Rooftop Hiltl Dachterrasse in Zurich

Hiltl Dachterrasse: the vegetarian buffet on the rooftops

A green terrace above the Bahnhofstrasse

The Zurich-based Hiltl, a specialist in vegetarian cuisine, has set up one of its venues on the roof of the PKZ Women building, at number 88 Bahnhofstrasse, in Kreis 1, a few minutes' walk from the main station. Under a metal pergola, the terrace is planted with bamboo, palm trees and climbing plants; long wooden tables and white chairs fill the deck. A glazed room houses the buffet and a lounge area, and the view looks down on the bustle of the Bahnhofstrasse.

Buffet by weight and cocktails

The principle is simple: you fill your plate at the buffet, have it weighed at the counter, then pay along with your drink. The vegetarian and vegan buffet costs CHF 5.10 per 100 g; on weekdays, breakfast is served until 10.30am, and on Sunday, a brunch takes over until 2.30pm. Everything can also be taken away. At the bar, house spritzes cost CHF 14 and cocktails CHF 17, from the basil smash to the negroni by way of the espresso martini; freshly squeezed juices, lemonades and house iced teas complete the menu.

Practical information

Open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 11.30pm, Sunday from 10am to 9pm; the buffet closes thirty minutes before the restaurant. No reservations: just turn up, and the team will find you a seat on the spot. After the store closes, the entrance is on the Beatengasse. Tram to the Bahnhofstrasse/HB stop, or a few minutes' walk from the main station.