Vegetarianism is a diet in which mostly plant-based foods are consumed. Food from dead animals, such as meat, fish, seafood, and products derived from them are rejected.
About 50 kilograms of meat are eaten per person and per year in Switzerland. The numbers are declining due to increased awareness, particularly of the environment and animal welfare issues. The vegetarian trend is booming, and in addition to a wider selection of meat alternatives, there are more restaurants specializing in meat-free diets. We asked the BLICK community about the best vegetarian restaurants in Switzerland. These are the most common recommendations:
1. Hiltl, Zurich
Few places in Zurich
By far, you mostly mentioned Hiltl in the heart of the city of Zurich. The oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world has been nominated more than 40 times as Switzerland’s best vegetarian restaurant. “Everything is here,” says BLICK reader Zoltan Kelemen excitedly. «The selection is huge, the service is friendly and the desserts are unbeatable. I’ve even been there with two open-minded meat fans and they were both very excited.”
2. Tibites
Zurich, Basel, St. Gallen, Bern, Lausanne, Lucerne, Winterthur
In second place is Tibits, which has locations in various Swiss cities. The vegetarian restaurant, which was founded by the Frei family 20 years ago together with the Hiltl family, has won the appreciation of the BLICK community with its wide variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes and friendly atmosphere. “I think it’s good that I can eat there in all the big cities and everything tastes good!”, writes BLICK reader Tamara Müller.
3. Karl’s grass, Lucerne
Lucerne, St.Karliquai 7
Karls Kraut is a vegan restaurant in the city of Lucerne. “Cooking here is very seasonal,” says reader Lukas Bürer. Reader Sandra Reichling especially loves the atmosphere and the fact that there is always new food.
4. Sunday cuisine, Zurich
Zurich, Feldstrasse 98
The market kitchen in the 4th district of Zurich offers only meatless meals. The restaurant is very popular among the BLICK community. “Head chef Tobias Hoesli is a pretty simple artist,” praises reader René Truninger. “She interprets a unique vegetarian cuisine with good, local produce.”
5. Best Regards, Liestal BL
Liestal, Rathausstrasse 66
In Liestal, BL is BLICK reader Hans’ favorite vegetarian restaurant. “The food tastes great, local and the staff is very friendly.”
6. Samses, Zurich
Zurich, Langstrasse 231
Samses on Langstrasse in Zurich’s 5th district offers vegetarian and vegan cuisine. BLICK reader Michaela Meier writes: “As a true meat eater, Samses convinced me that it’s delicious even without meat! The buffet is clean, fresh and never boring.”
7. Swing Kitchen, Bern
Bern, Laupenstrasse 4
Vegan fast food chain Swing Kitchen offers a variety of vegan burgers and nuggets in Bern. Sustainability and regionalism are valued here. Plastic is avoided at this fast food restaurant.