch/de.html
Location: Bahnhofstrasse 57, 8001
Contact: +41442269213
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Pricing: ₣
Coop Restaurant transforms the supermarket run into a complete mealtime plan: grab a tray, choose a hot main or a pasta, and add a salad and a small dessert if desired. The checkout remains budget-friendly.
Typical mains fall around CHF 12 to CHF 16 and deliver familiar comfort dishes executed cleanly, which makes them a reliable option for families or solo travellers on a budget.
The self-service gives diners control over portion and price, allowing them to scale costs by choosing their own when the balance feels right. There is also a visible emphasis on Swiss-inspired dishes, which makes the offerings feel rooted rather than generic.
| Pro Tip: Visit after 2 PM when some hot dishes and salad bowls are discounted. It’s a practical way to enjoy filling Swiss meals without breaking your budget for cheap eats. |
8. Äss-Bar
– Media credit: aessbar
Website: https://www.aess-bar.ch/
Location: Stüssihofstatt 6, 8001
Contact: +41435480544
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
Pricing: ₣
Äss-Bar launched in 2013. They operate on a simple yet clever idea—saving tasty day-old bakery treats and selling them at lower prices without losing their freshness or flavour.
They “rescue” roughly 700-800 tonnes of food per year (bakery goods) that would otherwise be wasted (love that about them!).
You can buy bread, croissants, and other pastries. They also offer coffee and tea, making it an easy stop for an affordable bite.
| Pro Tip: Go in the morning when partner bakeries have just dropped off their surplus items. It’s the best time to grab high-quality pastries in Zurich for a fraction of the usual price. |
9. Friends Corner
– Media credit: zueri_isst
Website: https://www.friends-corner-zuerich.ch/
Location: Josefstrasse 146, 8005
Contact: +41438182204
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Pricing: ₣
Friends Corner delivers Sri Lankan comfort in generous portions, where rice and curry plates come alive with layers of spice, coconut, and tangy chutneys.
Price-wise, the rice-and-curry or kottu dishes sit around a mid-budget range for Zurich but offer real value through quantity and complexity of flavour. Side dishes and sambols add contrast, so every forkful shifts between sweet, sour, and spicy in an engaging way.
The kitchen’s use of traditional techniques, such as tempering spices in hot oil and layering curries, gives the food a sense of authenticity.
| Pro Tip: Share a rice-and-curry platter and add one extra roti. The portions are big enough for two, making it one of Zurich’s most cost-effective dining options. |
10. Gasthaus Zum Guten Glück
– Media credit: zum_guten_glueck_wiedikon
Website: https://www.zumgutenglueck.ch/en/
Location: Stationsstrasse 7, 8003
Contact: +41435407299
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM – 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Pricing: ₣₣
Gasthaus Zum Guten Glück pairs minimalist design with dishes that feel carefully composed, so even simple items are presented with attention. Pancakes and rösti are elevated through texture and seasoning decisions that highlight rather than overwhelm.
The menu’s portions are generous enough to be satisfying without seeming wasteful. The ingredient choices underline a thoughtful approach that makes the price feel justified.
Above the cafe, the guesthouse features 9 uniquely decorated rooms with shared bathrooms. Each room has modern furnishings like plush beds and retro chrome chairs.
| Pro Tip: Drop by on weekdays when pancake and rösti combos often include coffee at no extra cost. It’s a sweet way to experience Zurich’s café culture while keeping it affordable. |
11. OH MY GREEK!
– Media credit: ohmygreek.ch
Website: https://ohmygreek.ch/
Location: Kalkbreitestrasse 1, 8003
Contact: +41442919514
Hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Pricing: ₣
OH MY GREEK! Serves bright Mediterranean plates where fresh cucumber, tomato, and creamy tzatziki meet grilled meats in uncomplicated combinations that sing.
The tzatziki is a revelation here—thick, garlicky, and cooling in a way that actually stands out from the meat’s flavour. Those little details of a bright squeeze of lemon, a few shards of feta, are what lift the meal from cheap to genuinely satisfying.
| Pro Tip: Go between 11 AM and 2 PM for their lunch-sized wraps. They’re a few francs cheaper but just as satisfying. |
12. Tibits
– Media credit: tibits_restaurants
Website: https://www.tibits.ch/en/
Location: Seefeldstrasse 2, 8008
Contact: +41442603222
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 6:30 AM – 11 PM
- Friday: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 10:30 PM
Pricing: ₣
Tibits turns a vegetarian buffet into a creative experience, where you can mix colours and international flavours on your plate… and pay by weight!
We love the pairing of a warm curry or creamy pasta with fresh salads, and saving room for a tiny bite of chocolate mousse or fruit tart.
They also emphasise sustainability (which we love, by the way!) by using ingredients where possible and offering plant-based alternatives to traditional dishes. For instance, they’ve replaced avocado guacamole with “edamole” made from edamame and petit pois.
| Pro Tip: Load your plate with lighter salads after choosing one hot dish. Since you pay by weight, this simple habit keeps your total lower without skimping on flavour or variety. |