Bodega Española

Bodega Española has been part of the Old Town since 1874, when it was founded as a Spanish wine merchant. It describes itself as the oldest Spanish wine shop in Zurich with its own restaurant, and it has kept the character of a traditional local, bringing a touch of Spain to the Old Town between the Niederdorf and the Grossmünster.

The building works on two levels. On the ground floor, the tapas bar is the casual heart of the place: a place for a glass of wine or sherry and a few plates of tapas, open throughout the day. Upstairs, the Sala Morisca is the restaurant proper, a stylish dining room where traditional Spanish dishes are served at lunch and dinner. Below street level, the wine cellar is used for events and private parties.

Drinks are central here. Given its history as a wine merchant, it is no surprise that the list is long on Spanish wines, and the house takes pride in its rare sherries and ports. If you are not sure what to choose, ask the staff for a recommendation to go with your tapas. The food covers the classics of a traditional Spanish menu, and the best approach is to order several small dishes to share.

According to Zürich Tourism, the tapas bar is open daily from mid-morning until midnight, while the upstairs restaurant opens for lunch from 12:00 to 14:00 and dinner from 18:00 to midnight from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays. The late opening of the bar makes it a good stop for a glass and a snack after an evening in the Old Town. Book ahead for the Sala Morisca, particularly at weekends, and for groups. Prices are moderate.

Bodega Española suits couples, small groups of friends and anyone who wants a change from Swiss food without leaving the historic centre. It is on Münstergasse, a few steps from the Grossmünster and the Niederdorf lanes, and within walking distance of Bellevue and the Limmatquai. Combine it with an evening stroll through the Old Town or a visit to the bars of the Niederdorf.