Restaurant
Kronenhalle
A Zurich institution at Bellevue since 1924, serving traditional Swiss cooking beneath original works by Chagall, Bonnard, Léger, Hodler and Giacometti.
Zeughauskeller
A traditional Swiss restaurant in a former armoury of 1487 beside Paradeplatz, known for its sausage dishes, schnitzel, cordon bleu and veal Geschnetzeltes.
At a glance
- Type
- Swiss beer hall and traditional restaurant
- Area
- Paradeplatz / City, Zurich, Switzerland
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily · 11:30–23:00
- Official site
- zeughauskeller.ch
Good to know
- Historic building
- Sausage specialities
- Groups welcome
- Open daily
Why we recommend it
The Zeughauskeller occupies a building erected in 1487 as an armoury, where the city stored and repaired weapons and military equipment. Legend has it that the crossbow of William Tell, the Swiss national hero, was once displayed here; the restaurant presents this as a legend rather than established fact. The building is older than Columbus's first voyage to America. Since 1926 the house has been a peaceful, sociable place rather than an arsenal, and the weapons that remain are purely decorative. Today it is run by Denise Hammer, the third generation of an innkeeping family, with a team of around 80.
It is a good choice for groups, families and first-time visitors who want a hearty Swiss meal in a historic setting, and its central position makes it an easy lunch stop during a day of sightseeing.
The menu leans heavily on meat. Sausages are the house speciality, from veal and farmhouse bratwurst to the giant Schüblig from the grill and a mixed sausage skewer named after the restaurant. Other classics include Wiener schnitzel, cordon bleu, veal liver, pork knuckle and Kalbsgeschnetzeltes, the sliced veal dish that Zurich is known for. Desserts and a full drinks list round things off, and the menu is published on the website, divided into house specialities, sausage dishes, desserts and drinks, so you can decide what to order in advance. The restaurant also runs a small online shop, and its website lists its partners and gives directions on a location map.
The restaurant is open every day from 11:30 to 23:00, and the kitchen serves hot food continuously from 11:30 to 22:00, which is useful if you are sightseeing and want a late lunch or an early dinner. Booking is wise for evenings and weekends; call the restaurant or send an email. Prices are moderate for central Zurich.
The Zeughauskeller, at Bahnhofstrasse 28a, stands right beside Paradeplatz, in the centre of the shopping district, so it combines easily with a walk along Bahnhofstrasse, a visit to the Fraumünster or St. Peter, both a few minutes away, or coffee and cake at Sprüngli on the square afterwards. Trams to Paradeplatz stop just outside.
Zeughauskeller FAQs
What are the opening hours?
Daily 11:30-23:00, with hot food served continuously from 11:30 to 22:00.
Do I need to book?
Booking is advisable for evenings and weekends. Call +41 44 220 15 15 or email the restaurant.
What should I order?
The sausages are the house speciality, and Kalbsgeschnetzeltes, Wiener schnitzel and cordon bleu are popular classics.
How old is the building?
It was built in 1487 as an armoury, and has been a restaurant and meeting place since 1926.
Is there a legend about William Tell?
Yes. Legend says William Tell's crossbow was once displayed in the old armoury, though the restaurant presents this only as a legend.
Who runs the Zeughauskeller?
Denise Hammer, the third generation of a family of innkeepers, leads a team of around 80.
Where is it?
At Bahnhofstrasse 28a, next to Paradeplatz.
Is it expensive?
Prices are moderate for central Zurich.